Fallen Angel

Frances Gorges Trilogy #3

by Tracy Borman

Life has never been quiet for Frances Gorges at the court of King James, but after finding herself at the center of plots and conspiracies for many years both as an accused witch and a secret Catholic, by 1614 Frances hopes to distance herself from the decadence and ruthlessness of the aging and venal monarch. However, when a handsome stranger appears at a courtier’s country estate, he immediately draws the wandering eyes of the King, throwing the established order of the court into upheaval. George Villiers is ambitious and violent, ready to take down whatever—and whoever—stands in his way, including Frances and her husband Sir Thomas Tyringham.

New friends and old alliances—from Francis Bacon and Prince Charles to Sir Walter Raleigh—will offer Frances ways to resist the treachery of Villiers, but danger and Catholic plotting always lurks just around the corner, and sometimes from unexpected sources. With her meticulous eye for detail and evocative storytelling, Tracy Borman’s The Fallen Angel is a riveting conclusion to her trilogy set during the first Stuart monarch’s reign.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult, British Literature, Royalty

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2010

About the author

Tracy Borman, PhD, FRHistS, FSA is a historian and author from Scothern, United Kingdom. She is most widely known as the author of Elizabeth's Women.

Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009

Reviews

[Geevee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final volume of the trilogy which covers the final stages of James I's reign. Frances is embroiled in court life and with the King spotting a new favourite.

This change of influence at James's side creates a nemesis for Frances and her husband Thomas, Lord Tyringham. This could threaten not just their home and position at Court but also Frances' life and the way her eldest son is seen by others.

Weaving real people into a fictional story that adheres strongly to reality and outcomes, Tracy Borman again, creates a enjoyable story that keeps the reader involved in the political, financial and personal rivalries that early Stuart court life saw.

The historical notes at the end of the book bring together the detail and key points of history that The Fallen Angel tracks and involves our heroine in. This makes The Fallen Angel a good story that gives the reader a gentle history lesson too.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

And so the Frances Gorges Trilogy comes to a close. Centered in the court of James I, during the time of the Gunpowder Treason Plot, Frances Gorges was there in the court, although the author attests she took the most fictional liberties with the main character herself. The book is described as written in the style of Philippa Gregory or Allison Weir and that is very apt. The style feels incredibly similar. Only with a whole new cast of characters left over from the Tudor Reign. Still with loads of trickery and deceit and religious warring, wanting the Kings favor. Often to always there is a heroine with healing powers, often accused of being a witch, and that is our Frances. Whose life over three books is well detailed.

Frances is a wonderful heroine - I loved her! I probably liked this book the least of the three, but would go with a 3.8. That Duke of Buckingham was a true Devil, causing spine shivers. But the worst of it, was this couple needing to spend years at court away from their children, and a particular emotional devastation around one of the children. Not a great feeling. But once again, this is court life, and James I feels not so different from other court royals and other courts. Tracy Borman has a talent, and Frances does come to life. It just isn't always the easiest life for someone so good of heart who is a healer and a mother and a devoted wife, as well as devoted servant of the court.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is the best book in the trilogy in my opinion. It's probably because Frances has matured and is not as annoying as she was in the early books. She has learned to be more cautious and is quite loving to her husband, Thomas, who seems like such a great guy. I was struck by how little time she spent with her five boys. If she saw them once or twice a year, she was doing good. It's not just her though. It seems to be the culture of the time. Of course, I found it odd that 13 year old girls were getting married but they had different standards.

This is set during James I rule and I was shocked at how worthless a King he was. I had always liked him mainly because he had the Bible translated into English and it's certainly stood the test of time. I still used the King James version of the Bible as I love the language. This is not covered in the book but his alleged homosexuality and love of hunting is gone into with much detail. I did some checking and it does seem like it's a fairly accurate portrayal. I am quite disappointed but it does appear the people liked him, mostly because he didn't overtax them.

This book delves a lot into his personal relationships especially to the meteoric rise of George Villiers who became Lord Buckingham. He was depicted as a loathsome person who was out to make money no matter how he did it. According to the book, he and the King were lovers and he became known as the King's other wife.

There are two things I didn't like about the book. I thought there were too many graphic sex scenes. There was one between a son and a mother that actually turned my stomach. I think they were just thrown in to spice the book up and I found them unnecessary. The other thing is how Frances managed to keep stumbling in on the sex scenes. She walked in on the King and Buckingham having sex (really?). She walked in on the mother and son. She passed a three way in the corridors of the palace. It really stretched my credibility.

