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angelofthetardis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As Elizabeth I lay dying, Frances is on hand to provide traditional healing potions and folk remedies to ease her suffering. But the Queen's successor sees evil in such practices and is determined to stamp put the scourge of witchcraft from his new kingdom.
I very much enjoy Tracy Borman's non-fiction works, but to be honest I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this, her first historical fiction title; she is very good at explaining the history when speaking or presenting a TV show, but I do find her a little stilted sometimes when it comes to "illustrating" the more subjective parts of an episode. However, I was pleasantly surprised; this shows that she is very capable of weaving fact and imagination together seamlessly to create a thoroughly immersive work. As she states in the author's notes, although Frances really existed, very little is known about her, so there aren't those moments that feel out of character or implausible like in some novels where the character is well known to history - her existence is enough to bring life and truth to the character, and the fictional elements give her the depth.
In particular, I love that the author managed to get me hoping that she might forego the historical part of the historical fiction by the end; something that doesn't happen to me very often! The slow burn development of the main character's relationship is excellently done, and as things progressed I found myself rooting more and more for them. And even though the epilogue is almost stereotypical for this type of story, where I would normally roll my eyes I this case it gave me a little spark of warmth in my heart.
I think I would have enjoyed a little more character development for Tom, just so he felt as fully developed as Frances, but at the same time you know all you really need to about him from the text (and the history books if you're familiar with the period). On the other hand, I don't think I've ever seen Robert Cecil portrayed so well as a straight-up villain of the piece. I had a visceral reaction to him and again I desperately wanted to see him get his comeuppance, whether or not it's historically accurate!
There is a quite dark scene of interrogation/torture in the book which, while certainly uncomfortable to read, does seem to reflect the reality of life at that time. It is very well handled; graphic enough to make the reader understand certain horrors and how it was often gratuitous violence, while at the same time not being so details as to be inappropriate or unnecessary.
I would say that this does almost feel like two books in one though. The title really only applies to the first half of the action, and while it doesn't motor along, you reach the pivotal scene you assume would be at the climax of the book, but you're barely half way through. The second half of the story takes us into an almost completely unrelated plot, but if you know even rudimentary English history you'll probably have a good idea where you'll end up. While it does work, part of me wonders if things had been split into a duology and more description, suspense and slow-burn action had been included, whether it might have just been that little more satisfying.
I very much enjoy Tracy Borman's non-fiction works, but to be honest I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this, her first historical fiction title; she is very good at explaining the history when speaking or presenting a TV show, but I do find her a little stilted sometimes when it comes to "illustrating" the more subjective parts of an episode. However, I was pleasantly surprised; this shows that she is very capable of weaving fact and imagination together seamlessly to create a thoroughly immersive work. As she states in the author's notes, although Frances really existed, very little is known about her, so there aren't those moments that feel out of character or implausible like in some novels where the character is well known to history - her existence is enough to bring life and truth to the character, and the fictional elements give her the depth.
In particular, I love that the author managed to get me hoping that she might forego the historical part of the historical fiction by the end; something that doesn't happen to me very often! The slow burn development of the main character's relationship is excellently done, and as things progressed I found myself rooting more and more for them. And even though the epilogue is almost stereotypical for this type of story, where I would normally roll my eyes I this case it gave me a little spark of warmth in my heart.
I think I would have enjoyed a little more character development for Tom, just so he felt as fully developed as Frances, but at the same time you know all you really need to about him from the text (and the history books if you're familiar with the period). On the other hand, I don't think I've ever seen Robert Cecil portrayed so well as a straight-up villain of the piece. I had a visceral reaction to him and again I desperately wanted to see him get his comeuppance, whether or not it's historically accurate!
There is a quite dark scene of interrogation/torture in the book which, while certainly uncomfortable to read, does seem to reflect the reality of life at that time. It is very well handled; graphic enough to make the reader understand certain horrors and how it was often gratuitous violence, while at the same time not being so details as to be inappropriate or unnecessary.
I would say that this does almost feel like two books in one though. The title really only applies to the first half of the action, and while it doesn't motor along, you reach the pivotal scene you assume would be at the climax of the book, but you're barely half way through. The second half of the story takes us into an almost completely unrelated plot, but if you know even rudimentary English history you'll probably have a good idea where you'll end up. While it does work, part of me wonders if things had been split into a duology and more description, suspense and slow-burn action had been included, whether it might have just been that little more satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Miscarriage
Minor: Gun violence, Homophobia, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
duchessofreadin's review against another edition
5.0
The ever-changing tide of the court can be a dangerous place. What was okay with one is not okay for the next. Frances has been known as a healer and even helped the queen with her pains when she was still alive. But the new King is determined to find witches in his court, and Frances has returned home, to weather the changing tides.
