I'm getting through my recommended reads list, and this one was put forward by a co-worker. Confession - I am not a history buff, so any actual history in this story went over my head. I loved it just the same, though. 
 Amber, oh Amber, your hi-jinks are intriguing! From the fair to the plague to the palace, I was not once bored. I didn't think I was going to get through this monster of a book when I first picked it up, but the pace held steady and never let up. I did have to read it in 50-100 page increments, because they have packed so much into it. 
 I found myself thinking in the courtly vernacular, and giggling, odsfish, my man! It's quite a book to take on, but I don't think you'll regret it if you do!