I found the history quite interesting. I realize how spotty my knowledge of English rulers (other than Henry VIII) is. I should really learn more. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank netgalley and Grove Atlantic for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't as excited by this one as with the rest of the trilogy, I think its because its not as plot driven. There was a lot of white privilege on display that could have been acknowledged and dealt with better.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final part of the trilogy, Frances's story is played out against the rise and fall of George Villiers. Borman's writing breathes life into the court of James I and I found this a thoroughly engaging read.

[gwendalyn _books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Angel is the highly anticipated final instalment of Historic Royal Palaces' Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman's King's Witch trilogy.

Thank you @groveatlantic & @tracy.borman
Title: The Fallen Angel (Frances Gorges #3)
Author: Tracy Borman
Publisher: Grove Atlantic
Publication Date: 10 November 2020
Pages: 480

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the third book in Tracy Bormans’ excellent trilogy that follows the life of Frances Gorges, now Tyringham at the court of King Jame I. I

A gripping conclusion to Tracy Bormans’ trilogy featuring, Frances Gorges set against the backdrop of the court of King Jame I.

Picking up short after the second book left off, we find, Frances, barely escaping a conviction as a witch, and a death sentence after her involvement with the
gunpowder plotters. Her past transgressions of accusations of being a witch and a secret Catholic, are not something easily forgotten.
Frances along with her husband Sir Thomas who happens to be master of the King's hounds, are trying desperately to settle into the decadent, courtly life of King Jame I.

A new found threat presents new drama into lady Frances life’s day her husband , when the Kings new favorite, George Villiers brings nightmarish havoc into her life. She will seek new allies, along with old friends to help with the treacherous Villiers.

George Villiers is a young man with the face of an angel and the King will move heaven and earth for him. But many enemies are about to discover, he is cunning and ruthless with heart of a devil.

Political religious strife is ever present and in this installment it’s seen more critical than the past to other books. With more plots and conspiracies Borman’s narration guides you through from start to finish.
A brilliant historical fiction, with dramatic courtly intrigue the authors ability to create breathtaking atmospheric imagery, is beyond stunning. The historical characters, along with the authors fictional ones are incredible. Tracy Borman masterly storytelling ability is astounding, as your immersed within these delightful pages.

Borman’s mane character Frances Gorges really did exist, and her family were secret Catholics, though her experiences in this novels are purely imagined.

Tracy Borman’s, The Fallen Angel is a spellbinding conclusion to her trilogy set during the first Stuart

-The Devil’s Slave
-The King’s Witch

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Angel is a compelling conclusion to the Frances Gorges trilogy. Once more, Borman takes us back to the intrigues of the Stuart Court, as Frances desperately tries to keep her family and friends safe from new foes. The story moves at a good pace, with plenty of action and tension, and I found the ending satisfying. The historical detail is sufficient to set the scene, without the need for info dumps, and the characters all come across as well-rounded, carefully drawn figures. I would definitely recommend this series to fans of historical fiction featuring gutsy heroines. 4.5 stars from me.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan Stonesifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed just so I could see who died in the end🙄

[Bryony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good trilogy. So interesting to read in the knowledge that it is based on truth. Fascinating and really brings history to life!

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a strong conclusion to Borman's trilogy set in the court of James I of England. Frances Gorges aims to help her husband and guard her family's wellbeing, but she soon becomes privy to the treasonous plots and poisoning attempts that animate the royal court. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this time period.

[Tracey Daintith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s writing is captivating. With each of her books I feel transported to the events of that time, like a fly on the wall. She makes it so easy to feel connected to the characters, particularly the main character. Keep doing what you are doing Tracy Borman.

[Perrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this on Audible.

I wanted to like this book, but in the end the characters just became unbearable for me.

Buckingham was the epitome of a pantomime villain, smirking through every awful thing he did to every single person around him. His mother was worse and totally irredeemable. Frances never seemed to have a single flaw, and appeared to have a natural ability to somehow come across every single secret conversation going on in the Palace. Prince Charles was the newest Catholic saint. Kate was both simultaneously sweet and gentle, whilst also being innocent and naive for about ten years without changing.

There were some interesting parts that kept me going, but when it got to the point that I was checking Wikipedia for the date of Buckinghams death and realised the story still had three years left to go, I had to give up.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked the minor characters, like Bacon. Borman tied up loose ends in this last book in the series. All three books opened up a period of history about which I hadn't known much.
There was fewer times when the main character did something unadvisable with the reason that she just couldn't help it or some other excuse, like it was for the greater good. It usually turned out for the worse. Anyway, this didn't happen so much, which made for better story-telling.

