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HQ The Revels.
The stage is set and the witch-hunt is about to begin…
‘I am no witch. I have not sold my soul to the devil for powers. What I am has never openly been whispered of, yet it is enough that people would hang for it.’
England, 1645.
After his half-brother dies, aspiring playwright Nicholas Pearce is apprenticed to Judge William Percival, an infamous former witch-hunter who is under pressure to resume his old profession.
In a country torn apart by civil war, with escalating tensions between Catholics and Protestants, Royalists and Roundheads, and rumours of witchcraft, Nicholas hides a the dead sing. He hears their secrets, but will he find the courage to speak up to save innocent lives, even if it means putting himself in great danger?
A spellbinding debut novel perfect for fans of Stacey Halls, Laura Purcell and Bridget Collins.
‘I am no witch. I have not sold my soul to the devil for powers. What I am has never openly been whispered of, yet it is enough that people would hang for it.’
England, 1645.
After his half-brother dies, aspiring playwright Nicholas Pearce is apprenticed to Judge William Percival, an infamous former witch-hunter who is under pressure to resume his old profession.
In a country torn apart by civil war, with escalating tensions between Catholics and Protestants, Royalists and Roundheads, and rumours of witchcraft, Nicholas hides a the dead sing. He hears their secrets, but will he find the courage to speak up to save innocent lives, even if it means putting himself in great danger?
A spellbinding debut novel perfect for fans of Stacey Halls, Laura Purcell and Bridget Collins.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2023
97 people are currently reading
4207 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Thomas
1 book59 followersStacey Thomas was born in Paddington, home to Paddington Bear and the Puppet Theatre Barge. She is a writer for Bad Form Review and an alumna of the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course.
The Revels is her debut novel.
Find Stacey on Twitter @staceyv_thomas and TikTok and Instagram @staceythomaswrites or sign-up to her mailing list for exclusive behind-the-scenes content: https://linktr.ee/staceyv_thomas
The Revels is her debut novel.
Find Stacey on Twitter @staceyv_thomas and TikTok and Instagram @staceythomaswrites or sign-up to her mailing list for exclusive behind-the-scenes content: https://linktr.ee/staceyv_thomas
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
August 27, 2023
A book that brilliantly and evocatively captures the turmoil of the period, with a dark and clever ‘witch-hunter’ plot at its centre, which had me totally engrossed! The characterisation is brilliant. All of the main protagonists left me as a reader with conflicted emotions, yet ultimately hoping throughout for their outcomes to be good ones! An absorbing read, with the writing style very much putting me in mind of Leonora Nattrass. For me, this is brilliant historical fiction and can’t wait for Stacey Thomas’ next novel!
April 18, 2024
Fantastic characterisation, wonderful writing, great atmosphere. A witch trial novel with a difference, and one absolutely worth your time.
August 26, 2023
3.25⭐️
Ultimately, this is quite a frustrating read. I liked the premise, and the characters were quite intriguing, but I found the frequent opacity of the writing very frustrating. I had to keep rereading paragraphs, which is always a tough ask when you want to move along with the story. A tad disappointed, to be honest.
Ultimately, this is quite a frustrating read. I liked the premise, and the characters were quite intriguing, but I found the frequent opacity of the writing very frustrating. I had to keep rereading paragraphs, which is always a tough ask when you want to move along with the story. A tad disappointed, to be honest.
January 11, 2023
Historical fiction fans run DON'T walk to pre-order Stacey Thomas' 2023 debut, The Revels, NOW because it is completely intoxicating and written from the viewpoint of *dreamy* Nicholas, our protagonist who has been drawn in (completely blackmailed) into the world of witch-hunting after the death of his beloved brother.
The Revels is set during 1645, a time where the fear of witchcraft and the sport of witch-hunting was at its peak after King James I became increasingly paranoid about witches partnering up with the Devil to assassinate him. This led to everyone accusing women of being witches for any reason, which 99% of the time led to the death of the accused.
𝑨𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔.
This quote had me sighing at the irony that reflects the contemporary life of women. How many times are women scapegoats for the acts of their male counterparts. For example, the MeToo movement and a woman coming out to speak against a more powerful male. In 1645, would the victim be accused of witchcraft? Let that sink in.
Back to Nicholas, he is partnered with infamous former witch-hunter Judge William Percival, who is under pressure to become as brilliant as he once was. As rumours of witchcraft increase, we begin to understand Nicholas and his source of empathy - he can hear the dead, will he use this to protect the innocent, even if that means putting himself in danger?
𝐌𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠.
The whole storyline is both enlightening to this time in history and captivating thanks to Stacey's GORGEOUS writing. I found Stacey's writing style to be atmospheric and intoxicating. The way that she builds relationships creates her three-dimensional characters (Nicholas 😍) and creates the story. I felt like I was transported onto the cobbled streets of 1645, and I didn't want to leave.
The Revels is set during 1645, a time where the fear of witchcraft and the sport of witch-hunting was at its peak after King James I became increasingly paranoid about witches partnering up with the Devil to assassinate him. This led to everyone accusing women of being witches for any reason, which 99% of the time led to the death of the accused.
𝑨𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔.
This quote had me sighing at the irony that reflects the contemporary life of women. How many times are women scapegoats for the acts of their male counterparts. For example, the MeToo movement and a woman coming out to speak against a more powerful male. In 1645, would the victim be accused of witchcraft? Let that sink in.
Back to Nicholas, he is partnered with infamous former witch-hunter Judge William Percival, who is under pressure to become as brilliant as he once was. As rumours of witchcraft increase, we begin to understand Nicholas and his source of empathy - he can hear the dead, will he use this to protect the innocent, even if that means putting himself in danger?
𝐌𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠.
The whole storyline is both enlightening to this time in history and captivating thanks to Stacey's GORGEOUS writing. I found Stacey's writing style to be atmospheric and intoxicating. The way that she builds relationships creates her three-dimensional characters (Nicholas 😍) and creates the story. I felt like I was transported onto the cobbled streets of 1645, and I didn't want to leave.
October 19, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & HQ Fiction for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
There’s something about The Revels that made me keep reading even though the writing style didn’t work for me. It’s such a fascinating take on the witch trials, and Thomas writes so well about the abuse suffered by witches and non-witches alike. But I had to reread so many sentences and go back full pages so many times to try to figure out what was going on in the plot - it took so much time and concentration just to keep the thread alive. There's a nugget of something in the narrative that I kept waiting to be developed, but I was left wanting and needing more than what I got.
There’s something about The Revels that made me keep reading even though the writing style didn’t work for me. It’s such a fascinating take on the witch trials, and Thomas writes so well about the abuse suffered by witches and non-witches alike. But I had to reread so many sentences and go back full pages so many times to try to figure out what was going on in the plot - it took so much time and concentration just to keep the thread alive. There's a nugget of something in the narrative that I kept waiting to be developed, but I was left wanting and needing more than what I got.