Her uncle, however, does like that she is away from court and forces her back, to attend the new princess. As time goes on the princess and Frances form a close attachment. But there are many undercurrents going on, and Frances may not escape the prying eyes of the court, anyone who is determined to sacrifice another to keep their position and influence.
This was a great read! I enjoyed it immensely.
The Kings Witch will be released on 13 July 2018. **Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book for an unbiased and fair review.**
Her uncle, however, does like that she is away from court and forces her back, to attend the new princess. As time goes on the princess and Frances form a close attachment. But there are many undercurrents going on, and Frances may not escape the prying eyes of the court, anyone who is determined to sacrifice another to keep their position and influence.
This was a great read! I enjoyed it immensely.
The Kings Witch will be released on 13 July 2018. **Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book for an unbiased and fair review.**
rosiev425's review
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
louiseelizabeth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Thisnis the first historical fiction I've read about James I and the Gunpowder Plot. It was entertaining and easy to read albeit emotional.
readwithjordss's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bec_wheels's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it within two days. It was such a thrilling read and Frances is portrayed as a very strong female character. This book kept me hooked throughout and quite a few twists.
kategolledge's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tillymints's review against another edition
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I may be being slightly harsh on this, but a very solid 3/5 stars.
Set in the very early days of King James VI/I of Scotland/England, The King's Witch follows Frances, a young noblewoman, daughter of Elizabeth I's favourite handmaiden, who knows her way around herbs. The second daughter, Frances had been attending the ailing Elizabeth on her deathbed, using her herbs to give the queen some final comfort, when she is delivered an ominous warning - her queen's successor, James, is none too fond of witches... and healing could quite easily be mistaken for being in league with the Devil. Heavily researched and well-written, Borman's first installment in the Frances Gorges Trilogy follows its titular character as she navigates a fractured court on edge, trying to keep herself from the ducking stool. Oh, and the Gunpowder Plot. Old Jamie wasn't a huge fan of papists either, and that definitely factors in here too. It's telling I'm seeing a major plot point as an afterthought, though.
Frances isn't your typical, naive, well-to-do aristocrat in this book, though there are times where you want to shake her. As with all characters in this book, she's relatable. And she really shouldn't be - I have no idea what it's like to be worried about getting burnt alive when I'm giving people the equivalent of Advil - but she is. Borman writes wonderfully, and her characterization of Queen Anne is refreshing, to say the least, and probably my favourite thing in this book. I remember reading about her as a child in school, and she was merely a footnote of simpering nature. I didn't know better at the time, but Anne is far from it. She rallied against her husband, campaigning for years for the right to raise her own son, Henry, and remained at odds with the way James governed most of her life, never cowering. Honestly, it warms my cold, cynical heart to see a queen consort being written as someone with a spine, her accomplishments and personality lorded, rather than pushed aside for main character development/some odd placed love triangle that seems to plague this genre right now.
Like I said earlier, this is very well-researched. I have been beaten over the head with Tudor/Stuart history since I was a child, and I grew a genuine interest in this time period. All the research in the world, however, won't really save you from a story that lags at times (I spent the first 30% or so of the book feeling like I hadn't made any progress at all, only to discover that it was the story that wasn't moving quickly). It does, admittedly, pick up, but then we get a bit too busy for my liking. Research won't save you from a story that meanders, either. I was drawn to this book purely because of the "witch" title. I knew James hated them, and I really, really wanted to see that explored. It takes a backseat to the Gunpowder Plot, though, which I'm aware is stated as a big chunk of this book, but Frances' main "claim to fame", if you will, is ignored for it and a romance that has a few gaps in. I may just no longer have any imagination and require spoonfeeding at this stage, though. Who knows. I felt disappointed, which is why this book dropped from 4 to 3 stars. It just feels...disjointed, in places, and like Borman somewhat forgot about the witchery for a while. Which is fine, just not what I enjoy.
The ending came on a bit too quickly for me too, but that seems to, again, be a common theme for books with a definite sequel, so I somewhat understand that. It was a little underwhelming, to say the least, but overall, not a bad read. Just not an amazing one.
If you're a fan of late Tudor/early Stuart history and court intrigue, this book is definitely for you. If you're looking for an easy, slow-starting read, also the book for you. Not sure who I'd recommend this to, and if I'll continue the trilogy, but I'll wait to see what book #2 has in store.
