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 favor 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 line:
"Lady Eleanor sat at the window seat of her chambers, gently stroking her son's head in her lap."
Why haven't I read this series yet?? Why hasn't anyone told me to read it?? I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Owen and how he grew up into the person he became. Taken from his family to be used as a pawn to force his father to do as the king bids, Owen grows up as a prisoner within the castle. He makes a few friends: the cook and her husband, the king's niece and the queen's poisoner. The poisoner turns out to be a caring woman who teaches Own how to master her abilities--both fountain blessed and natural --so he will not only survive the king and his rages but also to become a tool to prevent wars and other castle intrigue.
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
