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Shadows of Hemlock
Regret is a bitter poison.
In a desperate grasp for prestige, Aselin Gavrell betrayed her master to the execution block for the advantage of the onyx pendant now around her neck. Shelter from her master’s crimes comes with an unwanted allegiance and a list of innocents to murder. But the Guild of poison assassins will not be so easily pacified and charge Aselin to develop an antidote as retribution of her betrayal.
Unprepared for the independence she craved, Aselin is forced to seek aid from a fickle contact who wants only one means of payment: a ruby ring with a mare’s head. To save herself from her master’s fate, Aselin must navigate a growing list of debtors eager to toss her aside and confront her guilt in this fast-paced tale of growth and redemption in Tudor England.
In a desperate grasp for prestige, Aselin Gavrell betrayed her master to the execution block for the advantage of the onyx pendant now around her neck. Shelter from her master’s crimes comes with an unwanted allegiance and a list of innocents to murder. But the Guild of poison assassins will not be so easily pacified and charge Aselin to develop an antidote as retribution of her betrayal.
Unprepared for the independence she craved, Aselin is forced to seek aid from a fickle contact who wants only one means of payment: a ruby ring with a mare’s head. To save herself from her master’s fate, Aselin must navigate a growing list of debtors eager to toss her aside and confront her guilt in this fast-paced tale of growth and redemption in Tudor England.
360 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2019
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Pohlkamp
4 books73 followersK.M. Pohlkamp is a blessed wife to the love of her life, a proud mother of two, and a Mission Control flight controller. Originally from Wisconsin, she now resides in Houston, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 18, 2019
After reading Apricots and Wolfsbane, I wanted the story to keep going. Luckily, I received an advanced copy of Shadows of Hemlock and I was not disappointed.
Continuing with Aselins story, watching her grow, was as exciting and interesting as her predecessors.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
Continuing with Aselins story, watching her grow, was as exciting and interesting as her predecessors.
I would absolutely recommend this book.
January 10, 2021
Focus flowed through me, giving strength to my soul. The warmth and security of assurance. I can not explain it,but I believe she had listened and answered my plea... I felt her presence swallow my pain. The cloud of despair yielded to moonlight providing light to my darkness.
Shadows Of Hemlock amazed me. You see, I was looking for a book about assassins in historical fiction, and this one appeared out to me. I am a lover of assassins mixed with history like Grave Mercy and this one only made me realize my love for it all.
Following our protagonist twenty year old Aselin Gravell, she has betrayed her master and is now eager for gain, but her efforts were not in good graces, and fate gave her a different blow instead. Now she finds herself on the run from various enemies who wish to see her fall, and she chokes on her own poison when her problems become toxic for her.
What I liked about Aselin is that she isn’t afraid to find her own way or to be her own person. She finds her path eventually and is a cold ruthless assassin who will take down anyone who gets in her way. She breaks, but she also finds the love of others to keep on going. When life treats her poorly, she resolves to make it better, even in the face of utter defeat.
The poisons in here were quite nice to read about and the various ones there are in the world. I enjoyed seeing how Aselin had a view on each and every one and how it seemed interesting to look at. It made you curious to know so many things. Indeed, who knew there was so much poison to know about? It was fun and I liked learning about it.
The world building is spot on. You feel you are thrown right into the fifteenth century and witness everything around you. We see some towns, we ride across the roads with Aselin. We witness her in a dungeon, figuring out her own existence. In addition, I liked the personal moments Aselin had to reflect on her own journey, it added depth to the character development and the story.
Would I recommend this book? Not only is it my favorite, but it hits all the right places. History, drama, growth, and all these elements combine to make a story worth being told. And I was honored to get the chance to read it. Bravo. Well done.
Shadows Of Hemlock amazed me. You see, I was looking for a book about assassins in historical fiction, and this one appeared out to me. I am a lover of assassins mixed with history like Grave Mercy and this one only made me realize my love for it all.
