An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker
Release Date - October 23, 2018
Publisher Website - Hachette Canada

Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  374 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When Lady Katherine's father is killed for being an illegally practicing Catholic, she discovers treason wasn't the only secret he's been hiding: he was also involved in a murder plot against the reigning Queen Elizabeth I. With nothing left to lose, Katherine disguises herself as a boy and travels to London to fulfill her father's mission, and to take it one step further--kill the queen herself.

Katherine's opportunity comes in the form of William Shakespeare's newest play, which is to be performed in front of Her Majesty. But what she doesn't know is that the play is not just a play--it's a plot to root out insurrectionists and destroy the rebellion once and for all.

The mastermind behind this ruse is Toby Ellis, a young spy for the queen with secrets of his own. When Toby and Katherine are cast opposite each other as the play's leads, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But the closer they grow, the more precarious their positions become. And soon they learn that star-crossed love, mistaken identity, and betrayal are far more dangerous off the stage than on.

I've always loved historical novels that offer something extra. Virginia Boecker's An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason offers a well researched historical read but it also offers a well paced, thrilling story that weaves together romance, deception, and mistaken identity.

The characters are the driving force of this story. The plot is quite straight forward so it is the characters and their development that really shone for me. It's easy to become engrossed in a story like this because of the way the characters are written. The writing style ensures that the story is a fast read which also brings the reader further into the story. It's a historical set novel that has a very contemporary feel because of the way it is written.

Toby and Katherine are both fascinating characters.There is an element that adds an additional layer to their story that should have been obvious from the synopsis. Katherine is cast in a play during a time period where only men were cast in plays. This means that she would have to be disguised as a boy for her to be able to take part. This additional twist adds tension to the romance that wouldn't be there originally. It also makes the character of Toby more nuanced than he could have been. His bisexuality is addressed on the page and in a way I felt worked for both the time period, and story being told. It's never far from the reader's mind that Toby could be in danger if discovered. It makes their scenes have a sense of urgency that only added to the tension of the story.

The characters of both Queen Elizabeth and William Shakespeare are standouts. The Queen is a shrewd, smart, calculating woman who manages to make a lasting impression. She's an imposing figure and it is easy to see  how she would inspire both fear and devotion. Shakespeare is delightfully silly at times, brilliant, and dizzying. He manages to capture your attention whenever he appears and ensures that you immediately love him. I like that of these characters create such a strong reaction but neither overshadow the main characters. They work within the storyline and serve their purpose without being overwhelming. These larger than life type characters could easily feel caricature but Boecker manages to keep them feeling grounded even as they are fantastical.

This is a revenge plot at its core. Katherine wants revenge for her father's death. The Queen's laws, and therefore the Queen herself, are to blame so to Katherine the obvious answer is to hold the Queen responsible. This novel works as a spy/assassin thriller on every level. I felt constantly on edge with worry that Katherine was going to be caught. I easily found myself caught up in the plan and the pieces that needed to fall into place for it to happen. There is a sense something impending that keeps the readers on their toes in a way that is more than just the growing tension.

Those of you who love historical novels that are a mix of fictional and non fictional characters will certainly find much to love within these pages. Virginia Boecker weaves together a solid plot with some memorable and intriguing characters to create a book that I predict even those who are not fans of the historical genre will love.

Waiting On Wed .... An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is An Assassin's Guide To Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

When Lady Katherine's father is killed for being an illegally practicing Catholic, she discovers treason wasn't the only secret he's been hiding: he was also involved in a murder plot against the reigning Queen Elizabeth I. With nothing left to lose, Katherine disguises herself as a boy and travels to London to fulfill her father's mission, and to take it one step further--kill the queen herself.

Katherine's opportunity comes in the form of William Shakespeare's newest play, which is to be performed in front of Her Majesty. But what she doesn't know is that the play is not just a play--it's a plot to root out insurrectionists and destroy the rebellion once and for all.

The mastermind behind this ruse is Toby Ellis, a young spy for the queen with secrets of his own. When Toby and Katherine are cast opposite each other as the play's leads, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But the closer they grow, the more precarious their positions become. And soon they learn that star-crossed love, mistaken identity, and betrayal are far more dangerous off the stage than on.

Virginia Boecker's first series had historical elements to it and I really loved her attention to detail in that series. I was thrilled when I discovered that her next series was going to take some real life historical inspiration and have it set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and the main characters are performing William Shakespeare's newest play. It sounds basically perfect (and this is before you factor in the whole assassian/spy element of the plot).

This one doesn't come out until October but I am already itching to get my hands on a copy so I can read it immediately. 

Expected release date - October 23, 2018

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

BOOKS

Cover of An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker (goodreads)

This was referenced as Phillipa Gregory meets Mr and Mrs Smith in the official announcement and I was immediately sold. I love the rivals who want to make out with each other trope so much!

