A review by stevienlcf
Blood & Beauty by Sarah Dunant

4.0

In her latest work of historical fiction, Sarah Dunant takes on the redoubtable Borgia family, the titular subject of the steamy drama on Showtime that recently concluded its three season run. As the book opens in 15th century Rome, the Spanish Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia has been elected Pope Alexander VI through a series of political maneuverings and handsome payoffs. In blatant acts of nepotism, he installs his four illegitimate children as heads of church and state. The dynastic takeover is spearheaded by the Pope's eldest son, Cesare, whose war chest is financed by "donations" made by those who wish entry into the Sacred College of Cardinals. The Pope excommunicates families who support the enemy and strip them of their land. Spouses who outlive their use as strategic alliances are falsely accused of being impotent or, worse, are murdered so that a more politically favorable spouse can be woven into the dynastic web. The Borgias are surrounded by conniving and morally challenged courtiers and cardinals (such as the aunt who negotiated the cuckolding of her son for the benefit of the Pope)that make this an entertaining read.