Following our protagonist twenty year old Aselin Gravell, she has betrayed her master and is now eager for gain, but her efforts were not in good graces, and fate gave her a different blow instead. Now she finds herself on the run from various enemies who wish to see her fall, and she chokes on her own poison when her problems become toxic for her.
What I liked about Aselin is that she isn’t afraid to find her own way or to be her own person. She finds her path eventually and is a cold ruthless assassin who will take down anyone who gets in her way. She breaks, but she also finds the love of others to keep on going. When life treats her poorly, she resolves to make it better, even in the face of utter defeat.
The poisons in here were quite nice to read about and the various ones there are in the world. I enjoyed seeing how Aselin had a view on each and every one and how it seemed interesting to look at. It made you curious to know so many things. Indeed, who knew there was so much poison to know about? It was fun and I liked learning about it.
The world building is spot on. You feel you are thrown right into the fifteenth century and witness everything around you. We see some towns, we ride across the roads with Aselin. We witness her in a dungeon, figuring out her own existence. In addition, I liked the personal moments Aselin had to reflect on her own journey, it added depth to the character development and the story.
Would I recommend this book? Not only is it my favorite, but it hits all the right places. History, drama, growth, and all these elements combine to make a story worth being told. And I was honored to get the chance to read it. Bravo. Well done.
November 13, 2019
In the sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane, author K.M. Pohlkamp promotes Aselin from apprentice to female assassin in Tudor England. It’s the early sixteenth century and the male dominated social structure is ripe with nobility seeking to exterminate their foes, or even mistresses and wives. This novel, Shadows of Hemlock places the protagonist, Aselin, in as many close calls as her predecessor. Each time she’s sure to meet her end, Aselin’s determination is as fierce as her Master’s, and she escapes, sometimes battered, but even more determined.
Lavinia Maud is now deceased, however, her apprentice Aselin, has watched over her shoulder. Familiar with the poisonous plants in Lavinia’s cottage garden and their uses, Aselin has inherited her master’s role. The reader is privy to some insight regarding Aselin’s betrayal of Lavinia in the previous novel. I enjoyed the new information in the recap of their relationship. The Guild takes on more importance for Aselin because she has to earn her place in the secret assassin’s society.
As in the previous novel, the setting, buildings, and wardrobes are described with just enough detail to paint a stunning picture for the reader. I like the hint of romance between Aselin and Dauid. He is a welcome and likeable character. I also enjoyed the brother and sister, James and Josain. Their friendship and unconditional loyalty to Aselin are enjoyable scenes. In Shadows of Hemlock, Aselin embarks on the quest to assume her Masters position in the guild while seeking the antidote for hemlock poisoning. What she discovers in the end is that loyal relationships are more valuable. Throughout the novel there are references to Aselin and her brother, Edmund. I’m intrigued by what their childhoods and history are. Could that prequel be another book in the series? I hope so.
These two books are a pleasure to read, pleasant escapes. They transport the reader to another time and into a career that no longer exists in our culture. It’s an interesting trip into a secret life in Tudor England, a trip well worth taking.
Lavinia Maud is now deceased, however, her apprentice Aselin, has watched over her shoulder. Familiar with the poisonous plants in Lavinia’s cottage garden and their uses, Aselin has inherited her master’s role. The reader is privy to some insight regarding Aselin’s betrayal of Lavinia in the previous novel. I enjoyed the new information in the recap of their relationship. The Guild takes on more importance for Aselin because she has to earn her place in the secret assassin’s society.
As in the previous novel, the setting, buildings, and wardrobes are described with just enough detail to paint a stunning picture for the reader. I like the hint of romance between Aselin and Dauid. He is a welcome and likeable character. I also enjoyed the brother and sister, James and Josain. Their friendship and unconditional loyalty to Aselin are enjoyable scenes. In Shadows of Hemlock, Aselin embarks on the quest to assume her Masters position in the guild while seeking the antidote for hemlock poisoning. What she discovers in the end is that loyal relationships are more valuable. Throughout the novel there are references to Aselin and her brother, Edmund. I’m intrigued by what their childhoods and history are. Could that prequel be another book in the series? I hope so.
