The first book a new trilogy, The King’s Witch is a strong start to a promising trilogy.

Frances Gorges is a young herbalist of noble birth. Being a natural healer, she cares for the rapidly declining Queen Elizabeth I as she passes from this world.  While she returns home to her family’s country estate as King James ascends to the throne, she is back at court not long after when her uncle forces her hand.  King James has called for the prosecution of Catholics and Witches, and Frances’ healing talents could put her in a dangerous position at court. 

While a historical work of fiction, the author weaves the story into the very real Gunpowder Plot of 1605. True to the time period, the author brings the story and lives of King James and his court to vibrant life. I look forward to the next two books that will complete the trilogy.

I agree with this statement 100% - “Acclaimed as a brilliant historian, Tracy Borman proves with this thrilling debut novel that she is also a born storyteller.” 

Beautifully written as it is custom to the land of Shakespeare, the combination of language, the subject of natural healing using herbs and the passion of the heroine for the art of healing brings a spellbinding story rich in historical period.

Brief history: King James VI of Scotland, after the death of Elizabeth I, becomes also King James I of England and Ireland, becoming the first monarch to be called the King of Great Britain. This story begins with his reign of England in 1603 as the first monarch of the House of Stuart. He is talented, but his reign is marked with witch-hunting and prosecuting Catholics, and the latter leads to the Gunpowder Plot – conspiracy to assassinate him.

Frances Gorges, fictional character, of noble birth, at the English court helps to nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth. Her journey, as an herbalist tending to sick, begins with encouragement of Revered Samuels. “His skill at healing was renowned…” He teaches her about the herbs and its healing powers. Her eagerness to learn about herbs comes very naturally and takes her on an extraordinary journey, attending to sick already at the age of eleven.

With the passing of Queen Elizabeth and Reverend Samuels, new King James chooses a new priest, Reverend Pritchard. His first sermon already marks a change in attitude, hellfire preaching against the art of healing “to foster suspicion and fear among his flock.”

As King James “declares a war on witches,” chief minister, Robert Cecil, “drafts a new Act against witchcraft.”
After a year break from the court, Frances is forced by her uncle to return to the court. She prefers free spirited fields of flowers over congested city life and to be confided to specific quarters. However, what surprises her at the new court is the new Queen, Danish princess. Frances now feels curious to see her new sovereign to rule England. With the new royals, there is also a new encounter. His name is Tom Wintour. 

Meanwhile Lord Cecil is committed to the cause of witch-hunting by employing William Shakespeare to create a play reflecting current political situation.

Soon Frances also learns that the King is not only after witchcraft, but also after Catholics, prosecuting them and banishing Catholic priests from the kingdom.  

The love nuance is so heart-touching. This intriguing fictional heroine of strong character is pursued by a historical figure Tom – educated, smart, of strong character who stands up for what he believes in. This heart-warming love intertwined with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 ends Book I. And for those who know the fate of Tom Wintour, you can guess how this book ends.

I applaud authors who revive such historical figures as Thomas Wintour. Not a well-known name to most of us resurfaces in history in present time in this stunning story.

The author perfectly balances history with conveying messages. It is rich in historical details, but not to a point to overwhelm the reader. The author takes time to convey a message, but not for too long to lose a reader’s interest. This is one of those reads that I like to take my time to read it and immerse myself in the pages of history with characters full of depth.

Please may I have books 2 and 3 of this trilogy NOW?!  I LOVED it. After waiting 3 weeks to start reading The King’s Witch (due to watching the Olympics) I found myself carving out time in my days to steal 5 minutes here and there because I couldn’t say away from Frances’ story. Any book I start now will suffer from the book hangover I’m going to have after finishing The King’s Witch. I’m glad her story doesn't end here as there is so much of Frances’ story we need to know. This book has all one would expect when writing about royalty back in the day – intrigue, mystery, betrayal, witchcraft (or what passed for witchcraft at the time), death and love.

5 stars

Frances Gorges is a young woman of gentle birth who, along with her mother, attended Queen Elizabeth I at the time of her death in 1603. Tending to her with herbs and potions, she made the Queen’s passing a little easier. 

King James I (and VI of Scotland), is on his way to London to take over the reins of the country. Interestingly enough, he was the first to be called King of Great Britain. He is noted for his intolerance of those he calls “witches” (and Catholics). So too is the Privy Seal, Lord Cecil. And the new Reverend Pritchard at Frances’ local church first sermon is on the dangers of witchcraft in their very community. Not a very auspicious beginning to say the least. 

Frances’ healing talents were fostered by the now deceased Reverend Samuels, whose replacement is Pritchard. Frances has a natural ability and instinct for healing. But, it has now put her into danger from the new King and clergy. 

Following the death of the Queen, Frances is able to stay at the family’s country estate, away from the intrigue of the court. But after a year of this bliss, he “uncle” drags her to London and back to court. She is beset by fear and makes friends only rarely. She makes friends with the King’s daughter. She is both a lively and likeable child. 

Another person she meets is the real historical figure of Tom Wintour. Those familiar with that era of history will recognize his name as one of the co-conspirators in the infamous Gunpowder Plot. This was an attempt to assassinate King James I by a group of Catholics. Frances is unsure about Tom. As her affection for Tom grows, Frances is not sure if she should trust him altogether or not? 

This is a very well written and plotted novel. I’ve read a number of Ms. Borman’s other books, and I believe this is the first time she has turned her hand to an (almost) complete work of fiction. The novel reads linearly, that is to say in a straight line. One event follows another. The characters are likeable and completely believable. The addition of a mild love interest for Frances is a nice addition to the story. 

I want to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkably well written and enchanting book for me to read and enjoy.

An enthralling peek behind the curtain at the time of James of Scotland who succeeded Queen Elizabeth. We see not only James, but his entire family through the eyes of a member of the aristocracy close to the throne who discovers there are far more secrets being kept than she ever imagined. An engrossing read!

The 17th century was no time for a woman to advertise her ability to heal. Frances Gorges learned how to use herbs and other plants to help ease the pain and suffering of the ill, and she was called to the bedside of the dying Queen Elizabeth to care for the ailing monarch. As soon as possible, she fled back to the countryside, glad to be free of the intrigue of the royal court. But it’s not long before her uncle has dragged back to the palace, and this time Frances has much to fear. King James has taken over the throne, and he has a dim view of what he calls “witches”. With her talents as a healer, Frances knows she could easily fall into that category and potentially burned at the stake. When she arrives, the finds herself smack dab in the middle of t he plot to overthrow both the Monarchy and the Parliament. With only her own instincts to guide her, Frances must decide who she can trust. The person closest to her might just be a spy. Borman’s research is meticulous, readers will find themselves thrown back into one England’s most turbulent periods