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Sheena Macleod
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Reign of the Marionettes Paperback – December 19, 2016

by Sheena Macleod (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars 54 ratings
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Mass hysteria sweeps through the country with deadly consequences.Beneath the wit and laughter of Charles II’s Restoration Court, political and religious tensions mount, and Countess Elizabeth Herbert tries to keep her family safe. When Titus Oates, a minister begging on the streets, claims to have uncovered a plot to kill the King and replace him with his Catholic heir, no one is safe from accusation. When suspicion falls on her husband, Elizabeth’s life is thrown into turmoil.As a tangled web of lies and deceit unfolds, Elizabeth realises her husband is a pawn in a much larger game. Caught up in the mass hysteria sweeping the country she’s forced to fight back to stop his execution for high treason. But, how can a woman take on the most powerful men in England? Set at a time of religious and political turmoil, when the fate of English rule is at stake, and it’s impossible to know who to trust ‘Reign of the Marionettes’ brims with historical detail and intrigue.
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  1. Print length
    466 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 19, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0998480126
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0998480121
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Anyone withan interest in British history will relish this book. InD'taleMagazine.
The period was a time full ofunprecedented political and religious unrest. Allegiances changed,constantly fueled more by greed and power than by religious piety. The novelcaptures all these elements perfectly, and cries out for a stage or screenadaptation. Enthusiastically recommended". Historical Novel Society.

Any reader who enjoys historical fiction, a story with lots ofintrigue, or just an excellent work of fiction in general should absolutelyread this book. I am so pleased to be able to highly recommend Reign of theMarionettes. Readers Favorite

An excellent, enjoyable andedifying read. I highly recommend Reign of the Marionettes. Douglas Debelak author of the GhostwriterSeries.
Shortlisted for Books Go Social Book of the Year Award, 2017

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dark Ink Press (December 19, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 466 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0998480126
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0998480121
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.72 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 54 ratings

About the author

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Sheena Macleod

Sheena Macleod

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Sheena Macleod lives in a seaside town in Scotland. She gained a PhD at the University of Dundee, where she lectured in mental health nursing. After leaving teaching, Sheena combined her love of history with her passion for research and turned to novel writing. She has written a number of short stories and poems. Reign of the Marionettes is her first published historical fiction novel.

Follow Sheena online at

Blog - http://reignofthemarionettes.wordpress.com

Facebook - book page - https://www.facebook.com/conspiracyschild

Facebook author page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012591013136

Website - https://www.sheenas-books.co.uk

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
54 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical fiction book full of intrigue and fast-paced, with one review highlighting how it captures the political situation of the time. Moreover, the writing style is admirably concise, and customers enjoy reading it. They appreciate the depth of the book, with one review noting its meticulous research and how it provides a well-researched glimpse into history. Additionally, the character development receives positive feedback, with one review mentioning how it focuses on actual historical figures.

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8 customers mention "Intrigue"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the intrigue of this historical fiction novel, describing it as a masterfully crafted story with a fast-paced narrative and fascinating slice of history.

"...After turning the very first page I felt immediately immersed into a world of old England and sometimes I had to hold my breath while watching the..." Read more

"...The story highlights the political situation that occurred around the time of the Popish Plot to (theoretically) kill the King of England, and the..." Read more

"Sheena Macleod is expert at weaving historical facts into a fast-paced narrative...." Read more

"...order of the day and Macleod brings forth both the harsh realities and nuances of the time, from the slang expletives and types of food and drink to..." Read more

7 customers mention "Depth"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one customer noting it is told from several points of view, while another mentions it provides a well-researched glimpse into history.

"...I definitely want to applaud the author for her meticulous research and authentic language...." Read more

"...The author has very clearly done her research as the book includes lots of detail...." Read more

"...A highly recommended, well-written, and well-researched glimpse into history!" Read more

"...She reaches into the hearts of people I could never have known, and makes me love them...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it admirably concise, with one customer noting its eloquent descriptions.

"...Beautifully written and full of intrigue this novel should be on every historical fiction lover’s to-read list. Five stars." Read more

"...Her descriptions are beautifully vivid. A highly recommended, well-written, and well-researched glimpse into history!" Read more

"...deaths of various people, the way that this author takes the reader through them is masterful...." Read more

"This book is beautifully written, and the characters step out of history to live again in Ms. Macleod's Reign of the Marionettes...." Read more

5 customers mention "Enjoyment"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read.

