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Francis Quoynt #1
The Firemaster's Mistress
England in the early reign of James I: an unsteady nation adapts to its new king; Shakespeare labors over the tragedies of Othello and Macbeth; bearbaiting is a popular diversion . . . and Guy Fawkes, with a small group of desperate men, hatches a terrifying plot to assassinate the king and all of Parliament by explosion.
Francis Quoynt is a firemaster who would rather make fireworks than war. Kate Peach is a poor glovemaker and a mistress to the powerful Hugh Taylor, who is forced to hide her Catholicism as she spends her days looking out on noisy, teeming London streets crowded with prostitutes and drunks.
Once Francis and Kate were lovers before the firemaster abandoned her and the plague destroyed her family. Now they will meet again as enemies caught up in the maelstrom of treachery and violence surrounding Fawkes's malevolent plot. In the midst of chaos and madness, the flame of their romance will be dangerously rekindled, as their lives and the London they know are changed forever.
528 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
10 people are currently reading
613 people want to read
About the author
Christie Dickason
19 books53 followersI started to write at the age of three, long before I could spell. Understandably, I hid my poems and (very) short stories from my English professor father, who could spell words like ‘desiccate’ and also insisted on correct grammar. All the same, he passed on to me his delight in books and words as well as his joy in pursuing intellectual curiosity. Under his influence, I learned to relish research and value accuracy. (He also kick-started my interest in mountain climbing by putting his uncensored edition of Lady Chatterley’s Lover on the highest shelf of his study.)
While living abroad with my family for most of my teens, in Thailand, Mexico and Switzerland, I studied anywhere I could, from the International Children’s Centre in Bangkok, through home-tutoring, to an old-fasioned Swiss convent school. I went on to read English at Harvard University (BA, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa), then earned an MFA in Theatre at the Yale University Drama School (winning a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and the Shubert Memorial Fellowship for Best Director).
From the age of eleven, I also studied dance (and performed): ballet at the Lichine School in Lausanne, modern dance with a former member of Martha Graham’s company, Robert Cohan, and Thai classical dance with a retired member of the King of Thailand’s troupe. At the age of fifteen, I once found myself teaching Thai folk dance to the Thai Women’s Culture club in Bangkok. At the age of 23, I thought writing was far too much fun to be a serious way to earn a living, so I became a director and choreographer.
After fourteen years in the theatre (with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Rocky Horror Show, Oh! Calcutta!, and at Ronnie Scott’s, among others) illness forced me to stop . While convalescing, I read a particularly dire paperback and decided in exasperation to see if I could do any better. Bed-bound and with L-plates on, I returned to my secret passion for writing and hand-wrote my first novel. This book was never published, but it brought me a commission for my ‘official’ first novel (THE DRAGON RIDERS, published by Century), which astonished me by reaching number twelve on the best-seller list. What had seemed at first like a health disaster led me ‘home’ into a new career that not only allows time to eat and sleep but also lets me do what I love most. (My illness also, when I was ready to deal with it, fuelled my historical novel, QUICKSILVER, about a supposed 17th c. 'werewolf'.)
As well as seven internationally-published novels (most recently THE PRINCIPESSA, I also write poetry, short stories, newspaper articles and works for the theatre. I particularly enjoy collaborating with the award-winning composer Cecilia McDowall on musical works ranging from conventional songs and cantatas to the huge and indescribable, all of which have been performed.
Our most recent project was a 'green cantata', FIVE SEASONS, commissioned ‘to celebrate the organic landscape in the 21st century’ by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir. And we are currently (2007) setting up a follow-on community music project in Cumbria.
As a change from my computer, I enjoy extreme trekking and scrambling in Bolivia and the Western Highlands of Scotland, organic gardening, cooking, eating and recreational talking with friends and family. I don’t think writers take holidays.
While living abroad with my family for most of my teens, in Thailand, Mexico and Switzerland, I studied anywhere I could, from the International Children’s Centre in Bangkok, through home-tutoring, to an old-fasioned Swiss convent school. I went on to read English at Harvard University (BA, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa), then earned an MFA in Theatre at the Yale University Drama School (winning a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and the Shubert Memorial Fellowship for Best Director).
From the age of eleven, I also studied dance (and performed): ballet at the Lichine School in Lausanne, modern dance with a former member of Martha Graham’s company, Robert Cohan, and Thai classical dance with a retired member of the King of Thailand’s troupe. At the age of fifteen, I once found myself teaching Thai folk dance to the Thai Women’s Culture club in Bangkok. At the age of 23, I thought writing was far too much fun to be a serious way to earn a living, so I became a director and choreographer.
