The Burnings: The new enthralling historical novel of 2023, based on a true story
£2.80
‘I was mesmerised’ LAURA SHEPPERSON, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Heroines
‘This gripping, vividly evoked novel takes the reader to the dark heart of the 16th century … unforgettable’ Tracy Borman, author of The King’s Witch
Nothing scares men like witchcraft…
1589. Scottish housemaid Geillis and Danish courtier Margareta lead opposite lives, but they both know one thing: when a man cries “witch”, no woman is safe.
Yet when the marriage of King James VI and Princess Anna of Denmark brings Geillis and Margareta together, everything they supposed about good, evil, men, and women, is cast in a strange and brilliant new light.
For the first time in history, could black magic – or rumours of it – be a very real tool for women’s political gain?
As the North Berwick witch trials whip Scotland – and her king – into a frenzy of paranoia, the clock is ticking. Can Margareta and Geillis keep each other safe? And once the burnings are over, in whose hands will power truly lie?
Inspired by the incredible true story that set 16th-century Scotland and Denmark alight, The Burnings is 2023’s most bewitching debut novel, by a multi-awardwinning new star of historical fiction.
‘A beautifully written re-imagining … clever and tantalising’ S.G. MacLean
READERS LOVE THE BURNINGS
‘I was blown away … so gripping, at times it was very hard to put down. I was pulled in emotionally … I do not have any negative comments about this story at all. Brilliantly put together’ Danielle Graham, (Dee, Goodreads) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I can’t recommend this highly enough. It is well written, well researched, and a totally enthralling read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What stands out for me is the clear level of research that went into the writing, plot and characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Beautifully written, I was transported … The author has a talent for bringing historical figures and events to life … This reminded me of Tracy Borman’s The King’s Witch and I’d love to read more from this author’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘What a great story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘This book is up there with the best of them’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Additional information
| Publisher | HarperNorth (8 Jun. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 2412 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 442 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 0008534764 |
by YvonneHampshire5
Really gripping read. Highly recommend!
by HelenK
I can’t recommend this highly enough. It is well written, well researched, and a totally enthralling read. The main protagonists are Margareta, a Danish lady-in-waiting to Anne of Denmark, and Geillis Duncan, a herbalist and midwife during the reign of James VI of Scotland. The fear aroused by treachery and James’ belief that stormy sea-crossings and his lack of an heir are all the result of witchcraft lead to horrific tragedy for many. With thanks to HarperNorth and NetGalley for an ARC.
by Gail
Wrapping significant history around excellent characterisation, holding the reader hungry for how relationships might enfold, describing the horrific ways in which alleged witches were tortured, capturing the lives of the poor and the rich, sounds and scents of 16th century lives, all of this Naomi Kelsey does magnificently. It’s a while since I was so engaged and impressed by a novel.
by Bogz
This was an excellent debut novel, with characters I really cared for. Great from start to finish.
by Eunice Harben
This book was very good although some of the description of the torture and treatment of witches was hard to taken in.
A very good read
by Amazon Customer
The first few lines of a book generally hook me or lose me. The Burnings kept me hooked from the first page to the last! A page turner that I found wonderfully written with characters that I really cared about. The historical detail was so interesting but heart wrenching also and the descriptive writing was very evocative and took you in to the heart of the 16th century. A great novel by a great author.
by Vicki – Cosy Books
Wow … this book truly got under my skin, right from the very first page. Set during the Berwick Witch Trials, it’s terrifying, compelling, shocking and awe inspiring. I find this period in history fascinating, and was hooked throughout. What I wasn’t expecting was how angry it made me, for the poor, poor women who suffered horrifically for men’s political gain. Yet I was awestruck by the sheer bravery of such women who despite the risks of accusation, wanted to help others or dared to hope for more
Naomi Kelsey sets a perfect scene – a cold and unforgiving landscape with terror and suspicion oozing from the pages. There are parts which aren’t for the faint hearted, but there are also beautiful scenes of love, loyalty, compassion and friendship. Historical fiction fans – this is a must add to your reading list!
by AngelD
The Burnings by Naomi Kelsey
A brilliant read worked around the real life shocking story of the North Berwick witch trails in Scotland.
We are taken back to 1589 where any woman ( and sometimes men ) were accused of witchcraft at any given point. Upset someone – your a witch , be old – a witch , help an ill person – a witch !
A great storyline where the author obviously researched her subject matter and it really helped to bring their story alive.
At times shocking , often emotional , and showed that in those times , and as a woman , you were only a hairs breath away from being accused.