"The details change, yet the girl never does; she is either wanton or a mercenary whore, but never the victim."Review originally posted here on Britt's Book Blurbs.
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August 8, 2023
“The dead do not rest easy, and I am full of their secrets.”
In 1645 King Charles and Parliament were at odds with one another. Whilst witch-hunting was abolished by the King, where there were women who dared to fall in love, dared to show an ounce of power, to rise above their station or to show courage, there were those who would denounce it as witchcraft. Parliament, though in the midst of a civil war, feeling it their duty to uphold the nation's pious beliefs, began to call for the rise of witch-hunters once more to rid England of the Devil’s presence. And so began the gruelling witch trials that saw countless women wrongly executed.
The Revels by Stacey Thomas is a powerful historical fantasy debut which captures its readers and binds them in knots, desperately burning through pages whilst all begins to unravel. This is a witchy tale that both challenges and sympathies with its characters as they journey through a world that would rather condemn them for being alive than see them prosper.
Nicholas Pearce, our main protagonist, is called home following the death of his brother, Francis. Wrapped in guilt for encouraging his brother to join The Royalist army, Nicholas enters an uneasy bargain with his father which sees him abandoning his potential career as a playwright and entering an apprenticeship with Judge William Percival, a former renowned witch-hunter. Unfortunately for Nicholas this is the last person he ever wanted to be charged to, for he harbours a dangerous secret, Nicholson can hear the dead sing. Fearing that this will see him hanged for witchcraft, he conceals what the dead reveal in their songs and keeps their burdens to himself. Yet with the rising demand for witch-hunters, William Percival is pressured into returning to his old occupation and Nicholas is tied to him. How long can Nicholas hide his true self? How many innocent lives can he watch be destroyed before he speaks up?
The tone of this novel is superb from the very onset. Thomas’s prose is incredibly atmospheric, mixing melancholy with formality and creating an air of tension, darkness, whilst painting a gothic scene which really immersed me into the time period. This was a time when religion was so deeply embedded into society that it was no wonder fear of devilry and curses made the people susceptible to any given whisper of witchcraft. It was easy to see how even the most ridiculous claims, even ones of women flying and sending imps or familiars to do their bidding, could be believed. However, in Thomas’ novel certain powers do exist, that of knot magic, having the power to manipulate others and of hearing the dead. Yet for all those accused most were wrongfully so, and not all who had powers used them for malice; even so the atrocities they all faced was unimaginable, which Thomas does not shy away from. Throughout I was always on the edge of my seat knowing that no character, even Nicholas and William Percival himself, were safe from facing execution and so I feared for the twists that I knew would come.
“I have always been in two parts. As though half of me is standing behind the curtains watching to see how my other half plays before the crowd. I am still in two parts, but it is as though Althamia has caught sight of us both and rather than recoil, she steps closer.”
I love the way Thomas juxtaposes witch trials to that of a theatre play, where the crowd gain as much enjoyment of seeing a woman or man condemned, stripped of all dignity and hanging from the end of a rope, as to watching a comedy on stage. Society during the sixteenth century was engineered with roles to be played and expectations to be met, which Thomas reflects upon with much historical detail. For example women were expected to marry and do nothing more than care for the family, and so a character such as Althamia, who Nicholas becomes fond of, was an easy target to claim as a witch for her desire to become a doctor and for taking an interest in taxidermy. There are a few uncomfortable scenes where we the reader bear witness to the way witch-hunters coerced ‘confessions’ from the accused, but these scenes are also emotively powerful. Nicholas’ objection and anger towards the cruelty brings into light how easily mistreated women were at that time, and we in turn feel this anger, as we should. With every death and every song sung by the victims, he knows the truth of their demise, he knows the horrors they had faced in life and so Nicholas’s narration not only casts a critical eye over those around him who make sport of convicting women of witchcraft out of superiority, jealousy or sheer maliciousness but also at his own involvement in the affairs. This I particularly appreciated because it is clear that Nicholas is a character who made a lot of mistakes, who thought of his own survival at the expense of others, and that his actions or lack of had dire consequences for others—It was right to see him acknowledge that.
Yet on the other hand Nicholas was as vulnerable as the women, he had to hide a part of himself or face the same punishment. Nicholas was a puppet and his strings were pulled by corrupt men, firstly by his father and then by witch-hunters such as Clements and Rush who covet their small amount of power, and so knowing how best to protect himself and those he cared for, particularly Althamia, became even harder the more embedded with these men he became. The only measure of kindness and understanding he really received was by his father’s valet Stephens and by William Percival, a man who held his own secrets, one that given the attitudes of that era, would see him punished and shamed in the same manner as witches. Thomas shows us that it was a cutthroat time period for all, where the only way for characters such as Clements, General Witchfinder Rush and even Grace, a woman who used her powers to control minds, to rise was to see the ruin of others.
“Her shoulders slump and she studies the fire. 'Before, I was something to be protected. Now I am something to be shunted away. Yet I am what I always was: an object to be manoeuvred.”
This is a novel which certainly flourishes in enriching the narrative with historical authenticity, tense drama, and a dark atmosphere whereby Thomas effortlessly holds her audience captive until the final curtain falls. The Revels enlightened me in many ways, this is a debut not to be missed.
ARC provided by Becci at HQ Stories in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy!
The Revels is out now!
In 1645 King Charles and Parliament were at odds with one another. Whilst witch-hunting was abolished by the King, where there were women who dared to fall in love, dared to show an ounce of power, to rise above their station or to show courage, there were those who would denounce it as witchcraft. Parliament, though in the midst of a civil war, feeling it their duty to uphold the nation's pious beliefs, began to call for the rise of witch-hunters once more to rid England of the Devil’s presence. And so began the gruelling witch trials that saw countless women wrongly executed.
The Revels by Stacey Thomas is a powerful historical fantasy debut which captures its readers and binds them in knots, desperately burning through pages whilst all begins to unravel. This is a witchy tale that both challenges and sympathies with its characters as they journey through a world that would rather condemn them for being alive than see them prosper.
Nicholas Pearce, our main protagonist, is called home following the death of his brother, Francis. Wrapped in guilt for encouraging his brother to join The Royalist army, Nicholas enters an uneasy bargain with his father which sees him abandoning his potential career as a playwright and entering an apprenticeship with Judge William Percival, a former renowned witch-hunter. Unfortunately for Nicholas this is the last person he ever wanted to be charged to, for he harbours a dangerous secret, Nicholson can hear the dead sing. Fearing that this will see him hanged for witchcraft, he conceals what the dead reveal in their songs and keeps their burdens to himself. Yet with the rising demand for witch-hunters, William Percival is pressured into returning to his old occupation and Nicholas is tied to him. How long can Nicholas hide his true self? How many innocent lives can he watch be destroyed before he speaks up?
