The Lady of Secrets (The Dark Queen Saga, #6)

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The Lady of Secrets (The Dark Queen Saga #6)

3.64 of 5 stars 3.64 · rating details · 150 ratings · 42 reviews

Meg Wolfe, The Lady of Faire Isle, is a gifted healer who can find a cure for almost any ailment. But she's also the daughter of Cassandra Claire, a mad witch and heretic with a notorious history. Meg's infamous lineage makes her a target from both those who want to use her extraordinary talents for good and those who want to use them for evil. One man in particular needs...more

Paperback, 448 pages

Published December 11th 2012 by Ballantine Books

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Feb 17, 2013 Tracey rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-bloody-likely, romance, 17th-century, england, scotland, france

This was a Netgalley book for review. There are spoilers below...

You know the saying about only having one shot at a first impression? That's the first thing that keeps coming to mind about this book, in a couple of ways.

First, the genre baffled me. As always, Kindle book + no memory of what the synopsis said + no cover to judge by (not that the cover, deceptively pretty as it is, is so helpful) = mild befuddlement. Oh, okay, I thought, it's a fantasy, with witches in sixteenth century Scotland...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Melinda Le Baron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, angels-demons-god, assassins, dancing, crime, compelling, death, drugs, evil, exciting, flashbacks, historical, historical-hotties, honorable, kidnapping, magic, love, mistaken-identity, mystery, netgalley, romance, young-adult

The Lady of Secrets was a well written historical thriller with romance thrown in at the end. I must admit that Ms. Carroll had me fooled until the very end of the book on the identity of one of the main characters - which is unusual. I usually know everyone's secrets at least half way through the book, so that was a surprise. The book takes place in France, Scotland and England during the reign of King James - directly after Queen Elizabeth dies - and James goes witch hunting. The plot centers...more The Lady of Secrets was a well written historical thriller with romance thrown in at the end. I must admit that Ms. Carroll had me fooled until the very end of the book on the identity of one of the main characters - which is unusual. I usually know everyone's secrets at least half way through the book, so that was a surprise. The book takes place in France, Scotland and England during the reign of King James - directly after Queen Elizabeth dies - and James goes witch hunting. The plot centers around Meg, whose mother was an insane leader of a black magic coven, but who has since passed away leaving her daughter who she called Silver Rose and wanted to take over the world in the custody of her sane father. Meg turns out normal, but has powers which she uses for good and after training becomes the Lady of Fairer Isle. All this and more happens in book 1 - Silver Rose- which I did not read. You don't really have to because there are enough reminders in book 2 that you can keep up with the story without any trouble. Meg is asked to come to England to remove a curse from King James that one of the withes that he burned put on him and all his family. There is much more to it than that, and there are signs her mother may be alive and still operating the evil coven in England to kill King James, so Meg goes with her friend and protector Seraphine, even though witchcraft is still a crime in England.

The characters in this novel were all well drawn and quite three dimensional. The use of vivid description and internal dialogue helped to round out many character's qualities and flaws. Even some of the secondary characters got this detailed treatment, which made the story that much richer for the reader. The imagery was also well done- vivid, detailed on the important things and evocative of the period. The pacing was steady throughout the story all the way through the end.

The only real negatives that I have to say about it are these:
1. After Seraphine gets scarred, it is so disappointing to see her reaction. Here is a strong woman who will defy convention enough to wear breaches and a sword, much less know how to use it, and she falls apart due to vanity? Same thing with the episode in the church - where was the amazon warrior woman described before? Why build her up as this warrior if a small scratch to her face is all it takes to make her come undone? It does make it more convenient when her husband arrives, but that is just poor plotting IMHO. As long as she was royal and charming, she could have been anyone - so why an amazon in that age?

2. Armagil conveniently does many things at the end of the book - outwitting some of the best minds of the time with little to no trouble, and yet Seraphine's husband has no problem finding his wife. What does that say about their hiding place? All of it seems much to convenient for my liking. While I really like Armagil's character, I find it hard to believe he can walk on water. It is one of the reasons the book gets 4 stars.