After fourteen years in the theatre (with the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Rocky Horror Show, Oh! Calcutta!, and at Ronnie Scott’s, among others) illness forced me to stop . While convalescing, I read a particularly dire paperback and decided in exasperation to see if I could do any better. Bed-bound and with L-plates on, I returned to my secret passion for writing and hand-wrote my first novel. This book was never published, but it brought me a commission for my ‘official’ first novel (THE DRAGON RIDERS, published by Century), which astonished me by reaching number twelve on the best-seller list. What had seemed at first like a health disaster led me ‘home’ into a new career that not only allows time to eat and sleep but also lets me do what I love most. (My illness also, when I was ready to deal with it, fuelled my historical novel, QUICKSILVER, about a supposed 17th c. 'werewolf'.)
As well as seven internationally-published novels (most recently THE PRINCIPESSA, I also write poetry, short stories, newspaper articles and works for the theatre. I particularly enjoy collaborating with the award-winning composer Cecilia McDowall on musical works ranging from conventional songs and cantatas to the huge and indescribable, all of which have been performed.
Our most recent project was a 'green cantata', FIVE SEASONS, commissioned ‘to celebrate the organic landscape in the 21st century’ by the Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir. And we are currently (2007) setting up a follow-on community music project in Cumbria.
As a change from my computer, I enjoy extreme trekking and scrambling in Bolivia and the Western Highlands of Scotland, organic gardening, cooking, eating and recreational talking with friends and family. I don’t think writers take holidays.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 21, 2018
This is a tour de force, a real crackling page turner with real inarguable characters, and realistically but so animatedly bring the events of the 1605 Gunpowder plot to life.
Kate Peach, a fascinating and easy to love character is the main player of the novel, together with her one time paramour Francis Quoynt, a gunpowder maker and agent for the Machiavellian Secretary of State to King James I, Robert Cecil. Quoynt must infiltrate and ultimately foil the plot of Guido Fawkes, Robert Catesby, Tom Wintour and other Catholic conspirators in their plot to blow up parliament and assassinate and replace the king. Quoynts activities are complicated by the fact that he is himself being trailed by Cecil's cousin and enemy, Francis Bacon. Furthermore, Kate who Francis still has feelings for, is a secret Catholic, who on pain of death, hides Catholic priests and sympathizes with the aims of the plotters. If Quoynt exposes the plot, will he bring about the death of Kate too?
Kate is the most engaging character, highly spirited and beautiful, not promiscuous but as areal woman of flesh and blood, no virgin either- the novel does not pertain the horrible stereotype of women as either wicked whores or chaste figures of virtue, that has been used in historical fiction in the past. The part of the book where she befriends the bear, Caledonian Meg, that is kept for the cruel sport of bear baiting, and how Meg ultimately saves her life is a heartwarming thread here.
A racy and eventful novel, a real page turner, that I finished ion two days. If you are interested in English history and enjoy historical fiction you will not be disappointed.
Kate Peach, a fascinating and easy to love character is the main player of the novel, together with her one time paramour Francis Quoynt, a gunpowder maker and agent for the Machiavellian Secretary of State to King James I, Robert Cecil. Quoynt must infiltrate and ultimately foil the plot of Guido Fawkes, Robert Catesby, Tom Wintour and other Catholic conspirators in their plot to blow up parliament and assassinate and replace the king. Quoynts activities are complicated by the fact that he is himself being trailed by Cecil's cousin and enemy, Francis Bacon. Furthermore, Kate who Francis still has feelings for, is a secret Catholic, who on pain of death, hides Catholic priests and sympathizes with the aims of the plotters. If Quoynt exposes the plot, will he bring about the death of Kate too?
Kate is the most engaging character, highly spirited and beautiful, not promiscuous but as areal woman of flesh and blood, no virgin either- the novel does not pertain the horrible stereotype of women as either wicked whores or chaste figures of virtue, that has been used in historical fiction in the past. The part of the book where she befriends the bear, Caledonian Meg, that is kept for the cruel sport of bear baiting, and how Meg ultimately saves her life is a heartwarming thread here.
A racy and eventful novel, a real page turner, that I finished ion two days. If you are interested in English history and enjoy historical fiction you will not be disappointed.
December 18, 2008
Set in 1605, this novel tells the story of the Gunpowder Plot, an assassination attempt by English Catholics to blow up the Houses of Parliament on opening day, so killing the new king, James I, and his heir, Prince Henry. Today, the plot is remembered every November 5th as Guy Fawkes day -- Guy Fawkes being one of the conspirators.
