If you’ve ever picked up a novel and thought, 'The court of Versailles is so played out, but the Austro-Hungarian Empire? Now that’s a party,' then L. Mühlbach’s hidden gem is for you. Written in the 1800s, this historical novel feels surprisingly gossipy, like you flipped open a private diary from 1765. Let’s ignore the stuffy title and get right to the good parts.

The Story

Emperor Joseph II is a young leader with big ideas. He hates having all the power, wants to stop burning heretics, and has a secret love with a Protestant girl. His mother, Maria Theresa, passed away. His brother, Leopold, is suspicious. And, the most dangerous character of all is his smarmy—kind of handsome—brother-in-law, Prince Charles of Lorraine, who keeps making life awkward for him everywhere. The main secret? A mystery about a lost prince, a hidden document, and a love that could wreck the next 100 years of succession. It’s plot on top of plot.

Why You Should Read It

Despite the fact it’s a 19th century novel, this book has no slow spots. It’s crazy fast reads. Mühlbach set herself against the typical way royalty was always shown as perfect. Her Joseph II worries about his weird chin. His sister chases him to steal papers. The ‘court’ is a snake pit of beautiful dresses and cold buckets of karma. I’m one of those readers who loves a flawed hero. If you hate it when historical people are all wooden, read this: Joseph II genuinely wants to be a reformer, but every step drains him. You really feel for him.

Final Verdict

Perfect for impatient history buffs who love fast-paced drama, this is for you if you like of ‘Versailles,’ ‘The Borgias,’ or The Three Musketeers. Also, for anyone who secretly wishes 'The Crown' had more murder, and less walking down quiet hallways. The historical depth is real, yet even if you snoozed through history class, you’ll fly through this story. A legitimate page-turner of moral disaster at a fancy ball. Rich, juicy, absolutely no textbook vibes here.