The King's Witches by Kate Foster

I've read my fair share of witchlit and October seems a perfect month to explore this area. Some books use an historical event upon which to base their story and the Kings Witches by Kate Foster takes that approach. 

Here's the description of the book:

The King’s Witches by Kate Foster is a compelling and beautiful historical novel that gives voices to the women at the heart of the real-life witch trials in sixteenth-century Scotland.

Edinburgh, 1589. Princess Anna of Denmark is to wed King James VI of Scotland. First, she must pass the trial period: one year of marriage to prove herself worthy. Under the watchful eye of her loyal lady-in-waiting, Kirsten, Anna resolves to be the perfect royal bride. Until she meets Lord Henry. . .

Meanwhile, young housemaid Jura has recently fled to the capital, seeking protection and anonymity. But her newfound safety is soon threatened when she is caught up in the witchcraft mania that has gripped the country - and the new queen.

'A masterpiece of historical fiction – I literally didn't look up from the first page to the last' – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal

'Enthralling, compelling and at times chilling . . . An utterly timely tale' – D. V. Bishop, prize-winning author of A Divine Fury

'A beautifully written tale of love and duty, fear and courage' – Jenny Ashcroft, bestselling author of The Echoes of Love

My Thoughts

This grips you right from the very start with the emotional scene of the main characters forced to watch the burning of a witch, followed by a cursed sea voyage for Princess Anna of Denmark on her journey to wed King James in Scotland. What follows is a cleverly plotted story filled with unexpected twists and turns. The book has a claustrophobic feel for all the main characters - the Princess on trial to prove herself worthy to unite Denmark and Scotland under the union of marriage, Kirsten who holds a closely guarded secret and Jura who discovers the injustice of her word against that of a privileged landowner and employer resulting in claims of witchcraft.

It is beautifully written and once you start you won't want to put it down. The characters are written with empathy and each of their stories told vividly. The one line that will stay with me is: 'Women whisper secrets to each other; it is how we survive.' Although it relates within the historical context of the story, it feels relevant in a world where women's rights and their voices continue to be eroded.