A really enjoyable read which begins with Princess Anna of Denmark's sea journey to Scotland after her handfasting to James VI of Scotland in 1589. It goes on to highlight the witch hunts prevalent in Scandinavia and Scotland around that time. I was aware of the North Berwick witch hunts but was very interested to find that similar persecutions were occurring in Scandinavia. As a midwife I've always been interested in the way women who heal are seen as a threat to men and the patriarchy in general. Kate Foster mixes fact and fiction very nicely to create a book which has no problem holding the readers interest and attention throughout. Her historical research appears thorough and any discrepancies are explained in her notes at the end. An excellent book that I'm happy to recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed "The Maiden" by Kate Foster so I was keen to support her latest work - "The King's Witches". Told from the perspectives of Anna of Denmark, her maid and a seemingly unconnected young woman, Jura in North Berwick, this weaves a wonderful story of Princess Anna's ill-fated trip across the sea to join her future husband, King James VI of Scotland. What I really liked is that it fills in many of the gaps for me regarding the witch trials of Europe and the UK. It mentions those of Trier which I've only recently heard of, the Scandinavian witches and how this mania travelled across to Scotland. It doesn't focus on the torture or burning side of the witch trials but focuses on just a few characters and how they narrowly avoid the pyre. The ending is quite satisfying too.

I, like so many, absolutely adored Kate's previous book The Maiden, and was so happy to see it placed on the longlist for the Women’s Prize for fiction. I was so eager to see her follow-up and this sounded really good.

For some reason, I did initially think it was going to be about Macbeth and the witches. I don't know why, as it doesn't say anywhere that it is, but that was my immediate assumption. I saw Scotland and royalty and witches and came up with Shakespeare. That would have been an interesting book to read but this book is no less stunning for not meeting my initial assumption.

Kate's grasp of historical writing is absolutely phenomenal. I love a historical novel, especially about strong women, and this is what she brings with great aplomb.

Whilst I'm very open as to who I read, and I love discovering new authors, there are certain authors I go to for specific things: Laura Purcell for gothic novels, Lisa Jewell for thrillers, Heidi Swain for romance, that sort of thing, and I think Kate has become my top author for historical novels, and that's only two books in!

You can really put yourself into this story. You can feel yourself there, smell the salt on the sea, hear the rumours flying down the corridors, see the world around you. It is all encompassing and you almost become one of the characters.

I admit I wasn't aware that Anne of Denmark was a real person, which makes this even more impressive, because not only does it need to be entertaining, it will need to be as historically accurate as possible, and from what I can tell (I did go into a Google black hole), she's mastered that well.

It is an historical novel obviously, but there's action and adventure, fantasy, magic, romance, thriller - it's got something for everyone. It's about royalty, witches, friendship, it's about strangers, family, love, fear, desire, secrets, and about control.

It is such a rich book, so full of depth on every page, with so many layers. She's got such a grasp on the human language to evoke feelings of love, fear, hate, peril, beauty, and jealousy. It is moving in so many different ways.

There are moments in this book that made me so angry. I know it was a different time, and in the 1500s men were King (literally and figuratively) and women did as they were told. But this goes beyond that, into the realms of torture and harm and it's rage inducing. I know it's only a book, but the idea of thee kind of things happening, you just wish you could enter their world and put a stop to it.

This is definitely a worthy follow-up of The Maiden. She needn't worry about whether the second novel will live up to the first. This is eery bit as fabulous and has really whet my appetite for more.

Princess Anna of Denmark is preparing for her handfasting to King James of Scotland and then her subsequent journey to Scotland. But before that she's taken to witness the burning of a suspected witch. Haunted by this, she has premonitions and the journey across the sea is perilous. Her lady in waiting Kirsten is acting secretive and has her own reasons for wanting to visit Scotland. And them we have Jura, a herbalist and cunning woman, like her mother, who works for the Kincaid family.
This fabulous novel is based on the North Berwick Witch Trials in 1590's. We feel the suffering of the accused, and the betrayal of those in power. This is a great read for people who love historical fiction and witchery. My first book from the author but I will be looking out for more of her books

Interesting blurb and nice cover. Unfortunately, the writing style of this book wasn't for me. Any story that has a historical background , I exoected to have a writing style and language according to the times where it happened and this one didn't deliver that for me.