The tone of this novel is superb from the very onset. Thomas’s prose is incredibly atmospheric, mixing melancholy with formality and creating an air of tension, darkness, whilst painting a gothic scene which really immersed me into the time period. This was a time when religion was so deeply embedded into society that it was no wonder fear of devilry and curses made the people susceptible to any given whisper of witchcraft. It was easy to see how even the most ridiculous claims, even ones of women flying and sending imps or familiars to do their bidding, could be believed. However, in Thomas’ novel certain powers do exist, that of knot magic, having the power to manipulate others and of hearing the dead. Yet for all those accused most were wrongfully so, and not all who had powers used them for malice; even so the atrocities they all faced was unimaginable, which Thomas does not shy away from. Throughout I was always on the edge of my seat knowing that no character, even Nicholas and William Percival himself, were safe from facing execution and so I feared for the twists that I knew would come.
“I have always been in two parts. As though half of me is standing behind the curtains watching to see how my other half plays before the crowd. I am still in two parts, but it is as though Althamia has caught sight of us both and rather than recoil, she steps closer.”
I love the way Thomas juxtaposes witch trials to that of a theatre play, where the crowd gain as much enjoyment of seeing a woman or man condemned, stripped of all dignity and hanging from the end of a rope, as to watching a comedy on stage. Society during the sixteenth century was engineered with roles to be played and expectations to be met, which Thomas reflects upon with much historical detail. For example women were expected to marry and do nothing more than care for the family, and so a character such as Althamia, who Nicholas becomes fond of, was an easy target to claim as a witch for her desire to become a doctor and for taking an interest in taxidermy. There are a few uncomfortable scenes where we the reader bear witness to the way witch-hunters coerced ‘confessions’ from the accused, but these scenes are also emotively powerful. Nicholas’ objection and anger towards the cruelty brings into light how easily mistreated women were at that time, and we in turn feel this anger, as we should. With every death and every song sung by the victims, he knows the truth of their demise, he knows the horrors they had faced in life and so Nicholas’s narration not only casts a critical eye over those around him who make sport of convicting women of witchcraft out of superiority, jealousy or sheer maliciousness but also at his own involvement in the affairs. This I particularly appreciated because it is clear that Nicholas is a character who made a lot of mistakes, who thought of his own survival at the expense of others, and that his actions or lack of had dire consequences for others—It was right to see him acknowledge that.
Yet on the other hand Nicholas was as vulnerable as the women, he had to hide a part of himself or face the same punishment. Nicholas was a puppet and his strings were pulled by corrupt men, firstly by his father and then by witch-hunters such as Clements and Rush who covet their small amount of power, and so knowing how best to protect himself and those he cared for, particularly Althamia, became even harder the more embedded with these men he became. The only measure of kindness and understanding he really received was by his father’s valet Stephens and by William Percival, a man who held his own secrets, one that given the attitudes of that era, would see him punished and shamed in the same manner as witches. Thomas shows us that it was a cutthroat time period for all, where the only way for characters such as Clements, General Witchfinder Rush and even Grace, a woman who used her powers to control minds, to rise was to see the ruin of others.
“Her shoulders slump and she studies the fire. 'Before, I was something to be protected. Now I am something to be shunted away. Yet I am what I always was: an object to be manoeuvred.”
This is a novel which certainly flourishes in enriching the narrative with historical authenticity, tense drama, and a dark atmosphere whereby Thomas effortlessly holds her audience captive until the final curtain falls. The Revels enlightened me in many ways, this is a debut not to be missed.
ARC provided by Becci at HQ Stories in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy!
The Revels is out now!
August 6, 2023
I really wanted to enjoy this book more but unfortunately for me I felt swamped with so many historical facts that the story was lost. The premise was good. An apprentice to a notorious Witch finder has a secret Nicholas can talk to the dead. He is torn between saving his own life and doing his job. A very busy but thoroughly enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
Thanks to Netgalley for the Arc.
October 14, 2023
3.25
I liked the theme of witch hunters and all the politics involved in witch hunting.
Writing was not so fluid for me. I struggled to stay interested just cause of writing and choice of words pull me to often out of feeling, atmosphere and story itself.
I liked the theme of witch hunters and all the politics involved in witch hunting.
Writing was not so fluid for me. I struggled to stay interested just cause of writing and choice of words pull me to often out of feeling, atmosphere and story itself.
December 5, 2022
I was very lucky to be an early reader of The Revels. This book has everything: love, jealousy, superstition, a compelling and complex cast of characters all with their own dark secrets and depth. I loved learning more about 17th century witch hunts and their close connection to the English Civil War, as well as becoming completely absorbed in the developing relationships of the characters. Nicholas and Althamia are marvellous. I can't wait to see this on the bookshelves.
November 11, 2023
England, 1645. Nicholas Pearce is apprenticed to Judge William Percival, who is better known as a former witch hunter who spent his youth eradicating witches. Despite Judge Percival’s reluctance to return to such a position, there is huge pressure to resurrect the witch hunter role, and he eventually acquiesces.
But Nicholas has a cross of his own to carry. For he can hear the dead sing. But to confess this would result in his own death sentence. Forced to keep quiet, his fear and anger grow as he watches countless innocent victims suffer. This is a time of great paranoia and suspicion. No one is to be trusted, lives may depend on it.
A hugely evocative piece of historical fiction focusing on the histrionics and witch propaganda of the seventeenth century. Nicholas is a unique character, women are his equal, which is certainly an unusual viewpoint of that time. I read with increasing horror about these poor innocent women, randomly accused by despicable men, usually to cover up their own wrongdoings. The fear during this period of history is palpable, there are backstabbers everywhere, desperately trying to save their own skin, regardless of whose lives are ruined as a consequence.
Atmospheric, dramatic and often terrifying. There’s plenty of things wrong with the 21st Century but I’m very thankful I wasn’t born 400 years earlier..
But Nicholas has a cross of his own to carry. For he can hear the dead sing. But to confess this would result in his own death sentence. Forced to keep quiet, his fear and anger grow as he watches countless innocent victims suffer. This is a time of great paranoia and suspicion. No one is to be trusted, lives may depend on it.
A hugely evocative piece of historical fiction focusing on the histrionics and witch propaganda of the seventeenth century. Nicholas is a unique character, women are his equal, which is certainly an unusual viewpoint of that time. I read with increasing horror about these poor innocent women, randomly accused by despicable men, usually to cover up their own wrongdoings. The fear during this period of history is palpable, there are backstabbers everywhere, desperately trying to save their own skin, regardless of whose lives are ruined as a consequence.