"Very enjoyable! This was a terrific historical fiction set in England only years after the Great Fire...." Read more

"...Reign of the Marionettes” was an entertaining read, and a wonderful way to gain insight into a fascinating slice of history. Four stars." Read more

"...It is a mesmerizing read. I highly recommend his novel for those who enjoy history! I look forward to more from this author." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this book. A nicely told tale of historical fiction. Looking forward to reading more by this author." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting that the characters are actual historical figures.

"...Marionettes humanizes these characters, so the reader begins to relate to and care about them and their struggles...." Read more

"This book is beautifully written, and the characters step out of history to live again in Ms. Macleod's Reign of the Marionettes...." Read more

"...Through her eloquent descriptions and realistic depictions of characters, both real and fictional, Ms. MacLeod succeeds in immersing the reader in..." Read more

"...Most of the characters are actual historical persons, their stories told with a deft hand." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    “Reign of the Marionettes” is definitely a must-read for all fans of the historical fiction genre. Taking place in 17th century England it tells a riveting story of high society, intrigues, secret plots and power struggles between Catholic and Protestant noblemen, and the latter will stop at nothing to secure their rule no matter what the price.
    Told mostly through the eyes of Lady Elizabeth Herbert – a Catholic noblewoman who still remembers the persecutions her family had been subjected to due to their religion – the story concentrates around the plot concocted by the Protestant lords, who dream of removing all Catholics from the Parlament, including the King’s younger brother, James. Even though Elizabeth wants nothing else but to live her life and take care of her family, her husband unwittingly gets entangled in the dangerous plot, which might eventually lead to his execution. And in the times when even the high court refuses to be impartial, and the King himself is fearing another Civil War, is it possible for the truth to be revealed after all? Read this masterfully crafted story and you’ll find out.
    I definitely want to applaud the author for her meticulous research and authentic language. After turning the very first page I felt immediately immersed into a world of old England and sometimes I had to hold my breath while watching the events unfold in front of my eyes. Beautifully written and full of intrigue this novel should be on every historical fiction lover’s to-read list. Five stars.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Davyne DeSye
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well done!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Very enjoyable!

    This was a terrific historical fiction set in England only years after the Great Fire. The story highlights the political situation that occurred around the time of the Popish Plot to (theoretically) kill the King of England, and the ensuing persecution of Catholics.

    The author has very clearly done her research as the book includes lots of detail. Thankfully, this detail is not delivered in a lecture format with information-dumps about the life and times! All the detail is weaved into the scenery, dialog, and events that occur. As I read, I very much felt I was getting a genuine vision of the time period in which the story occurs. Well done!

    While there were quite a few characters, they are generally well crafted and therefore enjoyable (or absolutely despicable and horrid, like Titus Oates – I spent a good bit of my reading time cringing at his sliminess and hoping a building would fall on him!). I especially enjoyed Elizabeth, one of the main characters through which this story is told. She is an honorable and kind-hearted person who was (or should have been) an example to those around her. That said, even with the societal rules of the time, she finds the strength to not just “soldier on” when her husband is arrested, but to make an effort to correct the wrongs that are occurring. I really enjoyed her character and would want to emulate her if I ever found myself in Restoration England. ;)

    The only real difficulty I had with this novel was the sheer number of characters that I needed to try and keep in mind – the cast is huge! On the other hand, I’ve tried to think of how the author could have avoided this and I believe it would have diminished the novel: Without showing the intricacies of the many political and social relationships involved in or affected by the machinations occurring, the story itself would not have been as historically or dramatically rich.

    Well done! I easily recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction!
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  • Sue Snider
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Engaging Historical Read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Sheena Macleod is expert at weaving historical facts into a fast-paced narrative. So often we hear and read about the people who lived through these experiences, but they are nothing but one dimensional. Marionettes humanizes these characters, so the reader begins to relate to and care about them and their struggles. Once I started reading, I immediately became interested in learning more about the lives of the characters, especially Elizabeth Herbert, Titus Oates, and King Charles. I also enjoyed Sheena's imagery in the scenes of the book. Her descriptions are beautifully vivid. A highly recommended, well-written, and well-researched glimpse into history!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Noah's Mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars SHE MADE ME LOVE THEM...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I would not say historical fiction is a genre that I usually gravitate towards, although I make exceptions for excellent writers such as Ken Follett. After reading this book, I will add Miss Macleod to my short-list. Understanding that the historical facts dictate specific events and the lives and deaths of various people, the way that this author takes the reader through them is masterful. She delves into the lives of the people who lived through sometimes horrifying events, providing us with a clear view of both the awful and beautiful sides of them. She reaches into the hearts of people I could never have known, and makes me love them. She takes events I thought I knew and shines new light on them. I shudder when the physicians employ medical tactics that are often barbaric, and wring my hands as social and political injustice thrives. While the pace is not what I would call fast, as the plot does follow the timetable of true history, it is at *least* steady, and kept me turning the pages throughout. I would (and will) read anything Miss Macleod puts out for us, and I'll know I'm getting a great story.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • elizabeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing read!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review!!