These two books are a pleasure to read, pleasant escapes. They transport the reader to another time and into a career that no longer exists in our culture. It’s an interesting trip into a secret life in Tudor England, a trip well worth taking.
November 18, 2019
The lineage of women assassins continues with Aselin, apprentice to the late Lavia. Desperate to prove her worth to the world of poison masters and her patron, her pride guides her, mixed with the teachings of Lavinia and the guilt of her brother’s death. With the daunting tasks ahead of her, can she prove her worth, or will she be marked as both an outcast and a criminal?
Shadows of Hemlock is certainly as captivating and Apricots and Wolfsbane, and teaches you much about the assassin world the author has created. Poison on the right and one’s poison of choice shows just what kind of assassin you are. Captivating, descriptive, and overall pleasing to read, I strongly recommend to all historical fiction lovers, murder lovers, and to all people in general.
Shadows of Hemlock is certainly as captivating and Apricots and Wolfsbane, and teaches you much about the assassin world the author has created. Poison on the right and one’s poison of choice shows just what kind of assassin you are. Captivating, descriptive, and overall pleasing to read, I strongly recommend to all historical fiction lovers, murder lovers, and to all people in general.
November 19, 2019
After the shocking end to KM Pohlkamp's previous book, Apricots and Wolfsbane, it was interesting to pick up the story from Aselin’s point of view.
In Apricots and Wolfsbane, Aselin was just an apprentice, picking up knowledge from her master Lavinia. Now that Lavinia is dead, Aselin has to show her worth, both to herself and to the Guild of Poison Assassins. Proving that she is a capable poisoner is difficult enough, but she is also a woman in a man’s (Tudor) world, so must learn to survive with more than just her assassin skills. The nobles that hire Aselin’s services are more than happy to pay for her to murder their rivals, but they also do not care one bit about Aselin and would gladly sacrifice her in order to save their own skins.
In addition to a series of assassination assignments, Aselin must also find an antidote for hemlock in order to prove to the Guild that she deserves the title of Master Poison Assassin. The development of her character as she goes on her quest was much more satisfying to me than reading about Lavinia in the previous book, who was already a full-fledged Master.
One of the things I enjoy most about reading a book by Pohlkamp is how easily she transports me to the Tudor era. The details of the people, the buildings, the surroundings are clearly well-researched but read so casually that you don’t even realize how much information you’re getting.
The characters in Shadows of Hemlock were also quite enjoyable and each had their own personalities and morals to guide them. I think one of the most difficult things about reading both Apricots and Wolfsbane and Shadows of Hemlock is that the main character is an assassin. A paid killer. Both Lavinia and Aselin take on assignments with no regard to the victim. The killing is a job. It’s interesting to see how the characters reconcile what they do with their beliefs and give themselves the strength to continue. It makes for some very complex and unique characters and Pohlkamp writes them all very well.
* Thank you to the author, K.M. Pohlkamp, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
In Apricots and Wolfsbane, Aselin was just an apprentice, picking up knowledge from her master Lavinia. Now that Lavinia is dead, Aselin has to show her worth, both to herself and to the Guild of Poison Assassins. Proving that she is a capable poisoner is difficult enough, but she is also a woman in a man’s (Tudor) world, so must learn to survive with more than just her assassin skills. The nobles that hire Aselin’s services are more than happy to pay for her to murder their rivals, but they also do not care one bit about Aselin and would gladly sacrifice her in order to save their own skins.
