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Marguerite de Valois #1
Hostage Queen
Marguerite de Valois, the most beautiful woman in the French Court, is the subject of great scandal and intrigue. She is married to the Huguenot Henry of Navarre as her mother Catherine de Medici aims to bring peace to France. But within days of the wedding Paris is awash with blood. In a court rife with murder, political intrigue, debauchery and the hunger for power, can she hope to survive?
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First published June 1, 2010
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351 people want to read
About the author
Freda Lightfoot
74 books211 followersBorn in Lancashire, I've been a teacher, bookseller and in a mad moment, a smallholder on the freezing fells of the Lake District where I tried my hand at the ‘good life’, kept sheep and hens, various orphaned cats and dogs, built drystone walls, planted a small wood and even learned how to make jam. I now spend the winter in Spain and summer in the UK. I have now published 48 books including many bestselling family sagas and historical novels.
For more information, visit my website www.fredalightfoot.co.uk.
For more information, visit my website www.fredalightfoot.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2011
This was a book that I really wanted to like, but try as I could, I could not get past the major flaws in this one, and they are pretty big. Mostly, the author spends a great deal of the book telling me what is happening, not showing it to me, and there was so much squandered possibilities there to create a really great novel. Too, it felt very much like a retelling of Alexandre Dumas' La Reine Margot. It just did not work, and that's too bad.
For the longer review, please go to:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Freda_...
For the longer review, please go to:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Freda_...
March 26, 2016
3 stars - It was good.
'Let no man say that marriages are made in heaven; the gods would not commit so great an injustice . . . All the harm that ever came to me in life came through marriage, the greatest calamity that ever befell me.’ ~Marguerite of Navarr
Interesting to see a take on history from Catherine's daughter's perspective. Those two had the epitome of a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. I would have preferred if the novel spent more time focusing on Henry of Navarre as well, but hope to learn more about him in the next two books in the series.
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Favorite Quote: But why should a husband be allowed to spread his favours as he wishes, but not his wife?
First Sentence: The hot summer sun seared through the drawn curtains of the litter as the cumbersome vehicle trundled with bone-aching slowness through the French countryside, every jolt jangling Margot’s already shredded nerves.
'Let no man say that marriages are made in heaven; the gods would not commit so great an injustice . . . All the harm that ever came to me in life came through marriage, the greatest calamity that ever befell me.’ ~Marguerite of Navarr
Interesting to see a take on history from Catherine's daughter's perspective. Those two had the epitome of a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. I would have preferred if the novel spent more time focusing on Henry of Navarre as well, but hope to learn more about him in the next two books in the series.
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Favorite Quote: But why should a husband be allowed to spread his favours as he wishes, but not his wife?
First Sentence: The hot summer sun seared through the drawn curtains of the litter as the cumbersome vehicle trundled with bone-aching slowness through the French countryside, every jolt jangling Margot’s already shredded nerves.
Read
December 3, 2010This novel is about Margot of Valois, who's forced by her ruthless mother, Catherine de Medici, to marry Henry of Navarre despite her love for Henri, duc de Guise. As the tensions between the Catholics and the Huguenots constantly threaten to explode, Margot must navigate the treacherous French court, where her three brothers are constantly scheming against each other and Margot.
I found this novel disappointing. There's comparatively little dialogue, and much of it is of the expository, "As you know, Bob," variety--at one point, the unfortunate Henri of Guise, in bed with Margot, is made to stop his caressing to give her a lecture on current events (which she hardly needs): "Even the bankers refuse to offer him any more credit, yet he is in dire need of funds for he is in terror that Philip II may bring his armies out of the Netherlands and invade France." Maybe being made to deliver speeches like this explains why there's so little chemistry between these lovers.
There are some lively moments in the prose, especially when the cheerfully cynical Catherine de Medici comes upon the scene, but cliches abound: the phrase "sell me off to the highest bidder," so often used in historical fiction where an arranged marriage is involved, makes its shopworn appearance here.
I did like the sympathetic portrait of Margot, and Henri of Navarre was a lively presence as well--their interchanges with each other were some of the brighter parts of the novel. None of the other characters came alive for me, though. As was the case with the sequel to this book, the author spends much time describing the characters' physical appearances, but I never came to know the people beneath those handsome faces and bejeweled gowns. We're told that Margot and Guise are passionately in love with each other, but we never get a sense of what drew them together other than physical attraction.
