Review of 'The Revels' by Stacey Thomas
Release July 20th, 2023
Publisher: HQ
REVIEW
The Revels is a captivating story that shows the unsettling effects of fear, superstitions, jealousy and control. It also highlights the magnitude of love, self-preservation, truth and secrets. This is not an easy read due to its complexity of details, characters and events. But this impressive delivery is rewarding once you buckle up for the intense ride.
The novel is set in London, 1645, and opens with playwright Nicholas Pearce returning home from Oxford. His brother Francis has died. Death and disappointment hang heavy in the space between Nicholas and his family. But we learn from the first line: (a great one it is!) ‘Death is a song.’ Followed by, ‘I’ve known its rhythm since birth, but I still flinch from it.’ Nicholas has a special ability. The dead sing to him and these songs are marked throughout the storyline. It will take many events over the course of the plot before he feels at ease with a gift that must be hidden. There is a real irony in this, considering the part he plays in the witch hunts.
This lyrical introduction offers plenty of food for thought. The Revels, in fact, has a fresh writing style that continues throughout the story. It is filled with beautiful prose, original comparisons, rich historical references, unique and sometime treacherous characters. There are eloquent numerous lines and moving passages such as seen in the letter from Francis (when he is dying) to Nicholas. It is obvious Francis loves his brother and does not want to see him under the control of their father. Francis also regrets not knowing his brother better. Especially, Nicholas the witch— who the dead sing to. As he states: ‘Fear of the consequences made us shy of each other.’ This was a time of great accusations and hiding such truth was necessary for survival.
Stacey provides a clear picture of how superstition was rampant in the 1600s. And how it was utilised and abused by those in power. In England and other countries at that time, witch trials and witch hunters were at their height. The number of innocent women (and men to a lesser extent) accused of being witches was massive. Hangings were prevalent. These horrible trials all started under James VI of Scotland. Later when he took the English throne as James I, he made changes to the English Witchcraft Act that sent the country into a frenzy. Talk about mass marketing! And witch trials were maxed by the time this novel begins in 1645.
Stacey has done an amazing job with such an incredibly difficult time period and topic. I definitely was transported to the events of the day and found myself constantly distressed, squirming or shouting at the cruelty and death inflicted on many women under this terrible regime. Witch hunting became a real sport and a means to cover the dirty politics of the day. For as Stacey shows, the real villains and footmen of the devil were often those who executed the innocent. They fanned fear into a level of hysteria as seen in crowds and juries. Poor older women with cats did not stand a chance as these pets were considered ‘familiars’. This thirst for extermination of ‘so-called’ witches raised new work positions. Someone needed to bring these witches to justice. Thus Witch hunters became prevalent and even a Witchfinder General as noted in The Revels. A great deal of money was gained by these men who received large payments from towns for bringing witches to trial. These generals looked for a Devil’s Mark on the individual and often a mole or flea bite was taken as a sign. All quite ridiculous but accepted nonetheless. The torture these women experienced was horrific and often ended in hangings. Mob attacks became common when someone was labelled a witch.
Beyond the darker side of this story is the special relationship between Nicholas and Althamia. I enjoyed watching their connection grow. She is a key figure and one who brings acceptance and love into his life. One who does not care that he is more comfortable with the dead than the living.
I encourage lovers of historical fiction to read this debut by a talented author who has a great knowledge of 16th and 17th century history and a wonderful command of language. As mentioned, it is not an easy read due to its topic and time period. Yes, the true villains are beyond redemption but our hero and heroine grow, learn and ascend in spite of their flaws. And the song of the dead carries on with the novel ending on a high note! I recommend The Revels. It is a powerful story of over-comers who find the courage to fight and expose the real evil in this crazy war. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to HQ & Netgalley for my review copy.
