The Imp of Eye

Renaissance Sojourner #1

by Kristin Gleeson, Moonyeen Blakey

London, 1440 A youth has big dreams. The duchess wants to secure her place at court. Treachery is everywhere and any slip could mean death. Barnabas, an orphan who lives by his wits, finds he must do the bidding of the vain and ambitious Duchess of Gloucester who seeks out his mistress, Margery Jourdemayne, the Witch of Eye for help in conceiving a child. But the Duchess’s enemies are determined to use her actions to bring about her husband's downfall with Barnabas as a hapless victim. Barnabas must do his best to steer a safe path through the dangerous web of intrigue and suspicion that surrounds him or he could face the burning in the flames of a witch’s pyre. But with Eleanor’s ambition her follies may prove her undoing and Barnabas could become just another victim of her actions. A richly drawn historical adventure filled with intrigue and suspense worthy of fans of Dorothy Dunnett and Phillippa Gregory. "Fast-paced and moving, ‘The Imp of Eye’ is the memorable story of real events told in the distinctive voice of a unique and loveable character." – Karen Charlton, author of The Detective Lavender Mysteries "A jewel of a story, set among the royal courts and the dark alleys of medieval London, where intrigue, betrayal and witchcraft are woven into a poisoned web to trap the innocent. The characters are so compelling that I was struggling to breathe as the net tightened around them. This is story-telling at its best."- Karen Maitland, author of 'The Plague Charmer’ and other medieval tales

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Medieval, Historical, Renaissance, 15th Century, Historical Fantasy

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2015

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author, Kristin Gleeson is originally from Philadelphia but has lived in West Cork in Ireland for a number of years where she plays the harp and sings, in addition to painting the beautiful landscape around her. She holds a Masters in Library Science and a Ph.D. in history, and for a time was an administrator of a large archives, library and museum in America and also worked as a public librarian in America and Ireland. She has won numerous awards for her writing

Myths and other folk tales have always fascinated her and she combined her love of these tales with her harp playing and performed as a professional harper/storyteller at events in Britain, America and Ireland.


She has also written history freelance and published articles and essays in reference works and academic books.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover of Imp of Eye and the rest of the Renaissance Sojourner series has long caught my eye, so I decided that it was time to dive in. I was not disappointed. The story of the fall of Eleanor Cobham and the politics leading up to the Wars of the Roses was as richly done as promised.

Eleanor's story is not often told or widely known, though it is the focus of one of Tony Riches' novels. Therefore, it would have been easy for Gleeson to simply tell her story. The story chosen to write instead is multi-faceted and complex, giving the reader a wonderful view of 1440s London.

Alternating chapters put us in the lives of Alys, lady in waiting to Eleanor, and Barnabas, a young servant of special talents who serves Margery Jourdemayne. While this is not usually my favorite method of storytelling, it is so well done in this novel that I much enjoyed it. The characters were so diverse that it was obvious who the chapter was about within a few words, even if the heading hadn't told me. The style of writing was completely adjusted to the impoverished Barnabas or the bejeweled Eleanor, and the author makes better use of dialect than most I've read. Through these points of view, London is seen from many diverse angles.

The characters come together as Eleanor visits Jourdemayne, the Witch of Eye, for herbs to encourage pregnancy. Her ambition takes her a few steps too far, and her enemies are quick to pounce. If you do not know Eleanor's story, this is a telling of it that I can highly recommend. I look forward to the next book in the series, The Sea of Travail.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

London in the 1440’s during the reign of King Henry VI is an inauspicious time to have the ability to look into a bowl of water or a crystal ball and be able to see the future. Perhaps that’s why the main character in this historical novel by Kristin Gleason and Moonyeen Blakey is always so reluctant when he is asked to do so.

Barnabas, a thirteen-year old boy, a foundling who has been discovered to have a gift for contacting spirits has come into the employ of Mistress Margery Jourdemayne, also known as ‘the witch of Eye’. Mistress Jourdemayne makes her living selling herbs, potions, and charms, and looking into her ‘showstone’ for wealthy clients. She is unable to actually see anything in the showstone, so she has Barnabas look for her and signal from where the customers cannot see what he has found out.