The novel centers around two protagonists, Kate Peach and Francis Quoynt. Kate is a secret Catholic, the only survivor of her family who is supporting herself in London by making gloves, despite not being a member of the guild. Francis is a firemaster, manufacturing and deploying gunpowder explosives. They are former lovers, separated by war, and the story of the gunpowder plot is told through their connections to the conspirators.
Overall, I found the book engaging, if a little far-fetched at points. Kate's friendship with Caledonian Meg, a bear from the bear pits, for example, was a real stretch for me. Historical detail was included, and for the most part interesting (bear in mind I was a history minor in college and actually voluntarily read history books today).
I found, unfortunately, many of the characters incompletely drawn -- outside of Kate and occasionally Francis, there were few other characters with complex motivations that the reader could divine.
*Spoiler Alert* At the point the book ended, I was about to give it a "meh" review -- then came the killer point. And if you plan on reading the book, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER as I am about to answer one of the main plot questions.
Kate and Francis were lovers, and reconnected with intensity in the first part of the book. Enough is shown of their emotional attachment to each other, as well as their sexual attachment, to lead the reader to view their relationship as an affair of true love, with an expectation that they'll end up together.
After Kate is caught harboring a Catholic priest, she is spared and makes her escape from London with Francis' assistance, making for his home where he plans to hide her. As the rest of the Gunpowder Plot concludes, Kate and Francis' father, Boomer Quoynt, fall in love and plan their marriage.
WHAT? I feel the author didn't read up enough on the issue of prohibited degrees of affinity! At least to my understanding, after a sexual relationship with Francis, all Francis' family were then related to Kate -- it didn't matter that they were never legally married. Kate marrying Francis' father is unthinkable -- and she would never have consented. It's equivalent to incest, and completely out of character for Kate and destroyed my opinion of the book.
The novel centers around two protagonists, Kate Peach and Francis Quoynt. Kate is a secret Catholic, the only survivor of her family who is supporting herself in London by making gloves, despite not being a member of the guild. Francis is a firemaster, manufacturing and deploying gunpowder explosives. They are former lovers, separated by war, and the story of the gunpowder plot is told through their connections to the conspirators.
Overall, I found the book engaging, if a little far-fetched at points. Kate's friendship with Caledonian Meg, a bear from the bear pits, for example, was a real stretch for me. Historical detail was included, and for the most part interesting (bear in mind I was a history minor in college and actually voluntarily read history books today).
I found, unfortunately, many of the characters incompletely drawn -- outside of Kate and occasionally Francis, there were few other characters with complex motivations that the reader could divine.
*Spoiler Alert* At the point the book ended, I was about to give it a "meh" review -- then came the killer point. And if you plan on reading the book, DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER as I am about to answer one of the main plot questions.
Kate and Francis were lovers, and reconnected with intensity in the first part of the book. Enough is shown of their emotional attachment to each other, as well as their sexual attachment, to lead the reader to view their relationship as an affair of true love, with an expectation that they'll end up together.
After Kate is caught harboring a Catholic priest, she is spared and makes her escape from London with Francis' assistance, making for his home where he plans to hide her. As the rest of the Gunpowder Plot concludes, Kate and Francis' father, Boomer Quoynt, fall in love and plan their marriage.
WHAT? I feel the author didn't read up enough on the issue of prohibited degrees of affinity! At least to my understanding, after a sexual relationship with Francis, all Francis' family were then related to Kate -- it didn't matter that they were never legally married. Kate marrying Francis' father is unthinkable -- and she would never have consented. It's equivalent to incest, and completely out of character for Kate and destroyed my opinion of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2008
I really enjoyed The Firemaster's Mistress by Christie Dickason. For those who were reading the noontime chats that J. Kaye and I had, I was quite taken with the story. It's that really good mix of history and fiction that I really like to read.
The story revolves around The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when a group of angry Catholics planned on blowing up the first day of the English Parliament along with the Protestant King and the Prince of Wales.
The way that the author has weaved the parts of history that are known with her tale of what may have happened around this time in history is quite intriguing. I was really drawn to the main characters, in particular Kate, Francis and Boomer (Francis' father). I felt invested in them and wanted to know what was going to happen to them in all the turmoil going on around them. Kate is a glovemaker who has lost all her family and ends up bestowing favors on a not so nice man to be able to live. Life for her would have been unbearable otherwise and it was better to service one man, than many. Francis is a firemaster, as his father was before him. Francis and Kate had formerly been lovers but Francis had taken off as his first passion in life is 'fire'. He thrives on the excitement and risk. They end up meeting as enemies at this time in history-on different sides of the fence. However, their romance does heat up for a short while.
