When I first discovered historical fiction as a young teen living in Germany, I devoured all the novels I could find about the Tudors and Louis XIV, France’s 17th-century “Sun King”. Decades later, I’m still fascinated by both royal houses, so I jumped at the chance to feature author Will Bashor’s fascinating new novel today.
A historical novel inspired by real events, The Bastard Prince of Versailles narrates the escapades of a misborn “prince” during the reign of Louis XIV in seventeenth-century France. Louis de Bourbon wasn’t a real prince–even though his father was King Louis XIV.
The illegitimate son of the King and his mistress, Louise de La Vallière, young Louis has been kept far from the court’s eyes until summoned to bid adieu to his mother. To atone for her adultery, she joins a convent, abandoning Louis to an uncertain future.
When Louis is humiliated by his father for his role in a secret gay society, he struggles to redeem himself through heroism and self-sacrifice in the king’s army on the battlefield.
Praise for The Bastard Prince of Versailles:
“Will Bashor effortlessly weaves together the threads of fact and fiction, transporting us back to the opulence and intrigue of 17th century France. The author’s research and attention to detail are evident and well applied, never seeming like a dry history lesson but always a hook keeping you turning the pages.
Louis is brought to life with such authenticity that you can’t help but empathize with his journey. As he navigates the treacherous waters of courtly politics and yearns for his father’s approval, you’ll feel a gripping connection to his struggles and triumphs. The rest of the characters are well-crafted as well, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.
If you are looking for a unique historical novel that will transport you to another time and leave a lasting impression, this book is an absolute must-read.”
–International Review of Books
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/38YDXd
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bastard-prince-of-versailles-will-bashor/1143980077
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-bastard-prince-of-versailles
From Columbus, Ohio, Will earned his Ph.D. from the American Graduate School of Paris. In his spare time, he reads memoirs and researches the lives of royals and their courtiers. He hopes to share his fascination with the Bourbon dynasty and its quirky inhabitants and, at the same time, weave the historical record with creative fiction. He has written articles for the Huffington Post, Age of Revolutions, BBC History Magazine, and Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book.
Website: https://www.willbashor.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WBashorAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harold.bashor.3/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/will.bashor/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bashor/author/B006RKLIJY
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6984989.Will_Bashor
Thanks so much for hosting Will Bashor today, Amy.
Take care,
Cathie xo
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Always a pleasure, Cathie!