There is a second main character in this story, one Eleanor Cobham, wife of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester. Eleanor and Humphrey are sometimes depicted as mostly sinister people, especially during the time that coincides with this story. In The Imp of Eye, Eleanor is treated a little more kindly; her involvement with Mistress Jourdemayne and Thomas Southwell, Barnabas’ mentor, is portrayed in her own eyes as having been due only to a wish to have a legitimate child by her husband the duke. But it cannot be denied that she wants to secure the future for her own children, and that she wouldn’t mind seeing her husband, who was King Henry’s regent before he came of age and remains his heir as long as he has no children of his own, become king.

As the story goes on, Eleanor gets in more and more trouble without at first realizing it, until at last she is brought before an ecclesiastical court on charges of sorcery, witchcraft, treason and the like. Mistress Jourdemayne, Thomas Southwell, and several others of their circle are also brought to trial.

Meanwhile, Barnabas has been growing up. With his love of ships and strong desire to travel, he has been trying to distance himself from Mistress Jourdemayne and the others, with some success.

One interesting feature of this story is the use of dialect in the narration. Barnabas tells his part of the story in the first person, and at the beginning he speaks with a very thick accent of some kind. Later on he comes under the protection of a Portuguese sea captain and a Moorish scholar who begin to train him in different languages and work on correcting his English so that he will not be so readily recognized by those who wish him harm, and his portion of the narrative reflects his improved speaking.

All in all, this is a surprisingly good story. There is a lot of tension, especially near the end as you wonder if Barnabas, who seems to be basically a good lad despite being rather, well, impish, will become caught in the web that has ensnared the others.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly wasn’t expecting to enjoy The Imp of Eye as much as I did.

In fact, I expected I’d hate it. I tend to bounce hard off the concept of historical fantasy, so the fact that this was focused on Barnabas, a thirteen-year-old clairvoyant, didn’t thrill me. And I’ve been let down, time again and time again, by novels that feature Eleanor Cobham – they either end up stinking of regurgitated misogynistic garbage, run the ‘accused witch’ angle into the absurd or are just bland. It didn’t help that the first time I got my hands on the book, I noted a typo on the back cover and the first chapter.

To be clear, there are issues with the book. All of Barnabas’s chapters are written in a style not unlike what you get when an author tries to replicate a character’s accent or dialect in dialogue. This is a pet peeve of mine and to the credit of the authors, it’s not a terribly done – Barnabas’s first person POV is understandable and gives a great sense of his character. But it’s always going to get on my nerves and I often wondered why “breath” had to spelt as “bref” (and this was after I spent the first pages wondering if it was some medieval object that I’d never heard of before).

And while Barnabas is likable – a “lovable scamp” – I really wished that he didn’t spend so much time thinking about sex or having sex with prostitutes. This might be accurate to his worldview but he’s thirteen and I’m creeped out by reading it, nor do I think it’s necessary. Additionally, the fact that he thinks about Alys – his “sweetheart”, a young woman in service to Eleanor Cobham – in such objectifying language and obsessing over her “titties” (as he insists on calling breasts) does much to dent his likability.

There are some minor historical inaccuracies too – one of Eleanor’s first chapters has her focusing on convincing her husband, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, to arrange their illegitimate daughter, Antigone’s marriage. Except the novel opens in 1440 and Antigone was married years before then with a generous dowry provided by her father and had certainly given birth to her first child (Richard Grey, b. 1436) and perhaps some of her other children by then. Additionally, it is unlikely in my mind at least that Antigone or her brother, Arthur or ‘Arteys’, were Eleanor’s children. If they were, Gloucester would have made some attempt to legitimise them (as John of Gaunt had legitimised his bastard Beaufort children after marrying their mother, Katherine Swynford), nor would Eleanor have been so desperate for a child. Furthermore, the date of birth for Antigone’s first child suggests she was born before Eleanor’s known time as Gloucester’s mistress (1424/5-1428). But still, it’s a common enough idea because Eleanor is the only woman who can be identified as Gloucester’s lover and accepted by some historians (e.g. K. H. Vickers) so I don’t really hold it against the authors who decide to use it in their fiction.

