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kanejim57's review
5.0
With a rich and tense narrative and an excellent attention to historical detail, Marci Jefferson has penned an outstanding piece of historical fiction based on the life of Marie Mancini who captured the heart of the 17th century French King, Louis XIV with her newest novel Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court (Thomas Dunne Books, 2015).
Based on the historical fact of a horoscope indicating that Marie would cause more trouble than good, her mother demanded that Mancini’s uncle, Cardinal Marazin (who also plays a prominent role in the novel), put her in a convent and keep her there for her life. This of course, did not happen.
For this reviewer, Enchantress was enchanting in more ways than one.
The court life with its rules and rituals fascinated and also frustrated this reviewer. I am a student of history but also very much a product of modern America and I kept thinking, “Why doesn’t Louis just deal with the situation and out right marry Marie?” But here Jefferson does a good job of reminding the reader that royalty have their own ways (and burdens) they must live with and that the implications of what kinds of relationships a King or Queen has or doesn’t have, does have implications outside the boundaries of their own country.
It seems to me that the definition of love in the novel was one of obligation to national and family loyalty and duty first and then only to the romantic impulse, if at all possible. For ss much as Louis and Marie expressed love for one another, duty to country was foremost and ultimately was followed. How different is the definition of love today in the Western world.
The novel’s characterization created in this reviewer both loyalty and support for Marie and others and utter disgust for characters such as Cardinal Marazin. In fact, this is what drew me in and kept me reading the book which I finished within a few days of starting. Jefferson does a wonderful job creating an emotional response to the novel’s characters.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were strong, the plot was dynamic, and the story had dramatic elements that drew me in. I think that is what a good novel does.
I rate Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court an “outstanding” read!
Note: I received a galley copy of Enchantress from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Based on the historical fact of a horoscope indicating that Marie would cause more trouble than good, her mother demanded that Mancini’s uncle, Cardinal Marazin (who also plays a prominent role in the novel), put her in a convent and keep her there for her life. This of course, did not happen.
For this reviewer, Enchantress was enchanting in more ways than one.
The court life with its rules and rituals fascinated and also frustrated this reviewer. I am a student of history but also very much a product of modern America and I kept thinking, “Why doesn’t Louis just deal with the situation and out right marry Marie?” But here Jefferson does a good job of reminding the reader that royalty have their own ways (and burdens) they must live with and that the implications of what kinds of relationships a King or Queen has or doesn’t have, does have implications outside the boundaries of their own country.
It seems to me that the definition of love in the novel was one of obligation to national and family loyalty and duty first and then only to the romantic impulse, if at all possible. For ss much as Louis and Marie expressed love for one another, duty to country was foremost and ultimately was followed. How different is the definition of love today in the Western world.
The novel’s characterization created in this reviewer both loyalty and support for Marie and others and utter disgust for characters such as Cardinal Marazin. In fact, this is what drew me in and kept me reading the book which I finished within a few days of starting. Jefferson does a wonderful job creating an emotional response to the novel’s characters.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were strong, the plot was dynamic, and the story had dramatic elements that drew me in. I think that is what a good novel does.
I rate Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court an “outstanding” read!
Note: I received a galley copy of Enchantress from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
kanejim57's review against another edition
5.0
With a rich and tense narrative and an excellent attention to historical detail, Marci Jefferson has penned an outstanding piece of historical fiction based on the life of Marie Mancini who captured the heart of the 17th century French King, Louis XIV with her newest novel Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court (Thomas Dunne Books, 2015).
Based on the historical fact of a horoscope indicating that Marie would cause more trouble than good, her mother demanded that Mancini’s uncle, Cardinal Marazin (who also plays a prominent role in the novel), put her in a convent and keep her there for her life. This of course, did not happen.
For this reviewer, Enchantress was enchanting in more ways than one.
The court life with its rules and rituals fascinated and also frustrated this reviewer. I am a student of history but also very much a product of modern America and I kept thinking, “Why doesn’t Louis just deal with the situation and out right marry Marie?” But here Jefferson does a good job of reminding the reader that royalty have their own ways (and burdens) they must live with and that the implications of what kinds of relationships a King or Queen has or doesn’t have, does have implications outside the boundaries of their own country.