Overall, the book was quite exciting and the characters drove you to read more of their story. Equal parts witchcraft, mystery, history, political thriller, this book is well worth the time spent reading it. I would recommend it to people who like mysteries, historical fiction, as well as historical romance.(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Jo at Jaffareadstoo rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Lady of Secrets is set during the reign of James I, when England in the 1600s fostered an almost unwarranted belief in witchcraft and the dark arts. Meg Wolfe has the gift of healing but the lasting legacy from her mother, the mad witch Cassandra Claire, makes sure that Meg will always be held accountable for her mother’s notorious reputation. When someone hell bent on revenge enlists Meg’s help, there are choices to be made which will have severe repercussions on the destiny of “The Lady of...more

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Jan 02, 2013 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-lit, historical-fiction, magic, mystery, romance

The Lady of Fair Isle just wants to be helpful and keep her island and her people safe. Unfortunately, life is just not that simple. Because her mother was a well-known witch and sorceress, Margaret (Meg) is constantly barraged by those who either were her mothers' followers, or those who wished to destroy the coven of witches. She's tried so hard to leave that behind and forget about her past; she hopes that no one will figure out who she really is so she can finally live in peace.

When Meg and...more

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Dec 06, 2012 Naoms rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, netgalley-edelweis, nook, not-romance, read-in-2012, review-copy

Originally Posted on Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek

3 Stars

I enjoyed Meg Wolfe immensely as a character. Here is a woman who lives under the cloud of her mother’s insanity and still she perseveres. Meg ‘s mother was the kind of woman that witch hunters search for. She was skilled in the dark arts, duped young women into joining her cause and killed male babies, because she had no use for men. Even with her haunted past, Meg steps up and becomes the Lady of Faire Isle. She is a “cunning”...more
Originally Posted on Confessions of an Opinionated Book Geek

3 Stars

I enjoyed Meg Wolfe immensely as a character. Here is a woman who lives under the cloud of her mother’s insanity and still she perseveres. Meg ‘s mother was the kind of woman that witch hunters search for. She was skilled in the dark arts, duped young women into joining her cause and killed male babies, because she had no use for men. Even with her haunted past, Meg steps up and becomes the Lady of Faire Isle. She is a “cunning” woman; a healer, a spiritual woman and feared for what the locals consider to be witchcraft and ungodly.

The story is well written and I absolutely loved the opening, but this book was just not my cup of tea. I always seem to forget that I do not enjoy reading books about life before Regency England. I love films about the middle ages, but there is just something about reading it that does not entertain me. Still the story has enough romance, magic and danger to keep the reader interested. Doctor Blackwood is a drunk who cares for nothing, but has enough under the surface to attract Meg, but I can’t say that I was blown away or intrigued. I’m a romantic at heart, so I wished they would have spiked up the tension, but I guess a steamy love story wouldn’t have fit well into the story.

It is very political and deals a lot with the society at large. There’s also a sense of history into the book. Caroll has written fictional characters with a fictional religion, but does not ignore the superstition that runs rampant during the 1600s England. The ideas of witchcraft and how easily a woman lost her life because she was duped or falsely accused was probably the most intriguing aspect of this story for me. A woman who was too smart, too peculiar or alone was immediately under suspicion. Someone would get sick and all of a sudden everyone is yelling kill the witch down the street and all will be well.

I also find myself really wanting to do research on King James and discover weather or not he was this superstitious and constantly worried about the threat of witchcraft. In the story, I’d say he definitely had reason to be worried. Especially after being publically cursed by a woman burning on the stake. Imagine someone’s last words are to curse you that would strike fear into my heart as well.

Also, it never seems to amaze me the way that people would gather for public executions. Wow, we have changed a lot as humans, because I can never imagine cheering while someone burned alive before my eyes.

This is book six the Dark Queen Saga, which I did not realize, but I never felt lost or confused about what was happening.(less)

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Oct 14, 2012 Debbi rated it 4 of 5 stars

(Thank you to netgalley.com for an early copy!)

In her latest book, Susan Carroll continues the story of Meg Wolfe, the Lady of the Fair Isle. The book opens with 2 women preparing to be burned for witchcraft - one old, and one very yough. Some years later, Meg encounters two men, one a nobleman, and the other a medical doctor who seems to be haunted by his own set of demons. With both her mother and Catherine de Medici dead, Meg is now the Lady of the Fair Isle, responsible for the "daughters of...more

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May 06, 2013 Christina rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-checkout

The Lady of Secrets is the sixth installment of The Dark Queen Saga and the first I have read of the series. I found the story line to be fairly fast paced and the action moved along quite well and held my interest. I did not feel lost because I have not read the previous books in the series and felt like this book stood well on its own.

