Honestly I read and watch so much historical fiction that I just get so lost sometimes. I feel like I need a family tree map with book covers iver the monarchs to keep track.

That being said, this takes place sometime between Reign and the Crown.

Regardless, it was enjoyable even if you don't know the first thing about history.

interesting historical novel starting at the end of Elizabeth I reign and the start of Charles stuart as Charles I with moving around the court and friction between new monarchs and catholics and a witchcraft, the author manages to weave in the gunpowder plot too in this novel but only as a backdrop

This book started slow for me but eventually picked up the pace. An interesting historical fiction read with lots of political conspiracy, witchcraft accusations and the Gunpowder Plot as background, it kept me interested all the way to the end. It is part of a trilogy, but wraps up neatly.
Thank you to Tracy Borman, Grove Atlantic and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC and review it.

This was a piece of history that I didn't know much about and an era that I don't read much historical fiction about, but I'm now intrigued with Frances Gorges and look forward to learning more about her in the subsequent books in this trilogy.

tl;dr Review:

A good historical fiction tale. Nothing particularly special or unique about it, but not terrible either.

Full Review:

My overall feeling about The King's Witch: Frances Gorges historical trilogy, Book I by Tracy Borman was that it was fine. It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't one of my favorite historical fiction books either.

The fact that it's part of a trilogy does intrigue me because I wonder how much of this book was meant to lay the ground work for the rest of the books to come.

I was initially really excited to read it because the publisher's description really caught my attention.

Maybe I'm jaded because I read a ton of historical fiction, so I have a really high bar in terms of these types of stories. Or maybe I know too much about this particular time period in history and that also makes me expect more, but either way, I wasn't absolutely in love with this book.

I do love our protagonist and there's enough intrigue to make it not a complete waste of your time.

If you're looking for an easy historical fiction read that won't require too much brainpower or attention, then this will work great. If you're looking for a thriller or a book you just can't put down, I'd suggest you look elsewhere.

I give it 3 out of 5 thumbs up.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC.

I enjoy historical fiction that shines a new light, and a different perspective on a well known historical figure while also creating an engaging story around those who are lesser known.

Tracy Borman’s “The King’s Witch” is a surprisingly delightful read. That is not a backhanded compliment, but rather a statement of genuine surprise. The genre is not one typically enjoyed due to the mysticism, however, Borman’s handling of the subject was pleasant and intriguing rather than the expected too far gone witchcrafty story.

Frances is a thoroughly well-developed character, enjoyable to get to know and quite knowledgeable in herbs and their healing proposition. The use of herbal concoctions weaves easily into the story, giving the reader the feel of genuine presence in the period.

The prose of the story as well as the premise flows smoothly. The storyline is credible, pulling one in to react personally to the characters and circumstances. Overall, well written and worth the read.

The book helped me while away a very long commute, but it's not a story that will stick with me. James I and Robert Cecil are painted as cardboard villains without any redeeming features, and several of the plot twists I saw coming from chapters away. But given how much historical fiction centers on the Tudors, it was refreshing to read about the Stuarts for a change.

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.

I'm giving the King's Witch a 3.5/5 stars. I was thoroughly intrigued by the premise of this book. It just seemed like a book I would like. I did enjoy this book, though I do have a few issues with it. First, I do have to say that the history of this book is remarkable. It really draws you in. The plot is also considerably interesting after a certain point. But that is where I draw my issues. For a while, this book was kind of boring. Not much was happening, and the writing in this book was a little dry. While I am glad that I read this book, I just wish that the beginning was more interesting as to fit the rest of the book. Also, I feel like the reader is just dumped into this world without many explanations as to what is going on. It takes a while before you can really understand things.

Exciting and fearful times!

