The King's Witch by Tracy Borman

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.” 

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 a reader. The author takes time to convey a message, but not for too long to lose reader’s interest. This is one of those books that I like to take my time to read it and immerse myself in the pages of history with characters full of depth.


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.

To be released: 7/3/18

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