Atmospheric, dramatic and often terrifying. There’s plenty of things wrong with the 21st Century but I’m very thankful I wasn’t born 400 years earlier..
July 14, 2023
This year has exploded with witchlit and this is definitely one that will stand out for me.
It’s 1645 and the English Civil War is in full fury. The horrors of the Pendle witch trials are within living memory yet there is a creeping resurgence of witch accusations and a taste for blood as civil unrest sets neighbours off against one another. Told from the perspective of a reluctant witch hunter, The Revels offers a unique insight into the struggles that sympathisers faced in the midst of this new wave of witch hysteria.
I didn’t expect to sympathise with a male perspective in a witchlit yet I was immediately struck by the main character’s compassionate and sensitive nature. Coerced into playing the role of a witch hunter’s apprentice, his conscience is warped and he later makes questionable decisions in an attempt to seek justice for the accused witches. I could never fully trust his intentions but his character served as an example of the confusion, menace and treachery in every corner of society at this turbulent time.
The evocative writing stirs a sense disgust and rage against the self imposed witch finder generals and a mournful regret for the accused. It is an emotional read but there are moments of hope in the relationships between the main characters which relieves the tension heavily present throughout. A powerful story of ambition, love and war.
It’s 1645 and the English Civil War is in full fury. The horrors of the Pendle witch trials are within living memory yet there is a creeping resurgence of witch accusations and a taste for blood as civil unrest sets neighbours off against one another. Told from the perspective of a reluctant witch hunter, The Revels offers a unique insight into the struggles that sympathisers faced in the midst of this new wave of witch hysteria.
I didn’t expect to sympathise with a male perspective in a witchlit yet I was immediately struck by the main character’s compassionate and sensitive nature. Coerced into playing the role of a witch hunter’s apprentice, his conscience is warped and he later makes questionable decisions in an attempt to seek justice for the accused witches. I could never fully trust his intentions but his character served as an example of the confusion, menace and treachery in every corner of society at this turbulent time.
The evocative writing stirs a sense disgust and rage against the self imposed witch finder generals and a mournful regret for the accused. It is an emotional read but there are moments of hope in the relationships between the main characters which relieves the tension heavily present throughout. A powerful story of ambition, love and war.
dnf
November 9, 2024Had to DNF this at 35%. Wasn't holding my attention at all.
October 7, 2023
Imagine living through the 17th century witch trials. The greying skeletons of the past are resurrected. The people long after King James behave like jackdaws- peddling frightful, sensationalist tales of wicked magic.
Many are still damned and many enjoy the spectacle of death. The year is 1645 and a macabre witch-hunt takes the stage in this beguiling post-Jacobean novel by Stacey Thomas✨
Nicholas Pearce, the narrator and protagonist, is an aspiring playwright and the master of his own murky secret. Upon his brother’s death, Nicholas becomes the wily, assured apprentice of retired witch-hunter and judge William Percival. Much to his disappointment, as Nicholas can hear the dead. A gift he keeps very close to his chest. Their misgivings, their voices and songs are all his to bear.
This is an entirely different story to the largely portrayed “cunning” woman and I love that. With many twists and turns. Men were also wrongfully accused but that is so often overlooked in favour of the traditional horror stories of women and hags who fell prey to evil. Especially the Pendle Witches who you envision as spindly old women and children flopping around the Lancashire countryside.
It was interesting to discover that there is an appeal to pardon the innocent many who died under the cruel, unjustified witch laws. A staggering four thousand people were convicted. The vast majority of them poor. It’s hard to picture the grave mood of the time, the daily worries of civil war and looking over your shoulder in case death came knocking.
This book is so brilliant and atmospheric in every way. Told in gripping first person, it allows you into the mind of the character and his struggle with hearing spirits. The Revels captures the insidious, widespread panic of the time. Very hard to put down 🔮
Many are still damned and many enjoy the spectacle of death. The year is 1645 and a macabre witch-hunt takes the stage in this beguiling post-Jacobean novel by Stacey Thomas✨
Nicholas Pearce, the narrator and protagonist, is an aspiring playwright and the master of his own murky secret. Upon his brother’s death, Nicholas becomes the wily, assured apprentice of retired witch-hunter and judge William Percival. Much to his disappointment, as Nicholas can hear the dead. A gift he keeps very close to his chest. Their misgivings, their voices and songs are all his to bear.
This is an entirely different story to the largely portrayed “cunning” woman and I love that. With many twists and turns. Men were also wrongfully accused but that is so often overlooked in favour of the traditional horror stories of women and hags who fell prey to evil. Especially the Pendle Witches who you envision as spindly old women and children flopping around the Lancashire countryside.
It was interesting to discover that there is an appeal to pardon the innocent many who died under the cruel, unjustified witch laws. A staggering four thousand people were convicted. The vast majority of them poor. It’s hard to picture the grave mood of the time, the daily worries of civil war and looking over your shoulder in case death came knocking.
This book is so brilliant and atmospheric in every way. Told in gripping first person, it allows you into the mind of the character and his struggle with hearing spirits. The Revels captures the insidious, widespread panic of the time. Very hard to put down 🔮
May 15, 2025
Puede ser que sea porque yo soy una obsesionada con la historia inglesa y las brujas, pero este libro me encantó.
La forma de narrar de la autora te lleva a lo que era vivir en el 1600 en Inglaterra y el miedo con el que se vivía de ser acusado de brujería. Lo que pueden llegar a hacer los hombres para encubrir sus propios pecados y para meter un chivo expiatorio al que culpar de todos los problemas ajenos que no pueden controlar es terrible y lo plasma muy bien en este libro. La prosa que maneja es increíble.
Me sorprende que, aunque esté narrado desde el punto de vista de un personaje masculino, igual se puede ver el peso con el que carga y como reflexiona sabiendo que, dentro de todo, él no está tan mal como las mujeres que lo rodean durante toda la historia. Además de que sirve para mostrar como alguien termina haciendo cosas cuestionables para intentar ayudar porque es difícil deshacer todo un sistema armado y más en una sociedad que está pasando por tiempos difíciles. A veces hasta dudaba de sus verdaderas intenciones o qué iba a hacer.
Eso si, no es para todo el mundo. Si están esperando un libro bien de fantasía, con magia y brujas, les digo que no es para ustedes. Aunque el elemento fantástico está, no es en sí lo principal, sino que lo que busca es criticar el tema de la caza de brujas y su uso como arma política para denunciar a inocentes para ocultar otras cosas o echarle la culpa a un otro por los males que pasaban. En pocas palabras, es una novela histórica que utiliza elementos fantásticos para hacer una crítica.