It seems to me that the definition of love in the novel was one of obligation to national and family loyalty and duty first and then only to the romantic impulse, if at all possible. For ss much as Louis and Marie expressed love for one another, duty to country was foremost and ultimately was followed. How different is the definition of love today in the Western world.
The novel’s characterization created in this reviewer both loyalty and support for Marie and others and utter disgust for characters such as Cardinal Marazin. In fact, this is what drew me in and kept me reading the book which I finished within a few days of starting. Jefferson does a wonderful job creating an emotional response to the novel’s characters.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were strong, the plot was dynamic, and the story had dramatic elements that drew me in. I think that is what a good novel does.
I rate Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court an “outstanding” read!
Note: I received a galley copy of Enchantress from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Based on the historical fact of a horoscope indicating that Marie would cause more trouble than good, her mother demanded that Mancini’s uncle, Cardinal Marazin (who also plays a prominent role in the novel), put her in a convent and keep her there for her life. This of course, did not happen.
For this reviewer, Enchantress was enchanting in more ways than one.
The court life with its rules and rituals fascinated and also frustrated this reviewer. I am a student of history but also very much a product of modern America and I kept thinking, “Why doesn’t Louis just deal with the situation and out right marry Marie?” But here Jefferson does a good job of reminding the reader that royalty have their own ways (and burdens) they must live with and that the implications of what kinds of relationships a King or Queen has or doesn’t have, does have implications outside the boundaries of their own country.
It seems to me that the definition of love in the novel was one of obligation to national and family loyalty and duty first and then only to the romantic impulse, if at all possible. For ss much as Louis and Marie expressed love for one another, duty to country was foremost and ultimately was followed. How different is the definition of love today in the Western world.
The novel’s characterization created in this reviewer both loyalty and support for Marie and others and utter disgust for characters such as Cardinal Marazin. In fact, this is what drew me in and kept me reading the book which I finished within a few days of starting. Jefferson does a wonderful job creating an emotional response to the novel’s characters.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters were strong, the plot was dynamic, and the story had dramatic elements that drew me in. I think that is what a good novel does.
I rate Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun King’s Court an “outstanding” read!
Note: I received a galley copy of Enchantress from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
bookswritingandmore's review against another edition
5.0
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction and once I saw this cover and read the synopsis, I couldn't image life without reading it.
Marie Mancini's birth warned that although she would be gifted at divination, she was destined to disgrace her family. Ignoring the dark warnings of his sister and astrologers, Marie's uncle and cardinal Mazarin brings his niece to the French court, but not for her enjoyment, for Marie's uncle is working her in order to gain more power. In France, Marie learns her uncle has become the power behind the throne by using her sister Olympia to hold the Sun King, Louis XIV, in thrall. However, King Louis is paying more attention to Marie Mancini every single day and Marie can't seem to stop him.
"The king marched in by himself, dripping mud with each heavy step. He didn't spot me until the moment he passed. He looked up. Smiled. "Marie"! I shoved him as hard as I could. He fell back a step. All four guards advanced. The king held up his hand, and they halted. he glared at me, astonished. I balled my hands into fists and went after him, pounding his shoulders, his chest, and then his hands as he fended me off."
Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun Kings Court" is a fictional account of the life of Marie Mancini, and her rise and very public fall to fame as mistress to Louis XIV of France. The story begins with an aging Marie and her sister Olympia having a discussion. At this point, the reader has no idea what the discussion pertains to, which is quite the enchanting beginning to an epic novel.
I was blown away by this novel. I'm a HUGE historical fiction fan but have never read Marci Jefferson's first novel so I had no idea how amazing her character development was. I devoured this book in only a few sittings. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction!
I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction and once I saw this cover and read the synopsis, I couldn't image life without reading it.
Marie Mancini's birth warned that although she would be gifted at divination, she was destined to disgrace her family. Ignoring the dark warnings of his sister and astrologers, Marie's uncle and cardinal Mazarin brings his niece to the French court, but not for her enjoyment, for Marie's uncle is working her in order to gain more power. In France, Marie learns her uncle has become the power behind the throne by using her sister Olympia to hold the Sun King, Louis XIV, in thrall. However, King Louis is paying more attention to Marie Mancini every single day and Marie can't seem to stop him.
