Reviews

The King's Witches: A Bewitching Historical Novel from the Award-Winning Author of The Maiden by Kate Foster

shellc86's review against another edition

dark informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

trinny's review against another edition

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Princess Anna of Denmark is preparing for her handfasting to King James of Scotland and then her subsequent journey to Scotland. But before that she's taken to witness the burning of a suspected witch. Haunted by this, she has premonitions and the journey across the sea is perilous. Her lady in waiting Kirsten is acting secretive and has her own reasons for wanting to visit Scotland. And them we have Jura, a herbalist and cunning woman, like her mother, who works for the Kincaid family.  
This fabulous novel is based on the North Berwick Witch Trials in 1590's. We feel the suffering of the accused, and the betrayal of those in power. This is a great read for people who love historical fiction and witchery. My first book from the author but I will be looking out for more of her books

books_by_your_bedside's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

travelsalongmybookshelf's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

‘The Privy Council doesn’t want the Scots to know we have a problem with witches.’ 

 

1589. 

Princess Anna of Denmark is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland. She must prove herself worthy of the title of Queen in a year long handfasting trial or be banished into exile. 

Her loyal maid Kirsten, travels with her to  Scotland, she has motives of her own for the marriage to be a success. 

Jura, a young housemaid escapes her master for Edinburgh and gets caught up in witchcraft rumours gripping the country. 

 

I loved Kate’s first book The Maiden and so was highly anticipating reading this novel. It is based on the women of the real life witch trials in Scotland in the sixteenth century. King James was judge in the North Berwick witch trials and inspired his book Daemonologie, endorsing witch hunts and severe penalties. He was a man obsessed with witches. 

 

‘Witches are cunning and have hidden themselves in plain sight.’ 

 

I loved the perspectives of the three very different women in this book. Foster gives them clear voice, Anna, Kirsten and Jura together painting a vivid picture, so evocative of the time. There is so much detail in this story but it is the humanity that shines through. 

 

‘Women whisper secrets to each other; it is how we survive.’ 

 

I connected with Anna and Jura the most. Anna’s naivety and fear, her belief that she is cursed by a witch. Jura’s unwavering belief in the charme’s of her Ma, that most people relied on and now with the fear of witchery makes her hunted. 

 

‘We are bound together. Do you understand? This is not solely about you.’ 

 

I found this story utterly absorbing and compelling. I read in disbelief of the horror of what was done to women accused of witchcraft, it beggars belief. As the threads of the story and these 3 women’s lives come together, I could not put it down. Foster has woven a truly brilliant tale, remarkable, rooted in fact and one that will keep you gripped until the very end.

bookish_olga's review against another edition

dark informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 

★ ★ ★ ★.25 

Enter the tumultuous world of 16th-century Scotland and Denmark with Kate Foster's mesmerizing novel, "The King's Witches". Foster weaves a gripping tale around the real-life witch trials, offering a poignant voice to the women at the centre of these historical events. Princess Anne of Denmark finds herself thrust into a precarious marriage with King James VI of Scotland, facing scrutiny from the royal court in Edinburgh. Alongside her loyal lady's maid, Kirsten Sorenson, and a young healer named Jura, Anne navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue and witchcraft hysteria. 

Foster's exquisite characterizations breathe life into the narrative, as she deftly explores themes of power, resilience, and the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Princess Anne emerges as a complex and compelling figure, torn between her duty to her husband and her own desires for autonomy. Kirsten Sorenson, while loyal to her mistress, harbours secret motives that add layers of intrigue to the story. Meanwhile, Jura's journey from a humble housemaid to a target of witchcraft accusations showcases the harsh realities faced by women of all walks of life during this tumultuous period. 

From the haunting atmosphere of the witch trials to the richly drawn historical backdrop, "The King's Witches" is a captivating blend of history and fiction that will leave you spellbound. Foster skilfully captures the paranoia and hysteria of the era, immersing readers in a world where whispers of witchcraft can spell doom for even the most innocent. With its vivid imagery and gripping plot twists, this novel transports readers to a time and place where the line between superstition and reality blurs, offering a compelling exploration of the human condition and the enduring resilience of women throughout history. 

Expected Pub Date 6 Jun 2024 

Thank you to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

kays_bookcase's review against another edition

adventurous inspiring mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Awesome 

blondereadsfiction's review against another edition

4.5

Thank you for the advance copy Pan Macmillian, I'm ever so grateful to receive this book as a huge lover of historical fiction. 

The story is one of womens bravery in the 1590s when the hunt for witches were just starting in Scotland. Told in three POVs, 3 interconnected women are trying to survive. Based on true events of the North Berwick witch trials, this book gives a voice to the smart women persecuted for men's ignorance and fear of the power of women. 

"Women whisper secrets to each other; it is how we survive." 

I flew through this book, The chapters were short and the multiple POVs gave you a real insight into court life through Anna, a Denmark princess on trial to be the wife of King James and herself be declared Queen of Scots. Of her ladies maid Kristen, who has past ties to Scotland, as well as the life of maid Jura, a girl local to North Berwick convicted of witch craft and on trial. 

I've read a few books about the Scotland witch trials and this is definitely one of my favourites. 

The story flowed beautifully and the author wasn't afraid to write some of the true horrors these brave women faced. As well as the life of Anna, who whilst on trial (a Scottish tradition called Handfasting) fell in love with a Scottish courtier Henry. 
 This book is about duty, love and bravery. 

If you love historical fiction, this is well worth a pick up. 
 

cazxxx's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.25