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cassie_ellie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Torture
Moderate: Miscarriage
judesbookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
opalamber's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
stephyyy040's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this novel, but I admit it didn't scratch my Tudor/Stuart England itch the same way the queen Philippa Gregory does for me.
The story clearly pulled lots of facts from the author's past as a historian, but never felt too preachy or education-ey. I was loosely familiar with the Gunpowder Plot before reading this novel, but it was cool to learn a bit more, for sure.
With the title of the book, I expected there to be a whole lot more of Frances either actually acting as a witch (aka, using herbs), or being perscuted as one, but the "witch" plot essentially resolved itself by the middle of the book.
I didn't realize until logging in GR that this is party of a trilogy... while I usually seem uncapable of stopping mid-series, no matter what I think of the first book, I'm not sure I'm quiiiiiite compelled enough to keep going here. Not immediately, at least. I may circle back when I'm looking for my next historical fiction read.
The story clearly pulled lots of facts from the author's past as a historian, but never felt too preachy or education-ey. I was loosely familiar with the Gunpowder Plot before reading this novel, but it was cool to learn a bit more, for sure.
With the title of the book, I expected there to be a whole lot more of Frances either actually acting as a witch (aka, using herbs), or being perscuted as one, but the "witch" plot essentially resolved itself by the middle of the book.
I didn't realize until logging in GR that this is party of a trilogy... while I usually seem uncapable of stopping mid-series, no matter what I think of the first book, I'm not sure I'm quiiiiiite compelled enough to keep going here. Not immediately, at least. I may circle back when I'm looking for my next historical fiction read.
findingthefantasticstory's review
4.0
I thought this was just about the witch trials but it ended up being so much more. I loved the characters and the twisting plot.
ml03's review against another edition
2.0
Frankly, this book is a good one for those seeking basic reading or like historical tales. It is not a terrible book, but not the kind that made me absolutely crazy for it.
The good thing about this book is that it has a real historical setting and real people in it. It does well in placing characters in locations that are not made up. The topic of witchcraft and the witch trials is very interesting and the book does show how ridiculous small details and accusations could've gotten you hanged/burned/tortured back in the day.
However, the book's characters are very plain or have personalities equal to vanilla ice cream. Most of the time I wished to bang this piece of literature against those said characters for the choices they made. I admit though, it's rare that any book gets me this emotional or exasperated. Still, nothing surprising happened in the story. It could be better if there had been character or relationship development at a deeper level.
The good thing about this book is that it has a real historical setting and real people in it. It does well in placing characters in locations that are not made up. The topic of witchcraft and the witch trials is very interesting and the book does show how ridiculous small details and accusations could've gotten you hanged/burned/tortured back in the day.
However, the book's characters are very plain or have personalities equal to vanilla ice cream. Most of the time I wished to bang this piece of literature against those said characters for the choices they made. I admit though, it's rare that any book gets me this emotional or exasperated. Still, nothing surprising happened in the story. It could be better if there had been character or relationship development at a deeper level.
essysdean's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
francesca_mirime's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bleadenreads's review against another edition
4.0
Plot: Elizabeth the 1st has just died and the royal court quickly scrambles to make ready for their new king, James Stuart who brings hypocrisy and superstition to the royal court. Frances, a talented young healer is dragged unwillingly back to court as part of her uncle's ambitions and quickly finds herself under scrutiny...
Review: I've been wanting to read this book for ages due to @thelibrarybat high praise! This was a wonderfully engaging work of historical fiction that ended my reading slump.
I love historical fiction set in the 17th C, but I've never read anything set during the reign of James the 1st. I thought Borman's depiction of the king to be v historically accurate and brilliantly brutal. His fickle nature and obsession with witches lent itself really nicely to the plotting and ambitions of the royal court, as it created an overall tension to the novel as no one felt safe. People are driven to extreme action in desperation for power and the characters can trust no one, but Frances is still drawn to Tom Wintour (what a charming man, well done Borman).
This is book one of a trilogy that I will definitely be reading more of, as I love the time period and any depictions of medical history/natural remedies. Frances was fierce, intelligent but also dangerously naive at times. I look forward to see how she learns from her experiences in the next two novels.
SPOILER
I thought it was really clever how Borman slowly drew you into a plot without you realising that it was *the plot*. When the pieces all came together I couldn't tear myself away from this book even though I knew how the plot ended, the main characters were fictional so their fate was unclear.
Review: I've been wanting to read this book for ages due to @thelibrarybat high praise! This was a wonderfully engaging work of historical fiction that ended my reading slump.
I love historical fiction set in the 17th C, but I've never read anything set during the reign of James the 1st. I thought Borman's depiction of the king to be v historically accurate and brilliantly brutal. His fickle nature and obsession with witches lent itself really nicely to the plotting and ambitions of the royal court, as it created an overall tension to the novel as no one felt safe. People are driven to extreme action in desperation for power and the characters can trust no one, but Frances is still drawn to Tom Wintour (what a charming man, well done Borman).
This is book one of a trilogy that I will definitely be reading more of, as I love the time period and any depictions of medical history/natural remedies. Frances was fierce, intelligent but also dangerously naive at times. I look forward to see how she learns from her experiences in the next two novels.
SPOILER
I thought it was really clever how Borman slowly drew you into a plot without you realising that it was *the plot*. When the pieces all came together I couldn't tear myself away from this book even though I knew how the plot ended, the main characters were fictional so their fate was unclear.
herbalmoon's review against another edition
1.0
Spoiler
"Marry who I want or I'll rape you.""Stop practicing herbalism or I'll kill you."
Such a cheerful book! (•eye roll•)
=15 April 2021=
I don't know why I'm reading this again. Probably because I wanted another herbalist-type novel after reading [b:The Lost Apothecary|53288434|The Lost Apothecary|Sarah Penner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1593013000l/53288434._SY75_.jpg|74516135]. Already found a speedbump a few chapters in.
2 May 1603, the author introduces the Earl of Northampton.
Except the king didn't make him a peer until 13 March of the following year.
And then she says that Henry Howard thinks he can boss around Helena because he's a distant cousin of Catherine Parr through the Howards.
So wait, let me get this straight: an earl thinks he can overpower a dowager marchioness because he's the eighth cousin once removed of her late husband? Despite the fact that he's a lower rank?
And then, Henry has the fucking audacity to ignore Thomas (pausing just long enough upon entry to sniff, "Gorges!"), but—THIS JUST IN—Lord Northampton is actually of Thomas's blood! They're second cousins once removed through the infamous Duke of Norfolk!