This story is full of twists and turns. It's an intricate tale that culminates in an ending that I wasn't at all expecting. I found it an exciting and enthralling story that kept my interest throughout. For those who really love a good historical novel I would absolutely recommend it. For those who weren't following the noontime chats, more of my review of this novel can be found here and here, where there is also a great Q&A that Christie had participated in and also my final thoughts here.
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspo...
The story revolves around The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when a group of angry Catholics planned on blowing up the first day of the English Parliament along with the Protestant King and the Prince of Wales.
The way that the author has weaved the parts of history that are known with her tale of what may have happened around this time in history is quite intriguing. I was really drawn to the main characters, in particular Kate, Francis and Boomer (Francis' father). I felt invested in them and wanted to know what was going to happen to them in all the turmoil going on around them. Kate is a glovemaker who has lost all her family and ends up bestowing favors on a not so nice man to be able to live. Life for her would have been unbearable otherwise and it was better to service one man, than many. Francis is a firemaster, as his father was before him. Francis and Kate had formerly been lovers but Francis had taken off as his first passion in life is 'fire'. He thrives on the excitement and risk. They end up meeting as enemies at this time in history-on different sides of the fence. However, their romance does heat up for a short while.
This story is full of twists and turns. It's an intricate tale that culminates in an ending that I wasn't at all expecting. I found it an exciting and enthralling story that kept my interest throughout. For those who really love a good historical novel I would absolutely recommend it. For those who weren't following the noontime chats, more of my review of this novel can be found here and here, where there is also a great Q&A that Christie had participated in and also my final thoughts here.
http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspo...
February 3, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. It was quite a quick read for me. The author got straight into the action and quickly introduced all characters.
The story covers the time before and just after the alleged BLOW UP of Parliament in 1605 and all involved with this plot. She introduces Guido Fawkes neither as a villain nor as a hero and kind of leaves the reader to make up their own minds.
We are introduced to the twisted body of Robert Cecil who hires firemaster Frances Quoynt to find him traitors who plot to kill the King James I - but the task gets more twisted and difficult that Frances anticipates.
The characters of Kate Peach and both father and son Frances Quoynts were very well described and very likeable each in different way and for different reasons.
The language was crude at times and maybe not what you'd read in books by Phillipa Gregory or Alison Weir, but after few chapters I got used to that and realised that when you write about the lives in the darkest parts of 17'th century London with all it's ale houses and brothels you need to make the language seem authentic.
Great book - for me it's 10/10 and I will read more by this author.
The story covers the time before and just after the alleged BLOW UP of Parliament in 1605 and all involved with this plot. She introduces Guido Fawkes neither as a villain nor as a hero and kind of leaves the reader to make up their own minds.
We are introduced to the twisted body of Robert Cecil who hires firemaster Frances Quoynt to find him traitors who plot to kill the King James I - but the task gets more twisted and difficult that Frances anticipates.
The characters of Kate Peach and both father and son Frances Quoynts were very well described and very likeable each in different way and for different reasons.
The language was crude at times and maybe not what you'd read in books by Phillipa Gregory or Alison Weir, but after few chapters I got used to that and realised that when you write about the lives in the darkest parts of 17'th century London with all it's ale houses and brothels you need to make the language seem authentic.
Great book - for me it's 10/10 and I will read more by this author.
February 28, 2011
I really enjoyed the book actually and I was hooked on it from the first page. I like page turners and this was one of them. Although as I started to approach the end (about three quarters of the book), I started getting a little bored but only for a bit, as it then regained the fascinating pace which I enjoyed at the beginning. I quite enjoyed the ending although do not really like the direction in which the love story went.
Historically, it was a very interesting book for me as I'm not that familiar with the Stuarts as I am with the Tudors. I really liked the formation of the characters. All in all, if the subject interests me, I would definitely take a look at other books from Christie Dickason.
Historically, it was a very interesting book for me as I'm not that familiar with the Stuarts as I am with the Tudors. I really liked the formation of the characters. All in all, if the subject interests me, I would definitely take a look at other books from Christie Dickason.
May 25, 2011
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book, and it turned out fairly decent. Don't expect anything fabulous from it, but it does give an interesting view on the events leading up to Guy Fawkes' attempt to blow up Parliament.
The love story between the main characters isn't that well written, and the ending of that part of the story really is bizarre in my opinion. However, the intrigues in this period of English history, especially around the king and his ministers, is very interesting.
The love story between the main characters isn't that well written, and the ending of that part of the story really is bizarre in my opinion. However, the intrigues in this period of English history, especially around the king and his ministers, is very interesting.
October 27, 2016
More of a 3.5 star read than 3 stars. It was enjoyable and reasonably well written. The subject matter (the Gunpowder Plot) is interesting and the fictional characters quite strong but for some reason I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I felt I should have. Nonetheless, given the time at which I read it (late October) it was an interesting and apposite read shedding more light on the date that everyone knows!
January 21, 2009
I enjoyed reading this novel about a new conspiracy theory behind the Guy Fawlkes bombing of English parliament which we commemorate on 5 Nov each year. Was disappointed with how the author wrote the love story. Won't give away the plot but it just doesn't seem feasible to me.
October 20, 2009
I loved the possibility of an alternate historical ending to the Gun powder plot.This author wrote a book which pleasantly surprised and intrigued me.
Want to read
October 29, 2008I see no reason
why gunpowder treason
should e'er be forgot!
why gunpowder treason
should e'er be forgot!
August 20, 2023
Nothing could have prepared me for the ending, not even 500 pages 🤣.
KATE CHOSE BOOMERRRR???? Now I understand the title. The readers are supposed to think Kate is Francis’ mistress but in reality gunpowder (his craft) or, ‘Lady Gunpowder’ is his true mistress. Love this even though I’m a little disappointed she didn’t marry Francis 😞
Overall I loved the book and coincidently am studying Macbeth at school which was written for the King, after the gunpowder plot to scare people. The author really knows her stuff, with perfect amounts of fact and fiction.
I’m now on the hunt for part 2, as I found this gem at the second-hand markets in Tassie. Also because it was published before I was born it’s gonna be even harder to find
KATE CHOSE BOOMERRRR???? Now I understand the title. The readers are supposed to think Kate is Francis’ mistress but in reality gunpowder (his craft) or, ‘Lady Gunpowder’ is his true mistress. Love this even though I’m a little disappointed she didn’t marry Francis 😞
Overall I loved the book and coincidently am studying Macbeth at school which was written for the King, after the gunpowder plot to scare people. The author really knows her stuff, with perfect amounts of fact and fiction.
I’m now on the hunt for part 2, as I found this gem at the second-hand markets in Tassie. Also because it was published before I was born it’s gonna be even harder to find
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
I almost didn't read this due to the title and the cover art, thinking it was a historical romance. It was instead about the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the new King James 1 and all his ministers at the opening of Parliament in 1605. The title really is a misnomer. 'The Firemaster' would have been much more accurate. And I don't think women wore bright red on their lips in 1605 unless they were a prostitute.
June 15, 2020
I love this book! Throughly enjoying it! Fransis and Kate are such awesome characters, I was hoping they'd end up together but Kate ended up with Boomer- Fransis Dad. Omg I laughed so hard when Fransis asked Kate if he could call her mum Lmaooo
All in all, a sensational book about the 5 of Novemenr! Throughly recommended.
All in all, a sensational book about the 5 of Novemenr! Throughly recommended.
February 13, 2024
Unfortunately this just missed the mark for me. Strong start, but the majority of the novel was just so slow moving, it bored me. With some historical fiction novels, I don’t mind if it’s slow moving as long as there’s an edge to keep me engaged, but this just didn’t have that. It started to rear up towards the end, but the ending also fell flat for me. Bummer.
February 17, 2024
This book would have been so much better without Kate’s marriage to Boomer in the end. It made no sense and just gave me the ick. I would have even preferred she just left and found her own path away from them both. It really killed an otherwise enjoyable book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2019
This was 4 stars until the end. Could not wrap my head around that relationship twist. Maybe if it had been hinted at a little better?
January 8, 2021
This book was great. I love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint. I could not put the book down. An awesome read!
January 10, 2021
Meh. It dragged in parts, especially the middle.
October 26, 2021
Great read!
March 16, 2024
Very enjoyable novel set with the build up to November 5th, lots of plot and gunpowder and Kate caught in the middle.
May 9, 2024
A very good historical read. Fiction (which may not all be) mixed with fact. Have ordered another book of this author as was impressed with her writing
November 26, 2024
Review to follow but I love this story.
Read
September 22, 2025Interesting and a page turner
March 24, 2017
I read this book because I didn't know much about the conspiracy. Good read.
June 12, 2012
I read The Firemaster's Mistress in one day, despite it's bulk (over 500 pages). In the morning, as I was beginning, I had a doctor's appointment, and the doctor looked at the cover and asked me "Is that highbrow--or is it smut? I can't tell from the cover." I wasn't sure myself, and so I couldn't answer yet. It promised to be an interesting intrigue story about the Guy Fawkes conspiracy to blow up Parliament, King James I, and his son, Henry, Prince of Wales in order to reaffirm the Catholic faith in England. It also promised a little bit of romance between the title character (Kate Peach) and the book's true protagonist, her former lover (Francis Quoynt, a young military firemaster and gunpowder maker who has aspirations of developing beautiful fireworks instead of instruments of war).
The first third or half of the book follows through on the promise of the book's title, focusing on Kate and her struggle for survival alone: plying an illegal trade (glovemaking), befriending a bear from the bear-baiting arena, tolerating an abusive lover so that she doesn't have to become a straight-out prostitute, all the time trying to conceal her Roman Catholic faith and earn enough money to escape Southwark.
After the halfway point, author Christie Dickason switches her focus to Francis and his attempts to ferret out the major players of the Gunpowder plot, fulfill and comprehend the subtle plan of his cunning employer (Robert Cecil), and set the stage for resuming his interrupted love affair. It is at this point that the book begins to disappoint: as a character, Kate is far more compelling that Francis. Indeed, Francis's father, Boomer, is more compelling character than Francis.
Perhaps this is why, when the conspiracy winds down to its inevitable conclusion, I at last found theanswer to the doctor's question: The Firemaster's Mistress is not smut, nor is it a romance. Right when either of the chief couple's love affair should be coming to a satisfactory conclusion ... it is a twist the reader doesn't see coming and does not particularly appreciate so late in the novel.
It is as if Dickason has been forced definitively to say "this is not a romance novel"--that it is, despite the characters' backstories and sexual tension, "historical intrigue." Perhaps the author intends to leave her characters open for sequels. If so, I would be willing to read them. Despite the fact that he is overshadowed by Kate and Boomer, Francis is an interesting enough character to follow into a series. However, I am left with the feeling that the book's title was misleading: The Firemaster's Mistress should have been merely The Firemaster.
In terms of research and historical detail, I must confess I am not an expert on the day-to-day life of Southwark dwellers in 1605. Nevertheless, as far as I can tell, Dickason has painted a vivid and well-researched portrait of the era, evoking the blood, lust, and bloodlust of the City's "entertainment district."
I wish Dickason had kept her focus on Kate Peach, getting her more and more involved in the Gunpowder Conspiracy and its unravelling, and have saved the development of Francis for whatever sequels may come. Or that any sequels will focus on Kate and , instead. Nevertheless, any five-hundred page book that I read in one day deserves praise as a good, absorbing read.
The first third or half of the book follows through on the promise of the book's title, focusing on Kate and her struggle for survival alone: plying an illegal trade (glovemaking), befriending a bear from the bear-baiting arena, tolerating an abusive lover so that she doesn't have to become a straight-out prostitute, all the time trying to conceal her Roman Catholic faith and earn enough money to escape Southwark.
After the halfway point, author Christie Dickason switches her focus to Francis and his attempts to ferret out the major players of the Gunpowder plot, fulfill and comprehend the subtle plan of his cunning employer (Robert Cecil), and set the stage for resuming his interrupted love affair. It is at this point that the book begins to disappoint: as a character, Kate is far more compelling that Francis. Indeed, Francis's father, Boomer, is more compelling character than Francis.
Perhaps this is why, when the conspiracy winds down to its inevitable conclusion, I at last found theanswer to the doctor's question: The Firemaster's Mistress is not smut, nor is it a romance. Right when either of the chief couple's love affair should be coming to a satisfactory conclusion ... it is a twist the reader doesn't see coming and does not particularly appreciate so late in the novel.
It is as if Dickason has been forced definitively to say "this is not a romance novel"--that it is, despite the characters' backstories and sexual tension, "historical intrigue." Perhaps the author intends to leave her characters open for sequels. If so, I would be willing to read them. Despite the fact that he is overshadowed by Kate and Boomer, Francis is an interesting enough character to follow into a series. However, I am left with the feeling that the book's title was misleading: The Firemaster's Mistress should have been merely The Firemaster.
In terms of research and historical detail, I must confess I am not an expert on the day-to-day life of Southwark dwellers in 1605. Nevertheless, as far as I can tell, Dickason has painted a vivid and well-researched portrait of the era, evoking the blood, lust, and bloodlust of the City's "entertainment district."
I wish Dickason had kept her focus on Kate Peach, getting her more and more involved in the Gunpowder Conspiracy and its unravelling, and have saved the development of Francis for whatever sequels may come. Or that any sequels will focus on Kate and , instead. Nevertheless, any five-hundred page book that I read in one day deserves praise as a good, absorbing read.
February 4, 2017
I hate being disappointed in my books, but I really couldn't avoid it with this one. Christie Dickason's other Jacobean set novels were extremely enjoyable, so I admit I came to this text with higher expectations than normal. However, even if I came to this book cold, I doubt I would have enjoyed it greatly.