The cover of this was revealed, and I think it's pretty fun!

I loved Virginia's previous books and am excited to find out more about this one. I especially look forward to the Shakespeare connection!

TV/MOVIE

iZombie Season Four Trailer

Spoilers for the previous season of iZombie but I am so excited that this show is returning in about a month. It's such a fun show and I LOVE this teaser for the new season.

I love these characters so much, and I am hoping that we see some progression with Liv and Major this season.

What are you obsessed with this week?

The King Slayer By Virginia Boecker

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker
Release Date - June 14, 2016

Publisher Website - Hachette/Little Brown
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

**spoilers for The Witch Hunter**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

“I think, in time, you’ll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory.”

Former witch hunter Elizabeth Grey is hiding within the magically protected village of Harrow, evading the price put on her head by Lord Blackwell, the usurper king of Anglia. Their last encounter left Blackwell ruined, but his thirst for power grows stronger every day. He’s readying for a war against those who would resist his rule—namely Elizabeth and the witches and wizards she now calls her allies.

Having lost her stigma, a magical source of protection and healing, Elizabeth’s strength is tested both physically and emotionally. War always means sacrifice, and as the lines between good and evil blur once more, Elizabeth must decide just how far she’ll go to save those she loves. 

The Witch Hunter offered up a more quiet, historical feeling fantasy novel. I anticipated more of the same with its sequel. Instead, The King Slayer, offered a tension filled, action packed, blood drenched sequel that manages to retain all of what you loved about the first and more.

The title of this novel, much like the first, is a straight forward label for the main character. Elizabeth intends on being a king slayer. This sets up the plot of this novel, and much of Elizabeth's motivations. This sequel is filled with more political intrigue, strategic maneuvering and thrilling battle sequences. Anyone who wanted more action from the first novel will find that within these pages. These scenes, however, progress the story in very real ways. The story, including the battle sequences, is very character driven. The characters are all given their own motivations, and this ensures a complex set up leading into the final confrontation. Secret plans, double crosses, and hidden agendas all serve to make this novel a gripping one from start to finish.

Elizabeth is strong in her own way. She is weaker, physically at least, as she no longer has her stigma that there is a strength of character that shines through. She is willing to sacrifice everything, including her life, for those she cares about. She's an impressive heroine and one who remains steadfast when her entire life has been shifted. She's the type of character that you effortlessly care about simply because of her tenacity and inner strength.

The romance was one of my favourite parts of the book. It plays a quieter part of the story, but is also vital. It's not showy or filled with bold declarations but there is a underlying certainty that both of them would do anything for the other. It is not an easy romance. There are times where it is messy and intense. There are plenty of trials that they face but the relationship itself is one of the bright spots in the novel.

There is plenty of bloodshed in this, possible, finale. Virginia Boecker ensures that we don't feel relaxed within the story. Everyone is in danger, and the threat is very well. It ensures a taunt tension that only tightens as the ending approaches. Nobody leaves this novel unscathed and only ensures to create a feeling of high risk and consequences. It's the type of story that surprises you, makes your heart skip a beat, and at times leaves you on edge because you've come to care about these characters.

A satisfying ending to this story with enough of a opening for Elizabeth's story to continue if Virginia Boecker is so inclined. This is a story of consequences and actions. It is a story of coming to terms with having your world turned upside down, and the lengths someone will go to out of a feeling of responsibility and love. It is also a story of forging your own path to happiness and grabbing it for yourself. I am sure that I am not alone in waiting eagerly for whatever Virginia Boecker writes next. 

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boeker

The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boeker
Release Date - June 2, 2015
Publisher Website - Little Brown/Hachette
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The magic and suspense of Graceling meet the political intrigue and unrest of Game of Thrones in this riveting fantasy debut.

Your greatest enemy isn't what you fight, but what you fear.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. But when she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to burn at the stake.

Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful and dangerous wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can break the deadly curse that's been laid upon him.

But Nicholas and his followers know nothing of Elizabeth's witch hunting past--if they find out, the stake will be the least of her worries. And as she's thrust into the magical world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and one all-too-handsome healer, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

Virginia Boecker weaves a riveting tale of magic, betrayal, and sacrifice in this unforgettable fantasy debut.

The cover, synopsis, and details known about The Witch Hunter might lead you to expect a darker, more sinister read. I certainly was expecting that when picking up my copy of the book. Virginia Boeker instead delivers up action sequences that are fast paced, and engaging. A romance that is tentative and kind. A plot that is filled with intrigue and reveals and overall while not quite what I envisioned was enjoyable nonetheless.

This is a novel that requires patience. It rewards those who let the story unravel at the pace in which it needs to by providing the answers you need. The pacing is more methodical, and measured allowing the characters and the reader time to breathe and take in the information being presented. It's a change from most novels of this genre, but a welcome one. There is plenty of action, romance, secrets and betrayals to keep your interest, but the answers are revealed in a particular order for a reason that becomes clear at the end. Those seeking instant gratification may find themselves itching to sneak ahead, but the pay off is all the greater when it happens.