La forma de narrar de la autora te lleva a lo que era vivir en el 1600 en Inglaterra y el miedo con el que se vivía de ser acusado de brujería. Lo que pueden llegar a hacer los hombres para encubrir sus propios pecados y para meter un chivo expiatorio al que culpar de todos los problemas ajenos que no pueden controlar es terrible y lo plasma muy bien en este libro. La prosa que maneja es increíble.
Me sorprende que, aunque esté narrado desde el punto de vista de un personaje masculino, igual se puede ver el peso con el que carga y como reflexiona sabiendo que, dentro de todo, él no está tan mal como las mujeres que lo rodean durante toda la historia. Además de que sirve para mostrar como alguien termina haciendo cosas cuestionables para intentar ayudar porque es difícil deshacer todo un sistema armado y más en una sociedad que está pasando por tiempos difíciles. A veces hasta dudaba de sus verdaderas intenciones o qué iba a hacer.
Eso si, no es para todo el mundo. Si están esperando un libro bien de fantasía, con magia y brujas, les digo que no es para ustedes. Aunque el elemento fantástico está, no es en sí lo principal, sino que lo que busca es criticar el tema de la caza de brujas y su uso como arma política para denunciar a inocentes para ocultar otras cosas o echarle la culpa a un otro por los males que pasaban. En pocas palabras, es una novela histórica que utiliza elementos fantásticos para hacer una crítica.
September 5, 2023
Moody, atmospheric, gothic historical fiction is my favourite. Add in witches, or more specifically, historical witch trials, and I’m hooked from the outset. The Revels was sublime from the start. Such a smooth and lyrical writing style, a wholly unique narrator, and a storyline with roots deep in historical fact.
‘Witch-hunts are no more than a revel. The price of admission your complacent disregard for the innocents you push into their paths.’
Our narrator, Nicholas, is a young man who believes himself to be a witch, or at least, in possession of a supernatural instinct that others would label as witchcraft. He can hear the dead sing, specifically, the songs of their deaths. He carries the burden of being alive when his half-brother, the true heir of the family, is recently dead, killed in the war that is raging in the background. Clothed in his brother’s finery, his father, apprentices him to a judge, William Percival, who is also a former witch-hunter, and who turns out to be an entirely different man to what Nicholas expects.
“What made you leave the profession?”
“I had the foresight to realise it was becoming a relic of the past. King Charles saw us as no more than a reminder of his father, a bored monarch whose obsession with the supernatural soon turned to deer hunting. I saw the writing on the wall then, just as I see myself clearly today. Kin James set me to hunt witches and his son put me on the Star Chamber to root out dissenters. I am not a witch-hunter. I am a persecutor of men, and I am well-bred for the work.”
As well as a tale of witch-hunting, this is a story of how easily desperate people can be swayed to turn on each other. The story is filled with doubt at every turn, who can be trusted, who should be avoided, and who has been bewitched. The Revels is also a coming-of-age story for Nicholas, who must learn to stop fearing who he is, embrace his mother’s legacy and step out of the shadow of his brother and the guilt that binds them, release himself from his father’s manipulations, and judge for himself who is evil and who is not.
‘I would have drowned had my mother not crowned me in her songs. Her melody kept the dead muffled until I was strong enough to silence them in turn. She threaded her history in my blood and waited all these years for me to unravel it. A part of her will wait still.’
The above-mentioned reference to Stacey Halls, Laura Purcell and Bridget Collins is bang on. I have read each of those authors and they are queens within this genre. The comparison is a worthy one. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
‘Witch-hunts are no more than a revel. The price of admission your complacent disregard for the innocents you push into their paths.’
Our narrator, Nicholas, is a young man who believes himself to be a witch, or at least, in possession of a supernatural instinct that others would label as witchcraft. He can hear the dead sing, specifically, the songs of their deaths. He carries the burden of being alive when his half-brother, the true heir of the family, is recently dead, killed in the war that is raging in the background. Clothed in his brother’s finery, his father, apprentices him to a judge, William Percival, who is also a former witch-hunter, and who turns out to be an entirely different man to what Nicholas expects.
“What made you leave the profession?”
“I had the foresight to realise it was becoming a relic of the past. King Charles saw us as no more than a reminder of his father, a bored monarch whose obsession with the supernatural soon turned to deer hunting. I saw the writing on the wall then, just as I see myself clearly today. Kin James set me to hunt witches and his son put me on the Star Chamber to root out dissenters. I am not a witch-hunter. I am a persecutor of men, and I am well-bred for the work.”
As well as a tale of witch-hunting, this is a story of how easily desperate people can be swayed to turn on each other. The story is filled with doubt at every turn, who can be trusted, who should be avoided, and who has been bewitched. The Revels is also a coming-of-age story for Nicholas, who must learn to stop fearing who he is, embrace his mother’s legacy and step out of the shadow of his brother and the guilt that binds them, release himself from his father’s manipulations, and judge for himself who is evil and who is not.
‘I would have drowned had my mother not crowned me in her songs. Her melody kept the dead muffled until I was strong enough to silence them in turn. She threaded her history in my blood and waited all these years for me to unravel it. A part of her will wait still.’
The above-mentioned reference to Stacey Halls, Laura Purcell and Bridget Collins is bang on. I have read each of those authors and they are queens within this genre. The comparison is a worthy one. Highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
August 7, 2023
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Discover the locations in the novel here
This has to be one of the most exquistely written books I have read for some time. The language, the sentences, the words chosen – it’s like reading a tapestry with those wonderfully coloured threads mixing to form the most fascinating of plots.
Set in 1645, I felt this book transported me there immediately. Such was the feel of the book, I found myself sitting beside a lute player in a castle, whilst a motley crew of witchunters prepared to go out and hunt down women. The calm before the storm….
I was very interested to find that the POV of this is a male character – the brother of the infamous Witch hunter of the time. At the time, the country was completely wrapped up and taken over by the fear of witchcraft. This fear had infiltrated the highest levels of government and the royal household. King James I for example, felt that witches were plotting to assasinate him in a plot with the devil. With a leader as mad as this, you can understand why the whole country was soon involved in a witch hunt of any woman suspected of wrongdoing. Most women accused died as a result of the treatment she got.
It’s horrendous to think about. More so, when you think that this happened a lot and many, many women were killed on the lies of one man. Thank goodness therefore for Nicolas who has empathy for these women and has a special talent and belief in why he should be the one to help them. It’s a dangerous world for a man if you believe the witches…
The setting of this book – Pendle Hill and in an England on the brink of civil war was just perfectly evoked. Superstition, war, rumours and mistrust were rife anway and then came the charges of witchcraft.
This book really is something special – a new angle and fresh look at the story of witchcraft with a writer with a pen that can craft atmospheric, immersive worlds with the style of a poet.
Discover the locations in the novel here
This has to be one of the most exquistely written books I have read for some time. The language, the sentences, the words chosen – it’s like reading a tapestry with those wonderfully coloured threads mixing to form the most fascinating of plots.
Set in 1645, I felt this book transported me there immediately. Such was the feel of the book, I found myself sitting beside a lute player in a castle, whilst a motley crew of witchunters prepared to go out and hunt down women. The calm before the storm….
I was very interested to find that the POV of this is a male character – the brother of the infamous Witch hunter of the time. At the time, the country was completely wrapped up and taken over by the fear of witchcraft. This fear had infiltrated the highest levels of government and the royal household. King James I for example, felt that witches were plotting to assasinate him in a plot with the devil. With a leader as mad as this, you can understand why the whole country was soon involved in a witch hunt of any woman suspected of wrongdoing. Most women accused died as a result of the treatment she got.
It’s horrendous to think about. More so, when you think that this happened a lot and many, many women were killed on the lies of one man. Thank goodness therefore for Nicolas who has empathy for these women and has a special talent and belief in why he should be the one to help them. It’s a dangerous world for a man if you believe the witches…
The setting of this book – Pendle Hill and in an England on the brink of civil war was just perfectly evoked. Superstition, war, rumours and mistrust were rife anway and then came the charges of witchcraft.
This book really is something special – a new angle and fresh look at the story of witchcraft with a writer with a pen that can craft atmospheric, immersive worlds with the style of a poet.
September 12, 2023
A pretty stunning debut by the author on the historical fiction set in England 1645. At the rising height of witch trials that pervaded the country where the views of women acting out of the so called norms, exhibiting strange behaviours that dont aligned with these men's standards of normalcy will sparked the label of witch to these women - hence the witch hunting. Nicholas Pearce, an illegitimate child of the household was forced into being an assistant to the infamous William Percival, a a judge/witch hunter, notoriously despised by many and feared. Due to the passing of his beloved brother, Nicholas reluctantly take up the position given in order for him to learn about his birth mother and from here, he was torn between his job and his hold on his belief. He can hear the dead sings, and they sung different stories.
I am fascinated by the history of witch trials and if we truly grasp the line of history, we can see there were underlying misogny towards women deemed abnormal or acting out of behaviours. Women who were thought as witched are hunted & burned at stakes, its horrible, despicable and ultimately discriminatory bcus it was pepretrated against women only. Beware of some triggering scenes in here bcus the punishments are violent and graphic. What attracted me to the book is the potrayal of the main character as he was fascinating to follow, his fondness with Althamia is quite charming and i love her too. Her strong will & passion in her interest really shined here, a very clever girl that doesnt feel afraid to be vocal about her thoughts amidst the whole event. Although, one confounding factor that detract a comfortable reading for me is the writing style, its complex & poetic nature, sometimes can get hard to read as i have to reread the sentences just to understand whats going on. Its not simple, its superflous with whimsy proses which may worked for others but a bit difficult for me.
Beautiful enigmatic historical fiction with gothic atmospheric writing, a treat for those who love this genre. Overall, a beautiful story and a great debut by the author.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am fascinated by the history of witch trials and if we truly grasp the line of history, we can see there were underlying misogny towards women deemed abnormal or acting out of behaviours. Women who were thought as witched are hunted & burned at stakes, its horrible, despicable and ultimately discriminatory bcus it was pepretrated against women only. Beware of some triggering scenes in here bcus the punishments are violent and graphic. What attracted me to the book is the potrayal of the main character as he was fascinating to follow, his fondness with Althamia is quite charming and i love her too. Her strong will & passion in her interest really shined here, a very clever girl that doesnt feel afraid to be vocal about her thoughts amidst the whole event. Although, one confounding factor that detract a comfortable reading for me is the writing style, its complex & poetic nature, sometimes can get hard to read as i have to reread the sentences just to understand whats going on. Its not simple, its superflous with whimsy proses which may worked for others but a bit difficult for me.
Beautiful enigmatic historical fiction with gothic atmospheric writing, a treat for those who love this genre. Overall, a beautiful story and a great debut by the author.
Thank you Times Reads for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2025
as much as I’d like to say I enjoyed this book a lot and I’m happy I went out of my comfort zone, I cannot lie. I struggled through the plot of this book. I liked the premises and the idea, but I just find that the execution wasn’t the best. Now I understand that this book is set in the 1600s to the lifestyle is different, but it wasn’t for me. However, I do understand the appeal though.
December 3, 2023
A stunning historical novel with serious messages
Nicholas Pearce has been apprenticed to a former witch-hunter, now Judge. It is a dangerous position, as his own secret ability to hear the dead sing would be viewed as the devil's gift. But when rumours of witchcraft rise again, he realises he may be the only one who can look past wild accusations and find the truth,
This is a complex historical novel which is steeped in an atmosphere of tension, mistrust and fear. It starts slowly, but once the story builds past the tipping point it is unputdownable!
The writing is beautiful. Rich and poetic, it may or may not be accurate to the period (1645 London) but it is deeply evocative and almost hypnotic.
While we spend a long time dreading the menace of a witch trial along with our lead character, once the die is cast this becomes a riveting mix of courtroom drama, suspicion, backstabbing and strategy.
Don't read this expecting a light or fluffy witchy book. It's unsettling and gothic and, once the reality of lives at stake hits, quite disturbing. The scenes of accusations, hanging, and interrogation are dark and upsetting.
Within the story are many beautifully observed comments about the danger of power, the damage of rumours, the risk of being different, and the vulnerability of women, particularly in that era but still relevant today. For example: "A woman's refusals must always be draped in apologies."
Readers with an interest in witch trials and the civil war period will love this. But even if you have only read "soft" historical fiction so far, I strongly recommend you give this a go. It is a book that invites you to read slowly and rewards you with beautiful prose and, ultimately, a thrilling story.
Disclaimer: this book was gifted in return for my honest review
Nicholas Pearce has been apprenticed to a former witch-hunter, now Judge. It is a dangerous position, as his own secret ability to hear the dead sing would be viewed as the devil's gift. But when rumours of witchcraft rise again, he realises he may be the only one who can look past wild accusations and find the truth,
This is a complex historical novel which is steeped in an atmosphere of tension, mistrust and fear. It starts slowly, but once the story builds past the tipping point it is unputdownable!
The writing is beautiful. Rich and poetic, it may or may not be accurate to the period (1645 London) but it is deeply evocative and almost hypnotic.
While we spend a long time dreading the menace of a witch trial along with our lead character, once the die is cast this becomes a riveting mix of courtroom drama, suspicion, backstabbing and strategy.
Don't read this expecting a light or fluffy witchy book. It's unsettling and gothic and, once the reality of lives at stake hits, quite disturbing. The scenes of accusations, hanging, and interrogation are dark and upsetting.
Within the story are many beautifully observed comments about the danger of power, the damage of rumours, the risk of being different, and the vulnerability of women, particularly in that era but still relevant today. For example: "A woman's refusals must always be draped in apologies."
Readers with an interest in witch trials and the civil war period will love this. But even if you have only read "soft" historical fiction so far, I strongly recommend you give this a go. It is a book that invites you to read slowly and rewards you with beautiful prose and, ultimately, a thrilling story.
Disclaimer: this book was gifted in return for my honest review
October 18, 2023
England, 1645
Nicholas Pearce has never wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, instead he has always loved words and aspires to be a playwright. But after his brother dies, his father forces him into the role of heir, even though he is an illegitimate son. Given little choice, Nicholas is apprenticed to Judge Percival, a retired witch-hunter.
Working under Will might be detrimental to his relationship with the man who is more of a father to him but even more so to himself, for Nicholas has a secret he has never shared with anyone. The dead sing to him. In a time where the king and parliament were against each other, Nicholas and Will are dragged back into a past of witch trials, accusations and murder.
While witches are real, women and families are treated unfairly, being blamed for witchcraft over small neighbourly disputes and sentenced to death. When an overly enthusiastic and headstrong witch hunter rides into town, Nicholas and Will have to work together to bring him down. The dead have secrets to tell and Nicholas has to put his fear aside to speak up for justice.
My thoughts:
I was utterly and wholly consumed by this book. I love classics and this style of writing was so evocative. The story pulled me in immediately. The setting was dark and gothic grey england and it was absolutely perfect. I love the storyline, how the book pulled from real life 17th century events and flawlessly mixed with a supernatural twist was brilliant. I love that, even though she was technically a villain, Grace was a strong woman who fought for herself. Nick was perfect but I loved Will from the beginning. He always knew Nick's secret and yet he chose to overlook it, to protect him and I find that so respectful. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, and I cannot believe how much I loved it! It was atmospheric and nostalgic and just so good!
Nicholas Pearce has never wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, instead he has always loved words and aspires to be a playwright. But after his brother dies, his father forces him into the role of heir, even though he is an illegitimate son. Given little choice, Nicholas is apprenticed to Judge Percival, a retired witch-hunter.
Working under Will might be detrimental to his relationship with the man who is more of a father to him but even more so to himself, for Nicholas has a secret he has never shared with anyone. The dead sing to him. In a time where the king and parliament were against each other, Nicholas and Will are dragged back into a past of witch trials, accusations and murder.
While witches are real, women and families are treated unfairly, being blamed for witchcraft over small neighbourly disputes and sentenced to death. When an overly enthusiastic and headstrong witch hunter rides into town, Nicholas and Will have to work together to bring him down. The dead have secrets to tell and Nicholas has to put his fear aside to speak up for justice.
My thoughts:
I was utterly and wholly consumed by this book. I love classics and this style of writing was so evocative. The story pulled me in immediately. The setting was dark and gothic grey england and it was absolutely perfect. I love the storyline, how the book pulled from real life 17th century events and flawlessly mixed with a supernatural twist was brilliant. I love that, even though she was technically a villain, Grace was a strong woman who fought for herself. Nick was perfect but I loved Will from the beginning. He always knew Nick's secret and yet he chose to overlook it, to protect him and I find that so respectful. I cannot believe this is a debut novel, and I cannot believe how much I loved it! It was atmospheric and nostalgic and just so good!
October 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was atmospheric and chilling as it follows several key characters as they find themselves caught up in a witch trial in the late 1600s. With accusations rife Nicholas Pearce and his new boss/master Judge William Percival try to calm the chaos only to inflame it further, first in York and then in Pendle (a place infamous in the history of witch trials, both in the book and in reality). As they uncover the drivers behind the accusations, they find all is not as it seems as more powerful and pervasive causes than the supernatural are at play. Thomas captures the panic and dread that drove these kinds of trials superbly, weaving in the real reasons behind them which even in modern times are all too familiar. I loved how the characters are flawed, even the 'good' ones, and how there is magic in the air, just not on the side you would expect. While this does take some liberties with historical record (it is a fiction after all), it is clear that this has been thoroughly researched and having read a fair bit about witch trials the world over, this is an oh so familiar tale (sadly).
June 12, 2024
The Revels was May’s pick for the #noshelfcontrolbookclub and it was a book sitting on my TBR that I had been keen to get to for a while.
I do love a witchy book, particularly set around any witch trials and this one was quite unique as instead of it being written from a woman’s point of view, like these books usually are, it was instead from a man’s. Also, there are characters who do actually hold some power or magical ability when usually in witch trial books they don’t. It was refreshing to have a different take and perspective.
There was quite a heavy atmosphere and a feeling of dread within the pages. The scenes where the women were accused of witchcraft and questioned were powerful scenes. The witch hunters made my blood boil, accusing innocent people just to feed their own greed for money and fame.
There are some intriguing characters and sometimes I wasn’t sure about their motives and feelings. I also found the pacing very slow and I did skim read parts at times as it didn’t entirely capture my attention. Then I found myself having to reread those paragraphs as I seemed to be missing parts of the plot, but even after rereading them there were still a lot of questions I had. I think the main issue for me was the writing style just didn’t suit me. It didn’t seem to flow, even though it was beautifully written in many parts.
However, it is a fascinating exploration of the power and influence of the witch hunters. The author had obviously carried out lots of incredible research and it was very insightful. I just wish I had loved the story a little bit more.
I do love a witchy book, particularly set around any witch trials and this one was quite unique as instead of it being written from a woman’s point of view, like these books usually are, it was instead from a man’s. Also, there are characters who do actually hold some power or magical ability when usually in witch trial books they don’t. It was refreshing to have a different take and perspective.
There was quite a heavy atmosphere and a feeling of dread within the pages. The scenes where the women were accused of witchcraft and questioned were powerful scenes. The witch hunters made my blood boil, accusing innocent people just to feed their own greed for money and fame.
There are some intriguing characters and sometimes I wasn’t sure about their motives and feelings. I also found the pacing very slow and I did skim read parts at times as it didn’t entirely capture my attention. Then I found myself having to reread those paragraphs as I seemed to be missing parts of the plot, but even after rereading them there were still a lot of questions I had. I think the main issue for me was the writing style just didn’t suit me. It didn’t seem to flow, even though it was beautifully written in many parts.
