Anthony Wiggins

I actually purchased this book as I have always been so intrigued by the former royal dynasties (especially the ill-fated Portuguese House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and Braganza). Being acutely aware of the tragedy that continually befell the royal house (from the early death in childbirth of Queen Maria II at age 34, to the sudden deaths of the 22-year old Queen Stephanie and her husband, King Pedro V, a few years later to the devastating massacre of King Carlos and his young son), I just knew that this book would not disappoint (and I'm so glad it didn't). I appreciate having a front row view to the majesty and mayhem that plagued this often forgotten jewel among Europe's glorious past.

I just ordered the digital version on iBooks, and even though I'm only in Part Four, Chapter Three: "Strengthening a Marriage", I am completely hooked. This book has more plot twists and turns than a Stephen King horror movie (and it's twice as nice).