4 out of 5

For those with an interest in Scottish history and its relationship with England, this is an interesting very in-depth book, extremely well-researched and written.

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Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I would recommend this book to everyone who is interested in past history of the British isles. To king is portrayed in a new light in his political and social life.

NetGalley, Lional Jones

Article: Remember remember: King defies Guy Fawkes but not the historians

The Sunday Post (Dundee)

Mr. Coleman's book has been extensively researched and is presented in an accesible manner. I have read many books on this period in history and this is an excellent addition to the canon. It is suitable for those who are already familiar with Stuart history or to those who are new to the period. It explains much about King James himself and would entice a reader to find out more about the historical events of the period. It is an excellent book which I highly recommend.

NetGalley, Anna Elliott

James VI of Scotland and I of England was the only child and heir to the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. King of Scotland from the age of only thirteen months following his mother's forced abdication, his ambition to unite Scotland with England would come into fruition when he assumed the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603. It would not be all plain sailing as intrigue, religious strife and court politics would plague his reign, eventually leading to the fateful demise of his son and successor, Charles I.

Keith Coleman has not written a traditional biography on King James. While true, Coleman examines the important events relating to the king's reign such as the Gunpowder Plot, the Witch Hunts and the clashes between the Protestant and Catholic factions, there is a great emphasis on the king as a person - the James Stuart behind the throne.

Coleman presents a uniquely sympathetic and unbiased perspective to the Stuart King as the reader is introduced to the child who was brought up in a demanding schoolroom (while also being taught to hate his own mother), the man who had a vast love of poetry, his strong sense of humour that was often lost on his English companions and finally his intimate relationships with his favourites.

I greatly appreciated the author taking an unbiased stance on the latter example, even pointing out that sexuality as we know it did not exist in the 17th century. This made for a completely refreshing non-judgemental insight to a complex character.

A well written and deeply psychological examination of the famous Stuart King who lived during one of the most fascinating periods in history.

NetGalley, Kirsty Whyte

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Loved, loved, loved this book. It's refreshing to find someone with the almost uncanny talent to make history tales entertaining, comprehensible and addicting. I'd never read anything about James VI and I and I was completely captivated by his life story.

I liked that there was no prejudices when talking about the king's favourites, something that I've definitely have seen in other cases.
Loved the attention to detail and how I got an overview of every aspect of James' life.

I am eager to read more about the author and I'm forever grateful to have been given this ARC.

NetGalley, Sira Barbeito

I am a huge reader of royal histories and found this one very well written and researched.

NetGalley, Shelly Myers

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An accomplished biography of one of England’s most complicated monarchs to really understand.

>From his very difficult childhood to his still controversial demise, the author manages with brio to paint a compelling and intimate portrait of King James especially through his social and emotional interactions.

A fascinating psychological portrait of a very complex man and a brilliant look at a pivotal reign in English history.

Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

NetGalley, jean luc estrella