I believe in balanced reviews, so it is important to note the positives. The premise itself is highly intriguing, and seemingly original. Focusing on the idea of a Firemaster and his abilities seemed like an excellent idea. The book jacket implied a love story with a Catholic during a turbulent period, which should have provided for meaty dialogue and exciting arguments. The portrayal of a flawed, yet determined Robert Cecil was beyond reproach, as he was both despicable and yet demanded the utmost respect.
But.
I have several major issues with this book. First, for a book with a lot of exclamations and monologue get, there was little backstory that actually explained the characters extreme attachments to one another. Sudden actions (like someone jumping into bed with another) are clumsily treated, and feel like an afterthought. The plot itself meanders, with very little character development. The ending was poor, plain and simple. The romantic attachment that remained an undercurrent of the text is dropped unceremoniously, so much so that I felt let down by the author.
Finally, the anti-Elizabeth sentiment was pretty hard to take and seemed to be crammed down my throat at times. YMMV on this one though, as I do have a strong opinion on that particular Tudor!
I suppose I am so disappointed because I think Dickason capable of much more. Oh well, there are many more books in the bookshelf.
I believe in balanced reviews, so it is important to note the positives. The premise itself is highly intriguing, and seemingly original. Focusing on the idea of a Firemaster and his abilities seemed like an excellent idea. The book jacket implied a love story with a Catholic during a turbulent period, which should have provided for meaty dialogue and exciting arguments. The portrayal of a flawed, yet determined Robert Cecil was beyond reproach, as he was both despicable and yet demanded the utmost respect.
But.
I have several major issues with this book. First, for a book with a lot of exclamations and monologue get, there was little backstory that actually explained the characters extreme attachments to one another. Sudden actions (like someone jumping into bed with another) are clumsily treated, and feel like an afterthought. The plot itself meanders, with very little character development. The ending was poor, plain and simple. The romantic attachment that remained an undercurrent of the text is dropped unceremoniously, so much so that I felt let down by the author.
Finally, the anti-Elizabeth sentiment was pretty hard to take and seemed to be crammed down my throat at times. YMMV on this one though, as I do have a strong opinion on that particular Tudor!
I suppose I am so disappointed because I think Dickason capable of much more. Oh well, there are many more books in the bookshelf.
November 19, 2017
Loved this!
Meet my Francis Quoynt ...
Set in England in the early years of James I reign, in "The Firemaster's Mistress" Christie Dickason totally brings Shakespeare's London to life - the sights of people bustling through Southwark, barges laden with goods floating down the Thames, crowds of people watching the bearbaiting in the gardens; the sounds of street hawkers selling their wares and religious men telling the crowds about the evils of Catholicism, the applause at the theatre; and the smells of rubbish and horse manure rotting in the streets and unwashed bodies.
Now I get that what I've just described sounds incredibly unappealing ... but I would love to spend a day or two in Jacobean London! I've always thought it seems like a really fun, lively era. I'd totally work an outfit like this ...
"The Firemaster's Mistress" tells the stories of Francis Quoynt, a firemaster (someone who knows how to handle and work with gunpowder) who'd rather create amazing fireworks than use his skills to make firearms and weaponry and Kate Peach, a poor glovemaker, mistress to the powerful (and shitty) Hugh Taylor, and also a secret Catholic. Francis and Kate were previously lovers but their relationship ended on a bit of a sour note! They both find themselves involved with Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder plot to assassinate King James, and also falling for each other again - and this is where the story gets really interesting!
Meet my Francis Quoynt ...
Set in England in the early years of James I reign, in "The Firemaster's Mistress" Christie Dickason totally brings Shakespeare's London to life - the sights of people bustling through Southwark, barges laden with goods floating down the Thames, crowds of people watching the bearbaiting in the gardens; the sounds of street hawkers selling their wares and religious men telling the crowds about the evils of Catholicism, the applause at the theatre; and the smells of rubbish and horse manure rotting in the streets and unwashed bodies.
Now I get that what I've just described sounds incredibly unappealing ... but I would love to spend a day or two in Jacobean London! I've always thought it seems like a really fun, lively era. I'd totally work an outfit like this ...
"The Firemaster's Mistress" tells the stories of Francis Quoynt, a firemaster (someone who knows how to handle and work with gunpowder) who'd rather create amazing fireworks than use his skills to make firearms and weaponry and Kate Peach, a poor glovemaker, mistress to the powerful (and shitty) Hugh Taylor, and also a secret Catholic. Francis and Kate were previously lovers but their relationship ended on a bit of a sour note! They both find themselves involved with Guy Fawkes and the infamous Gunpowder plot to assassinate King James, and also falling for each other again - and this is where the story gets really interesting!