“Women whisper secrets to each other; it is how we survive.”

Based in 1589, the story follows Princess Anna of Denmark and her maid Kirsten as she prepares to travel to wed King James I of Scotland. The horrendous sea crossing is blamed on witchcraft, which lights a fire in superstitious James I as he decides it’s all part of a supernatural plot to overthrow him.

Meanwhile, a young girl called Jura in North Berwick is surviving by her wits and the skills passed down by her mother’s skills of healing and charms to make some money - until she’s accused of witchcraft herself.

All three women’s lives are intrinsically linked, and I thought that Foster’s sensitive retelling of the North Berwick witch trials from the perspective of Anna, Kirsten and Jura women was clever and emotive.

A book about the witch trials was never going to be without some horror. I found Kate Foster’s depictions of powerful men’s often sinister motivations behind their investigations as well as James I’s own fascination and fear made such an important point - women’s power within the patriarchal structure has often been feared and oppressed, but the witch trials are a terrifying example.

Thank you to Mantle/Pan MacMillan for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I will post reviews on Instagram & Goodreads on 31 May and retail sites on publication day.

An interesting mixture of historical facts and fiction. The descriptions of the brutal torture and burning of so many innocent women (and some men) was very well done although obviously upsetting. The fictional characters and their stories were engaging and compelling.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.

The Kings Witches by Kate Foster

An interesting and usual story based around the Witch trails in Scotland which took place in the sixteenth century.
We hear about 3 characters and learn just how easy it was at that time to been accused of witchcraft during that time in history where many places had the mass hypocrisy of putting names forward to those ( who were paid ) to conduct the trials.

“Feathers are for wishes, Stones for safe travels, Gold rings for the highest level of protection.”

This was a fantastic story to read. The stories about witchcraft and witches within Scotland and Denmark. The semi factual tales of king James the 6th.

The feelings I felt in the story were of anger, sadness, relief and almost betrayal.

The insight on the obsessions people had with witches and the ways they would get a confession (be it true confession or not).

Thank you NetGalley for the early access to this amazing read.

This was an engaging historical fiction novel, inspired by the 16th century Scottish witch trials.
The story follows three women, one of them a real person, Princess Anne of Denmark, and two fictional ones, Kirsten and Jura.

Princess Anne is on her way to Scotland to marry James VI, during the journey the fleet encounters a storm that appears to come out of nowhere, and most of the men decide that it was witchcraft. Meanwhile in Scotland there is the fear that the Earl of Bothwell is trying to use witchcraft to steal the throne. The problem with Anne as a character is that because she was a real person there is only so much you can do with her, Kirsten and Jura are much more interesting characters and I would like a book that focuses on their story more.

This is an excellent, well written book. I found it engaging and compelling throughout. I found myself wondering a number of times whether the intent was to create a connection between society now and then, and it seems I was correct. I had not encountered the writer before, so hadn't realised she tended to write from a feminist perspective. She weaves these connections beautifully and convincingly. Perhaps this was why I found the characters so believable and many times I was given pause for thought about the ways we are all ensnared in society's grasp, whatever gender we are. I had some knowledge of this time in history, and it was pleasing to be able to immerse myself in this depiction of it, and how it might have felt to those involved. I will certainly be looking out for any books she may write in future. Thank you for the opportunity to read The King's Witches, and to provide a review.

★ ★ ★ ★.25

Enter the tumultuous world of 16th-century Scotland and Denmark with Kate Foster's mesmerizing novel, "The King's Witches". Foster weaves a gripping tale around the real-life witch trials, offering a poignant voice to the women at the centre of these historical events. Princess Anne of Denmark finds herself thrust into a precarious marriage with King James VI of Scotland, facing scrutiny from the royal court in Edinburgh. Alongside her loyal lady's maid, Kirsten Sorenson, and a young healer named Jura, Anne navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue and witchcraft hysteria.

Foster's exquisite characterizations breathe life into the narrative, as she deftly explores themes of power, resilience, and the enduring bonds of sisterhood. Princess Anne emerges as a complex and compelling figure, torn between her duty to her husband and her own desires for autonomy. Kirsten Sorenson, while loyal to her mistress, harbours secret motives that add layers of intrigue to the story. Meanwhile, Jura's journey from a humble housemaid to a target of witchcraft accusations showcases the harsh realities faced by women of all walks of life during this tumultuous period.

