The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon's Court by Michelle Moran

National bestselling author Michelle Moran returns to Paris, this time under the rule of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as he casts aside his beautiful wife to marry a Hapsburg princess he hopes will bear him a royal heir.

After the bloody French Revolution, Emperor Napoleon’s power is absolute. When Marie-Louise, the eighteen year old daughter of the King of Austria, is told that the Emperor has demanded her hand in marriage, her father presents her with a terrible choice: marry the cruel, capricious Napoleon, leaving the man she loves and her home forever, or say no, and plunge her country into war.

Marie-Louise knows what she must do, and she travels to France, determined to be a good wife despite Napoleon’s reputation. But lavish parties greet her in Paris, and at the extravagant French court, she finds many rivals for her husband’s affection, including Napoleon’s first wife, Joséphine, and his sister Pauline, the only woman as ambitious as the emperor himself. Beloved by some and infamous to many, Pauline is fiercely loyal to her brother. She is also convinced that Napoleon is destined to become the modern Pharaoh of Egypt. Indeed, her greatest hope is to rule alongside him as his queen—a brother-sister marriage just as the ancient Egyptian royals practiced. Determined to see this dream come to pass, Pauline embarks on a campaign to undermine the new empress and convince Napoleon to divorce Marie-Louise.

As Pauline's insightful Haitian servant, Paul, watches these two women clash, he is torn between his love for Pauline and his sympathy for Marie-Louise. But there are greater concerns than Pauline's jealousy plaguing the court of France. While Napoleon becomes increasingly desperate for an heir, the empire's peace looks increasingly unstable. When war once again sweeps the continent and bloodshed threatens Marie-Louise’s family in Austria, the second Empress is forced to make choices that will determine her place in history—and change the course of her life.

Based on primary resources from the time, The Second Empress takes readers back to Napoleon’s empire, where royals and servants alike live at the whim of one man, and two women vie to change their destinies.

Kindle Edition, 448 pages 

Published August 14, 2012 

by Crown (Random House Imprint)

4/5 stars

As much as I love historical fiction I usually shy away from France. I’m not really sure why, I love the country but court life just hasn't grabbed me, could be all  the king Louis's just confused me. But for some authors I will make the exception and Michelle Moran is one of those exceptions. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of her books and finding this buried on my Kindle I started reading

Told from 3 different POVS around the year 1809 I was treated to look into the life at the French court of Napoleon. Paul, a Haitian servant to Pauline, sister to Napoleon and alternating with Maria Louise , a 19 year old destined to be Napoleon's 2nd wife.

Through Paul I glimpsed the brother and sister relationship between Pauline and her brother Napoleon like I said I don’t know much French history but their relationship was kind of icky, and possibly incestuous. She isn't a likeable character, but I did feel sorry for her.  Her's is also the another view point.

Maria Louise,  the second empress also a distant relative of Marie Antoinette. From Austria she was sent for but not everyone is happy about it, especially her, having never even met Napoleon before.

What I loved about this book was the fact the author used real letters and other documentation not just in her research but throughout the story. She stayed true to history as to what took place making this book have that authentic feel.  As you can read from the blurb it is a it is not a peaceful time. 

Like I stated before Michelle Moran is a favourite of mine.  Here are some of her others books I've enjoyed.

Review: The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu comes a historical YA fantasy about a musical prodigy and the dangerous lengths she'll go to make history remember her—perfect for fans of Susanna Clarke and The Hazel Wood.

Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart.

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.

In her first work of historical fiction, #1 New York Times bestselling author Marie Lu spins a lush, lyrically-told story of music, magic, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.

Hardcover, Owlcrate Exclusive Edition, 313 pages

Published 2020 

by G. P. Putnam's Sons
4/5 stars

Make them remember me.

A dark tale of longing to be someone when you live in a male-dominated world. When a girl was told to dream and hope for marriage and children. How frustrating it must have been for Maria Anna (aka Nannerl), talented like her younger brother but stifled because of her gender.

The Kingdom of Back is an interesting world Nannerl created with the promise of being remembered forever. For an 8-year-old her thoughts and an imagination are above her age. It's these dreams that develop and comes to life in a magical and lyrical manner.

I didn't even know of a sister to Mozart, the historical part of this story was a learning experience for me. It was an authentic world that Marie Lu created, how life revolved around the male members of society. Chasing success, Nannerl's father does all he can to promote Wolfgang's talents that left little time to be a child.  But that was the time.

The fantasy part was unique and showed a confused young girl who had to create her only world to hide in and forge her own path no matter the consequences.  

This is my first time reading a Marie Lu book, this is also her first piece of historical fiction.  She is off to a great start, I will be on the lookout for more in this genre.

The Kingdom of Back is part of my 2020 Reading off my Shelf challenge, it was also part of my March Owlcrate box.

