Poyato, a PhD in Modern History, leverages his academic background to create a "biography-novel" that feels deeply grounded in reality.
While the dialogues are dynamic, some reviewers note that the density of historical data in transitional chapters can occasionally be overwhelming for casual readers.
The novel follows Caterina Sforza, the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Milan, as she navigates a "complex chessboard" of political machinations. Poyato highlights her legendary defiance, including:
She stood her ground against the Papacy, the Medici family, and the ruthless César Borgia , resisting sieges from vastly superior armies. Narrative Style and Structure