"The king marched in by himself, dripping mud with each heavy step. He didn't spot me until the moment he passed. He looked up. Smiled. "Marie"! I shoved him as hard as I could. He fell back a step. All four guards advanced. The king held up his hand, and they halted. he glared at me, astonished. I balled my hands into fists and went after him, pounding his shoulders, his chest, and then his hands as he fended me off."
Enchantress of Paris: A Novel of the Sun Kings Court" is a fictional account of the life of Marie Mancini, and her rise and very public fall to fame as mistress to Louis XIV of France. The story begins with an aging Marie and her sister Olympia having a discussion. At this point, the reader has no idea what the discussion pertains to, which is quite the enchanting beginning to an epic novel.
I was blown away by this novel. I'm a HUGE historical fiction fan but have never read Marci Jefferson's first novel so I had no idea how amazing her character development was. I devoured this book in only a few sittings. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction!
katevaliant's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! Marie and her sisters were fascinating to read about. I rooted for her the whole time even though I already knew her historical story. The intrigue and plotting kept my on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed the way the author wove astrology into the plot and all the little historical details she included.
halkid2's review against another edition
3.0
Billed as the story of the fact-based romance between Marie Mancini, niece of the powerful Cardinal Mazarin, and a young King Louis XIV of France -- this historical novel strikes me much more as a story about the struggle for power between Louis and the Cardinal. Typical for women of this time, the Queen Mother and Marie are more secondary players.
The Cardinal has ruled France for years, since Louis became King at such a young age. He is understandably reluctant to give up that power now that Louis has become a man. And Louis, accustomed to doing what the Cardinal says, has to learn to assert himself. Marie is trying her best to encourage him to become the great King she sees him as -- but it's a struggle. Complete with spies, false imprisonments, poison, magic and spells, secret love letters, and stolen treasure. All the best that historical fact has to offer.
However, while it's a great story, I found the narrative got bogged down because the author incorporated a bit too much period detail. Lots of description about bathing, dressing, and eating rituals just don't interest me that much. If you love that sort of thing, you might give this one 5 stars.
The Cardinal has ruled France for years, since Louis became King at such a young age. He is understandably reluctant to give up that power now that Louis has become a man. And Louis, accustomed to doing what the Cardinal says, has to learn to assert himself. Marie is trying her best to encourage him to become the great King she sees him as -- but it's a struggle. Complete with spies, false imprisonments, poison, magic and spells, secret love letters, and stolen treasure. All the best that historical fact has to offer.
However, while it's a great story, I found the narrative got bogged down because the author incorporated a bit too much period detail. Lots of description about bathing, dressing, and eating rituals just don't interest me that much. If you love that sort of thing, you might give this one 5 stars.
thrills_and_kills's review against another edition
4.0
Initially posted at my blog
The Country Bookworm
Summary
The setting is Fontainebleu Palace, 1650's Paris, where the secret arts of the occult thrive. The King, Louis XIV, is a young man who is easily controlled by his head counselor, Cardinal Mazarin. The French royal court is full of intrigue and political scheming, as the royal's favor is easily won and lost, which the Cardinal is all too easily aware of.
Marie Mancini is one of five Italian nieces of Cardinal Mazarin. Her deceased father was an illustrious astrologer who predicted that Marie was born under an evil star and would bring dishonor to her husband, but also be gifted at divination. In an attempt to stop her from bringing disgrace to the family, Marie is sent to live in a convent. That is, until Cardinal Mazarin has use of her in the King's Court and brings her to Paris.
Marie becomes caught up in the Cardinal's political aspirations when he attempts to use her as a pawn to win the Kings favor. His plain is foiled when Marie and Louis fall in love. Now the fate of the kingdom lies in the balance as France is at war, and a sure fire way to peace is a marriage to a Spanish princess. Marie must decide whether to follow her heart, or put the needs of France and the King before her own.
The book starts with Marie and her older sister Olympe, reunited in Spain many years after their life at the French court have come to an end. The sisters recall their lives in France and how Marie stole the King's affections. "Because then his gaze fell on me, and France has never been the same."
Initial Thoughts
I love historical fiction, especially France and England during this time period. I have read about the Sun King previously, but it was always pertaining to his later years at Versailles. This was the first I have read about Marie Mancini, who many historians believe to be the love of his life. This book intrigued and enthralled me. I could not put it down, and read it during every free moment I had over the course of three days.