[savage_book_review · Rating 3 out of 5]

Frances has found some semblance of peace at last. She loves her husband dearly, her sons are her pride and joy, and for the most part her worries about being denounced as a witch are over. But there's a new favourite at the Court of James I, out to claim as much power and wealth as he can by any means necessary.

Tracy Borman is a wonderful writer, and over the course of the series it does seem that her style and ease with fiction has improved greatly. The book is well paced, the story ebbs and flows well and the main characters are well established by this point, making the whole thing a very comfortable read. Seeing Frances able to be a little more herself was lovely, and the scenes with her growing family are so heartwarming, as are the moments where she's able to take the time to be with her husband.

At the same time, there are darker scenes that contrast starkly, but are pitched very well to give the reader the sense of shock, unease or disgust, without being overpowering. A lot of these of course include the villain of the piece, George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Again, he's very well drawn; egotistical, smarmy and just generally unpleasant, and yet he reflects reality by drawing you in anyway.

However, I'm just not sure this book was actually needed in the series. Where Frances was at the centre of the action in the first book, by this stage it's more like we're seeing the events at Court through her eyes. She's the centre of the story, but it's not actually about her. There are a few nice moments of redemption and closing the loop, but otherwise I wouldn't say there's a massive amount of action for her. In particular, the ending is more of a whimper than a bang and I was left feeling a little disappointed by it.

Overall, while I liked the ending of the first book and the fact that it left the story open for more, I think it works better as a standalone. This concluding chapter just doesn't inspire the same feels. It's s good read, but I never found myself desperate to get back to it, or even that bothered if I got to pick it up.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stuart era was an intriguing one. The earlier times were filled anyway with intrigue and it was always a King who had to defend his throne either against foreigners trying to do away with one, or worse still within your own family or clan.

King James was not a bad sort, just an indolent one. Fixated on hunting and having a good time it led to the rise of smarter courtiers amongst his household all vying for more and more benefits. The chief amongst them Somerset and Buckingham were in constant rivalry until Buckingham was able to lead the downfall of Somerset and it seemed that Buckingham would one day take the throne through the downfall of the present King's appetities.

Courtiers who were on the periphery did not fare well as the entire family of the Buckinghams wanted a piece of the pie and Thomas and Frances fared very badly. Frances had a secret of her own to hide, and she knew that once this was known the end would be near for her family. Thomas held on to his position because he was badly off financially, and the investments he had made for Lord Raleigh turned out to be a huge disappointment leading to abject financial failure and the loss of his ancestral property.

When Prince Charles's own position (King James's son) becomes precarious Frances decides to step in to help in whatever way she can - to bring back the treasures from France which were kept to help Charles financially and to oust Buckingham from his position at court.

Frances's role precarious and extreme showed her steadfast courage and her belief in the Catholic faith, against all the persecution and odds against her. At times putting aside the well being of her husband and children she stood by what she believed in.

Ideal for lovers of English history, and pageantry this was a good read.

[Mike Shoop · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this final book of the trilogy, Lady Frances, who is not only having to keep her herbalist skills, her true faith and the father of her oldest son a secret, she is forced to return to the decadence and scandal of King James I's court. Her husband, Sir Thomas Tyringham, has been appointed master of the king's buckhounds. She finds the court filled with more danger and darkness than ever, as King James' favorite, Lord Somerset, is brought down, and into the void steps the brilliant but cruel and dangerously ambitious George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. Borman's meticulous research, usage of historical people and events, and portrayal of the moods and attitudes of the Stuart Court, whirling with scandals, intrigues, violence, and treachery, with twisted desire and passion at every turn, make for an engrossing story. Covering a span of 24 years, she spins out a dangerous atmosphere that takes in the Overbury murder, the plots surrounding Lady Arbella Stuart and Sir Walter Raleigh's doomed voyage to South America, the Spanish alliance, and includes such larger-than-life figures as Francis Bacon, Anne of Denmark, Elizabeth of Bohemia, Prince Charles, and Raleigh himself. It's a dark and chilling look at the Stuart period, when magic was forbidden and witches and healers were hunted down and destroyed, when Catholics worshipped in secret, when courtiers rose and fell with unbelievable speed, and when a plan's success could hinge on a murder. Enthralling, readable, suspenseful, an excellent conclusion to this trilogy.

[Rebecca Batley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Tracy Bormans’ excellent trilogy following the life of Frances Gorges, now Tyringham at the court of King Jame I. I strongly recommend you read the first two books before this one if you aren’t already. In the previous book Frances, narrowly escaped conviction as a witch and certain death after her involvement with the gunpowder plotters. Now she and her husband Sir Thomas, master of the King's hounds are trying to live a quieter life at court.
The scenes at court are by far the best in the book, they brilliantly evoke the claustrophobic atmosphere where every man is seeking advancement and James’ favour.
All is going well until the Kings eye alights on a new favourite George Villiers, weak, manipulative and cruel he is Frances worst nightmare. The King though is besotted and will do anything for his favourite. From there on out Frances’ life begins to unravel as she seeks to keep her family alive and bring down Villiers.
Catholicism, and the issue of religion is, as in the other books, constantly lurking but this one felt a bit more political than the other two. There is a plot involving Queen Anne’s jewels and The international marriage market but most of the book focuses in on Frances’.
I loved this, as I did the other two books. The storytelling is masterful and I am very sorry to have finished the trilogy.

[Kymm · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare for me to finish an entire trilogy in less than two weeks. I generally don't read series books one after the other but with this trilogy I found myself rushing to get through other books just to get back to this series. I've read extensively about King Henry VIII, but until these books didn't know that much about King James. Frances Gorges served in the court of King James as his daughter Elizabeth's lady's maid however she was also a healer which made her a target of King James, who set out to rid his country of witches and heretics. She was subjected to imprisonment and brutal "tests" because of her healing abilities, but she never gave up and even at times thrived in his court. These stories were stunning to read and some of the King's and his court's actions were horrifying, to say the least, but she never wavered from her faith as a Catholic woman and even went on to prosper in some regards. Hard to imagine what being any woman in the early 1600's was like, but to read how a regarded member of society, a member of the King's court was treated was stunning. I don't know how any of them survived the brutality of these men and their laws. If you like royal historical fiction I highly recommend this trilogy, it's well worth the time. Happy Reading!

[Trish G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final of the trilogy, chronically Frances Gorges years from age 13 to her late 40’s in the court of 2 regents of England. Frances is well educated & skilled in the art of herbs & healing. This brings her under suspicion of Charles the first. (the second regent she serves) Court life throughout the 17th century remains a cesspit of innuendo, political intrigue, gossip & manipulation. Apart from these aspects which make it a page turning read, there is more!
Each of Borman’s books cover the minute detail of every day life from this era. These details create a reality that immerse the reader in the day to day rituals & habits of the characters.
Frances Gorges in this book is once again challenged & confronted with conspiracy & drama. This time by Charles the first’s ruthless, sexually voracious & cunning advisor & paramour Buckingham.
The vividness of the Jacobean court is presented expertly. Sheer nastiness & corruption create an entertaining yet believable story.
All characters are based on real life people. Events are also true despite a few admitted poetic licences.
Conversations have been crafted around those characters & events.
Throughly entertaining

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the other books in this series and really enjoyed them, although the whole witchcraft thing really pissed me off. Just another excuse for the patriarchy to punish women. Anyway, I loved the intrigue of this. I am familiar with the time period so the historically accurate facts were familiar to me but I loved how modern Frances is as a character and how that fed in to the story. There must have been women who were intelligent and men who found that intriguing rather than threatening but we hardly ever hear about those people. I also enjoyed the sex scenes which were pretty well done and enjoyed what an absolute villain Buckingham was. I know that it is pretty much accepted both at the time and now that he and King James were lovers so that part wasn't a surprise but the sex scene between them was, a little. Lovely work! Very relevant to my interests.

This is the last book in this series but I would definitely read more historical fiction from Tracy Borman, as well as her historical non-fiction.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I featured the first two books from this trilogy in my Banqueting House reading guide, and I knew that I had to share the final book. Although Borman's books are usually non-fiction, she has an incredible talent for fiction. As many of us across the globe head back into lockdown (and into winter for the Northern hemisphere), it is the time for getting lost in good books. Borman does an amazing job of creating realistic characters at the Stuart court, and weaving what we know of them into her story. James I's court was full of more intrigue than our current politicians could even imagine, and you won't be able to put this down. (There is nothing like a plot involving the Queen's jewels to keep you hooked!) If you are looking for a holiday gift for a reader, this trilogy is the perfect choice. (For someone else, or yourself...)

