5.0 out of 5 stars
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is Fantastic., Nov 18 2010
There is no writer I enjoy more than Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. I actually own multiple copies of her books. Each one is a treasure to be savoured again and again. "The Palace" is one of my most favourite of her novels. Carefully researched, beautifully written...it is like a quiet, swelling symphony of words. Saint Germain is a compelling, enthralling character. I read my original copy of this book so many times the pages have come loose--but I still have everyone of them.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
First Saint Germain Book for Me, April 8 2004
For some this book might be a little slow, since Yarbro does get a little bogged down in the historical surroundings. Slow or not, it was one of the best Vampire books I ever read. It's kind of funny actually, I first heard of Hotel Translyvania and thought it was a joke because of the way the reviewer described it (a historical vampire novel of romance--what a hoot). And then one day a year or so later I stumbled across a paperback copy of the Palace, and thought why not at least give it a try--I was hooked to say the least. Yarbro's blending of history, romance and the hardships of vampire life make her books very interesting reads.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Religious hardships for Saint-Germain in the Renaissance, Jun 30 2003
The Palace, the second novel in the Saint-Germain series, provides a look at the religious and political hardships in Renaissance Italy. The book focuses on the underlying struggles of the Pope in Rome and the renegade priest Savonarola, as well as the political up's and down's of the era. Our hero, the ever-elusive Francesco Ragoczy da San Germano, is caught in the middle of these conflicts to the point where he has to flee the city for his safety.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Saint-Germain is a Vampire, but not in the way we have come to know of them through other books and movies. He shares many of the same characteristics of the Vampires we know but to a lesser degree; without the flash, the magic, and evil we are accustomed to. He comes from a royal background, has a great scope of influence, is very wealthy, has a strong intellect, and due to his kind and caring nature, attracts the ladies of the time.
This novel is rather a sad one, since it focuses around the political and religious pain and torment people had to endure in order to survive. Italy, while in a glorious Renaissance, still was under the strong influence of the Church as well as local changing politics. Being called a Heretic, whether true or not, meant certain death, in a savage and cruel way. It is under these conditions that Francesco Ragoczy has chosen to live and this novel follows several lives within the government, the Church, the local builders, and artists.
If books with historical themes interest you, then you will certainly enjoy this book. If you're already a fan of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, then you're sure to love the book.
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