Reviews

The Devil's Slave by Tracy Borman

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angelofthetardis's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Having narrowly escaped death via the noose for witchcraft, and watching the Powder Treason plotters go to their deaths, Frances Gorges carries a secret back to her family estate at Longford. With her brother enjoying playing 'Lord of the Manor' just a bit too much, it's not long before she has to find a way out of there too. Fortunately, and old 'friend' comes to her rescue. But you can only stay away from the King's Court for so long, and after a too brief respite she finds herself back in the midst of plots, Princes and peril.

I found this one a lot slower in pace than 'The King's Witch', I think because where the first book had a clear end crescendo in 5 November 1605, it was less clear where this was going to end up. I was able to figure it out, but the event in question, while it did change the course of history to an extent, is very much a whimper compared with the bang (pun intended) of the Gunpowder Plot. The story does build up, but it doesn't convey the same thrill as the first. At the same time however, the chronology skips past very quickly without detracting from the story. You know everything you need to, and the gaps in time don't really register.

There are definitely less likeable characters in this one, which also made it a harder read. Apart from Frances, her husband and her son (who is so cute!), even the returning characters has less overall appeal and we're all just a bit 'off'. Robert Cecil recedes into the background (though is still present), so his glorious awfulness is stunted, and he is effectively replaced by Frances' brother Edward and Prince Henry, neither of which seem to have any redeeming qualities whatsoever! They are both slimy, horrible creatures, and yet I didn't get the same sense of awe as I did from Cecil in book 1.

I'm sure the plot itself does refect events that occurred to an extent, but in this case I found Frances' repeatedly being strong armed into plots against the Royal Family to be a bit less believable. The initial draw in absolutely makes sense in the context of both history and the story, but the subsequent strings being pulled feel a bit too much for one woman to be that entrenched in. Although, I do think it's a shame that the author didn't follow through on that lovely little parallel she draws at the pivotal moment; that would have been a great bit of writing to tie a few things together.

I liked the development of Frances and Thomas' relationship. Yes, it's very trope-y and a bit cheesy, but it doesn't feel too out of place. You do root for them as a couple once things get going, especially because of the adorable father/son relationship between Thomas and George, and yet it's not an obvious state of affairs - I think the relationship could have stayed as it was at the outset of the book and the story would have continued just fine.

I will order the last in the trilogy from my library to finish off the series. It is a good read, but this one just didn't quite hit the spot for me.

Content Warnings

bec_wheels's review against another edition

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4.0

A really good read, it permanently keeps you hooked with all the plot twists. I really enjoyed the strong female protagonist.

louise_mc2's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

laurenjpegler's review against another edition

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5.0

ate that up in 2 days ! one of my favourite series, borman is a wonderful storyteller

jmatkinson1's review against another edition

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4.0

With her lover dead Frances Gorges is pregnant reliant on her family for protection. She has escaped the taint of witchcraft and her part in the Power Treason is not public. Despite the scandal Frances marries Thomas Tyringham and gives birth to her son George but she is called back to court to serve the Princess Elizabeth and finds herself blackmailed into working for the Catholic opposition. Threatened by those around her, even her own family, Frances is forced to make a decision that may damn her forever.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and enjoyed this one even more so. Borman is an accomplished historian and her brings the intrigues and paranoia of the early Jacobean court to life. The plot is complex and full of politics but the setting, time and place, is brilliantly detailed. I look forward to the conclusion of the story!