Book: The King’s Messenger
By Susanna Kearsley
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Length: 343 PP
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
Overall Blog Rating: 5 Stars

1613

This is another epic story by one of my most favorite authors. She writes fluently in this historical fiction masterpiece MM . In this novel it centers around Andrew Logan who is the messenger of King James who has confidential orders to arrest Sir David Moray. He was a dear friend and confidant of King Henry. They want him to trick an innocent man Moray and frame him for Prince Henry’s murder! Andrew will not do this but has to be careful so it doesn’t cost both of their lives! Andrew has the second sight that must be kept secret at all cost. As if this information fit into the wrong hands it could cost Andrew his life.

Phoebe Westaway the scivener’s daughter has despised the Kings messenger Andrew Logan due to their messy past. Now she is far from trusting him, unfortunately as she is drawn deeper into this expedition and realizing she needs his unusual gifts. However this might cost both their lives. I don’t want to spoil any plotlines but definitely run and get this extraordinary book!

A fast moving story filled with court intrigue, spies, politics, secrets, blackmail and murder. Again Susanna Kearsley pens another mystery, filled with suspense in this incredible riveting book. Readers will love this awe-inspiring action packed, fast paced novel that I could not put down. Her research is phenomenal including true facts in this historical fiction book. I absolutely loved The King’s Messenger so much and highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Netgalley and Susanna Kearsley for this arc. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog and promote on social media. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

Susanna Kearsley is the best kind of historical fiction writer, blending well-developed, well-rounded characters with seamless and fluid integration of meticulous research. And she weaves them together with prose that draws you into the narrative. Brava.
The King's Messenger is set in 17th-century England and Scotland. Titular character Andrew Logan is a messenger for King James. Logan has been tasked with the capture and escort of Sir David Moray, friend and advisor to the late Prince Henry. Logan, by the way, has the power of Second Sight, which he has to keep on the DL to stay alive. In the messenger's company are a scrivener and the scrivener's daughter, who has never been a fan of Logan. Road trips change things, though, don't they?

[Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an opportunity to read and share my opinion of this book.]

Susanna Kearsley is back doing what she does best—serving up rich historical fiction with a side of slow-burn romance and just a sprinkle of second sight. The King’s Messenger is set in 1613, after the death of Prince Henry, heir to King James I. Rumors swirl the prince was poisoned, and Andrew Logan, one of the King’s Messengers (who’s hiding his own mystical secret), is sent north to arrest Sir David Moray, a close friend of the late prince.

Phoebe Westaway is dragged into the mission to assist her aging father, who’s acting as the trip’s scribe. She’s not a fan of Andrew—at all—but over the course of the dangerous journey from Scotland to London, her frosty attitude thaws.

Kearsley’s research shines. The settings feel lived-in, the language fits the time, and the court intrigue keeps things moving. The multiple POVs—especially Queen Anna’s—add dimension, though at times they slow the pacing. The romance is subtle but satisfying, and the hint of the supernatural gives it an extra spark.

It’s not quite a page-turner, but fans of well-written historical fiction will enjoy the ride. Four stars. Solid stuff.

** Thank you to Sourcebooks, Recorded Books, and author Susanna Kearsley for the advanced copies of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.

3 stars, a good, solid read. Great period detail, interesting characters, mostly suspenseful plot. Some holes in said plot, and some predictability, but overall, very much enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to a variety of readers. Looking forward to the next Kearsley book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

I love historical fantasy, and I fully expected to love this book. And while there's nothing specifically wrong with it, for some reason I just can't get into the story. I've tried a couple of times, but I find my mind wandering. The characters aren't holding my attention. Maybe it's my mood. For now, I'm setting this one aside as a DNF.

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley!

I don’t usually read books set so far in the past. I really liked Andrew’s character. Having the Sight made him a very likable character. He was determined to protect Sir David Murray event hough the King wanted him punished for something he didn’t do.

I enjoyed the dual narration for the audiobook. Beth and Angus do a great job portraying Phoebe, Anna, Andrew and Sir David. The multiple POVs really gave you a full view of the story.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and RB Media for my copies of this book.

Susanna Kearsley is an excellent historic fiction writer, and someone new to her work this will be well loved. I’ve read many of her novels, and felt it was well done but was ready for her to take us in a new direction entirely. Too similar to her other work, and I was hoping for something different.

Forgive me, but I've just returned from a journey in 1613 Britain, from London to Edinburgh and back again. It was long and arduous, and also dangerous. At least this is how I feel after reading another of Susanna Kearsley's riveting historical novels, which are always faultlessly researched and abundant with details that make you feel as if you're walking in the character's shoes.

This book pivots off the death of Prince Henry, of whose story I was unaware. King James and Queen Anna's son, Henry, dies suddenly at 18 and some suspect he was poisoned. The King's messenger, Andrew Logan, is sent from London to Edinburgh to fetch Sir David Moray, who was the Prince's long-time companion prior to his death. Queen Anna has faith in Sir David, but the King is suspicious. Traveling with the Messenger is Laurence Westaway, who will scribe all the words said by Sir David. Accompanying Westaway is his daughter Phoebe, who is concerned with her father's ill health, and puts aside her distaste for Logan in order to look after her father properly. There is also a young lad accompanying them to help with the horses.

As the small group travels, everyone's character can be measured in such close quarters. The band dispatched to bring the prisoner back to the king begin to doubt Sir David's guilt.

I love books that take me back to the past, and especially the dramatic English history filled with Royal Intrigue. I also like learning a bit of history in a story-style manner. This was a little bite of history with which I was totally unfamiliar. The author took facts from the time and spun this tale. She became intrigued with the idea when she happened upon a book about the history of the King's messengers, who actually wielded quite a lot of power. Be sure and read the author's notes at the end, which give more insight into the historical characters in this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the romance that unfolded, the lesson in true character by which we judge our fellow man, and the historical setting. I have not read a Susanna Kearsley novel that I haven't enjoyed and also come away a little smarter!