From the haunting atmosphere of the witch trials to the richly drawn historical backdrop, "The King's Witches" is a captivating blend of history and fiction that will leave you spellbound. Foster skilfully captures the paranoia and hysteria of the era, immersing readers in a world where whispers of witchcraft can spell doom for even the most innocent. With its vivid imagery and gripping plot twists, this novel transports readers to a time and place where the line between superstition and reality blurs, offering a compelling exploration of the human condition and the enduring resilience of women throughout history.

Expected Pub Date 6 Jun 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An interesting book based on the persecution of witches during James VI's reign in the 17th century. Combining fact with fiction this made an excellent read and one to be recommended

Absolutely loved this book. I found myself constantly wanting to read more. I thought it was good from a historical accuracy point. I would certainly recommend it.

A really interesting story based on facts I was unaware of, always good to find out new bits of history which lead me off to google to find out more!
An easy to read story that keeps you wanting a bit more as the story unfolds, twists and turns that are unexpected and a great feeling for the events and atmosphere of the time. Thoroughly recommend

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review

An interesting historical fiction set in the 16th century, mixing some real and some fictionalised characters, centering around the marriage of Anna, Princess of Denmark and James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), and the Berwick witch trials. A sharp look at the torture used to extract confessions from those accused of witchcraft and the rose of hysteria about witches during this period.

The King's Witches by Kate Foster

Publication 6th June 2024

An historical based fiction novel set during the sixteenth-century persecution of women during the witch trails.

We follow three women during this book, Princess Anna of Denmark who is to be married to King James VI of Scotland. Kirsten Sorenson the princess's lady-in-waiting, a woman with secrets and a motive to make sure the royal marriage works. And Jura, a housemaid in North Berwick Scotland, who practices healing and charms taught by her mother. Jura finds herself caught in the middle of the witchcraft frenzy that is starting to grip the nation.

I love an historical novel based on the witch trails, and have read quite a few and this book did not disappoint at all, I couldn't put it down. Each woman has their own voice and story which is told with such detail and care.
This a totally enthralling retelling of an historical story based around the North Berwick witchtrails of 1590. Brutal and shocking in places but accurate details of what happened to women who were deemed to be witches. Women who today we call herbalist, healers and even medical practitioners!

This was my first time reading a Kate Foster book but it definitely won't be my last.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book.

1589- a royal union between James V1 of Scotland & Princess Anna of Denmark.Anna is betrothed to the King & must prove herself worthy of being a Queen.
A fictional story based on fact which takes place during the North Berwick Witch Trials.
We follow three main female characters Anna, her ladies made Kristen & a young girl, Jura who is accused of being a witch.
We follow life in the Scottish Royal household & the horrors of the witch trials.
The author has created a compelling fascinating & engaging book, where the story intwines perfectly and has included some interesting historical notes, at the end of the book.
Thankyou to NetGalley for my advanced copy in n return for an honest review.

From the first few pages the author has you gripped with scenes that are extremely upsetting (in my personal opinion), but are a true reflection of the horror of the witch trials of the 16th century.

I really enjoyed reading the novel from the perspectives of the three women in it (Princess Anna, Jura and Kirsten), because it made the story feel even more personal and, frankly, terrifying because you know that the events that unfolded really did happen. To be a woman in the 16th century was scary and full of dangers. The slightest thing could have you persecuted as a witch and the author has really captured this in her writing.

The writing in this book reminds me so much of Philippa Gregory which made it even more enjoyable and I'd even go so far as to state that I believe the author could very well be the next Philippa Gregory!

Obviously, this was an ARC, so I'm hoping it will get a thorough edit before release as I did notice quite a lot of errors and also issues with formatting, but I'm sure those will be resolved before publication.

This is an excellent book with lots of descriptions of life in 17th Century Edinburgh and Denmark. It centres round the mania for finding and persecuting witches, lead by King James vi of Scotland. Kate Foster has taken historical events and filled in the spaces between with her version of events. There are strong female characters who make the best of their situation, I found the back story of Kirsten, Princess Anna’s maidservant, a bit unconvincing but on the whole, this is a good read.