In addition to a series of assassination assignments, Aselin must also find an antidote for hemlock in order to prove to the Guild that she deserves the title of Master Poison Assassin. The development of her character as she goes on her quest was much more satisfying to me than reading about Lavinia in the previous book, who was already a full-fledged Master.
One of the things I enjoy most about reading a book by Pohlkamp is how easily she transports me to the Tudor era. The details of the people, the buildings, the surroundings are clearly well-researched but read so casually that you don’t even realize how much information you’re getting.
The characters in Shadows of Hemlock were also quite enjoyable and each had their own personalities and morals to guide them. I think one of the most difficult things about reading both Apricots and Wolfsbane and Shadows of Hemlock is that the main character is an assassin. A paid killer. Both Lavinia and Aselin take on assignments with no regard to the victim. The killing is a job. It’s interesting to see how the characters reconcile what they do with their beliefs and give themselves the strength to continue. It makes for some very complex and unique characters and Pohlkamp writes them all very well.
* Thank you to the author, K.M. Pohlkamp, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 20, 2019
Set in a mythical English county in the 1520s Tudor-type England, Aselin Gavrell had once been the apprentice to assassin, Lavinia Maud. Now she is the Master. To gain the confidence in her abilities as well as the patronage of an important client, she must commit four murders. But more important to Aselin is her acceptance as a Fellow into the Guild as they will not accept her credentials on the recommendation of her former Master. They set her a task: find an antidote to hemlock, Aselin's preferred method of assassination. And she has just four months to achieve this.
Aselin has learned well from Lavinia but, if anything, is more arrogant and cynical than her predecessor. More calculating, too. She uses people without conscience until, that is, she realises that she has been used in turn. She is willing to 'use her feminine whiles' to achieve her short term goals whereas Lavinia looked down upon that ploy.
What follows is a dangerous adventure in which Aselin confronts her own demons, is betrayed and betrays in return as she moves to achieve her goals.
This is the sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane and Ms Pohlkamp has lost none of her ability to produce a good story, although it is not history in the strict sense of the word, and there are some very un-Tudorish anachronisms and phrases, but then, this novel is not, I assume, actually set in Tudor England, just a sort of mirror-image alternative version of the period and places. I spotted some typos in the pre-published file I read, but these have been corrected for the final version.
My only criticism – and it is a personal one – is the invention of the English Shires that feature in both books, a real Shire would have done no harm to the tale telling, and brought in an extended feeling of realism.
Shadows of Hemlock can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but I would really recommend reading the previous volume first, not only for the deliciously evil manner of the protagonist, but because the first chapters of this book is a spoiler for the stark and dramatic ending of the first.
(reviewed on behalf of Discoverig Diamonds Blogspot)
Aselin has learned well from Lavinia but, if anything, is more arrogant and cynical than her predecessor. More calculating, too. She uses people without conscience until, that is, she realises that she has been used in turn. She is willing to 'use her feminine whiles' to achieve her short term goals whereas Lavinia looked down upon that ploy.
What follows is a dangerous adventure in which Aselin confronts her own demons, is betrayed and betrays in return as she moves to achieve her goals.
This is the sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane and Ms Pohlkamp has lost none of her ability to produce a good story, although it is not history in the strict sense of the word, and there are some very un-Tudorish anachronisms and phrases, but then, this novel is not, I assume, actually set in Tudor England, just a sort of mirror-image alternative version of the period and places. I spotted some typos in the pre-published file I read, but these have been corrected for the final version.
My only criticism – and it is a personal one – is the invention of the English Shires that feature in both books, a real Shire would have done no harm to the tale telling, and brought in an extended feeling of realism.
Shadows of Hemlock can easily be read as a stand alone novel, but I would really recommend reading the previous volume first, not only for the deliciously evil manner of the protagonist, but because the first chapters of this book is a spoiler for the stark and dramatic ending of the first.
