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rebl's review against another edition
3.0
This novel has quite an interesting premise. I'm personally a big fan of historical fiction that examines well-known time periods or figures through the eyes of women, whether they are women who are also well-known, or those who represent people likely to have existed on the periphery of a situation.
The writing itself was very competent, but something about it failed to draw me in. At times, I found the narration too flowery ("purple prose', as it is often called). I quite enjoy literary fiction and lingering descriptions, but this book felt a little trapped in between popular history and literary fiction -- not quite mastering either form. There were plenty of opportunities for drama and conflict that seemed to have been overlooked. That said, it's a good novel and some passages are outstanding, with others less engaging due to their somewhat meandering nature.
I appreciated the spiritual and political themes through the exploration of so-called witchcraft. A huge amount of research would have been undertaken by the author and editors - something we absolutely should respect.
The writing itself was very competent, but something about it failed to draw me in. At times, I found the narration too flowery ("purple prose', as it is often called). I quite enjoy literary fiction and lingering descriptions, but this book felt a little trapped in between popular history and literary fiction -- not quite mastering either form. There were plenty of opportunities for drama and conflict that seemed to have been overlooked. That said, it's a good novel and some passages are outstanding, with others less engaging due to their somewhat meandering nature.
I appreciated the spiritual and political themes through the exploration of so-called witchcraft. A huge amount of research would have been undertaken by the author and editors - something we absolutely should respect.
louise_mc2's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
annieb123's review
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The King's Witch is the first book in a fictionalized historical trilogy set during the reign of King James. Historian Tracy Borman's familiarity and expertise with the period make it very authentic reading, but for readers who aren't very familiar with the background history and the time period, access to supplementary references might enhance the experience. I found myself confused about context at several points and had to go look up the secondary characters. The fictionalized parts of the story are skillfully interwoven with documented history and I was impressed at how plausible the author's interpretations were.
This first volume was released 13th July 2018 by Grove Atlantic. It's 448 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.
History is not normally my first genre choice. This one, however, was very well written and after a slow start, was paced and plotted well. The intrigues and power-jockeying at court were so clearly described that they were almost uncomfortable to read in several places.
Historical fiction lovers will really find a lot to like here. I will pick up the next novel in the series and I did enjoy this one, though I had to look up some of the back-history myself.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The King's Witch is the first book in a fictionalized historical trilogy set during the reign of King James. Historian Tracy Borman's familiarity and expertise with the period make it very authentic reading, but for readers who aren't very familiar with the background history and the time period, access to supplementary references might enhance the experience. I found myself confused about context at several points and had to go look up the secondary characters. The fictionalized parts of the story are skillfully interwoven with documented history and I was impressed at how plausible the author's interpretations were.
This first volume was released 13th July 2018 by Grove Atlantic. It's 448 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.
History is not normally my first genre choice. This one, however, was very well written and after a slow start, was paced and plotted well. The intrigues and power-jockeying at court were so clearly described that they were almost uncomfortable to read in several places.
Historical fiction lovers will really find a lot to like here. I will pick up the next novel in the series and I did enjoy this one, though I had to look up some of the back-history myself.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
laurenjpegler's review against another edition
5.0
I think this has quickly become a new favourite of mine. It combines my love for historical fiction, the monarchy and witchery all into one book. It has political intrigue, a strong female character who is a victim of the patriarchal court but manages to come out on top, the actual Gunpowder Plot (!), and beautiful imagery/writing style. Tracy Borman is magical as both a fiction writer and historian. I cannot wait to pick up the next book in the series - just a bummer I have to wait so long for the paperback to come out!
I definitely think the audiobook for this added to my overall reading experience. The narrator was so lively, emotional and clear.
I will have a full review of this up on my blog soon, so make sure to follow me @ www.bookishbyron.wordpress.com
Honestly, though, amazing. I couldn't recommend it enough. So. Good.
I definitely think the audiobook for this added to my overall reading experience. The narrator was so lively, emotional and clear.
I will have a full review of this up on my blog soon, so make sure to follow me @ www.bookishbyron.wordpress.com
Honestly, though, amazing. I couldn't recommend it enough. So. Good.
lreay89's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It is rich in historical detail and immerses the reader in the action. I particularly liked the fact that the main character is a real historical figure - albeit one that’s not very familiar so I could discover the 17th century through her eyes.
As the Tudor’s get so much attention often the very interesting period of the early Stuart reign gets forgotten. I’m glad that this book and the series are going some way to redress the balance.
For a first time novel written by a historian used to writing non-fiction I was very impressed and devoured the book in a few days. I’m looking forward to being able to read the rest of the series.
As the Tudor’s get so much attention often the very interesting period of the early Stuart reign gets forgotten. I’m glad that this book and the series are going some way to redress the balance.
For a first time novel written by a historian used to writing non-fiction I was very impressed and devoured the book in a few days. I’m looking forward to being able to read the rest of the series.
leilaghanbar's review
3.0
A very slow read. Making the base of the story takes too long and even though considering the date and time of the storyline, it is predictable which events are included in the story, it takes a very long time to get to the main point. However, the descriptions are nice and just enough not too much and not too little.
kittykornerlibrarian's review
3.0
This is certainly an intriguing story, and I kind of regret that I can't finish it. I managed to get through the scene with the hanging, but when the main character, Frances, undergoes torture to determine whether she is a witch or not, well, I just didn't see the story getting any brighter from there. Watching innocent women be subjected to dishonest trials, tortured, and killed as witches wasn't something that made me want to keep reading. I found the writing to be occasionally overwrought and cliched; including such sentences as "Her blood ran cold." The overall story was creepy and atmospheric, but I just couldn't keep going. Less squeamish people may enjoy it more.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
3.0
Lady Frances Gorges has been encouraged by her parents to learn the art of healing and she is present at the death of Queen Elizabeth. however when King James ascends to the throne Frances' skills could see her accused of witchcraft and so her family decides to keep her at their country house. Unfortunately her Uncle is in a position of power and sees Frances as a pawn in his ambitions so she is brought to court to serve young Princess Elizabeth. This brings her into contact with a young lawyer, Thomas, whom she falls for but also into conflict with Cecil who is keen to find witches and treason at every corner.
Tracy Borman is an excellent historian and a writer of engaging yet learned non-fiction so I eagerly picked up this novel. On the positive side I liked the setting around the early days of James' rule and the Gunpowder Plot, this is a period of history which has not often been fictionalised. Borman wears her learning lightly and therefore although the research is clear the writing does not over emphasise historical details unlike many. On the negative side I found the heroine a little insipid and certain plot twists (the witch pricking) somewhat gratuitous. It's a solid historical romance without being memorable.
Tracy Borman is an excellent historian and a writer of engaging yet learned non-fiction so I eagerly picked up this novel. On the positive side I liked the setting around the early days of James' rule and the Gunpowder Plot, this is a period of history which has not often been fictionalised. Borman wears her learning lightly and therefore although the research is clear the writing does not over emphasise historical details unlike many. On the negative side I found the heroine a little insipid and certain plot twists (the witch pricking) somewhat gratuitous. It's a solid historical romance without being memorable.
katewutz's review against another edition
2.0
Not a huge fan, sorry. The romance was the best part, but even that had some major flaws (namely, the characters themselves didn’t seem to be so much in love as “drawn” to each other). Princess Elizabet
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
A 2018 staff favorite recommended by Susie. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sking%27s%20witch%20borman__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold