I listened to this on audio cd, such a wonderful and unique story.

A good read. Realistic historical details of court life of Louis XIV.

This was a good book, not brilliant but good. I would try at least one more of Sandra Gulland's writings.

Although the novel is very well researched, the writer misses the mark, walking the line between chick-lit and a significant historical novel with complex characters living amongst forces vying for power at the expense of the poor. There were significant gaps in the plot development, especially in the end. Where did Claudette's mother get the money to invest and turn a profit? Why was there just one monestry who would take the disabled brother and who were its progressive leaders? This author missed her opportunity to write a great book, it is merely a good book.

"Born into a family of actors, Claudette leaves her parents' theater troupe to become the companion of King Louis XIV's mistress Athénaïs de Rochechouart, Madame de Montespan, also known as The Shadow Queen for her influence over the king. Serving as both confidante and spy, Claudette employs her theatrical talents to keep her mistress informed about friends and rivals alike. However, Athénaïs' increasing fascination with dark magic troubles Claudette, forcing her to question their arrangement and reevaluate her own precarious position at court. Royal intrigue writ large against an atmospheric backdrop distinguishes this 2nd book in the Sun Court Duet, after Mistress of the Sun." Historical Fiction May 2014 newsletter http://www.libraryaware.com/996/NewsletterIssues/ViewIssue/e50d3b6d-378e-4915-9d8d-81d97c403015?postId=c0b70f16-386e-48a4-b591-361bd05d1065

Another wonderfully engrossing and well-researched historical novel by Sandra Gulland. This particular title focuses on the life of Claude des Oeillets, who evolves from a lowly player in the Parisian theatre community to become the attendant and confidante of one of Louis XIV’s most powerful and influential mistresses.