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The Firemaster’s Mistress by Christie Dickason

November 5, 2008 by Darlene

I really enjoyed The Firemaster’s Mistress by Christie Dickason. For those who were reading the noontime chats that J. Kaye and I had, I was quite taken with the story. It’s that really good mix of history and fiction that I really like to read.

The story revolves around The Gunpowder Plot of 1605 when a group of angry Catholics planned on blowing up the first day of the English Parliament along with the Protestant King and the Prince of Wales.

The way that the author has weaved the parts of history that are known with her tale of what may have happened around this time in history is quite intriguing. I was really drawn to the main characters, in particular Kate, Francis and Boomer (Francis’ father). I felt invested in them and wanted to know what was going to happen to them in all the turmoil going on around them. Kate is a glovemaker who has lost all her family and ends up bestowing favors on a not so nice man to be able to live. Life for her would have been unbearable otherwise and it was better to service one man, than many. Francis is a firemaster, as his father was before him. Francis and Kate had formerly been lovers but Francis had taken off as his first passion in life is ‘fire’. He thrives on the excitement and risk. They end up meeting as enemies at this time in history-on different sides of the fence. However, their romance does heat up for a short while.

This story is full of twists and turns. It’s an intricate tale that culminates in an ending that I wasn’t at all expecting. I found it an exciting and enthralling story that kept my interest throughout. For those who really love a good historical novel I would absolutely recommend it. For those who weren’t following the noontime chats, more of my review of this novel can be found here and here, where there is also a great Q&A that Christie had participated in and also my final thoughts here.
You can read other great reviews of this book here over at my friend Toni’s blog A Circle of Books and over here at A Girl Walks Into a Bookstore.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Toni says

    November 6, 2008 at 12:18 am

    Hey Dar… you are right!!! There are some engaging characters that are worth investing our attention into within this story. I am learning along with enjoyment of story. Gun Powder Rebellion? Who knew? I didn’t and I enjoying running to google to find out more about it.

  2. Dar says

    November 6, 2008 at 1:08 am

    Toni, I had never heard of The Gunpowder Plot before this novel. I just love when I learn something new.

  3. Mary says

    November 6, 2008 at 1:15 am

    So is this also about Guy Fawkes? I think tonight is actually Guy Fawkes night in England.

  4. Dar says

    November 6, 2008 at 1:31 am

    Mary, yes it is as he was part of the angry Catholics who were plotting against the Parliament. lol-I didn’t even realize when I posted this that it was Nov 5-how appropriate.

  5. Veens says

    November 6, 2008 at 8:11 am

    Your last reccomendation was amazing read for me [ giveaway] and I think no no i m sure i will enjoy this one too!

    🙂

  6. Jen Juan says

    November 6, 2008 at 11:48 am

    I’m not really into historical novels but the way you described it sonded so intriguing. I wonder if we have that here in our country, The Philippines?

    Thanks for posting this! I am linking you to my blog. I hope you can link me too. Thanks!

  7. Marvin D. Wilson says

    November 6, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Always good when you can learn some history as part of reading a good book. Excellent review, Dar. Definitely makes me want to read the book.

  8. J. Kaye Oldner says

    November 6, 2008 at 7:35 pm

    I am so glad you enjoyed this book. Even though the book wasn’t my cup of tea, the discussion was fun. I did walk away learning a bit of information and Steve and I chatted about the plot. He’s a history buff. 🙂

  9. Marg says

    November 6, 2008 at 8:09 pm

    I am so glad that you enjoyed this. Will you go on to read the sequel?

  10. Ladytink_534 says

    November 6, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    I entered a contest for this recently. It sounds like such an interesting story!

  11. Dar says

    November 6, 2008 at 11:33 pm

    Veens, I’m so glad you like Triumph of Deborah. I have to go read your review today yet.

    Jen juan-I’m not sure if it’s available everywhere. I will check out your blog soon.

    Marvin, thanks. I love historical fiction of almost any kind. I was checking out your novel today but it’s not available in Canada that I could find.

    J. Kaye, the discussion was fun. I noticed that Steve is a history buff-is he going to read it?

    Marg, I was thinking about it? Have you read the sequel-is it as good?

    ladytink, it is really good. If you like historical fiction at all, you should like it.

  12. J. Kaye Oldner says

    November 7, 2008 at 12:02 am

    Nah, he has too much on his plate. He’s accepted a lot of books to review and is getting too stressed…lol!

  13. Dar says

    November 7, 2008 at 12:03 am

    lol J. Kaye-I can totally relate to his dilemma!

  14. Janel says

    November 7, 2008 at 2:25 am

    I love twists, turns and unexpected endings. Always makes for a good read.

  15. Marg says

    November 7, 2008 at 10:35 am

    I have read the sequel. In my opinion it wasn’t quite as good as this one, but it wasn’t terrible either.

    My review of The Principessa can be found here.

  16. Trish says

    November 7, 2008 at 12:44 pm

    I love endings that you can anticipate! Definitely makes a read even more worthwhile for me. I really enjoyed reading your posts and discussions about this book, especially your final thoughts here. This one is definitely going on the list!

  17. Dar says

    November 8, 2008 at 3:31 am

    Janel, do you like historical fiction? I don’t know if we’ve ever talked about it or not.

    Marg, I may read the sequel. I checked out your reviews which were great.

    Trish, thanks. I have been lucky with good books lately. Hope it keeps up.

  18. Anna says

    November 8, 2008 at 6:20 am

    Great review! Sounds like an interesting book. I’m really picky about historical fiction. I’ll have to give this one some thought.

    –Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

  19. Dar says

    November 8, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    Anna, not sure this one is really one you’d like. For me it was great but I think you look for something different in regards to historical fiction.

  20. samantha.1020 says

    November 9, 2008 at 11:50 pm

    Great review!

  21. Dar says

    November 10, 2008 at 12:00 am

    Samantha-thanks:)

  22. Anna says

    November 10, 2008 at 6:18 pm

    Dar, you’re probably right! 😉

    –Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

  23. Katherine says

    December 8, 2008 at 6:28 pm

    I read this a short while ago and enjoyed it! Very fast-paced, exciting. A little disappointed with the ending, though!

  24. Dar says

    December 11, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Katherine, I had a much different ending planned for the book. lol. Thanks for stopping by, hope you do again.

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