Gleeson and Blakey’s depiction of Eleanor’s penance walks are graphic and lurid – I didn’t really want to know that the people of London were emptying their “night waste pots” over her or that she got their contents in her mouth. It also seems uncalled for – the contemporary accounts of her walks make it clear that she was well-guarded and unmolested and the crowds were quiet. I’m also fairly certain that if she was covered in filth – rotting vegetable matter, urine, excrement – that she would have been permitted to wash and change her clothes especially given her destinations were churches. No one would want her dripping the contents of multiple night-waste pots on the floor of St Paul’s Cathedral, after all. It also struck me as fairly gratuitous and “see the vain woman get literal shit and piss in her mouth” in a book that had previously been so sympathetic to Eleanor.

I am not sure Eleanor was as entirely disliked as presented here nor that crowds hurling abuse at her, prior to the accusations of witchcraft, would have been tolerated, especially in the presence of her popular, well-liked husband. She was the foremost woman in the land, after all, and Henry VI was later castigated by a commoner for his treatment of her.

Additionally, I was a little confused as to what was happening with the depiction of Eleanor’s relationship with her husband – if we were meant to read it as him tiring of her, him being stressed by outside pressures and taking it out on her, or whether she was just getting on his nerves. While I was gratified by the concluding chapters confirming that he really did love her (or at least gave her the comfort by saying that he did), I would have liked some examples of their closeness before then just to really drive in her horror when their marriage is annulled.

And while these are quite lengthy criticisms, I just want to dance around in glee because this is the best novel I’ve ever read about Eleanor Cobham. It’s so sympathetic towards her and while she is characterised as vain and ambitious, we also see her vulnerability – her fears, her isolation, her struggles – and the way this feeds into her flaws. For example, her vanity, the fear of losing her youth and beautiful, is tied up in her insecurity in her relationship with her husband – the sense that he has lost interest in her and the fear she can’t give him another child, this time legitimate. And Eleanor’s struggle with infertility is not just another mark of her scrambling after power and ambition, it’s a tragedy for her. It’s quite a complex portrait. True, Gleeson and Blakey’s Eleanor is not my Eleanor, but she’s so complicated and sympathetic that I can’t help but love her.

What I also appreciated was that Gleeson and Blakey actually seem to have realised that the majority of historians believe the case against Eleanor was not true or factual but politically motivated to discredit and disgrace Eleanor’s husband, the Duke of Gloucester, who was a popular and influential man (the only surviving brother of Henry V and, from 1435, first in line to the throne) but out of step with the prevailing court attitudes and often in conflict with the Beaufort-dominated court. Eleanor, in this, is led to try “witchcraft” in trying to get pregnant, but she’s desperate and lead to that more than not, and she never once tries to bring about Henry VI’s death or put Humphrey on the throne.

And this is in a historical fantasy novel, where the paranormal is reality. I’ve read “straight” historical fiction novels where Eleanor murders Catherine de Valois via witchcraft just because of those accusations and honestly? This was just so refreshing and lovely to see a historical fiction novel with Eleanor that actually listens to historians when dealing with the witchcraft accusations instead of going batshit crazy with the idea.

Also, on a minor note, I’m so glad that Alys – Eleanor’s only trusted damsel and Barnabas’s love interest – was loyal to her. She is attracted to Barnabas (I guess she doesn’t get to hear his “OMG TITTIES” interior monologue), but she ranks it below a woman who has helped her and is in desperate need. It’s just so lovely to see a female character prioritising a relationship, a friendship with another woman, over her romantic life.

As I said, this is the best novel about Eleanor Cobham I’ve ever read. Given that the only ones I haven’t read are a Jean Plaidy I have low hopes for and one out-of-print and extremely rare book, it’ll probably hold that title for a long, long time.