    I have never before sat and read a book in this genre, however I really found it fascinating.
    You cannot help but get drawn in to this book from the very beginning, it was exciting and I was intrigued to find out what the outcome would be by the end.

    I loved how much plotting, spying, double dealing s and mixed loyalties there are within the plot.
    This book is solid both within the plot line and the authors style of writing, and there is no way to avoid learning about real, true pieces of historical facts. This book is based and formed around a real time period and from real documented accounts of what happened in this religiously fraught time in the United Kingdom's history.

    This book goes to show and remind us all that life is not easy and that slight differences of people and their beliefs and ideals can alter and change the course of history and be embedded in our way of life for centuries to come.
    An extremely complex but worthwhile subject matter to bring to light

    I would definitely recommend this book to anyone to read as you will not be disappointed. This book has definitely got me wanting to read more if the same and has introduced me to a different genre of book to what I am used to.

    If you want murder, hysteria on a mass scale, intrigue, plotting and conspiracy then this book will definitely deliver that.
    Thank you Sheena Macleod for bringing this book to the world and for helping to keep history alive by bringing it to a new generation of readers.
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  • Kate Murdoch
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rich historical novel with great characters.
    Reviewed in Australia on June 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. Beautifully written and researched, it explores the anti-Catholic sentiment and hysteria that took place during the reign of Charles II. Countess Elizabeth Herbert is a strong and relatable character who is determined to free her husband and find out what is really going on beneath the surface at court. Titus Oates is also wonderfully depicted - his scheming and naked ambition land him in trouble, but also give him great power. The tension and complexity of the political situation is very well done.
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  • KV
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Reign of the Marionettes is an action-packed journey into the lives of the 17th century English nobility. At a time when people are already divided by religion (Catholics and Protestants), rumours are spread about a Catholic plot to assassinate the King. When Elizabeth's husband, Powis, is placed on the list of conspirators, Elizabeth plans to do whatever she can to clear his name before he, too, is executed. Sheena Macleod has clearly gone to extensive lengths to research this history and bring it all together into an engaging story. I'll be looking out for her second book in the series.
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  • anniecor
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reign of the Marionettes
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I never really appreciated and couldn't be bothered with the bare historical facts at school. Having read Sheena's book the very first chapter brought history alive. I loved the glossary relating to the characters, which I was able to flick back and forth to gain a clear understanding of the characters involved. It was a gripping narrative, that gave insight into the time period set. I became obsessed with Titus, so much so that I had research this character and would have personally killed him, had I met him. Sheena's book does actually provoke you to do further research into the characters highlighted in the story. The balance between Catholics and Protestants is excellent, and in my opinion,no one could take offence. I have to say that I learned more from Sheena's book than anything I ever learned in School. I would suggest that this book is actually used in schools to bring history alive. The plot was fabulous ,I am now left desperate to know more of where this story is taking us. It is evident that this book is extremely well researched with particular attention to detail . Well done Sheena, totally loved your book
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  • Bryce Paradis
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping, Humanized Tragedy
    Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Reign of the Marionettes planted me in front of conspiracies and counter-conspiracies as they snowballed out of control and held my rapt attention as the worst impulses of humanity began to accrue catastrophic consequences. I was particularly intrigued the choice of Titus Oates as a point of view character—political thrillers often focus on masterminds and tenacious heroes, but much of the Popish Plot is revealed through the eyes of Titus, an incompetent, hateful wretch being gleefully exploited by those who find his accusations expedient. Similarly, the devastating consequences of the purge are not absorbed through King Charles, but through Elizabeth Herbert, an innocent victim among the Catholic nobility. Sheena is not shy about switching to the points of view of her minor characters to further color her world, and while there were some cases where I briefly floundered to understand who I was reading, I felt these forays enriched the experience overall. She does an excellent job of illuminating the psychology of mass hysteria, and this makes the tragedies within all the more unsettling, as the reader will glimpse similarities to mindsets in our modern world.
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