*Editorial Book Review*
Inês (Queens of Portugal Trilogy)
By Catherine Mathis
Publication Date: 4th November 2025
Publisher: Histria Books
Page Length: 364
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance
An heir to the throne, a gorgeous blonde lady-in-waiting, the king's trusted advisor. When a father and son don't understand each other, the son pays an outrageous price.
Love, jealousy, loyalty, and revenge roil the court of 14th century Portugal.
In this engrossing launch to the Queens of Portugal trilogy, Catherine Mathis gives a fresh take on the tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal's real-life Romeo and Juliet. Pedro's father would not have been king if not for his trusted advisor, Gonçalves. Once king, he wants no part in neighboring Castile's royal convulsions though his son, Pedro, befriends powerful Castilians.
The all-consuming drive of the king is to ensure his line rules Portugal for centuries to come. He needs legitimate, strong heirs. The Infante Pedro loves a woman not deemed worthy to wear the crown as queen. Between father and son is Gonçalves, the king's powerful, unquestioned counselor who is mentor to the son. Both Gonçalves and Pedro seek the attention of Inês.
There is a horrific cost to winning the love of Inês. She will not release her grip on Pedro until he keeps the two sworn oaths he made to her. Can Pedro do the impossible to satisfy Inês?
Inês is based on real people and events exploring a cultural touchstone of Portuguese history.
“Oh, you reach too far,” Coelho exclaimed. “All evidence we have suggests the Lady Inês acts as a loving mother to young Ferdinand. You suggest she would harm the boy? Ridiculous.”
“You say it yourself, Coelho,” Gonçalves said, taking the opening Coelho had given him. “She acts the part. What woman does not want her child to ascend the throne? Ferdinand has some illness every time we hear from Coimbra. Once and Beatrice have gone to God, what stops her?”
Inês de Castro finds herself ensnared in a tumultuous landscape of love and power. She had committed no crime, save for the boldness of marrying the king’s son and heir, Pedro, without obtaining the royal decree. Her heart was filled with a deep affection for Pedro’s son, Ferdinand, whom she cherished as if he were her flesh and blood. However, her choice of husband, along with the decision to raise a family in defiance of royal expectations, ignited a tragic sequence of events that would echo through the annals of history. This heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love and loyalty ultimately transformed into one of the most profound love stories ever recounted, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who come to know it.
“Inês (Queens of Portugal Trilogy)” by Catherine Mathis is a tale that brings the story of Inês and Pedro to a new generation of readers.
Portugal in the 14th century is described as a land rife with tension and intrigue, where the bonds of family are perilously close to unravelling. This is an era where sons cunningly plot against their fathers, and brothers engage in fierce battles for supremacy. The air is thick with scheming, each whispered conspiracy echoing through the grand halls and shadowy corridors of power. The struggle for dominance is palpable, creating an atmosphere where loyalty is a fragile facade and betrayal lurks around every corner. Mathis masterfully encapsulates the essence of this tumultuous era, drawing readers into the medieval world.
Mathis’ vivid imagery brings the setting to life; one can almost hear the clatter of armoured heels against stone and see the flickering shadows cast by torches in dimly lit passageways. With meticulous detail, Mathis portrays castles steeped in history, opulent palaces echoing with secrets, and tranquil manor houses where characters can escape the relentless buzz of court life. The bustling streets are alive with vibrant colours and the sounds of daily life. When the plague sweeps across the land of Portugal, Mathis vividly illustrates a nation engulfed in chaos and despair. The streets are filled with fear and uncertainty as communities grapple with the devastating impact of the disease, revealing the deep emotional and social turmoil that grips the country. This immersive backdrop not only places the reader within the historical context but also enhances the emotional impact of the story, making each moment feel urgent and real.
The writing is richly descriptive and deeply evocative, vividly painting scenes and emotions that draw the reader into the heart of the story. Mathis utilises lush imagery and intricate sensory details, allowing audiences to see, hear, and feel the world within the narrative. The voice adopts a formal and sophisticated tone, mirroring the refined social conventions and historical context of the era it depicts. Through the careful selection of archaic language and elaborate courtly phrases, the story not only captures the authenticity of its setting but also envelops the reader in a timeless experience, inviting them to immerse themselves fully in the unfolding tale.