Marci Jefferson is known for her in depth research for her books. After finishing it, I did my own research online, and in other historical texts, and this novel was dead on. I really appreciated how Marci took quotes and events directly from Marie's own writings, or the from the letters of the people closest to her.
Favorite Quote
"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it."
This quote starts off chapter 7 and it is so appropriate for the story of Marie's life. Her family shut her away in a Roman convent so that she would not fulfill the destiny of her evil star. However, despite their attempts to hide her, Marie still came to the forefront of the royal court and played a large role in French history. Many historians regard her as a central figure to the development of Louis from a easily controlled young man, into the strong king that he eventually became.
What I Liked
Marci Jefferson's portrayal of her characters was amazing. I actually started off not liking the book because of Marie. I was a few chapters in and thought oh god, Marie is really immature and obnoxious. But I kept going and later realized this was on purpose. Marci wrote Marie that way in order to show the arc of her development. Marie transforms from a shy, annoying young girl to a powerful woman who knows her own heart and mind. In the end I LOVED her. Women had no power or say in their destinies in the 1600's, especially women of noble descent. But somehow Marie was able to fight for what was important to her and take control of her life. Also, interestingly enough, Marie was too thin and dark to be considered beautiful by the day's beauty standards, but still caught the King's eye.
King Louis annoyed me and continued to annoy me. However, I disliked him, not the way the author wrote him. After reading more about him I decided that I just do not like him, but love the way that Marci Jefferson was able to portray him accurately. Louis was the most powerful man in his country, but was so easily controlled by his conniving Cardinal and his mother, the Queen. He claimed to be in love with Marie, but allowed her to be mistreated by her uncle and the Queen. He never stood up for their love and even allowed himself to be persuaded to marry someone else. Although, based on your view of history you may believe that this was a necessary step.
I also loved the way the author developed the romance between Marie and Louis. This was not, in either the book or in real life, a fairytale romance. These two were up against many challenges. The pressure of the royal court, politics, and what society deemed appropriate were constantly up against the two lovers. They never actually had a sexual relationship, but were fiercely in love. Marci Jefferson managed to write them in a genuine way. It never felt over the top or unrealistic, which I loved reading about.
What I Didn't Like
Honestly the only gripe I have with the book, is that partway through, Marie's divination/occult "powers" fell to the wayside. This was a very interesting theme in the beginning and the very end of the book. It is never outright said whether Marie is practicing "magic," but she does seem to have a certain power over people and even has premonitions. This was actually recorded throughout history and is a well known fact that the whole Mancini family was involved in the occult.
I wish Marci Jefferson had kept up with the divination power of Marie. The scenes she did write were so interesting. She definitely did her homework, because she even mentioned magical and alchemical texts of the day that Marie might actually have access to.
Who Should Read this Book?
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially 17th century France. If you are interested in Louis XIV before he became the illustrious Sun King, or don't know much about his love affair with Marie Mancini, then give this a read. Or, if you have not read much historical fiction, then you should start here. Marci Jefferson's writing is so immersive that you feel like you are just reading a great book, and not being taught anything about history :)
Rating
Overall, I give the book 4.5/5 stars. the 0.5 star to be knocked off is only due to the occult theme falling off part way, and a few pacing problems I disliked.
Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about King Louis XIV and his life with Marie, then try Love and Louis the XIV by Antonia Fraser, who is a fantastic historical writer.
The Country Bookworm
Summary
The setting is Fontainebleu Palace, 1650's Paris, where the secret arts of the occult thrive. The King, Louis XIV, is a young man who is easily controlled by his head counselor, Cardinal Mazarin. The French royal court is full of intrigue and political scheming, as the royal's favor is easily won and lost, which the Cardinal is all too easily aware of.
Marie Mancini is one of five Italian nieces of Cardinal Mazarin. Her deceased father was an illustrious astrologer who predicted that Marie was born under an evil star and would bring dishonor to her husband, but also be gifted at divination. In an attempt to stop her from bringing disgrace to the family, Marie is sent to live in a convent. That is, until Cardinal Mazarin has use of her in the King's Court and brings her to Paris.
