Customer Reviews

Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 (The Royal Diaries)

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This fictional diary of Queen Isabel of Spain begins when she is a lonely fifteen-year-old princess, forced by her brother, King Enrique, to live away from her widowed mother. She plots to bring her other brother, Alfonso, to the throne, while thwarting her brother's attempts to arrange a marriage for her. She decides to take matters into her own hands and arrange a marraige that will bring her happiness and political prosperity. This was a wonderful book that brought Isabel to life, not just as a royal figure, but as a teenager with feelings and dreams. I highly reccomend this to historical fiction fans, especially if you enjoyed other books in the Royal Diaries series.

When I first picked up this book I thought, "How STUPID!" But when I started reading it, I realized, Hey, this isn't soo bad!

This story shows how young Isabel felt about the world around her, her main concerns were mainly frienship with one of her brothers, and lack of friendship with another. This book also explains how life was when diseases such as the plauge were common. The sad backround also talks about Isabel's mentally ill mother. (Who was not ALWAYS that way) And how Isabel felt about her life. When the Spanish princess is being backed into corners and forced marriages by her older brother, she must find a way to escape them, and the choicees she must make are severe risks.

In this book there are very sad parts and very happy ones.

Yes this is the Isabel that sent Christopher Comlumbus to the Americas. But the book doesn't go that far.

In Comparison to the Other Royal Diaries Books, this would probably be ranked second, under Cleopatra. Others you would probably like, if you like this book are: Cleopatra, Daughter of the Nile Elizabeth, the Red Rose of Tudor AND, Marie Antionette,Princess of Versailles

If you liked and of the other books in the Royal Diaries series, or even In Dear America, you'll love this book!

This book is wonderful. It is about Queen Isabel when she was in her preteen-teen years. The country is divided... some people support Enrique (her older half brother) as king, but others support her younger brother, Alfonso as king. While there are fights and battles going on about this, her older brother is determined to marry Isabel off to Isabel's sister in law's brother. Isabel doesn't want to marry him at all, but she really has no choice. Through out the book she finds herself almost marrying at least four people. And then she finds herself in a difficult position... the heir to the throne.

At first I thought this was a boring book, but as I went on I loved it. I rate it second in the series.

This fictional diary of Queen Isabel tells the story of her life from when she was fifteen through eighteen. During this time Isabel records how lonely she is as her bigger brother King Enrique refuses her to see her widowed mother. She writes down her thoughts and emotions as she tries to thwart every attempt her older brother has of bethoral and marriage because he wants money and riches to benefit him. As she sees more and more of Enrique's bad actions she realizes that he is a bad king and plots to get her younger brother Alfonso on the royal throne, while she also plots with her confidont ArchBishop Carrilo on her secret marriage plans to marry Ferdinado II of Aragon. This was a great diary about the queen that sent Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas. I recommend this book to all enjoyers of Royal Diaries.

Carolyn Meyer does the best fictionalized version of Isabel of Castilla I have seen yet. Out of many of the Royal Diaries, this is one of the most action packed.

Isabel of Castilla is daughter of King Juan II of Castilla and Leon, and Princess Isabel of Portugal, second wife of Juan II. After her father's death long ago, Isabel's half brother Enrique has taken the throne. He condemns Isabel to Segovia with his wanton wife, Queen Juana and his six year old daughter, Princess Juana. Isabel lacks freedom and is separated from her mother and her brother, Alfonso. Enrique is afraid the rebels will get Isabel on their side. The rebel grandes (nobels of Castilla and Leon) disapprove of Enrique and has made Isabel's younger brother, Alfonso the King. Isabel tries to be neutral but is severly angered by Enrique when he forces her to marry without her permission and by breaking a peace agreement after her brother's death. Isabel takes things into her own hands and marries in secret with Prince Ferdinand of Aragon.

The novel moved along quickly since Isabel had alot of twists in her young life at the age of 15. She had many marriage proposals but she wanted Ferindand in the end. I found her extremely brave at times but deeply religious. It showcased many exciting events to make sure the reader was not bored. Isabel was on disguise some parts, ran away to at times and risked her life throughout the book by disobeying Enrique. Meyer did a great job showcasing all the events and I learned alot in the end.

Other than Isabel's misguided 'projects' such as The Spanish Inquisition and reclaim of Granada from the Moors. Isabel, Queen of the future España led many great achievements. She has been nicknamed, 'Queen of the Americas' for funding of Christopher Columbus and making Spain, one of the most powerful, admired and cultured of that time.

This book was absoulutly terrific! I loved it so much! It is about a princess and how her life goes everyday. She is torn between her two brothers one who she favors and the other who has more power.

The characters are described very well in this book and so are the settings.

Of course this is a fictional book but is based on true facts. I would give this ten stars if I could! I would definitly recommend this book!

I like Carolyn Meyer's works, but, after I finish one of her books, I always feel that she has not quite met her potential. Isabel: Jewel of Castilla, Spain, 1466 is an interesting book, but does not grab the attention. I was disappointed that the book did not have more of a period feel. It kind of felt like a girl from this age had been transported back to 1466. It did not show her up-bringing influencing her as it undoubtedly had to. All in all, it was a very enjoyable book, but did not give the feel that it was truly written five hundred years ago.

Very interesting book! I enjoyed learning more about Isabel and her history. The story takes place when Isabel is 15 years old. Her father has been dead for several years, so her half-brother Enrique claims the throne. However, there are some who believe that Isabel's younger brother Alfonso should be king. So during this time of political unrest, Isabel is growing up and thinking of the future.

Isabel receives a total of six different marriage proposals from different countries. Enrique promises that he will not force her to marry, so long as he approves her choice. Again, his promise is broken, as it is many times during this book, and Isabel decides to make her own plans, despite her brother's wrath.

When I first began my adventure into the life of Isabel, I wasn't sure how my feelings would be toward it, I knew very little about the actual history of the real Isabel, and I had not been completely pleased with another Royal Diary book. This book, in the end, turned out to be a favorite of mine for the writer I thought very cleverly created a plot inside of the real history, and the different twists and turns and the culture of Isabel's time mixed with her feelings I found fascinating! Plus, the plot was very interesting and the different surprises were fantastic!

This book is one of a kind! It tells of how a young princess Isabel is forced to put up with a very difficult childhood. Everything is hard for her because she must also remain mutal between her two fighting brothers; one she loves and one she dosen't.

All of the characters in the book are exciting. I loved reading them grow in different ways all through out the book. Also, the historic background is very well reserched and dislpayed.

I think this book is great for anybody ready for a good read!