The historical characters in this book are portrayed with great care and compassion, as the author makes a concerted effort to adhere to historical truth. The story follows the life of Pedro, who would later become known as Peter I of Portugal. Starting as an impressionable four-year-old, he matures into an arrogant youth, which disappoints his father. Despite his efforts to learn how to govern a kingdom, Pedro never seems able to gain his father’s approval, which impacts him profoundly. Pedro is resigned to a political marriage, but it is not his intended bride, Infanta Constanza of Castile, who captures his heart; rather, it is her lady-in-waiting, Lady Inês de Castro. He understands that she is beyond his reach, a forbidden temptation that society deems unacceptable. Yet, despite this knowledge, he cannot silence the yearning deep within his heart that compels him to love her, body and soul. Pedro is portrayed as a likeable character ensnared in a web of political intrigue while struggling to meet his father’s expectations. Knowing that he will one day rule Portugal, Pedro is quick to seek advice. However, as he grows in confidence, he becomes more attuned to his own judgment. In this poignant novel, Pedro endures profound hardships that have a strong impact on the reader. His struggles are vividly depicted, evoking a powerful sense of empathy as the reader watches him navigate his painful journey. The emotional weight of his suffering compels the reader to feel genuine compassion for him. At times, Pedro’s insatiable thirst for vengeance consumes him, driving his actions to the brink of madness. The brutal horrors he inflicts upon his prisoners reveal the depths of his rage, yet somehow, readers find it difficult to muster any sympathy for those who suffer at his hands. Pedro’s story is unforgettable because he lives a life of profound tragedy.
Lady Inês is depicted as a woman whose heart is profoundly devoted to her husband. Her love for him is passionate and unwavering, yet she possesses a remarkable insight into the perilous consequences that her union with Pedro might entail. Despite her keen awareness of these risks, she could never have foreseen the tragic conclusion that awaited her. Exiled for the “crime” of loving so deeply, her character resonates with an extraordinary charm and vulnerability. Readers are drawn to her endearing qualities, wishing fervently for a different fate—one that spared her from the heartache and despair that ultimately defined her story.
King Afonso IV, the father of Pedro, is portrayed as a deeply conflicted character. He struggles with his ambitions for the throne while also navigating strained relationships with his father and half-brother. After the death of his father, Afonso ascends to the throne with fierce determination. He is committed to eliminating any possibility of illegitimate offspring contesting his rule. Driven by a desire to avoid the bitter rivalries that have plagued his family in the past, he works hard to prevent a civil war that could threaten the stability of his kingdom. Surrounded by a loyal circle of advisors, Afonso is depicted as a genuinely likeable figure, often charming those around him with his charisma and leadership. However, some of his decisions raise concerns, leading to doubts about how much he should heed the advice of his advisors, who know how to manipulate his fears.
Of the various antagonists in this tale, Álvaro Gonçalves stands out as the most morally reprehensible. At first glance, he appears to be a cunning advisor, seemingly devoted to the king and genuinely concerned about maintaining stability within the kingdom. However, as time unfolds, his true nature is revealed. He skilfully manipulates his position, subtly guiding the king toward his own ambitious agenda. Gonçalves is a ruthless individual who cannot tolerate any perceived slight against him. This leads him down a dangerous path of vengeance, driven by his need for retribution, regardless of the potential fallout for both the king and himself. His duplicitous nature casts a dark shadow over the court, making him a formidable and treacherous adversary. He is a character whom the reader ultimately grows to despise.
“Inês (Queens of Portugal Trilogy)” by Catherine Mathis is an enthralling historical fiction novel that transports readers to the vibrant and tumultuous world of Portugal’s royal history. With richly detailed descriptions and intricate character development, the story delves into the lives of the men and women who shaped the nation. The themes in this story resonate deeply with the reader, exploring love, ambition, and the complexities of court life. Mathis masterfully weaves emotional depth into the narrative, creating a deeply engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression and invites readers on an unforgettable journey through the grandeur and intrigue of Portugal’s past.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Catherine Mathis
Facing the first Christmas without our only child and overwhelmed with work obligations, I asked my husband to plan a holiday trip. Proudly he lay out an itinerary to Portugal though not to the beaches of the Algarve. It helps to know we both love history. We drove north from Lisbon to wine, dine, and explore the country’s past.
Inspiration comes from the oddest circumstances. In a town less visited I found a stunning pair of tombs for a country with few intact relics of the time before The Earthquake (All Saints Day, 1755). A single question led to a rabbit hole from which I have yet to emerge. Who lay in the elegant pair of sarcophagi in Alcobaça's Abbey? We stumbled upon Iberia’s Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s tale overwhelmed one of the medieval antecedents to his play. From the legend of Inês and Pedro, the story continues into the next generation with Leonor's tale. Finally, Queen Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt and mother to one of the greatest generations of Portuguese royals. Fear not, Iberia has more tales to tell keeping my writing future fully engaged.
Born in Berlin as the first child of a spy and his secretary then wife, I grew up oblivious to their past. My earliest memories arise from growing up in the Washington, D.C. area where I went to public schools. As I entered junior high, my dad took a job with the Drug Enforcement Agency; a detriment to high school popularity. I graduated from Sewanee|The University of the South with a major in history. A career in corporate and international banking gave me the opportunity to travel to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. I now write, live, and work in Atlanta near our son and his treasured family.
Outside of writing, my spare time joys are family, friends, reading, folk/outsider art collecting, and travel. There are just never enough hours in the day for all the opportunities to enjoy and thrive.
I am a member of The Authors Guild, the Historical Novel Society and the Atlanta Writers Club.
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