Meg is the Lady of Faerie Isle and attends to mostly women as a wise woman or healer. She has a dark past and constantly strives to dispel the myth that wise wom...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Anna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I love when my purchases prove why I should be allowed to impulse buy in a bookstore. Susan Carroll's The Lady of Secrets was just that, a book I stayed in bed until three in the afternoon to finish because I couldn't not know what happened. The reader follows Meg, 'Phine, Armagil, and Sir Patrick as they travel from France to England for vastly different reasons. Meg, to discover if her mother is really dead and to see if she can save King James; 'Phine, becuase she is the self-declared protect...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Rachel P rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I won a free copy of “The Lady of Secrets (The Dark Queen Saga #6)” as a first-reads giveaway.

Un-be-livable! I thought this story was absolutely spectacular! The novel is set in 1605 during the reign of King James I of England. It was a time when it was dangerous for a woman to be intellectual; wise or cunning women (who were often healers or midwives) could easily be condemned as witches and sentenced to death by burning. It was also a time of great political and religious turmoil as the Englis...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Sonia rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fantasy, witches

I was very disappointed in this book. Four years is just too long to write a book in a series, it took me a while to remember exactly what happened in the previous books. This book is set almost 20 after the last one. First I didn't like that Meg only mentioned Ariana and Seraphine mentioned her dad but not her mom, I want to know what is happening with all the Chenny sisters and other characters in the past books. I am also not happy with how Meg turned out, she's too haunted by her past, some...more

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Dec 20, 2012 Chelsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story so much because of the main character, Meg Wolfe. Meg lives under the scrutiny of her mother’s reputation before death. Her mother was known as insane, at least to locals, and a woman always sought after by witch hunters. She is even referred to as evil at one point in this story, but yet Meg perseveres and becomes the Lady of Faire Isle. Meg is gifted in all types of magic and particularly at what is known as healing. Although she is feared by many for possessing the same t...more I enjoyed this story so much because of the main character, Meg Wolfe. Meg lives under the scrutiny of her mother’s reputation before death. Her mother was known as insane, at least to locals, and a woman always sought after by witch hunters. She is even referred to as evil at one point in this story, but yet Meg perseveres and becomes the Lady of Faire Isle. Meg is gifted in all types of magic and particularly at what is known as healing. Although she is feared by many for possessing the same traits as her mother did, she still continues to prove that she intends to use her powers for the betterment of mankind and the locals that surround her. Meg was a wonderful heroine to follow.

The Middle Ages is always a time that I enjoy reading about. It is so dark and mysterious and I always picture rats running along grey and foggy cobblestone streets. I guess I am a little stereotypical, but that is just how I picture things. This book definitely fit that scenario and I was enraptured by the small details of the king’s court and all the royalty of England during this time period. The historical detail was on target and Susan Carroll does not miss a beat. I love when I read a wonderful story like this one and feel as if I have had a history lesson all in one setting. But then again, I am a nerd!

I love reading about witchcraft and superstitions as they are depicted in this novel. I have always been so fascinated with events like the Salem Witch Trials and witchcraft as far back as the Middle Ages. People took it so seriously and just like King James in this novel, some took their superstitions too far. The stigmatism surrounding witches in this book was just as I imagined it really would have been in the Middle Ages. Meg’s gift of healing and her connection to dark magic were explored really well throughout the novel as well. Readers will get an inside look at her abilities and talents and also into King James’ court.

Fans of rich historical fiction will enjoy this novel. There were points in my reading when I felt that passages were too wordy and could have been shortened, but this is usually the case with most historical fiction that I have read and I believe it says a lot for the author’s eye for detail and wanting to connect with their readers.

***A copy of this book was generously provided to me by the publishers at Ballantine Books in exchange for my honest review***
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Jan 29, 2013 Krista Mercer rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction, historical-romance

Sigh. I loved Carroll's St. Leger books (a fantastic blend of paranormal elements and romance, set in Georgian Cornwall) and was intrigued enough by the Dark Queen books to read all five previous novels. That said, I skimmed this one.