July 12, 2016
Meryl 2016
This is not a romance novel, neither is it really about the Firemaster's Mistress (Kate Peach) neither is she really his mistress so adjust your expectations accordingly.
The novel in essence is about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a plan so ambitious so it seems rooted in pure fiction. A mixed group of Catholic nobles and soldiers decide to blow up the houses of parliament with the king, all his retainers, nobles, court, ministers and family present.
They were to abduct his young daughter and place her on the throne as the new Catholic ruler and dispatch her less suitable older brothers.
That the plot was able to proceed as far as it did (to provide Cecil with indisputable proof of treason, a unifying set of villains, a masterstroke of elevating James I to diviner extraordinaire while cementing his own powerful position in the king's favour) seems almost unbelievable.
And therein lies Ms Dickason's entry - it was unbelievable, indeed it was stage managed beautifully and the novel cleverly explains how and why while throwing in a few literary characters and a very fruity sub plot.
I enjoyed it. It had a rollicking energy that was infectious and bears the hallmark of thorough and robust research. It flagged a bit in the middle and the romantic denouement raised an eyebrow or two, but overall it was a very good historical novel, given the stamp of approval by Philippa Gregory no less. 4/5 bring on some more Francis I say ...
This guy will do.
http://ilarge.lisimg.com/image/122780...
There is another in the series ...The Principessa (Francis Quoynt #2)
This is not a romance novel, neither is it really about the Firemaster's Mistress (Kate Peach) neither is she really his mistress so adjust your expectations accordingly.
The novel in essence is about the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, a plan so ambitious so it seems rooted in pure fiction. A mixed group of Catholic nobles and soldiers decide to blow up the houses of parliament with the king, all his retainers, nobles, court, ministers and family present.
They were to abduct his young daughter and place her on the throne as the new Catholic ruler and dispatch her less suitable older brothers.
That the plot was able to proceed as far as it did (to provide Cecil with indisputable proof of treason, a unifying set of villains, a masterstroke of elevating James I to diviner extraordinaire while cementing his own powerful position in the king's favour) seems almost unbelievable.
And therein lies Ms Dickason's entry - it was unbelievable, indeed it was stage managed beautifully and the novel cleverly explains how and why while throwing in a few literary characters and a very fruity sub plot.
I enjoyed it. It had a rollicking energy that was infectious and bears the hallmark of thorough and robust research. It flagged a bit in the middle and the romantic denouement raised an eyebrow or two, but overall it was a very good historical novel, given the stamp of approval by Philippa Gregory no less. 4/5 bring on some more Francis I say ...
This guy will do.
http://ilarge.lisimg.com/image/122780...
There is another in the series ...The Principessa (Francis Quoynt #2)
March 21, 2017
I love historical fiction, and while I largely only read about the monarchy, I was really looking forward to reading about another historical event. The plot was actually rather good, and I really enjoyed the investigative aspects and the double-crossing elements. If this book had been better edited, I actually would have given it a two-star rating. Alas.
Firstly, the book was too long and the sub-plots were stupid. There, I've said it. Kate feeding and talking to a bear?? What? Why? How is that relevant to the Gunpowder plot? So much could have been cut out and it still would have made sense. Long pages of Francis walking about and watching people or being watched. Long paragraphs detailing Kate making gloves and what they looked like and how hard she had to push the needle through the material - it all should have been cut out so that the tension and action could progress. Instead we kept getting this building of tension, and then nothingness.
Kate was given a lot of page time and was one of our main narrators, but her presence could have been removed entirely and the book would still have been readable. I actually started skipping her chapters because they were so dull and added nothing to the plot. Francis should have been the only narrator because he was in the thick of the action and was actually likeable.
It is a real shame that this hadn't been better edited, because it could have been a better read.
Firstly, the book was too long and the sub-plots were stupid. There, I've said it. Kate feeding and talking to a bear?? What? Why? How is that relevant to the Gunpowder plot? So much could have been cut out and it still would have made sense. Long pages of Francis walking about and watching people or being watched. Long paragraphs detailing Kate making gloves and what they looked like and how hard she had to push the needle through the material - it all should have been cut out so that the tension and action could progress. Instead we kept getting this building of tension, and then nothingness.
Kate was given a lot of page time and was one of our main narrators, but her presence could have been removed entirely and the book would still have been readable. I actually started skipping her chapters because they were so dull and added nothing to the plot. Francis should have been the only narrator because he was in the thick of the action and was actually likeable.
It is a real shame that this hadn't been better edited, because it could have been a better read.
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