(reviewed on behalf of Discoverig Diamonds Blogspot)
February 8, 2020
Regret is indeed a bitter poison and those who have read the first book, Apricots and Wolfsbane will be just as fascinated to catch up with this sequel in the strange and deadly world of the Tudor poisoner. The grim world of studied assassinations comes, once again, to macabre life in a story that abounds in intrigue and treachery.
In Shadows of Hemlock, Aselin Gavrell, no longer the apprentice under the tutelage of her master, is hungry to take the position of Master Poisoner with the notorious Guild of Assassins, but ambition comes with a heavy price tag and Aselin soon discovers that trying to placate one set of devious operators opens her activities up to scrutiny from others who seek to do harm. Aselin is an interesting character and now that she is no longer under the shadow of her master, we get to know more about her, and get to observe how she interacts with the other intriguing characters who flit into and out of the story.
I’ve really enjoyed spending time with Aselin and it’s especially interesting to observe how she has grown in confidence now that she is in control of her own destiny, but, as ever, there are some dark shadows that follow her which this gives the story its intriguing edginess.
The darker side of Tudor England is beautifully explored, and the author, very cleverly, brings the era to life in quite a unique way, exploring the history, whilst, at the same time, bringing together all the complicated strands of a fascinating story of power, rivalry, and deadly poison
In Shadows of Hemlock, Aselin Gavrell, no longer the apprentice under the tutelage of her master, is hungry to take the position of Master Poisoner with the notorious Guild of Assassins, but ambition comes with a heavy price tag and Aselin soon discovers that trying to placate one set of devious operators opens her activities up to scrutiny from others who seek to do harm. Aselin is an interesting character and now that she is no longer under the shadow of her master, we get to know more about her, and get to observe how she interacts with the other intriguing characters who flit into and out of the story.
I’ve really enjoyed spending time with Aselin and it’s especially interesting to observe how she has grown in confidence now that she is in control of her own destiny, but, as ever, there are some dark shadows that follow her which this gives the story its intriguing edginess.
The darker side of Tudor England is beautifully explored, and the author, very cleverly, brings the era to life in quite a unique way, exploring the history, whilst, at the same time, bringing together all the complicated strands of a fascinating story of power, rivalry, and deadly poison
November 18, 2019
Strong, independent, female characters and anti-heroes return in K.M. Pohlkamp's much-anticipated sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane, Shadows of Hemlock.
Aselin Gavrell made a fateful decision, and one she may live to regret when she betrayed her mentor. Now, she sits indebted to the man who arranged the betrayal.
Worse, the Guild doesn't recognize Aseline's supposition of her former Master's status.
And because Fate will challenge the willful, not only does Aselin have a list of targets that she won't be paid for, she also has four short months to discover an antidote to her poison of choice - Hemlock.
As she works her way through her benefactor's list and comes to realize how petty their slights really were, Aselin begins to question her choices and form a plan to avenge her mentor and redeem herself.
Sequels are notoriously difficult, and they are frequently seen as less than the first. I admit that I struggled with Aselin's character (to be fair, her mentor challenged me, too, on Apricots), but the story kept me engaged, pulling me from page to page as Aselin's arc accelerated and grew into her purpose.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. Aselin's story begins in Apricots, and so many characters pull from that tale to this that much of the detail could be lost. Start with book 1, and be ready to dive into book 2. A solid 4 stars.
Aselin Gavrell made a fateful decision, and one she may live to regret when she betrayed her mentor. Now, she sits indebted to the man who arranged the betrayal.
Worse, the Guild doesn't recognize Aseline's supposition of her former Master's status.
And because Fate will challenge the willful, not only does Aselin have a list of targets that she won't be paid for, she also has four short months to discover an antidote to her poison of choice - Hemlock.
As she works her way through her benefactor's list and comes to realize how petty their slights really were, Aselin begins to question her choices and form a plan to avenge her mentor and redeem herself.
