Book Review | Reign of Madness

Title: Reign of Madness

Author: Lynn Cullen

About the Book:

Juana of Castile, third child of the Spanish monarchs Isabel and Fernando, grows up with no hope of inheriting her parents’ crowns, but as a princess knows her duty: to further her family’s ambitions through marriage. Yet stories of courtly love, and of her parents’ own legendary romance, surround her. When she weds the Duke of Burgundy, a young man so beautiful that he is known as Philippe the Handsome, she dares to hope that she might have both love and crowns. He is caring, charming, and attracted to her-seemingly a perfect husband.

But what begins like a fairy tale ends quite differently.

When Queen Isabel dies, the crowns of Spain unexpectedly pass down to Juana, leaving her husband and her father hungering for the throne. Rumors fly that the young Queen has gone mad, driven insane by possessiveness. Who is to be believed? The King, beloved by his subjects? Or the Queen, unseen and unknown by her people?

One of the greatest cautionary tales in Spanish history comes to life as Lynn Cullen explores the controversial reign of Juana of Castile-also known as Juana the Mad. Sweeping, page-turning, and wholly entertaining, Reign of Madness is historical fiction at its richly satisfying best.

My Review:

Filled with political intrigue, fascinating family dynamics and history of Spain’s Golden Age, I did not want to stop reading this book. The author does an excellent job of writing in detail bringing sixteenth century Spain and Europe to life in my imagination while captivating with this riveting historical novel. It explores a woman’s dream to encompass real love while fulfilling her duty but is this truly possible when you are a Queen? If you are a fan of historical fiction then I highly recommend reading Reign of Madness but I must warn you that you are not going to want to put it down!

*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*