Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles

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The court of the Sun King was a vibrant place, full of scandal, intrigue, and ambition. Courting the Sun brings readers into it through the eyes of Sylvienne d’Aubert, a girl from Amiens who learns that her mother is in fact the cousin of Louis XIV. After the king meets her, he invites her to join him at his court, where he says she will remain as long as she amuses him.

Sylvienne finds the court decadent and fascinating, but also dangerous. It is a balance the author manages well, keeping readers fascinated throughout. She does an excellent job as well with minor characters, making it clear from the start who they are and what Sylvienne thinks of them without making them feel overly flat or caricatured. Some fall into being stock characters, but this works in the novel’s favor rather than against it.

I very much enjoyed this book, which reawakened my fascination with the Sun King. I recommend it to anyone intrigued by this historical period. There will be something in it for everyone to enjoy.


Reviewed By:

Author Peggy Joque Williams
Star Count 5/5
Format Trade
Page Count 388 pages
Publisher Black Rose Writing
Publish Date 09-May-2024
ISBN 9781685134129
Bookshop.org Buy this Book
Issue July 2024
Category Historical Fiction
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