I struggled with working out to rate this. My issues with Barnabas’s character and point-of-view remain and for that reason, I was going to give this three stars. But I just love the treatment of Eleanor too much to rate it lower than four stars.

[Claire Stibbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imp of Eye is a unique book that evokes the time of King Henry VI, the Duke of Gloucester and masters Hume and Bolingbroke. The founding of Eton College and Cambridge aside, there’s a magic to this book that delves into the scandals and secrets of the scrying bowl. With pipes and long-necked flasks spewing white smoke, there’s a good dose of treason and tension on the menu.

Barnabas is an imp, all skinned knees and shaggy hair. The spirits like him, only he’s not quite so partial to them. While Mistress Jourdemayne is open to witchcraft and a purse-full of coin, our reluctant seer must bow to Father Thomas and wander the streets delivering letters to the apothecary shops. There’s a bleakness to his situation that tugs on our heartstrings. Rather than peering into the showstone, Barnabas would rather peer into Alys’s tight bodice.

These authors have a gift for nuance and wonder, and I can’t help thinking I can see Barnabas everywhere I look now. I can smell the heat and stink of Queenhithe and the garbage that runs free in the gutters, and I can see the Palace at Westminster and Eleanor’s blue damask gown. It’s an intense and emotional story that introduces us to characters we instantly care for.

[Lyn Sweetapple · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a rather historically accurate portrayal of Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester and her role in the downfall of Duke Humphrey, King Henry VI's uncle. The power grab of the Beauforts pushed the Yorks, Nevilles, and young Warwick to align against the weak Henry VI. 1440 was the beginnings of the War of the Roses. I would have rated the book higher, if I had not read Margaret Frazier's Dame Frevisse mystery series. I kept expecting her to show up with her no nonsense attitude and fix the stupidity of the royal court. I think the author may have given a slight nod to Frazier with the player Jolippe. I do like the inclusion of all the banquet food details as they are missing from Frazier's series.

[Frances Weidner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Historical Fiction

This novel gave me what I enjoy and appreciate in a historical novel: it transported me from my favorite reading place to fifteenth century London. The characters are strongly depicted, with the protagonist speaking in the vernacular of his birth and origin. Gleeson's stellar ability of description, awakens the reader's senses to tastes, smells, visuals, sounds and textures of the era.

The fiction is well crafted around historical persons and political behaviors of the time. "The Imp of Eye" is a good read for lovers of history and life during " Middle Ages." This is a read and review book.

[Wendy L Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renaissance Sojouner

Enjoyed story from cover to cover! Forgot most of the history of that time. But, I was able to pick u some of it, while reading this book. Of all the history centered around the English royal throne this period and the other Henrys have fascinated me. Once again my sister the author has done well!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has some historical references during the time of the War of the Roses. The Imp is a young man named Barnabas, an orphan who works for a woman who dabbles in esoteric things. Although his mistress acts as though she is gifted, Barnabas is the one with the sight. This is a time when the Church found the Devil everywhere, and women often burned at the stake, after being tortured first, of course. Duchess Eleanor wants to have a baby so that if her husband the Duke becomes next in line for the throne, so will her offspring. But no matter how hard she tries, she doesn't become pregnant. As the story flows, Eleanor visits Barnabas' mistress, and also asks men who are friends of her husband's to cast her horoscope. But there are those who do not want the Duke so close to the King, and Eleanor's efforts allow her to become implicated in sorcery. This makes her husband less likely to be in favor, and in the end, she is exiled and her marriage annulled. Barnabas' mistress is burned, associates commit suicide or serve prison time in the Tower of London. Barnabas, though, has made friends with a sea captain by saving his life. In the end, Barnabas escapes England and is on a ship headed for the mainland. Good read.

