THE THIEF'S DAUGHTER by Jeff Wheeler Kingfountain #2

Owen Kiskaddon first came to the court of the formidable King Severn as a prisoner, winning favor with the stormy monarch by masquerading as a boy truly blessed by the Fountain. Nine years hence, the once-fearful Owen has grown into a confident young man, mentored in battle and politics by Duke Horwath and deeply in love with his childhood friend, the duke’s granddaughter. But the blissful future Owen and Elysabeth Mortimer anticipate seems doomed by the king’s machinations.

A pretender to Severn’s throne has vowed to seize the crown of Kingfountain. But Severn means to combat the threat by using Elysabeth as bait to snare the imposter—and forcing Owen, as a pawn in the dangerous charade, to choose between duty and devotion. With poisoners and spies circling ominously, and war looming on the horizon, Owen must make painful sacrifices to beat back the advancing shadows of death and disaster. Will Owen’s conflicted heart follow the king’s path or risk everything for his love?

Opening line:
"Owen Kiskaddon wasn't comfortable wearing a full suit of armor."

Since I enjoyed THE QUEEN'S POISONER so much I decided to try the second book as well. I really enjoyed! It's been nine years since the last book. Owen and Elysabeth have grown up and fallen in love. They are together or in touch a lot and the tension builds between them as Owen tries to be brave enough to kiss her.
But like the last book, there are things that the reader just know is going to happen. But just because we know doesn't mean we know who everything will be resolved. 
I'm ready to listen to the next book! 

5 STARS