Rafael Sabatini 
Bellarion the Fortunate 

This brilliant novel of the French Revolution became an international bestseller. In this book, set in Italy in the 15th century, Bellarion is en route for the priesthood but is diverted to the service of the Princess Valeria. He serves her for five years, developing in that time from a convent-bred youth to a soldier of great strength and cunning, adoptive son of Lord Facino, and the feared and hated object of all his enemies.

Set in Italy during the early Renaissance, with a dazzling array of characters and events. 'Mr. Sabatini is a veritable master of the art of presenting the colourful romance of history, and he has I think given us nothing better of its kind than this story of 'Bellarion the Fortunate’…’ –The Bookman