The Black Cardinal: A Novel is a thrilling historical fiction book written by John Talbot Smith. The story is set in the 15th century in France, during the reign of King Charles VII. The main character, Francois de Vendome, is a young nobleman who is sent to Paris to serve as a page in the court of the powerful Cardinal Balue.As Francois becomes more involved in the political intrigues of the court, he discovers that the Cardinal is not as benevolent...