[Jennifer Moville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances Gorges thinks she is finally safe. James I's witchhunt seems to be over and she is finally believed to be the healer she is. Her husband is well in with the King and is given the title Master of the Hounds. All seems happy with her family life but as ever in the Royal Court there is always some one ready and waiting in the wings to stab you in the back. The King has gained a new lover. George Villiers is given the title of Earl of Buckingham. Frances does not like him but what is worse is that he has set his sights on her friend Katherine. Before you even read more of the book you know this marriage cannot be a happy one for her.
As the third and final part of Tracy Borman's trilogy this book is fast paced and keeps up with the historical thrilling read of the other two novels. A great trio I have thoroughly enjoyed reading

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frances Gorges is too smart to think that all will be well at the court of King James- she's been through so much in recent years. However, she would have never guessed that George Villiers would arrive and once again upend it all. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books-Borman provides a good snapshot of all that Frances (and her husband Thomas) heave dealt with (notably a charge of witchcraft). This is terrific historical fiction that will have you (if you're like me), madly doing bits and pieces of research to flesh out The Who's who of real people who populate the court. Talk about rough politics, backstabbing, and treachery! Through it all, though, Frances shines as a relatable character. This is incredibly educational as well as entertaining. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Highly recommend.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fallen Angel by Tracy Borman,the third in this series. I have not read the first two books,but thought I could read this and catch up,which somethings were confusing but it worked out with James the Ist. A lot of sex scenes which I'm sure had a lot going on at court but homosexual scenes,mother and son,turned me off.. Frances,seem to find all the sex. Story about James The first,their lives at court,Frances and her husband. You have all sorts of famous people mentioned in this one,Thomas Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh and so many more that made the history that they did. Historical fiction,very well written and you get to know the main characters and learn some history. This is a must read but if you can,read the first two in this series, I'm going back to read cause this really seems to be a great one. Received from Net Gallery!

[מירב קרלינסקי גלבוע · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book of the trilogy was really good, the second was still intriguing, but the third, "The Fallen Angel" which I've just finished, was so boring and shallow. I don't know why I haven't stopped in the middle. I probably wanted to know what happened to Frances, but I still have no idea when she passed away, or what became of her sons- Maybe there's a fourth book on its way? I gave it a two star rank because I've learnt new historical facts, and I like Borman's historical books. However, the plot of "The Fallen Angel" was so boring... I think I'll focus on Borman's biographies rather than her fiction.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, solid historical fiction - a relatable, likeable protagonist; a plot with the right amount of intrigue, tension, danger and romance; a story arc that ties up both the book and the trilogy in a satisfying manner.
All of this as well as the security of knowing that the author’s day job means the historical facts are beyond reproach; and the frisson of realising that the fictional ‘behind-the-scenes’ elements are possibly her own opinion on the real lives, happenings and motivations behind the bare facts...

[Dayanara Ryelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

When writing a book, the author needs to ensure that the reader has a reason to continue, and anyone who has successfully managed to get out of their emo/goth stage will surely not want to continue this dreadful trilogy.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the author practically breaks her arm patting herself on the back: "It is also the concluding volume in the King's Witch trilogy, establishing Tracy Borman as one of our leading writers of historical fiction."

BARF! Even Pippa Gregory's bullshitty The Constant Princess is better than this dreck!

[Paolo B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last in the Frances Gorges trilogy, I give this novel 4.5 stars.
Dealing with the last decade in James I's reign, it sheds light onto the hypocrisy of the first Stuart monarch in England, twisting Catholic plots with court gossip and intrigues.
You can't help ending up loving the protagonist, with her frailties and determination, and hating the (quite a few) villains.
The author's note at the end (which I always read after finishing a historical novel) throws light onto what is history and what is fiction.

[Aundrea Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book of the Frances George’s trilogy, the story focuses on the end of an era. As King James VI and I grows more affected by age and his years of pleasure, we begin to see the unraveling of the court and its courtiers. The power struggles over the potential marriage of Prince Charles grow more fierce, and the influence of James’s dishonorable lover, now the Duke of Buckingham, becomes a lethal poison to all who stand in his way.

I really wish there was more of this series, but I definitely will be looking for more works from this author.

[Rachel Mete · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third and final part of this historical fiction trilogy set around James I era focuses more on relationships and court life than big events, which gave it a different feel to books 1&2. I listened to this as an audio book and enjoyed imagining life in James I court during his later years. It was also interesting to see young Charles I develop a stronger character, especially as history tells us what happens down the track for him (not covered in this book). Some parts felt a bit long and bit slow, but overall the content was rich and engaging. 4 stars.