In the acclaimed historian’s debut novel, a lady-in-waiting in the court of King James is caught up in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
England, 1603. Nursing Queen Elizabeth through her last days, court healer Frances Gorges dreams of her parents’ country estate, where she first learned to use the medicinal secrets of flowers and herbs. Frances is happy to stay at home when King James of Scotland … when King James of Scotland succeeds to the throne of England. His court may be shockingly decadent, but his intolerant Puritanism sees witchcraft in many of the old customs—punishable by death.
When her ambitious uncle sends Frances back to the royal palace as a nanny to the princess, she is a ready target for the twisted scheming of the Privy Seal, Lord Cecil. As a dark campaign to destroy both King and Parliament gains momentum, Frances is surrounded by danger. She finding happiness only with the King’s precocious daughter, and with Tom Wintour, the one courtier she feels she can trust. But even he has secrets to hide…more
Tracy Borman’s debut historical novel has it all: conspiracy, betrayal, dark intrigues, bloody deeds, a poignant love story ― and the most famous plot in English history. In the debauched court of James I, nothing is as it seems, loyalties are torn, and danger is all around. At the centre of it all, Borman has created an engaging and courageous heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along to a shattering and shocking climax.
Exquisitely written, sumptuous in detail and thrillingly plotted, The King’s Witch takes you deep into the darkness of the early Jacobean Court and into the heart of the wonderful, unforgettable Lady Frances. The first of what promises to be a magnificent trilogy.
A debut historical sure to capture you from the first page and never let go. A beautifully written imagining of the bloody intrigues of the early Jacobean Court. You’ll root for the heroic Frances Gorges every step of the way. Highly recommended.
Sometimes one word descriptions just can’t describe a novel. I loved this book. I met Tracy last year whilst in England on a Tudor Tour so I especially enjoyed this great read.
In Tudor times (and later) people who healed with herbs were considered witches. This is a story of a healer (witch) during Henry VIII/ Queen Katherine of Aragon’s reign in the 1500s.
I loved Tracy’s research – rich fact based insights and her storytelling – were a great combo. I enjoyed every page and greatly look forward to book 2!!!!
The Kings Witch by Tracy Borman
This is an amazingly written historical novel that opens with the last moments of the beloved Queen Elizabeth, on her death bed, and the new reign of her evil and selfish successor, James l of Scotland.
The story is well researched and written with suspenseful plots, twists, and turns that keep you wondering who is on what side and who can truly be trusted.
Although, I know the historic events that happened, I was still unprepared for the emotional and gut wrenching ending that rocked me to the core! Prepare to have a box of tissues nearby.
The only thing that I felt could have made the book better would be to
shave off some of the book’s 448 pages. The first 2/3 of the story was long and a little confusing at times, with a lot of daydreaming and naming of so many characters and places, with little exciting happenings to keep the readers attention going.
I have added this author to my read list and look forward to reading more of her work.
Appealing, dark historical fiction. The Gorgees family served Queen Elizabeth of England until her death. The incoming King James of Scotland the had no love for the previous queen or those loyal to her; he ruled with fear and an iron fist! Struggled with the book beginning since it dragged. The pace picked up as did the story’s action. Liked seeing Frances mature. Had to reduce a half star due to high price of ebook.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review
If you love history this is a book for you. The King‘s Witch is Historical Fiction spanning the years from Queen Elizabeth I death through the Early years of King James I reign. The story revolves around the life of Lady Frances as a young woman in the court of King Jemes I. The reader is exposed to evil exhibited by political ambition and power struggles. Historical insights into diseases, treatments, Protestant Catholic struggles, plots, witch hunts, beliefs, torture and punishments. History is my favorite and I especially enjoyed learning more about this time period. I thank the author, the publisher Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review The King‘s Witch.
Don’t let the title of this book fool you, this book is not about witchcraft, is about intrigues, politics and conspirators. Masterfully portraits how the accusations of witchcraft were used against innocent women for social and political reasons, it also describes the torture’s and humiliations these women have to endure in the hands of the authorities in order to obtain the confessions. Many like witches in books because of the supernatural powers, but that is fantasy, this book is about how women healers were perceived and judged.
Read the book in one sitting and love it, it has all the elements I enjoy in a good historical fiction novel. Some might complain that doesn’t give you much historical background or detailed descriptions, but that’s what I love about the book, the book awakened my curiosity and my thirst for knowledge. If the book have given me all the information, it would have read like a history book instead of an historical fiction novel. I was especially intrigued about Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, how he gained power and how the Gunpowder Plot was discovered.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many Thanks to Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press, Tracy Borman and Netgalley for the opportunity.