[Kathryn Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday, June 28, 2017
THE IMP OF EYE
Kristen Gleeson and Moonyeen Blakey

I started reading this book in my own home and as soon as I got into it, I was in London in 1440. Granted it did take a chapter or two to get pulled in but as soon as I had the “lay of the land” so to speak, it was not only great it was unputdownable (is that even a word?). Most historical novels tend to read like a textbook at times. That is when I tune out. This book was never like that, was never boring and now I find out that not only were some of the people of important historical significance, Eye was an actual place. Shows that I am not a historical geek huh? I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who just wants an honestly excellent read. I am now off to get the next in the series!

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE IMP OF EYE by Kristin Gleeson -- Historical fiction, 15th century Renaissance London, with many 4 and 5-star reviews. Told in first person by a young imp, Barnabas, 13 years old, street smart, with a gift for clairvoyant "sight," in service to his mistress, Margery Jourdemayne, the Witch of Eye, and his guardian, Canon Thomas Southwell. Both seek to exploit his talent for their own ends, as does Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester, hoping to become the wife of the heir to the throne. If you like superstition, witchcraft, and political plotting, this is your book. I found it tedious, at times irritating. As always, my rating reflects my level of enjoyment in the reading. I leave to others to rate it for greatness of literature.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an impulse read. I purchased the second book for free, bc it was one of those offers you get. The obsessive in me wanted to read The first one first. It cost 1.99 so I bought it. I don't read much historical fiction. I did LOVE T.H.Where's Arthurian books but are they historical? Anyway this takes place in the 15th century and it was a lot of fun. The story is not deep or philosophical but the characters are quite well drawn and it moves along nicely. I did like how the author shows the main characters maturing process at the level of language. And I was glad to read about the historical accuracy in the footnote. (Gleeson has a history PhD). Will read the next one for sure.

[Melody Oakerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

History comes alive and stinks.

This is mostly a historically accurate tale about how the world was during the Renaissance period. All the gritty nature of great groups of people all fighting for their place in the thrones of Europe. The way that politics was fighting with and against the church (whichever was most popular at that time) harkens back to some problems we in the 21st century are fighting too. It seems the more things change (indoor plumbing) the more they do stay the same.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to book 2

I've always been a fan of historical fiction in which people who really existed figure as prominent characters, like Eleanor Cobham in this novel. I especially enjoyed the fictional character of Barnabas and how he developed from a poorly-spoken yet deceptively clever guttersnipe into a fashionable "Venetian." I look forward to seeing what historical figures he will find himself embroiled with in the next book.

[Deborah Whipp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical suspense, witchcraft, political intrigue - I was hoping it would be fascinating, but I found myself bored at times. Featured interesting characters, with some based on actual persons, but none that I really loved, which made it difficult to care much about their ultimate outcomes. Again, interesting, but it just didn't capture me the way I expected it to.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based firmly on a true happening.

An excellent novel developed from an actual scandal and trial. The details are carefully researched to set a credible background , the characters are impressively human .

[J.T.K. Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story through a turbulent time in history. Gleeson draws on real history and humanizes the distant past with strong characters that make the reader care what happens to them all. Well worth the read and I will likely pick up the sequels soon.

[Debbie Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable story. Liked the characters, but they are a little flat. Hopefully they will fill out over the next books in the series. The history was accurate as far as I could tell. I will continue the series.

[ALISON A O BRIEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with fascinating characters!

This story was full of historical details and rich characters. A very enjoyable read from a talented author. Highly recommended!

[Gilli Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good in itself, but very much a first part of a series, and feels more like a prologue novel, which it rather is. Enjoyable, but count on having to read all four if you want a resolution.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't much like it

It is historical. But I truly wish I hadn't wasted my time reading the whole book. I kept thinking it would get better. It doesn't

[Pat K · Rating 3 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book, most of the historic characters were well drawn. and the descriptions of the food and streets and inns were interesting.

[K E N C H I R E A D S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star book. to another amazing book.I will tell you the reason for the 5 star review yet again. 