The world building in this novel has received it's fair share of praise around the book community. I did enjoy the blending of historical with a more contemporary twist. The magic that exists within these pages was given it's own spin by Virginia Boeker and it's spellbinding. Being allowed a glimpse at both sides of the story (that of the witch hunters and the witches) allowed you to understand the characters more, and adds a little more depth the world that has been created for these characters.

Elizabeth Grey is someone who has pretty much been brainwashed. She's been raised since a young age to believe that magic caused a horrific plague that killed innocent people. She's been groomed, trained and taught to distrust magic and those who wield it. As she interacts with those who use magic she has to work though years of conditioning and hatred. It's natural that she would struggle to accept this new truth. Moments can not erase years of hatred being implanted in her. It's enough that she is willing to question and start the journey down the path of making amends. It's also natural that she'll stumble during the journey. I found her imperfections, and mistakes made her seem all the more human.

The other characters are where Virginia Boeker's character development shines. In particular Fifer, who completely steals the thunder from any other character. She's unapologetic, head strong, loyal, and surprising. Her character surprised me the most out of all of them because she was taken to unexpected, but welcome, places. My wish for subsequent novels is more time spent with the characters in general now that the world has been fully established.

The why behind Elizabeth being accused of being a witch was the only real misstep for me in the novel. Without giving away spoilers, Elizabeth is put into a position that requires her to seek the aid of some items that are associated with witches. The reason she needs them is one that I feel was brushed away too hastily. It wasn't given the proper weight I feel it required. I am hoping that future novels will rectify this as it feels like a glaring omission as it would surely weigh heavily on her going forward.

This novel boasts an imaginative plot and clever world building. After turning the last page I was beyond hooked and desperate for the sequel. Elizabeth Grey's journey is one I am excited to continue as I hope the author to continues to have her grow and change. Fans of fantasy like novels with a historical setting will certainly be interested in picking this one up.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Two very exciting titles made their way into my mailbox this week!

Those Girls by Lauren Saft (goodreads)
The Witch Hunter by Virginia Boecker (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Hachette Canada for these! Cannot wait to read and review both of them.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

2015 Most Anticipated ...... The Witch Hunter

My next selection is a novel that is filled with witches, betrayals and secrets. A witch hunter accused of being a witch herself is the intriguing premise behind this much buzzed about debut.

Just check out this Goodreads synopsis and you'll see exactly why I added this one to my most anticipated list....

The magic and suspense of Graceling meet the political intrigue and unrest of Game of Thrones in this riveting fantasy debut.

Elizabeth Grey is one of the king's best witch hunters, devoted to rooting out witchcraft and doling out justice. When she's accused of being a witch herself, Elizabeth is arrested and sentenced to die at the stake. Salvation comes from a man she thought was her enemy. Nicholas Perevil, the most powerful wizard in the kingdom, offers her a deal: he will save her from execution if she can track down the person who laid a deadly curse on him.

As she's thrust into the world of witches, ghosts, pirates, and all-too-handsome healers, Elizabeth is forced to redefine her ideas of right and wrong, of friends and enemies, and of love and hate.

This seems tailor made for those who love history, magic, and a blending of many elements into one awesome sounding story!

I got Virginia to make some tea, share where in history she would travel, and spill a secret or two. A huge thank you to her for answering these questions.

1 Describe The Witch Hunter in Twitter format (140 characters or less)

The only girl in the king's elite group of witch hunters is framed for being a witch, finding freedom with the world's most wanted wizard.

2 If someone were to make a tea flavour in honour of your book, what might be included?

A mix of English Breakfast and Lapsang Souchong for something classic and comfortable, yet different and fun. 

3 Can you share a secret about your book (either it's world, it's characters, or something that helped inspire the story)?

All of the villages, castles, and cities in The Witch Hunter are named after Tube stops on the London Underground.

4 If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel? 

London, England during the Tudor period, specifically 1533 to see Anne Boleyn become queen.

5 What three things do you need while revising?

Chapstick, green tea or water, and Pandora radio.

6 If possible, please share the first line of The Witch Hunter. (only answer if not too spoilery).

“I stand at the edge of the crowded square, watching the executioners light the pyres.”

Heck yes to traveling to when Anne Boleyn was crowned Queen. I would have to come along on this journey..

The Witch Hunter is released June 2nd but you can pre-order it now

Amazon USA/Canada // Chapters // Barnes and Noble // 

Be sure to check back later on during the event for a chance to win a copy of The Witch Hunter (or any of my featured titles).

You can follow Virginia Boecker on Twitter, visit her official website, and learn more about the book from the publisher website.

Do you like books about witches? What do you think should be included in a good witch story? Let me know in the comments.