The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre is one of the main events of this novel, but I didn't think that the author took advantage of the dramatic potential it offered. Other pivotal events, like a vicious beating Margot receives and the execution of one of her lovers, are described in a strangely detached manner. Far more vivid are the many descriptions of the excesses, sartorial and otherwise, of Margot's brother Anjou.
The last couple of novels I've read about this period focused on Catherine de Medici and featured Margot as only a background character, and a rather unsympathetic one, so it was interesting to have Margot's perspective on events--indeed, that's what kept me reading to the end. Unfortunately, it really wasn't enough to save the novel for me.
I found this novel disappointing. There's comparatively little dialogue, and much of it is of the expository, "As you know, Bob," variety--at one point, the unfortunate Henri of Guise, in bed with Margot, is made to stop his caressing to give her a lecture on current events (which she hardly needs): "Even the bankers refuse to offer him any more credit, yet he is in dire need of funds for he is in terror that Philip II may bring his armies out of the Netherlands and invade France." Maybe being made to deliver speeches like this explains why there's so little chemistry between these lovers.
There are some lively moments in the prose, especially when the cheerfully cynical Catherine de Medici comes upon the scene, but cliches abound: the phrase "sell me off to the highest bidder," so often used in historical fiction where an arranged marriage is involved, makes its shopworn appearance here.
I did like the sympathetic portrait of Margot, and Henri of Navarre was a lively presence as well--their interchanges with each other were some of the brighter parts of the novel. None of the other characters came alive for me, though. As was the case with the sequel to this book, the author spends much time describing the characters' physical appearances, but I never came to know the people beneath those handsome faces and bejeweled gowns. We're told that Margot and Guise are passionately in love with each other, but we never get a sense of what drew them together other than physical attraction.
The St. Bartholomew's Day massacre is one of the main events of this novel, but I didn't think that the author took advantage of the dramatic potential it offered. Other pivotal events, like a vicious beating Margot receives and the execution of one of her lovers, are described in a strangely detached manner. Far more vivid are the many descriptions of the excesses, sartorial and otherwise, of Margot's brother Anjou.
The last couple of novels I've read about this period focused on Catherine de Medici and featured Margot as only a background character, and a rather unsympathetic one, so it was interesting to have Margot's perspective on events--indeed, that's what kept me reading to the end. Unfortunately, it really wasn't enough to save the novel for me.
July 25, 2010
This was a very good book. I enjoyed the author's writing style. I am going to try a few other of her books. She made the character of Queen Margot come alive for me. I need to do some research now to see if she lives happily ever after. I am looking forward to reading her next book - Reluctant Queen which I believe continues the story.
(4.5/5)
(4.5/5)
June 12, 2017
The full review is available on The Basic Bookworm
Hostage Queen by Freda Lightfoot is a historical fiction novel, which explores the life of Catherine de Medici and her children following the death of Francis II. I happened upon this book while I was wandering around the library, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I borrowed it. I really enjoyed it but there were some things that I found a little disappointing.
Growing up, Margot had fallen in love with Henri, Duke of Guise. They spent so much time together that Margot believed her mother Catherine de Medici would allow them to marry. Of course, things don’t run as smoothly as Margot had hoped, especially when her brother Charles and her mother demand that she marry Henry of Navarre – a country bumpkin, who she shares no common interests with. After their wedding, a prominent Admiral is found murdered and ignites an all-out religious war between Catholics and Protestants. While the body count rises, Margot’s husband is in danger and it is up to her to plead her mother and brother to spare him. For their safety, Margot and Henry are imprisoned in the Louvre where they are forced to spend time in a perverse and dangerous court. As Margot spends more time at court, she becomes the centre of many rumours which threatens her life. Margot must learn to improve her skills in manipulation and deception in order to survive the constant threats at court.
I really loved the range of characters that appeared throughout the book. I initially thought that the story would revolve around Margot’s views on her relationship with her husband and family. As I read, however, I found that the story did not focus on Margot, but pretty much every member of her family. I was able to learn more about how each character thought and interacted with others, so I had an insight into each character’s personalities. Unlike most books, this novel did not centre around one main character, which I thought was interesting. Of course, I would have preferred to read about all of the events from Margot’s point of view, but I don’t mind too much. I thought that it was a different way of seeing things and gaining entrance to other opinions, so I’m happy.