Thank you to NetGalley, Susanna Kearsley, and Sourcebook Landmark for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This title just didn't work for me. I was hoping for more espionage and less romance, but what I got was more romance and less espionage. I expect romance fans will quite enjoy it. Kearsley has an excellent reputation for historical accuracy. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

I am a huge fan of Susanna Kearsley and this book did not disappoint. Lovely characters and slow but satisfying plot that keeps your attention to the end and leaves you wanting more.

Lots of fun - similar in style and feeling to other Kearsley books. Not her best but still worth the read. I purchased it.

This was a good story, but the pacing was off. Nothing much happened throughout most of it, and then a lot was happening too fast through the last 20%. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but I didn't have any strong feelings about it.

King James has sent a trusted messenger to Scotland to arrest the close friend of his dead son, Henry, Andrew Logan, the chosen messenger begins to have reason to believe that Logan that Sir David Moray, the friend he is to arrest, will be executed under false pretenses when he gets back, but because Logan has a strong sense of duty, he is determined to fulfill his mission. There is lots of action, and some romance. I am not certain who is the audience for this book, because the writing is suitable for a YA crowd, but the court intrigue leans more toward an older reader. The afterward, while certainly informative for and adult would be of absolutely no interest to my high school readers. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review.

Andrew Logan, a king's messenger, has been tasked with traveling to Scotland to escort a high-ranking courtier under suspicion of murder back to England. Traveling along with him are an elderly scribe and the scribe's daughter, Phoebe, with whom Andrew has long had a icy, antagonistic relationship. Having nabbed their quarry as expected, their return journey becomes one of evasion when they realize they are being followed and, moreover, the party members begin to doubt the ethics of their task as they learn more about their bound captive.

I've long enjoyed Kearsley's writing, and this was an enjoyable read, though doesn't hold a candle to my favorites, The Winter Sea and The Rose Garden. While there is some suspense and necessary conflict, overall the drama remains somewhat low-stakes. Kearsley excels at atmospheric dialog and description, and this book is no exception. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.

I received this ARC via NetGalley.

Atmospheric, intricately detailed, and emotionally rich, The King’s Messenger delivers everything I love about historical fiction. Susanna Kearsley transports readers to the world of 1613 Britain with characters who feel real and stakes that kept me turning pages. The pacing is strong, the political intrigue smart, and the hint of the supernatural is used with just the right touch. A compelling story perfect for fans of character driven historical fiction.

Such another beautifully crafted gem from Susanna Kearsley and well worth the wait! I savored every page of this tender, atmospheric story that weaves rich historical detail with emotional depth. Though the pace is gentle, the story is anything but dull. It pulled me in completely, especially with those brief but powerful glimpses into the past that gave so much weight to the characters’ present choices. Kearsley’s ability to peel back layers of time and character with such subtlety never fails to amaze me.

The slow burn romance between Andrew and Phoebe was so achingly soft, full of tension, and grounded in such deep respect. I loved watching their misunderstandings slowly unravel as they came to truly see one another. Andrew is the kind of quiet hero who steals your heart with his steadiness and humility, and Hector’s devotion to him only made me love him more. Phoebe is such a beautifully honest character. Her willingness to own her mistakes made her feel so real and relatable. This story was a balm to my soul, and I already want to reread it just to spend more time with these characters.

Content: closed door

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

I have read almost all of Susanna Kearsley’s books, and The King’s Messenger is outstanding.

Normally my favorite character in any book would be the main female character. However, in this book, hands down my favorite is Andrew Logan, The King’s Messenger. He is so likeable: humble, loyal, wonderful with kids, strong and brave. Second favorite is his accidental apprentice: Hector. Hector is an orphan and idolizes Andrew. He is brave and funny and adds a lot to the book. Third is David, whom Andrew is supposed to accompany to London and is gentle and well-learned. Finally Phoebe, who is the female main character. I think it’s because Phoebe is not very likeable in the beginning. She does redeem herself, but I didn’t relate to her as well as I would have liked.

The adventure, intrigue and real history in this book make it a 5-star book for me.

I really enjoyed this historical fiction story. The focus on the King's Messenger position offered a different perspective on the court maneuverings of King James I in the early 17th century. I found the character of Andrew Logan fascinating to follow. Phoebe took a little while to connect with, but her relationship with her father and other side characters gave her more depth throughout the story. I found the plot surprisingly engaging; it is a fairly straightforward journey story, however Susanna Kearsley kept things suspenseful and interesting. I also found the romance to be very endearing and sweet to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing an eARC in return for my honest thoughts.

Firstly, how beautiful is this cover? 😍 It's what initially drew me to the book.

Secondly, I have never read anything by this author before, so I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The author's writing style is so exquisite, at times I felt like I was with the characters in the story! That's how engaged I was with the story and how connected I felt with the characters.

Finally, this story had the perfect amount of romance. It did not overwhelm the plot but also didn't leave me wanting more. It was just the right amount of enemies to lovers this historical fiction needed.

Wow, I enjoyed this book soo much more than I thought I would!! I’m not a big historical fiction reader, more romantasy and without giving the book a fair chance, I read the first 28 pages and put it aside for almost 2 weeks, started again from the beginning and read it all within a few days! I didn’t know a to put it down! I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved how it touched my heart. Very well written, with excellent details and descriptions to help visualize every moment! I’m more than happy to have finished this book! I definitely want to add to his book my collection at home!