Sequels are notoriously difficult, and they are frequently seen as less than the first. I admit that I struggled with Aselin's character (to be fair, her mentor challenged me, too, on Apricots), but the story kept me engaged, pulling me from page to page as Aselin's arc accelerated and grew into her purpose.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. Aselin's story begins in Apricots, and so many characters pull from that tale to this that much of the detail could be lost. Start with book 1, and be ready to dive into book 2. A solid 4 stars.
November 20, 2019
Picking up right where Apricots and Wolfsbane left off, Shadows of Hemlock transports readers back to a time when life was cheap and independence was dangerous. Aselin Gavrell understands these simple truths better than most but even she is not prepared for the dangers that come with charting her own path as an assassin. Hounded by powerful lords and agents of the law, Aselin must draw upon all her smarts to triumph over her foes. Where the book really shines, however, is Pohlkamp’s depiction of Aselin’s mental state. Rather than becoming more ruthless or more deranged as she advances in her career, Aselin’s character becomes more introspective and her character arc benefits from it greatly. Long after readers finish this book, they will be pondering heady questions related to ambition and sacrifice that will surely inspire heated discussion amongst fans. Anyone looking for an adventure novel filled with exciting twists and turns and engaging characters should look no further: Shadows of Hemlock is the book for you.
October 25, 2019
More toxic than ever before!
K.M. Pohlkamp returns with the sequel to her award-winning story Apricots and Wolfsbane. Having devised the demise of her mentor, Aselin Gavrell is ready to take over the mantel of Master Poison Assassin. She will have to challenge the most devious and power hungry aristocrats that England offers as everyone wants her services but will sacrifice her to move the game in their favor. While dodging these dangerous nobles, she will also have to find a cure for the poison, Hemlock to prove to the Guild of Assassins that she is worthy of the title.
Be ready to be transported to time where all work and suffer for the rich and the law protects those who control the purse strings. The historical detail dumps you into the dungeons and lifts you to the splendor of the 16th century nobility.
Just don't drink the wine!
I was given an advance reading copy.
K.M. Pohlkamp returns with the sequel to her award-winning story Apricots and Wolfsbane. Having devised the demise of her mentor, Aselin Gavrell is ready to take over the mantel of Master Poison Assassin. She will have to challenge the most devious and power hungry aristocrats that England offers as everyone wants her services but will sacrifice her to move the game in their favor. While dodging these dangerous nobles, she will also have to find a cure for the poison, Hemlock to prove to the Guild of Assassins that she is worthy of the title.
Be ready to be transported to time where all work and suffer for the rich and the law protects those who control the purse strings. The historical detail dumps you into the dungeons and lifts you to the splendor of the 16th century nobility.
Just don't drink the wine!
I was given an advance reading copy.
November 19, 2019
This is the second part of the series about Tudor-era female poison assassins. Aselin is an acolyte and successor of Lavinia Maud, a woman who lived by a peculiar code of conduct and strove to make her way in a male-controlled profession and a male-dominated world. Aselin must fend off detractors and prove her loyalty or forfeit her place in the guild. The struggle is not just for independence and self-determination but also about her life.
Despite her deadly ways, Lavinia was a sympathetic character and so is Aselin because the themes explored in the novels about women's roles and opportunities are universal.
If you enjoy fast-pace thrillers with a dash of saucy humor, you will enjoy The Shadows of Hemlock.
Despite her deadly ways, Lavinia was a sympathetic character and so is Aselin because the themes explored in the novels about women's roles and opportunities are universal.
If you enjoy fast-pace thrillers with a dash of saucy humor, you will enjoy The Shadows of Hemlock.
March 14, 2020
Another excellent book full of captivating twists and turns! Highly recommend!
Read
November 15, 2022DNF
November 20, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
" This is the sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane and Ms Pohlkamp has lost none of her ability to produce a good story."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
" This is the sequel to Apricots and Wolfsbane and Ms Pohlkamp has lost none of her ability to produce a good story."
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews