The Herb of Grace

The Chain of Charms #3

by Kate Forsyth

The paperbacks of the exciting new six-book series by the bestselling author, Kate Forsyth

Book 3 – 15th-19th August, 1658:
Luka and Emilia must travel to the New Forest to find the Wood tribe, whose charm is a rue flower, the herb of grace. Its power is that of plants and herbs – which can both heal and poison.

On the way, the two children tangle with an impoverished widow, the thief-taker Coldham, a highwayman and a witch, and find themselves caught up in a Royalist plot to restore King Charles II to his throne.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Historical, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.

Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'

Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.

Reviews

[As You Wish · Rating 4 out of 5]

At last we know why Coldham has been on their tail so closely and who has been endangering them. I enjoyed the scene at the inn with the hidden room and all the staff in on the secret. I have hope they'll outsmart this punk yet.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Just when I thought it was getting a bit staid a new character is introduced, Lord Harry. Liked how a gypsy became an inn keeper and now the gypsy children are involved with the royalists. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third entry in the series and it continues to entertain and engage as they discover another of the charms. The story is filled with interesting characters and is a pleasure to read.

[Stephfafahh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m halfway through this series now. I’m finding it very enjoyable! They are so well researched.

[Brydie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprise packet. The blurb read more like a fantasy and I was delighted it was a historical junior fiction. A completely engaging read. Very interesting. Kate Forsyth is a masterful storyteller.

[Xavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an amazing book that captures the
struggles of your average gipsy in the 16th century.

[Noseymo · Rating 5 out of 5]

N read.

[Karen Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 of the series.

Luka and Emilia, two gypsy 13 year-olds, are on the run from Cromwell's roundheads and trying to get help for the rest of their family who face the gallows. They are seeking the third charm from the Wood tribe.

This book was filled with adventure and excitement. Something interesting was happening all the time. And now another story is being entwined into the plot (or should I say it is becoming more visible) and that is quickening the pace and making the plot more thrilling.

I really enjoyed the historic background and how the kids have gotten mixed up with a Royalist plot as well. There's secret rooms, crazy witches, highwaymen and much more to read about in this continuing story.

Certainly worth a read.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. In this part of the tale Emilia and Luka are looking for the Wood family for their next charm. They meet a hotel owner, Gypsy Joe, who is a member of the Wood family and he helps them by sending them on their way to his sister who is rumored to be a mad witch of the forest where they all used to live. She gives them the Herb of Grace Charm in exchange for Luka's fiddle.

The children run into Tom Whitehead a lad from home who is helping the Duke of Ormond get back to France and therefore is helping to restore the King to the English thronein place of Oliver Cromwell.

[Muphyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the series - again, fun and enjoyable reading (or rather listening). This one was a bit darker than the previous two, bit more witchcraft involved. but it's quite fun learning something about gypsies in the 17th century, though the author's explanations at the end of each book are a bit annoying and seem just that liiiittle bit patronising - but i guess you could just skip them anyway. maybe that's my age showing through... ;)

[♡ venus ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 stars - entertaining, but a bit bland

"'One madman makes many madmen, and many madmen make madness,' Emilia said."

Having found the first two charms and narrowly escaping the thief taker Coldham,Emilia and Luka head to the New Forest to find the Wood tribe. I found Emilia and Luka to be very charming characters, along with their animal companions. The plot felt a bit rushed in places, to me, but it was still an entertaining, light read.

[Amanda O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I are thoroughly enjoying this series. They are beautifully written, exciting and we can't wait to read the next one! The witch in this story was particularly scary and my daughter loved the secret passages and the hidden room in the inn. A wonderful middle grade read.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is pretty good so far.

At the moment, I suspect Tom of being a spy because he is quite adamant that he should stay with them but that could also mean that he wants an adventure.

[Kara Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This are just such beautiful middle grade novels, I absolutely adore them and recommend them to adults and kids alike!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the entire series