I really, really, really wanted Meg to embrace her magic. Not that I don't recognize how difficult that could have been - given her past (crazy mother) as well as the historical realities of the 16th centuries (witch hunts). But her constant indecisiveness made me...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Dorine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, fantasy

Also posted at TBR Mountain Range.

If you love historical fiction that focuses on the witch hunts and anti-Catholic sentiments of the seventeenth century, then this novel will make you feel as if you're right there amongst the subterfuge and plotting against King James I. Mixing in a bit of fantasy is perfect!

In the prologue we're introduced to a fifteen-year-old girl on the day of her execution for witchcraft. Her twin brother bribes his way into a visit with her beforehand, hoping that she'll d...more

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Nov 06, 2012 Caz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, historical-fiction, 4-5-stars, favourites, romance-other

I didn't realise when I requested this title for review that it was the sixth book in Carroll's Dark Queen series. Fortunately however, the story is self-contained so it didn't matter that I hadn't read the earlier books.

In this story, set in late 1605, Susan Carroll has very skilfully blended together her fiction with real historical events. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, other than to say that although it becomes apparent quite early on in the novel exactly which conspiracy...more I didn't realise when I requested this title for review that it was the sixth book in Carroll's Dark Queen series. Fortunately however, the story is self-contained so it didn't matter that I hadn't read the earlier books.

In this story, set in late 1605, Susan Carroll has very skilfully blended together her fiction with real historical events. I don’t want to give away too much about the plot, other than to say that although it becomes apparent quite early on in the novel exactly which conspiracy the principal characters become involved with, there are still many twists and turns to come as the reader begins to put all the pieces together, including one shock near the end that I really didn’t see coming.

Margaret Wolfe is a wise or “cunning” woman, known as The Lady of Faire Isle, who lives more or less as a recluse. She is a skilled healer and reputed to have other, more supernatural gifts, gifts that could easily result in her being accused of witchcraft. She is haunted by her past, specifically by the thoughts of her mother who was skilled in the dark arts and who thought to use her daughter to lead a great and terrible coven of witches who would destroy order and rule by fear. Fortunately for Meg, she was rescued from her mother’s clutches by her father and did not return to the Faire Isle until years later after her mother’s death. But she still fears an inner darkness, even as she fights against it. She has a quiet strength but will fight tooth and nail for those she loves and the things she believes in.

Armagil Blackwood is, by contrast, a mess, a n’er-do-well who drinks too much, loathes himself and cares for nothing; and Meg dislikes him intensely. But there is much more to the man beneath the rough exterior, and Meg finds herself intrigued and attracted to him as she begins to learn more about him. They make an unusual couple – the ‘white witch’ and the Oxford-educated doctor – but after a bumpy start, they fall hard for each other and the romance between them is charmingly done.

There is also a well-drawn supporting cast - religious fanatics, mad would-be witches, and Meg's breeches-wearing, sword-bearing friend and protector, Seraphine, who is not as tough as she seems.

The historical detail in the book is very informative without overwhelming the story, and the author has done a very good job on the picture she has painted of early seventeenth century London, with its dim and dank alleyways and less-than-salubrious lodging houses; and on the glimpse she gives us of life at the court of James I.

Overall, I found this to be an extremely engaging, hard-to—put-down book. Its mix of historical accuracy, fiction, romance and mystery was very well blended, and the ending was sweet and satisfying. I enjoyed it so much that I am now planning to read the other books in the series when I can.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
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Dec 11, 2012 Christy B (Readin' and Dreamin') rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys, fantasy, fiction, historical-fiction

The Lady of Secrets is the sixth installment of the Dark Queen Saga, a series I had no idea was ongoing. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this pop up.

The heroine of this was is Margaret Wolfe, who readers of this series will be familiar with. Now The Lady of Faire Isle, she is sought out by people who need her expertise in healing. She's sought out by one man in particular, who needs her to help lift a curse from the King of England. Once in England, she soon realizes that no one is tel...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Claudine rated it 3 of 5 stars

I am happy that I read this final book in the series. However, it was not my favorite. Some sections were very dark and a bit disturbing. Two supporting characters wanted to revive the coven of the Silver Rose and performed some dark acts. At times, I felt a little uncomfortable reading them and ended up skipping over them.

