The Queen’s Poisoner (Kingfountain #1)

The Queen's Poisoner (Kingfountain #1) by Jeff Wheeler
Published by 47North
Ebook
Published 1 March 2016
336 pages
Kindle owner's lending library

Connect with the author WHAT'S IT'S ABOUT

King Severn Argentine's fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles...and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king's hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.

Seeking allies and eluding Severn's spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father's betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king's favour by proving his worth-through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.

OPENING

Lady Eleanor sat at the window seat of her chambers, gently stroking her son's head in her lap.

WHAT I THOUGHT

The Queen's Poisoner is an example of the kind of fantasy fiction I really like. I found the book hugely enjoyable. I really liked the word-building in the novel, the kingdom; the palace and places in between are brought vividly to life. I felt like the world inhabited by the characters in The Queen's Poisoner was very real. I've never read this author before and liked his style. The prose is really easy to read and understand, flows really well and is very easy to get into. I really liked the characters especially Owens new best friend/future wife. The plot of The Queen's Poisoner is not particularly original and contains staple fare of epic fantasy; corruption, usurper in powder, clandestine goings on, treason, murder, betrayal yada yada. The book lost 1 star because the plot is not particularly original though it is executed well. I really liked the fact that some characters including Owen and the Kind are 'fountain blessed' which seems to refer to being able to have visions and influence people's minds. There is the perfect blend of light and dark moments in this novel. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I will read the other books in this series over the coming months.

I'm thirty-five years old and live in Glasgow in the UK with my partner of ten years. I work in a support team for a call centre. I like reading especially Joyce Carol Oates and Stephen King. I write fiction and poetry. I enjoy watching TV (Grimm, Torchwood, Doctor Who, Lip Service, The L Word etc). I like to play video games and am a fan of survival horror especially the Silent Hill franchise. I like to watch movies especially horror and anything where someone dies. View all posts by pamelascott30