The cut and thrust of politics and religion during Tudor times and on into the early 1600's reign of King James of Scotland, leaves the gap between trust and mistrust frighteningly narrow. The removal of women healers as witches from villages and elsewhere during this time was harrowing. Purges throughout history in the name of religion, powered by fanatics have dogged humanity. The King's Witch touches on the dichotomy between James 1's personal life and his actions towards the general populace, spurred on by his fears of witchcraft and papists. A well researched, historical novel that pulls the reader instantly into the action.
The story of Lady Frances Gorges, daughter to the Marchioness of Northampton and Sir Thomas Gorges, a talented healer taken by her outrageous dukely uncle to the new court of James I, after Elizabeth 1's death is harrowing. It thrusts the reader immediately into the dangers of that world. James issues proclamations against healers, spurred on by the insidious Privy Seal, Lord Cecil.
With Frances, I cringed with fear as she tried to negotiate the rocky ,dangerous shores of a decadent court. Papists who'd once reached accommodation with Elizabeth were back to the days of Queen Mary. James' fear of witchcraft and Catholicism cuts a swathe through his subjects.
Frances becomes fearful for her life and the lives of her loved ones as plots are hatched. And then there's the young courtier who befriended her, Tom Wintour. A man she comes to admire. A man who has his own beliefs and follows them.
Borman's descriptive prose drew me into the dangers of the time, and into the grist of Frances' life, as dangerous subterfuges make her safety even more uncertain.

A NetGalley ARC

I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel about Frances Gorges and her life at court during King James’ reign. I knew very little about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, before reading this book. I have since done some research on Guido Fawkes, Cecil, the Gorges family, and the Wintour brothers. It seems there is much truth in Cecil’s ruthless ways and I did know that King James was somewhat of a witch hunter. I loved reading about all of Frances’ herbal remedies and her love for Longford Castle.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! Loved it!

The King's Witch is the first in a historical fiction series featuring Frances Gorges, a young woman with a gift for healing through herbs and plants, who would rather spend her days watching her parents' country estate than being present the court of King James where her gifts make her a target for accusations of being a witch. We actually start the story with Frances helping Queen Elizabeth be as comfortable as possible during her final days. By the end of the book, she finds herself recovering from the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot. In between, she finds herself a target of Lord Cecil's scheming and her uncle's never ending quest for power, falls in love, is accused of witchcraft, and gets very close to King James' daughter, Elizabeth. This was a pretty complex historical fiction novel. At times, I found the writing to be somewhat drawn out. Good attention to historical facts, people, and places. I felt like I learned a bit about this time period in history just by reading this book, which, for me, is one of the primary reasons why I enjoy reading this genre. I would definitely be interested in reading more about this character. Recommend that those who enjoy a good, complex historical fiction story featuring a strong heroine pick this one up.

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.

Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil that was the reign of King James I in the early 1600s, Borman has created a novel that is full of intrigue, yet manages to make it very human.

Frances makes a strong heroine that you cannot help but root for amidst historic figures. You can feel Frances’ frustration as her fate is always decided upon by others and yet she knows her duty and I found myself admiring her for her loyalty to those she holds dear.

Because this is a story created within the confounds of historical events, you already have a sense what will happen with certain storylines and the ending was predictable, but Borman managed to keep it fresh and interesting and I did not really mind.

Overall, this was a great read and I am looking forward to future books in the trilogy.

Highly recommended if you like historical fiction set during this time period. You will not be disappointed.

Tracy Borman, famously known for her historical acumen, has now moved into the fictional arena where she presents the story of Lady Frances Gorges, daughter of a marchioness, and an accomplished healer and herbalist. The novel charts her rises and falls at the end of the life of Elizabeth I and through the early reign of James I, particularly during the zealous hunting of witches and papists in England, exploring her experiences during this time and the results thereafter. Whilst she takes her role as attendant to James I's eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, she is constantly under the suspicious gaze of several members of the court, in particular that of Robert Cecil, the Privy Seal, someone intent on putting himself in James I's good books by routing out witches and papists alike, and glorying in their public pain and demise. With this in mind, Frances must continuously watch her step and avoid any suspicion, but her caring nature cannot stop her wanting to use her talents to relieve pain and suffering through her herbs, despite the danger this puts her in. Alongside this, Frances has come to the attention of a man whose charms she will struggle to resist, whilst her scheming uncle, the Earl of Northampton, himself keen to curry favour with his new monarch, is desperate to get Frances married off to someone who will further his plans for advancement. Amidst all this, Frances must keep her cool and have her wits about her always in a world of constant treasonous plotting and danger, most notably the period of the infamous Gunpowder Plot.
Effectively written in an engaging style, with detailed descriptions and undeniably impressive historical details and language, the reader will be captivated to the very end, turning pages rapidly to discover the fate of these appealing characters. As this is the first in a trilogy, it will ensure the reader will be eagerly anticipating the next book in the series to discover more of what befalls them.