I also felt that some conversations between the main characters were not historically correct. They seemed too contemporary in the language usage and also in the subject them...more

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Sep 07, 2012 ♥ Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-books

I received a copy of The Lady of Secrets courtesy of NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this historic novel! I love anything (mostly) to do with English royalty, and throw in witches and witch hunts with a side of treason? You've got my attention! The characters were entertaining, and kept my attention. The imagery was beautiful! Susan Carroll wrote a page turning novel and I look forward to adding more of her books to my shelves.

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Dec 28, 2012 Christina George rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

Set in the time of King James Stuart, the tale basically begins with a witch burning and a brother's heartfelt cry to avenge his sister's death. It easily draws the reader in as we wonder if his sister was truly innocent.

The author weaves history with fiction into an easy, quick and interesting read that you won't want to put down. Includes the drama of the past, the dynamics of relationships experienced across the ages, and the fine details that good story-telling always brings.

I don't remember...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Sarah Wagner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, fantasy, paranormal, romance

Not as entertaining as previous novels in this series, but I was glad that Susan Carroll finally told the tale of Meg Wolfe. Now as the Lady of Faire Isle, Meg becomes embroiled in the Gunpowder Plot against King James I of England, and she journeys to London to try to save his life. A fun read, but it lacks the spark that the first three novels in this series held.

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Nov 30, 2012 The Lit Bitch rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a magical tale of love, treason, adventure, witches, curses, and redemption. I loved this story.

This series sort of reminds me of The Pink Carnation series with witches/magic. So if you are a fan of those books you will probably really enjoy this series . I am really excited to read more of the Dark Queen Saga for sure!

See my full review here

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Mar 14, 2013 Alyssa Greatbanks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

First I would like to say, I very much regret not reading this book sooner! Sadly (well, you can't really be sad for getting so many great books) I gained many books since I acquired this one, and it got lost in the countless piles of books in my room.

After uncovering it and finally getting to read it, it instantly drew me in. The story was so unique and interesting, the characters were very well-written, and not once do you ever so much as suspect the twist at the end. Total shocker!

I hope to r...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Bev rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-katie

I wasn't sure what to expect of this book - I wasn't familiar with the author, and just picked it up randomly at the library.

Since I had no particular expectations, I enjoyed this book. It was a very light historical romance - emphasis on the romance - with some fantasy details that were faintly reminiscent of The Lady of Avalon.

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Jan 23, 2013 Linda Smatzny rated it 3 of 5 stars

Another book with Faire Isle as the setting although most of the story takes place in England. Didn't feel that it was as good as the earlier books using Faire Isle as a setting.

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Apr 04, 2013 Nancy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read the Dark Queen series which ended back in 2008 with Twilight of a Queen. What a thrill to find Ms. Carroll had written a sixth book in the series in 2012 - The Lady of Secrets! I'm still reading this one but it has not disappointed! I was sorry to see the series end so reading about Meg Wolfe as the new Lady of Faire Isle has been a pleasure. I hope there will be more!

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Nov 03, 2012 Chanpreet rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am ecstatic that Meg Wolfe got her book. I love this series and could read it endlessly. I hope there are more books to come.

Full review to come...

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Dec 29, 2012 Nadia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this at no charge through Goodreads' First Reads program. This book is excellent all around. It is well-written, and the characters are thoughfully developed with complex histories and relationships. I enjoyed this novel so much that I am passing it along to a friend, and look forward to reading more of Carroll's work.

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Mar 29, 2013 Samantha added it

I have read every novel by Susan Carroll and I love her! This book fit right in with the rest of the Dark Queen series.

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Mar 20, 2013 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

The book is a good read. What is there not to like about Catholics and witches in the 1600s mixed with a love story and a twist that will make you gasp?

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Feb 17, 2013 Kimberlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://www.girllostinabook.com/2012/1...

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Dec 18, 2012 Ashlee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, in-my-library

Oh man. This makes me so happy. I think when I read the last book a couple years ago I said I wished she was writing one for Meg. And there is one! Can't wait to get my hands on this book!

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About Susan Carroll

Born Susan Carol Cute in 1952, Susan Coppula obtained a Degree in English with complementary studies in History in the University of Indiana. Since 1986, Susan has published books under three different pseudonyms: Susan Carroll, Susan Coppula, andSerena Richards

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Books by Susan Carroll

The Dark Queen (The Dark Queen Saga, #1)

The Silver Rose (The Dark Queen Saga, #3)

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