Treachery and trust!

The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley 

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Andrew Logan is a King’s Messenger. King James VI has commanded him to undertake a secret mission from London to Stirling, Scotland. He is to bring back Sir David Moray. David had been Gentleman of the Robes to James’s dead son, Prince Henry.

Andrew is gifted (or cursed) with the second sight, sometimes a handy warning.

The way will be fraught, the way back even more dangerous as the group dodges David’s cousin’s forces, and the King’s treacherous minions.

The story is told from the viewpoints of all the major characters, except King James, a hard and dangerous man.

The Queen, Anna of Denmark, is stopped by a blind man, possibly a seer, who gives her a message from her dead son that has her planning for what might come.

Concerned for her father who is the the King’s master scrivener, Phoebe Westaway joins the party. Laurence Westaway has been ordered by the King to write down everything Sir David says. Andrew doesn’t want her to join them but something about Laurence worries him.

Phoebe’s giddy in love with a courtier Sir Valentine Fox. He’s the knight of all her dreams. He’s hinted at marriage. Alongside Valentine, Andrew is rather uncouth and very troubling.

The journey will expose the group’s weaknesses and strengths.

Another fascinating story, brimming with adventure and treachery from Susanna Kearsley that brings these times alive. 

Fantasy and fact blend seamlessly making this a very exciting read.

(As I read this I couldn’t help but think about Kristen Britain’s Green Rider series, even though that’s fantasy and not based on historical fact. I’m guessing there is something similar about the energy and determination of the lead characters in both stories, of their pursuit by the enemy, their close escapes, the nobleness of Sir David and the integrity of Andrew Logan that called to me)

A Sourcebooks ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.