NOTE: MS. KRISTIN GLEESON, AUTHOR OF THE IMP OF EYE. AGREED TO SEND ME A REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

The Imp of Eye is a Historical Fiction Novel. based on actual events from the English History. The story goes back to the 1400’s (specifically 1440-1441)  So the story begins with Barnabas being bossed around by his mistress, Margery Jourdemayne, the Witch of Eye. Father Southwell taught Barnabas to look at the future by asking spirits to give out clues on to what would happen in the future but almost everything the spirits give have vague meanings that they need to figure out. and they call the asking for the help of spirits “Scrying”. Jourdemayne uses Barnabas for her fortune telling sessions with people pretending to be The Witch (that she is not). While the story progresses another character is introduced and that is Eleanor the Duchess of Glocester that has trouble in giving her husband the child he and she wanted. So she went to Jourdemayne to ask for help in conceiving a child. and Jourdemayne helped her thinking that she would get something out of helping the Duchess and the Duke that would be the next king sooner or later. and after all the things that happened Rumors started spreading like wildfire. Rumors about Treason, Sorcery, Witchcraft, Harming the King circulated London. Soon enough people who helped with the so called Sorcery and other stuff was imprisoned to be questioned. and after all the commotion Barnabas seemed to have fled but he only changed his Identity with the help of a Friend.

Will the truth prevail? Will Barnabas help his Mistress? Will they escape their horrible fate? Will Barnabas get the love of his life? WILL THE IMP OF EYE FIND OUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE PEOPLE THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THIS CRIME? 

(The book is too good to be spoiled. let those questions intrigue you.)

The Characters, I really liked Barnabas because at the beginning of the book he’s just an IMP that can see the future with the help of Spirits and is being used by his Mistress. but through out the story I loved how his character developed into a much more confident man. Barnabas is a fast learner indeed he learned so many stuff by becoming Giacomo. I also liked Alys because her loyalty to Eleanor is very touching, she’s always by her side no matter what.

The Book, OMG! I wasn’t expecting that this book would be this awesome. I’m the type of Reader that gets really excited when I see a pretty book cover( I Swear I buy other books based on the cover I see. Sometimes). this book had this cover on what looks like a war that would make you think like “Oh. this book is  about a war on who will get the kingdom and stuff.” but no. the book is really…really good. The dialogs were really good and a funny story actually. I was reading the first chapter of the book and was about to give up on it because there were stuff like nofink (nothing), somfink(something) and I thought wait. the proofread book before publishing right? and yeah I was right they did proofread it those word were just how Barnabas talks so I got passed that and got used to it and it was smooth sailing after that. I loved the story, this book reminded me why I like Historical Fiction Books. well majority of Historical Fiction Books I read before were about wars and stuff like literally two groups fighting for what they believe and stuff like that. This book might be one of my favorites this year. we’ll see.

This Book seriously deserves the 5 stars because (again) it was Fun, Neat, based on real things that happened( In the BEFORE time) and you won’t regret reading it.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THE BOOK?

OMG!!!!! YES!!!!! buy the book. this is a book worth reading and now I’m just imaging what great things would happen in book two. I hope to read book two in the future.

I want to know what happens next after the ending of this book. will they come back again? will they find the person they are looking for? ooooh soooo many questions.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR MS. KRISTIN FOR SENDING ME THIS AMAZING BOOK

check out my other reviews on my Blog

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[Nancy McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical read

This book puts you squarely in the middle of the 25th century. Descriptions of the food, clothing & the smells really makes feel as if you're standing on the street, watching the characters.

[Debbie Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am rating this book along with the others in this at three stars. This first book in the series grabbed my attention enough to continue through the remaining books in spite of the criticism I explain below.

I want to emphasize, this rating is a rating of the wholeness of the book; the story as well as the writing. These books have the potential to be 5 star books, however, where the story telling shines, the writing lacks. I continued reading the books because I do love the characters and the story. It wasn’t until I picked up the book I am now reading that I decided I needed to re-rate. The book I am currently reading is lush with beautiful writing and carefully crafted prose to co-exist with an intriguing story.