I may be being slightly harsh on this, but a very solid 3/5 stars.
Set in the very early days of King James VI/I of Scotland/England, The King's Witch follows Frances, a young noblewoman, daughter of Elizabeth I's favourite handmaiden, who knows her way around herbs. The second daughter, Frances had been attending the ailing Elizabeth on her deathbed, using her herbs to give the queen some final comfort, when she is delivered an ominous warning - her queen's successor, James, is none too fond of witches... and healing could quite easily be mistaken for being in league with the Devil. Heavily researched and well-written, Borman's first installment in the Frances Gorges Trilogy follows its titular character as she navigates a fractured court on edge, trying to keep herself from the ducking stool. Oh, and the Gunpowder Plot. Old Jamie wasn't a huge fan of papists either, and that definitely factors in here too. It's telling I'm seeing a major plot point as an afterthought, though.
Frances isn't your typical, naive, well-to-do aristocrat in this book, though there are times where you want to shake her. As with all characters in this book, she's relatable. And she really shouldn't be - I have no idea what it's like to be worried about getting burnt alive when I'm giving people the equivalent of Advil - but she is. Borman writes wonderfully, and her characterization of Queen Anne is refreshing, to say the least, and probably my favourite thing in this book. I remember reading about her as a child in school, and she was merely a footnote of simpering nature. I didn't know better at the time, but Anne is far from it. She rallied against her husband, campaigning for years for the right to raise her own son, Henry, and remained at odds with the way James governed most of her life, never cowering. Honestly, it warms my cold, cynical heart to see a queen consort being written as someone with a spine, her accomplishments and personality lorded, rather than pushed aside for main character development/some odd placed love triangle that seems to plague this genre right now.
Like I said earlier, this is very well-researched. I have been beaten over the head with Tudor/Stuart history since I was a child, and I grew a genuine interest in this time period. All the research in the world, however, won't really save you from a story that lags at times (I spent the first 30% or so of the book feeling like I hadn't made any progress at all, only to discover that it was the story that wasn't moving quickly). It does, admittedly, pick up, but then we get a bit too busy for my liking. Research won't save you from a story that meanders, either. I was drawn to this book purely because of the "witch" title. I knew James hated them, and I really, really wanted to see that explored. It takes a backseat to the Gunpowder Plot, though, which I'm aware is stated as a big chunk of this book, but Frances' main "claim to fame", if you will, is ignored for it and a romance that has a few gaps in. I may just no longer have any imagination and require spoonfeeding at this stage, though. Who knows. I felt disappointed, which is why this book dropped from 4 to 3 stars. It just feels...disjointed, in places, and like Borman somewhat forgot about the witchery for a while. Which is fine, just not what I enjoy.
The ending came on a bit too quickly for me too, but that seems to, again, be a common theme for books with a definite sequel, so I somewhat understand that. It was a little underwhelming, to say the least, but overall, not a bad read. Just not an amazing one.
If you're a fan of late Tudor/early Stuart history and court intrigue, this book is definitely for you. If you're looking for an easy, slow-starting read, also the book for you. Not sure who I'd recommend this to, and if I'll continue the trilogy, but I'll wait to see what book #2 has in store.
ashndean88's review against another edition
3.0
Lovely writing, and I liked how the story was done during a time in history that I am not familiar with. Everything was also very accurate, which I appreciated. You can tell Borman is quite the historian and really knows her stuff! It made the book more believable.
However, the plot was quite predictable and I got bored often. The characters were dull and I found myself thinking "I don't really care" whenever Frances was faced with a dilemma. Also, concerning the title, I was a little disappointed there was not more focus on the court thinking she was a witch. It was there for the first half, then died off with only hints of it here and there, as though trying to maintain a tie to the title.
So the story was dull and all my stars solely go towards Borman for her research and writing style. I will not be reading the remaining books in the series.
However, the plot was quite predictable and I got bored often. The characters were dull and I found myself thinking "I don't really care" whenever Frances was faced with a dilemma. Also, concerning the title, I was a little disappointed there was not more focus on the court thinking she was a witch. It was there for the first half, then died off with only hints of it here and there, as though trying to maintain a tie to the title.
So the story was dull and all my stars solely go towards Borman for her research and writing style. I will not be reading the remaining books in the series.
misssarahg1's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a lover of the period anyway, I was thrilled to learn more about the Gunpowder Plot. Frances is a great main character with her own ideals and worries that she fights all the way through. I highly recommend.