Review: Sisi: Empress on Her Own by Allison Pataki

For readers of Philippa Gregory, Paula McLain, and Daisy Goodwin comes a sweeping and powerful novel by New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki. Sisi tells the little-known story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, the Princess Diana of her time, in an enthralling work of historical fiction that is also a gripping page-turner.

Married to Emperor Franz Joseph, Elisabeth—fondly known as Sisi—captures the hearts of her people as their “fairy queen,” but beneath that dazzling persona lives a far more complex figure. In mid-nineteenth-century Vienna, the halls of the Hofburg Palace buzz not only with imperial waltzes and champagne but with temptations, rivals, and cutthroat intrigue. Feeling stifled by strict protocols and a turbulent marriage, Sisi grows restless. A free-spirited wanderer, she finds solace at her estate outside Budapest. There she rides her beloved horses and enjoys visits from the Hungarian statesman Count Andrássy, the man with whom she's unwittingly fallen in love. But tragic news brings Sisi out of her fragile seclusion, forcing her to return to her capital and a world of gossip, envy, and sorrow where a dangerous fate lurks in the shadows.

Through love affairs and loss, dedication and defiance, Sisi struggles against conflicting desires: to keep her family together, or to flee amid the collapse of her suffocating marriage and the gathering tumult of the First World War. In an age of crumbling monarchies, Sisi fights to assert her right to the throne beside her husband, to win the love of her people and the world, and to save an empire. But in the end, can she save herself?

Featuring larger-than-life historic figures such as Bavaria's “Mad King Ludwig” and the tragic Crown Prince Rudolf, and set against many of Europe's grandest sites—from Germany's storied Neuschwanstein Castle to England's lush shires—Sisi brings to life an extraordinary woman and the romantic, volatile era over which she presided.

Hardcover, 464 pages 

Published March 8th 2016 by The Dial Press

arc via publisher through netgalley

*****

Allison Pataki's previous novel The Accidental Empress was my introduction to, not just the author but the Hapsburgs as well.  Empress Elizabeth's story continues pretty well where it left of in the previous book.  I found that book to be fast paced and it showed her carefree life shortly before her wedding and than her years with Franz Joseph.  Where previously she had little control of her life, with Sisi: Empress on Her Own she has taken that control back.

Where previously I was saddened by her lot in life, feeling her separation from her children and struggles with Sophie (mother-in-law), with this book I felt different struggles that she endured.  It was like she was searching for something but just couldn't figure out what it was.  Often compared to the modern day Princess Diana, I can the similarities perfectly.  Life still isn't easy for Sisi, with children she barely knows, a country that feels she abandoned them and not knowing who can trust.  Sisi does things others don't understand, who are quick to criticize and she has to deal with its repercussions.

Sisi: Empress on Her Own is a gripped story best read after The Accidental Empress to get the whole picture of her past and to fully understand her life here.  This was a slower paced book just still entertaining and kept my attention.  

I loved the authors writing style and enjoyed the cameos here, Queen Victoria, Countess Rothschild and King Ludwig and his spooky castle.  Her descriptive writing brought this story to life and again showed her passion for Sisi and the Hapsburg empire.  

Thank you Random House for a review copy via Netgalley.

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.

Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.

Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.

With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”

Kindle Edition, Advance Reader Copy, 512 pages

Published February 17th 2015 by Howard Books
*****    

The author, Allison Pataki is a new one for me.  The Hapsburg are also new to me.  As much as I love discovering a new talent there is always that fear of failure.  Does my anticipation mar my expectation level  This isn't a small book, coming in at 512 pages (I love big books), add all the hype The Accidental Empress has generated could this be as good as I heard?  Well I am very happy to report that it did, I had a very hard time putting this book down.  It was written with feeling and emotion that at one point I wanted to reach into the book and ring someones neck.  Creating that kind of feeling is something I think is brillant.

One of the things that I love about reading a time period and location that is unfamiliar is that there are no preconceived plots nor character sketches already formed.

Elizabeth is only 15 years old when we are first introduced, it is 1853.  A very likeable girl, carefree and enjoying life.  The author did a wonderful job of developing her character.  Watching her grow from this teenager to wife to mother to empress was done in such a way that one can't help connecting with her.  With all the garabage that she has to deal with (by herself) it is a wonder that she survived.

It's very obvious that the author knows this time period well and has a passion for it - this is reflected plainly in her writing.  The writing was smooth with descriptions that had me visualizing the country and lifestyle.

The book ended in such a manner that a sequel is possible and this reader really hopes there will be one.

This is Allison Pataki's second novel, The Traitor's Wife was her first, which has been relocated near the top of my tbr pile.  Definitely an author I will read more of.

Thank you to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.