However, it is a fascinating exploration of the power and influence of the witch hunters. The author had obviously carried out lots of incredible research and it was very insightful. I just wish I had loved the story a little bit more.
July 30, 2023
3.5 rtc
Read
October 20, 2023"The details change, yet the girl never does; she is either wanton or a mercenary whore, but never the victim."
I really don’t vibe with the writing style and just had to dnf … Maybe I’ll pick it up again at some point because the premise is interesting!
I really don’t vibe with the writing style and just had to dnf … Maybe I’ll pick it up again at some point because the premise is interesting!
June 23, 2024
3.5 stars. Bought this book purely based on the stunnin' cover. Engaging storyline, nice writing. However, too many characters made it hard to keep up at times; the language was occasionally too superfluous.
Read
September 19, 2023The Revels is a historical fiction set in London where Nicholas Pearce is an apprentice for a former witch hunter. Rumours of witches are doing the rounds and new trials are held which Judge Percival needs to attend. It's hard to believe that this is a debut novel, as I felt Thomas brought life to these characters. With vivid descriptions and imagery, the reader is transported to 1645.
Witchcraft and witches were feared during these times, but this often led to many false accusations as people wanted more show than justice. It was interesting to follow Nicholas and his ability to hear the dead. Althamia was a great character and seeing her develop alongside Nicholas was interesting; the ending especially was a wonderful moment. It stands in huge contrast to how the story started. The book is slow-paced, but the pacing adds to the tension Nicholas experiences, almost in a 'hold your breath' kind of way.
I read an uncorrected proof copy but found several memorable quotes that I think will stay with readers. With witchy vibes and atmospheric writing, I think readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially fans of Bridget Collins and Laura Purcell.
Many thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Witchcraft and witches were feared during these times, but this often led to many false accusations as people wanted more show than justice. It was interesting to follow Nicholas and his ability to hear the dead. Althamia was a great character and seeing her develop alongside Nicholas was interesting; the ending especially was a wonderful moment. It stands in huge contrast to how the story started. The book is slow-paced, but the pacing adds to the tension Nicholas experiences, almost in a 'hold your breath' kind of way.
I read an uncorrected proof copy but found several memorable quotes that I think will stay with readers. With witchy vibes and atmospheric writing, I think readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this book, especially fans of Bridget Collins and Laura Purcell.
Many thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Lost a couple of stars as I didn't find myself completely hooked. I wanted to love it more than I did as historical fiction is usually my thing, but I just found it a bit busy and got lost with the plot somewhere in the middle. Nevertheless, still a good read overall and perfect witchy vibes for this time of year!
September 20, 2023
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The Revels is a book that has a very interesting premise, but the execution doesn't quite measure up. Throughout this story I found myself annoyed by the oddly disjointed way this book is written - the prose will shift from one event or movement to another with no connective tissue, or will refer to events or feelings as if they have already been explained or shown, when they haven't. Speaking of feelings, the emotional arc and journey of the main characters seemed somewhat jumbled and hard to follow, as they kept flipping between liking and hating and trusting and not trusting each other with no real prompting. I noticed throughout the story that characters often didn't speak like real people, and there was a strangely generic feeling to the way the historical aspects of the setting were written, often giving me the impression we were in a different time period to the one in which The Revels is supposedly set. Although there were definitely some interesting ideas and events here - witches being real, the main character being able to hear the dead - this book felt like it was dragging, and none of the characters quite felt real. Eventually, I had to put this down just over halfway through.
The Revels is a book that has a very interesting premise, but the execution doesn't quite measure up. Throughout this story I found myself annoyed by the oddly disjointed way this book is written - the prose will shift from one event or movement to another with no connective tissue, or will refer to events or feelings as if they have already been explained or shown, when they haven't. Speaking of feelings, the emotional arc and journey of the main characters seemed somewhat jumbled and hard to follow, as they kept flipping between liking and hating and trusting and not trusting each other with no real prompting. I noticed throughout the story that characters often didn't speak like real people, and there was a strangely generic feeling to the way the historical aspects of the setting were written, often giving me the impression we were in a different time period to the one in which The Revels is supposedly set. Although there were definitely some interesting ideas and events here - witches being real, the main character being able to hear the dead - this book felt like it was dragging, and none of the characters quite felt real. Eventually, I had to put this down just over halfway through.
October 23, 2023
I was captured by the premise to this book: a witch who can speak to the dead apprentices a witch-hunter. I enjoyed the mysteries and the research of the 1600s. I enjoyed Grace and Althamia. I enjoyed the ambiance.
What was lacking for me, unfortunately, was any sense of fluidity. The writing is beautiful but at times so flowery that I had to reread entire pages just to understand what was going on. Characters speak a lot but their actions are never fully explained - at one point I hadn’t even realised someone had left the room.
The plot picked up within the first 10 pages and then the last 70 and I found myself struggling to get through the middle stages. The writing is convoluted with prose and not in a good way.
However Stacey Thomas excels in creating diverse and surprising characters. I love Will and Francis and wish we got to learn more of their past. I love Nicholas and his growth throughout the story.
3 stars overall
What was lacking for me, unfortunately, was any sense of fluidity. The writing is beautiful but at times so flowery that I had to reread entire pages just to understand what was going on. Characters speak a lot but their actions are never fully explained - at one point I hadn’t even realised someone had left the room.
The plot picked up within the first 10 pages and then the last 70 and I found myself struggling to get through the middle stages. The writing is convoluted with prose and not in a good way.
However Stacey Thomas excels in creating diverse and surprising characters. I love Will and Francis and wish we got to learn more of their past. I love Nicholas and his growth throughout the story.
3 stars overall
March 20, 2023
For lovers of historical novels, THE REVELS is a must-read!
Stacey did a brilliant job of taking a time period that's often served as settings in pop-culture and giving it a fresh, entertaining spin. The world of the book feels incredibly lived in; it was obvious while reading that Stacey approached her research for this book with care and great attention to detail. I was also invested in Nicholas as a character right away, and was quickly swept up in the intrigue and the mystery of the story. Nicholas and William's dynamic, in particular, kept me engrossed throughout, and I found myself rushing to the end to find out what happens!
Congratulations to Stacey on this debut! I can't wait to see this book on the shelves!
Stacey did a brilliant job of taking a time period that's often served as settings in pop-culture and giving it a fresh, entertaining spin. The world of the book feels incredibly lived in; it was obvious while reading that Stacey approached her research for this book with care and great attention to detail. I was also invested in Nicholas as a character right away, and was quickly swept up in the intrigue and the mystery of the story. Nicholas and William's dynamic, in particular, kept me engrossed throughout, and I found myself rushing to the end to find out what happens!
Congratulations to Stacey on this debut! I can't wait to see this book on the shelves!
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