Jeanne Kalogridis

Reader Comments about THE DEVIL’S QUEEN

St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 9780312368432
(July 21, 2009)

Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Jeanne Kalogridis's THE DEVIL’S QUEEN.

Ann from Buxton, ME

Have you previously read a book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
Yes, I, MONA LISA. I also have THE BORGIA BRIDE and THE BURNING TIMES in my TBR pile.

What other historical fiction authors do you usually read?
Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, and Karen Essex are a few.

What did you think of THE DEVIL’S QUEEN?
I thought it was great. I have always been interested in learning more about Catherine de Medici. It's always interesting to read about a time when your power came from who you were married to or who your kids were.

Would you ever read a future book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
Definitely. I’ll start haunting my library and Paperbackswap as soon as I hear she has a new book coming out.

Donna from Fountain Valley, CA

Have you previously read a book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
No.

What other historical fiction authors do you usually read?
Sandra Gulland, Philippa Gregory, Allison Weir, and Anya Seton.

What did you think of THE DEVIL’S QUEEN?
I had not read anything about Catherine before, but she certainly is intriguing. It was hard for me to see her as a strong and independent character, and then later as so vulnerable to the plotting of those around her. I also wonder how accurate the use of witchcraft was. All in all, l did enjoy it. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this certainly fits right in.

Would you ever read a future book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
Yes. In fact, I have I, MONA LISA and THE BORGIA BRIDE in my bookcase now.

Gail from Philadelphia, PA

Have you previously read a book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
This is the first book I've read by Jeanne Kalogridis.

What other historical fiction authors do you usually read?
I don't normally read historical fiction as my taste runs towards sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. But, I do read Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's books. The 4000-year-old vampire of The Count Saint-Germain series is a fascinating hero and Yarbro's meticulous historic details bring ancient eras to life.

What did you think of THE DEVIL'S QUEEN?
Although this is a genre I don't often read, I was totally engrossed in this book. Kalogridis brought Catherine de Medici to life for me. The betrayals, political intrigue and vivid descriptions of the French court were all fascinating. And as a reader who enjoys the supernatural, I was especially interested in Catherine's dabbling in the occult. The BOOK OF BLACK MAGIC was a nice addition.

Would you ever read a future book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
Having enjoyed this book, I intend to look for I, MONA LISA and THE BORGIA BRIDE. Future books by the author will definitely be on my "to-be-read" list. Historical fiction has moved up on my favorite genre list.

Sandy from West Paterson, NJ

Have you previously read a book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
It was a great pleasure to read and review THE DEVIL'S QUEEN by Jeanne Kalogridis. Although I have not read her before, I have already placed I, MONA LISA and THE BORGIA BRIDE on reserve at the library and will be on the lookout for future books of hers.

What did you think of THE DEVIL'S QUEEN?
As a retired history teacher, I thoroughly enjoy reading good historical fiction, counting among my favorite authors Margaret George, Philippa Gregory, Diane Haeger, Sharon Kay Penman and Jean Plaidy. I will now add Jeanne Kalogridis to this list.

I greatly enjoyed the presentation and the character development of Catherine de Medici. Certainly she was never viewed in the most positive light in historical reviews, but seeing her as a tool manipulated by forces beyond her control and at times, the victim of her own decision making was fascinating. Especially interesting to me were the tidbits about political intrigue, court life, and a royal woman's role in public and in the private life of the palace.

In summary I would call THE DEVIL'S QUEEN an exciting, entertaining and informative read.

Shirley from San Antonio, TX

Have you previously read a book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
I had never read another book by Jeanne Kalogridis.

What other historical fiction authors do you usually read?
Some of the historical fiction authors I have read are Alison Weir, Jane Yolen, Robert J. Harris and Jean O Faolain.

What did you think of THE DEVIL'S QUEEN?
I liked THE DEVIL'S QUEEN. It made me very glad that I did not live in that time.

Would you ever read a future book by Jeanne Kalogridis?
Yes, I would read other books by Jeanne Kalogridis.