📖 Book review ~ The King’s Witches by Kate Foster

Mantle
 June 2024

Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book

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 practices 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.

📖 My review..

It is well documented that King James VI of Scotland had a dangerous obsession for witchcraft which led, in part, to the persecution of witches throughout Scotland. Later when he became King James I of England this determination to be rid of witches continued. This fascinating story looks at the very beginnings of this obsession with the arrival of Princess Anne of Denmark who is betrothed to James and whose journey to Scotland from Stockholm was delayed due to a great storm which is attributed to the work of witchcraft. With emotions running high in Edinburgh a young housemaid called Jura, who has inherited her mother's skill at healing, becomes caught up in in this deadly hysteria and so we start to feel the full force of witchcraft mania and how it affected those women who had little chance of escaping it.

The King's Witches is an interesting look at Scottish court intrigue and the demands placed upon the young Danish Princess who arrived in a strange country already betrothed to a man she had never met and with the added stipulation that Anne was to be on a years trial to determine her suitability to be Queen of Scotland. James I's suitability to be her husband was, of course, never questioned but he doesn't come across well and history continues to judge him harshly for his persecution of innocent women. There is a definite emotional pull to the story which focuses on the fear and superstition of living through a volatile and dangerous time.

Imaginatively written, filled with an authentic historical feel, the story moves along well and I was soon caught up in the fear and politics of sixteenth century Scotland.

About the Author

Kate Foster has been a national newspaper journalist for over twenty years. Growing up in Edinburgh, she became fascinated by its history and often uses it as inspiration for her stories. The Maiden won the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect 2020 prize for new writers. She lives in Edinburgh with her two children.