Title: The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley

Release Date: October, 30th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

"The King's Messenger" by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical novel that whisks readers away to the tumultuous era of King James I, a time when the shadows of intrigue and danger loomed large over the court of England.

Kearsley's masterful storytelling weaves together the lives of four distinct characters, whose perspectives enrich the narrative, creating a tapestry of political machinations, forbidden love, and the supernatural.

At the heart of the story is Andrew Logan, a King's Messenger with a secret gift of "the Sight," which in an age where witchcraft accusations could lead to a gruesome death, must be kept hidden at all costs. His mission to apprehend Sir David Murray, a courtier suspected of treason, propels the plot forward, but it's the depth of character development and the intricate web of relationships that truly captivate.

The novel's "enemies to lovers" theme adds a layer of romantic tension, but it's the exploration of the political landscape that stands out. Kearsley's meticulous research shines through, offering readers a vivid picture of the early 17th century, with its complex court politics, the fear of witchcraft, and the looming threat of the Star Chamber. This attention to historical detail not only provides a rich backdrop for the story but also offers insights into the era's social and political climate.

The use of four points of view could have been overwhelming, but Kearsley skilfully navigates this, ensuring each perspective adds depth and dimension to the story. It's a testament to her storytelling prowess that the novel never feels disjointed; instead, the multiple viewpoints contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the characters and their motivations.

"The King's Messenger" is a compelling read that combines elements of romance, mystery, and historical fiction.

Susanna Kearsley's ability to bring the past to life, with all its dangers and intrigues, makes this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

Whether you're drawn in by the promise of a forbidden romance, the allure of historical drama, or the mystery of the supernatural, "The King's Messenger" delivers on all fronts, leaving readers eager for more.

Thank you to The Publisher Simon & Schuster UK ,The Author Susanna Kearsley & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy a new SK book. This one was a bit of a different format than usual - There were four pov's. Normally I might think this was too many but actually it really worked for the story. I ended up really liking David's pov, for example.

The story has an enemies to lovers vibe, but the main focus is really the political landscape of the time and that was really interesting to read about. I liked Andrew and Phoebe as main characters, though Phoebe got kind of annoying in the first half of the book because of the way she would judge Andrew for stupid stuff. However I grew to really enjoy the dynamic between the main crew - Hector was a really nice addition.

I actually really like the new direction SK is going in writing just historical. This book has a sprinkling of her classic magical touches like the second sight. I think just like the vanished days this book will really suck people in.

This book is so well written, I was entertained throughout and left wanting more. The characters are so well built and their story develops at a brilliant pace..
Its a very enjoyable book, and a nice easy read.

This is just fantastic. I smiled the whole way through it and I didn’t want it to end. They were fantastically written together and their character arcs were just spot on. I really loved reading it.

Another good Susanna Kearsley novel – she's definitely someone I want to read more of when I'm in the mood for historical fiction! My fave part was the really sweet romance, but it was a great holiday read about the British court and its more ordinary staff in 1613, and had lots of fun Scottish history woven in.