Susanna Kearsley is one of my all-time favorite authors! "The King's Messenger" just confirmed that fact for me—it did not disappoint! Ms. Kearsley has penned a finely crafted novel, which is well researched and filled with rich historical detail. It contains everything I come to expect from a Kearsley novel, rich history combined with a little magic. The magic in this story is the fact that our hero, Andrew Logan (the titular King’s Messenger), has the gift of Second Sight. There is a present timeline, and we go back in time to see another character’s memories. Kearsley’s writing is beautiful, poetic, and full of amazing descriptions. You will want to savor every word! The story held me in such a thrall. I especially loved that part of it takes place in Scotland, and I learned so much new history, especially about King James, the royal family, and the politics of that time. The reader takes a journey with the characters through 17th Century Scotland and England.
The main characters start off as a group of enemies. Will they develop mutual respect, brotherhood, or even love as they travel and fulfill the king’s mission? The love story was so beautiful, and I loved the mystery as well. I almost started crying at one point because I felt the emotions so vividly. The story is at times heartbreaking and beautiful. I could not stop thinking about the book when I was not reading it, and I did not want it to end. It is safe to say I have already found a new favorite for the year!
Content: I give this book a light PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: astrology is mentioned, but the main character doesn’t believe in it; a man is said to get drunk; one of the major characters has the gift of Second Sight; a man is accused of defiling a woman; a woman is called a whore; a main character sees ghosts; grief and loss; mention of miscarriage (rumors that the woman caused it herself); the word “da*n” is used; a man loved a married woman; someone at court is married but still flirts with other people; brief reference to the wedding night.
TW: brief reference to r*pe; grief and loss of a child and loved ones; miscarriage; reference to su*cide; mention of r*pe in the author’s notes.
Spice: very brief fade to black scene; closed door.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This sounds amazing, Mae. I love a book that can make emotions flow to the surface as you describe! Thank you for the great review. 🥰💯
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I really appreciate your comments. I love books like that too and this was definitely one of them. Thanks for the encouragement!
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