Marie becomes caught up in the Cardinal's political aspirations when he attempts to use her as a pawn to win the Kings favor. His plain is foiled when Marie and Louis fall in love. Now the fate of the kingdom lies in the balance as France is at war, and a sure fire way to peace is a marriage to a Spanish princess. Marie must decide whether to follow her heart, or put the needs of France and the King before her own.
The book starts with Marie and her older sister Olympe, reunited in Spain many years after their life at the French court have come to an end. The sisters recall their lives in France and how Marie stole the King's affections. "Because then his gaze fell on me, and France has never been the same."
Initial Thoughts
I love historical fiction, especially France and England during this time period. I have read about the Sun King previously, but it was always pertaining to his later years at Versailles. This was the first I have read about Marie Mancini, who many historians believe to be the love of his life. This book intrigued and enthralled me. I could not put it down, and read it during every free moment I had over the course of three days.
Marci Jefferson is known for her in depth research for her books. After finishing it, I did my own research online, and in other historical texts, and this novel was dead on. I really appreciated how Marci took quotes and events directly from Marie's own writings, or the from the letters of the people closest to her.
Favorite Quote
"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it."
This quote starts off chapter 7 and it is so appropriate for the story of Marie's life. Her family shut her away in a Roman convent so that she would not fulfill the destiny of her evil star. However, despite their attempts to hide her, Marie still came to the forefront of the royal court and played a large role in French history. Many historians regard her as a central figure to the development of Louis from a easily controlled young man, into the strong king that he eventually became.
What I Liked
Marci Jefferson's portrayal of her characters was amazing. I actually started off not liking the book because of Marie. I was a few chapters in and thought oh god, Marie is really immature and obnoxious. But I kept going and later realized this was on purpose. Marci wrote Marie that way in order to show the arc of her development. Marie transforms from a shy, annoying young girl to a powerful woman who knows her own heart and mind. In the end I LOVED her. Women had no power or say in their destinies in the 1600's, especially women of noble descent. But somehow Marie was able to fight for what was important to her and take control of her life. Also, interestingly enough, Marie was too thin and dark to be considered beautiful by the day's beauty standards, but still caught the King's eye.
King Louis annoyed me and continued to annoy me. However, I disliked him, not the way the author wrote him. After reading more about him I decided that I just do not like him, but love the way that Marci Jefferson was able to portray him accurately. Louis was the most powerful man in his country, but was so easily controlled by his conniving Cardinal and his mother, the Queen. He claimed to be in love with Marie, but allowed her to be mistreated by her uncle and the Queen. He never stood up for their love and even allowed himself to be persuaded to marry someone else. Although, based on your view of history you may believe that this was a necessary step.
I also loved the way the author developed the romance between Marie and Louis. This was not, in either the book or in real life, a fairytale romance. These two were up against many challenges. The pressure of the royal court, politics, and what society deemed appropriate were constantly up against the two lovers. They never actually had a sexual relationship, but were fiercely in love. Marci Jefferson managed to write them in a genuine way. It never felt over the top or unrealistic, which I loved reading about.
What I Didn't Like
Honestly the only gripe I have with the book, is that partway through, Marie's divination/occult "powers" fell to the wayside. This was a very interesting theme in the beginning and the very end of the book. It is never outright said whether Marie is practicing "magic," but she does seem to have a certain power over people and even has premonitions. This was actually recorded throughout history and is a well known fact that the whole Mancini family was involved in the occult.
I wish Marci Jefferson had kept up with the divination power of Marie. The scenes she did write were so interesting. She definitely did her homework, because she even mentioned magical and alchemical texts of the day that Marie might actually have access to.
Who Should Read this Book?
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially 17th century France. If you are interested in Louis XIV before he became the illustrious Sun King, or don't know much about his love affair with Marie Mancini, then give this a read. Or, if you have not read much historical fiction, then you should start here. Marci Jefferson's writing is so immersive that you feel like you are just reading a great book, and not being taught anything about history :)
Rating
Overall, I give the book 4.5/5 stars. the 0.5 star to be knocked off is only due to the occult theme falling off part way, and a few pacing problems I disliked.
Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about King Louis XIV and his life with Marie, then try Love and Louis the XIV by Antonia Fraser, who is a fantastic historical writer.
raychelleliz's review against another edition
3.0
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/23014680-enchantress-of-paris#