Maybe it was because of the suspense, but I thought that the plot was intriguing and immersive. I watched the tv show Reign, so I had a fair idea of the Medici/Valois family but I never saw Margot. I knew this when I stumbled across the book, so I thought that it would be nice to get to know her character a little. The blurb promised drama and scandals, so my inner drama queen NEEDED this book. I love a book that can keep me interested from start to finish, so I think that Lightfoot did an awesome job with this one.
My favourite character was Margot because she was loyal (especially to her husband), rebellious, clever, courageous and relatable (I know all about the whole mother-and-son duo). I loved how cold she could be towards the haters, but completely sweet and charming to those who deserve it. I felt for her when she was betrayed, and I understand her need to be loved.
Hostage Queen by Freda Lightfoot is a historical fiction novel, which explores the life of Catherine de Medici and her children following the death of Francis II. I happened upon this book while I was wandering around the library, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it until I borrowed it. I really enjoyed it but there were some things that I found a little disappointing.
Growing up, Margot had fallen in love with Henri, Duke of Guise. They spent so much time together that Margot believed her mother Catherine de Medici would allow them to marry. Of course, things don’t run as smoothly as Margot had hoped, especially when her brother Charles and her mother demand that she marry Henry of Navarre – a country bumpkin, who she shares no common interests with. After their wedding, a prominent Admiral is found murdered and ignites an all-out religious war between Catholics and Protestants. While the body count rises, Margot’s husband is in danger and it is up to her to plead her mother and brother to spare him. For their safety, Margot and Henry are imprisoned in the Louvre where they are forced to spend time in a perverse and dangerous court. As Margot spends more time at court, she becomes the centre of many rumours which threatens her life. Margot must learn to improve her skills in manipulation and deception in order to survive the constant threats at court.
I really loved the range of characters that appeared throughout the book. I initially thought that the story would revolve around Margot’s views on her relationship with her husband and family. As I read, however, I found that the story did not focus on Margot, but pretty much every member of her family. I was able to learn more about how each character thought and interacted with others, so I had an insight into each character’s personalities. Unlike most books, this novel did not centre around one main character, which I thought was interesting. Of course, I would have preferred to read about all of the events from Margot’s point of view, but I don’t mind too much. I thought that it was a different way of seeing things and gaining entrance to other opinions, so I’m happy.
Maybe it was because of the suspense, but I thought that the plot was intriguing and immersive. I watched the tv show Reign, so I had a fair idea of the Medici/Valois family but I never saw Margot. I knew this when I stumbled across the book, so I thought that it would be nice to get to know her character a little. The blurb promised drama and scandals, so my inner drama queen NEEDED this book. I love a book that can keep me interested from start to finish, so I think that Lightfoot did an awesome job with this one.
My favourite character was Margot because she was loyal (especially to her husband), rebellious, clever, courageous and relatable (I know all about the whole mother-and-son duo). I loved how cold she could be towards the haters, but completely sweet and charming to those who deserve it. I felt for her when she was betrayed, and I understand her need to be loved.
June 23, 2019
The story of Marguerite of Valois is as shocking as it is tragic. She lived in tumultous times. Although, the author did her research, I did not appreciate the info dumps in every chapter. Also, what 13 year old talks like this?
"It was unfair of her to attempt this nonsense of a reconcilitaion. Th order certainly did not come from the King. Charles has far too much sensitivity."
Nevertheless, the love between Marguerite and Duc de Guise is portrayed well and I found myself rooting for them. I was disappointed when Marguerite refused to divorce Henry of Navarre and marry Duc de Guise, but I understood the sacrifice she made. She did what was right and that made me respect her even more. It's a well-written book or maybe I've read worse hist-fic than this. But I cannot wait to read the second part of the series.
"It was unfair of her to attempt this nonsense of a reconcilitaion. Th order certainly did not come from the King. Charles has far too much sensitivity."
Nevertheless, the love between Marguerite and Duc de Guise is portrayed well and I found myself rooting for them. I was disappointed when Marguerite refused to divorce Henry of Navarre and marry Duc de Guise, but I understood the sacrifice she made. She did what was right and that made me respect her even more. It's a well-written book or maybe I've read worse hist-fic than this. But I cannot wait to read the second part of the series.
February 10, 2023
Wasn't keen on this book and only kept reading it to see if it got better. Obviously not my type of book sorry! Others may like this type of book I realise, but maybe historical novels not my thing!