I would love to see this author sit down with this series and a good editor and polish this diamond in the rough. The story of Barnabas and Alys is worth the effort!

[Jean Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

15thC History brought to life

The true story of royal duchess Eleanor Cobham's fall from grace lends itself to a tale of suspense, political plotting and the supernatural. Kristin Gleeson makes the most of the page-turning brew but the starring role goes to her fictional character Barnabas, a boy with a sixth sense, caught up in events beyond his understanding - and scared stiff. I knew nothing of this period in history and can think of no more enjoyable way of finding out than through the Renaissance Soujourner books. I trust Kristin Gleeson's historical background, especially in details of daily life, but she has a light touch that never interferes with the story.

Eleanor is pitiful, obsessed with bearing an heir and regaining her husband's affection, believable but not somebody who captures my imagination. Barnabas and Eleanor's maid Alys are far more spirited and of course have more freedom for adventures as they are fictional so I'm pleased to see that the two of them feature in Book 2 and I have already signed up for pre-order to see what they get up to next. I still like 'The Celtic Knot' series best of Kristin Gleeson's books but as I like long books I'm looking forward to getting to know Alys and Barnabas better.

I wasn't sure I liked the dialect presentation of Barnabas' accent at the beginning of 'The Imp of Eye' but I got used to it, and as Barnabas becomes more sophisticated he's losing the accent - which suits me fine.

[Ieshea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much liked the plot,characters and use of the time period vernacular in this book,The occult and witchery is nicely done and I look forward to the further adventures of the particular imp and what and where it goes

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got into the rhythm of this tale and how it was told, I loved it! I immediately had to learn what I could about where Eye was and who had lived there( that is what I do when I read).

Eleanor Duchess of Gloucester's fate was known to me peripherally, by reading a lot of books about the precursors to the Wars of the Roses, but not in this detail.I want to learn more about her and about Barnabas and Alys of course.

Some of the book is about the rise ( and fall) of Eleanor Cobham and her husband Humphrey the Duke of Gloucester. It touches on Henry VI and surely of that period in which tales of witches and fortunetelling were powerful and dangerous. ( Remember Jacquetta of Luxembourg . mother of Elizabeth Grey who married King Edward?) It also alternates with the hero of the book,Barnabas who reluctantly worked for Margery Jourdemayne, the "Witch of Eye" and Thomas Southwell, a canon and rector.

The alternating of narratives in chapters worked very well and had a pace that worked. Recommending this book for historical novel devotees and those who appreciate attention to period.I am off for the next in the series.

[B.A. Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delicious tale of superstition, witchcraft and political plotting in Medieval England.
From the very first page, reluctant young scryer Barnabas takes our hand and drags us full pelt through 15th century London’s alleys, markets and docklands. You can almost smell the river and hear the raucous cries of the traders and the whispers of the court. Barnabas’ chapters are particularly entertaining, as is his unique vernacular which paints a marvellous picture of him. Against the trickery of this incorrigible imp and his links with the spirits via the showstone, a darker tale emerges of political shenanigans and courtly misbehaviour, of Eleanor desperate for a child and of treason and tall ships. Can Barnabas navigate a course through all the intrigue?

An absolute delight and a must read for all Historical Fiction fans!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and I really can't recommend it enough! I was given a free copy by the author in exchange for an honest review, but I truly would have been happy to pay for it.

It follows a period in the 1400s, and twists together the story of Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester and a street urchin Barnabas in a clear and unexpected way.

The characters are very well drawn and the story definitely kept me turning the pages. I can say, hand on heart, that I will certainly get the new book when it is released and I can only recommend this book 100% to everybody!

[Fred & · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from the for free from a "read and review" service, so I wasn't expecting much. Instead, I was blown away! A fascinating (and in terms of the major historical events, accurate) historical fiction with vivid and engaging characters that I would have finished in one sitting if real life did not interfere with my schedule!

A touch of the paranormal was spice to the recipe. I would recommend this book very highly.

These authors deserve more of my attention. What a lens into History!