Tracy Borman is already an accomplished historian. The challenge with her first novel was to prove that she can also be a good writer of fiction. In my opinion, she did a wonderful job on that account.
Frances Gorces is a young noble women living in 1603 England. She is allowed by her loving parents to grow as an independent woman and to cultivate her skills as a healer. She was taught the wonders of herbs by the pastor of her hometown, Longford and she used her talents to help the ones that were in need.
Her family was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and she aided the old Queen to die peacefully. However, when the new king, James I (VI), comes to the throne he does not share the same warm feelings for the Gorges family and does not appreciate Frances skills. You see, the kind was obsessed with religion and witch hunting. Back in those days, a woman healer could easily be considered a witch under the right circumstances. In order to be safe, Frances retreats from the court to her family’s castle but she is forced to come back by her uncle who secures her a spot as the 8 years old princess’ wet-nurse. From the moment she steps into the court she is closely supervised by The Lord Privy Seal, a terrible man, who wants to use her in order to secure his position with the king.
Life at court is not pleasant. The king, contrary to his religious fervor, prefers hunting and young boys to the court responsibilities and the company of his Royal family. He hates the Catholics and does not do anything to protect the. He is obsessed with treason and thinks there are plots at every corner. And he is right. The novel is woven around the Gunpowder plot made by closet Catholics aiming to kill the Protestant king and crown his daughter as Queen and secure her support for their religion. Among all the court intrigues and plotting there is also a beautiful love story between Frances and one of the traitors, Thomas Wintour.
I enjoyed this novel quite a bit. I did not know much about the time period or the Gunpowder plot and it gave me the perfect opportunity to learn more. I could see that the author knows history well but she did not exaggerate with the details in the detriment of the plot. I believe the two were very well balanced and the pacing was appropriate. Obviously, as it is written around real events the suspense is not as exciting as a purely fictional account. As I checked the details of the plot on Wikipedia I already knew how everything was going to unravel so there wasn’t a lot of tension in the end. I recommend the reader to check the facts after they finish the story to better enjoy the 2nd part of the novel. The love story was tender and not overwhelming, a nice addition to the plot.
All in all, an enjoyable and informative historical fiction from an author I want to read more of her books.

Really entertaining historical fiction set during the reign of King James I. England in the early 17th century was a complicated and confusing place, filled with plots and religious division. Frances, the wonderful protagonist, navigates this world cautiously, especially because she's an herbalist. She's at court but she's really got to be careful. There's romance with Tom, there's political intrigue at court, there's a human element in her relationships with some others. Borman was able to untangle, at least for me, some of the more complex things that went on during this period and she did so in a readable interesting way. You might learn something (I did) and you'll meet a good character in Frances.

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.

‘Ah, but such great ladies have always found ways to trick their husbands into believing that they are compliant, when all the while it is they who wield all the power.’


Set in 1603 England, in the time of restoration after the death of Queen Elizabeth and the beginning of the rule of King James, a cruel, fear-ridden and impetuous man. In this time the court, under the direction of King James, saw Catholics as the enemy and witches as a very real and terrible danger. Here we meet Frances Gorges, a young lady for whom this time presents great peril, seeing as she has all the traits of a witch; unmarried, outspoken and a great aptitude in healing. Frances can only hope to stay far from court in the safe confines of her family's estate where she can spend her time gathering plants in the adjacent forest and help the lives of the villagers. Unfortunately for Frances she has no say when she is unwillingly whisked away by her distantly-related Uncle, the scheming and uncaring head of family who sees in Frances his own advancement at court, leaving Frances in the exact position she was trying to avoid.

This novel was written by a historian and you can tell, for better and for worse. The history surrounding this book was by far my favorite part. Reading about this tumultuous time was both suspenseful and fascinating. This historically accurate novel was also able to paint a painful portrait of women in court at the time which created a real sense of claustrophobia and lack of agency that isn't always associated with those of high social standing. I liked reading about Frances as a vehicle for describing women of this era. I also quite enjoyed the romance-aspect of the book, despite not lingering on it overly-long, I thought it was charming and looked forward to the parts where it was included.

The writing itself isn't particularly descriptive which occasionally left me feeling like the physical setting was foggy, not quite being able to make out the details. I think this lack of description also came in to play with character building. Despite really enjoying Frances as an example for women of her time I didn't really feel a connection with her. Perhaps this is just the other side of the same coin. As someone who loves atmospheric novels I felt that this one could have used a wee bit more description to fully illustrate the setting. I think Tracy Borman did a great job drawing me into the history and was able to keep my attention the whole time so I do plan on continuing with the series when the next book comes out.