August 17, 2010
I enjoyed this (not very publicized book.) Luckily being on Goodreads, it was brought to my attention. There is a lot of history packed into all 260 pages. It helps to know a bit about it before you read it. It is about Marguerite de Valois. Catherine de Medici's stubborn and beautiful daughter. I assumed by the title, it covered the years Margo was imprisoned by her brother Henry III in the castle of Usson, where she spent eighteen years. Instead, it covers the earlier part of her life where she falls in love with Guise, but is forced to marry another. It relives for us the haunting Massacre of St Bartholomew. From what I hear there is a follow up book which does cover her years held hostage at Usson (made famous by her scandalous memoirs.)
November 18, 2010
I got into this book right away, it had a great beginning. It was just the last 1/8th of the book that hit the rocks for me. I've seen it happen too many times to count, the end is in sight so the author seems to rush things along and it's just too fast and furious. It loses it's substance somehow and seems like a cop out to me. I have to wonder why. Are they just tired of writing it? So sick of the story and research they're just ready for it to be done? The story loses something when it ramps up like that in speed, it's like the author is rushing you out the door, the tour is over, time has run out. Sorry.
And this piece of fiction doesn't even really end, the Queen's fate is still up in the air and the reader is left saying "that's it?"
And this piece of fiction doesn't even really end, the Queen's fate is still up in the air and the reader is left saying "that's it?"
August 9, 2014
After reading C. M. Gortner's novel about Catherine d'Medici I wanted to read a novel featuring her daughter Margot but didn't wish to read Dumas. I found this novel rather lacklustre.
While some sections were fine and the author does write the love scenes very well too much of the book felt like reading non-fiction making for a rather patchy pace. Catherine is so obviously the baddie here and the ending just sort of happened. I would have appreciated an author's note rounding out Margot's history after those last sentences. While reading this novel it struck me as amazing that the people of France didn't rise up and start chopping off the heads of their aristocrats two hundred years before the French Revolution.
While some sections were fine and the author does write the love scenes very well too much of the book felt like reading non-fiction making for a rather patchy pace. Catherine is so obviously the baddie here and the ending just sort of happened. I would have appreciated an author's note rounding out Margot's history after those last sentences. While reading this novel it struck me as amazing that the people of France didn't rise up and start chopping off the heads of their aristocrats two hundred years before the French Revolution.
July 16, 2012
Poor Margot - the cards were stacked against her from the beginning. With a mother like Catherine Di Medici, what chance did she have?
Married off to a man she initially despised, Margot learned to make the best of her situation and use her wits to carve herself a life she could tolerate.
I adore Margot and think Ms Lightfoot did a wonderful job in turning her into a flesh & blood character.
Reluctant Queen is the second book in this trilogy.
Married off to a man she initially despised, Margot learned to make the best of her situation and use her wits to carve herself a life she could tolerate.
I adore Margot and think Ms Lightfoot did a wonderful job in turning her into a flesh & blood character.
Reluctant Queen is the second book in this trilogy.
July 27, 2016
A story about Margot de Valois, the daughter of Catherine de Medici, who is cruelly used as a pawn by her mother and brothers (the King(s) of France).
After reading a few books about Catherine de Medici herself, this seems very boring and long winded. Many parts of the novel seemed to drag on and read almost like a textbook rather than a fiction book. You do feel sorry for Margot but not enough to really care.
There is better (and more exciting) historical fiction out there.
After reading a few books about Catherine de Medici herself, this seems very boring and long winded. Many parts of the novel seemed to drag on and read almost like a textbook rather than a fiction book. You do feel sorry for Margot but not enough to really care.
There is better (and more exciting) historical fiction out there.
January 3, 2021
In the fifty pages or so that I read I felt that there were very few descriptions of 16th century France. If you took out a few words here and there it could be "any time and anywhere" and that didn't work for me. I gave up shortly after "Margot is near a grown woman and hot for love" as I just couldn't stand it any longer.
October 2, 2011
A light read, but nothing special. Margot's actions and desires, such as her love for de Guise and and her sudden respect for Navarre upon becoming his wife aren't well grounded in character development.
July 12, 2010
Very good, full review here http://misfitandmom.wordpress.com/201...
October 9, 2010
An entertaining, and fairly good historically. Margot was a very interesting woman/
July 8, 2014
I do enjoy historical fiction. The story was full of much palace intrigue. Interesting to me was that the storyline only dealt with the main character through age 25.
March 19, 2013
I love reading about Catherine deMedici and her family, this book did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews