An entertaining, light summer read. Set in the 15th/16th centuries era - it occurs in Italy and involves the Borgias, their minions and their enemies - the chief protagonist and, at least initially, Cesare Borgia's henchman, is one Andrea Orsini - who is actually a peasant named Zoppo - possessed of artistic ability and a smooth self-confidence that allows him to engage with noblemen, artisans and the ladies - ultimately it is an old fashioned love story, sprinkled with violence, concerning Orsini and the virginal wife of an aging aristocrat (apparently too old to consummate the marriage) - Orsini's accomplice, one Mario Belli, is an entertaining add-on to the story line who brings intrigue and danger to the matter. (Shellabarger's book "Captain from Castile" is similar and somewhat better, but I enjoyed them both.) ( )