Hardback: 326 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Scotland, Denmark
Publisher: Mantle, Pan Macmillan, 2024
Source: Tywyn Public Library
First Sentences: The witch Doritte Olsen is being burned at the stake today and they're making us watch.
Review Quote: Memorable and moving, The King’s Witches is a dramatically rich and absorbing tale LoveReading.co.uk
My Opinion:
After my enjoyment of Kate Foster's debut novel ' The Maiden' I was keen to read this one. Once again the author has created story based on historical events with real people in addition to fictional characters.
'The King's Witches revolves around the betrothal of King James VI of Scotland to Princess Anna of Denmark in 1589. When the ship carrying his future bride to Scotland was hit by a severe storm, it was blamed on witches. witchcraft is the catalyst for the story linking the protagonists. The most important o whom are Princess Anna, Kirsten Sorensen her loyal lady in waiting and Jura a young housemaid. The story is told in alternating chapters by them as King James becomes personally involved in the infamous North Berwick witch trials, even writing about them as he supports hunting witches and punishing them severely.
I knew very little of this period in history and as gruesome as it may be found it fascinating. Overall a compelling and extraordinary period tale that I recommend if you enjoy historical fiction based on fact.
The King’s Witches by Kate Foster is a gripping and beautiful historical novel, giving an unforgettable voice to the women at the heart of the real-life witch trials in sixteenth-century Scotland.
Women whisper secrets to each other; it is how we survive.
1589. Princess Anne of Denmark is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland – a royal union designed to forever unite the two countries. But first, she must pass the trial period: one year of marriage in which she must prove herself worthy of being Scotland's new Queen. If the King and the Scottish royal court in Edinburgh find her wanting, she faces permanent exile to a convent. Determined to fulfil her duties to King and country, Anne resolves to be the perfect royal bride. Until she meets Lord Henry.
By her side is Kirsten Sorenson, her loyal and pious lady's maid. But whilst tending to Anne's every need, she has her own secret motives for the royal marriage to be a success . . .
Meanwhile, in North Berwick, a young housemaid by the name of Jura is dreaming of a new life. She practises the healing charms taught to her by her mother, and when she realises she is no longer safe under her master’s roof, she escapes to Edinburgh. But it isn't long before she finds herself caught up in the witchcraft mania that has gripped not just the capital but the new queen . . .
Will Anne, Kirsten and Jura be able to save each other and, in doing so, save themselves?
Author Profile:
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:
Kate Foster - Amazon Profile. Goodreads Profile Kate Foster on Twitter