One of the greatest cautionary tales in Spanish history comes to life as Cullen explores the controversial reign of Juana of Castile--also known as Juana the Mad. Sweeping, page-turning, and wholly entertaining, "Reign of Madness" is historical fiction at its richly satisfying best.

"In the late 1930s, civil war gripped Spain. When General Franco and his Fascists succeed in overthrowing the government, hundreds of thousands are forced to flee in a treacherous journey over the mountains to the French border. Among them is Roser, a pregnant young widow, who finds her life irreversibly intertwined with that of Victor Dalmau, an army doctor and the brother of her deceased love. In order to survive, the two must unite in a marriage...

"Toba Peres can speak, but not shout; sleep, but not dream. She can write with both hands at once, in different languages, but she keeps her talents hidden at her grandparents' behest. Naftaly Cresques sees things that aren't real, and dreams things that are. Always the family disappointment, Naftaly would still risk his life to honor his father's last wishes. After the Queen demands every Jew convert or face banishment, Toba and Naftaly are among...