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Poisoner of Kingfountain #4
The Duke's Treason
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler...
True loyalty is revealed in difficult times. When trouble comes again to the court at Kingfountain it is trumpeted by Eredur’s defeated foe, Lord Devereaux. He was the ally of Queen Morvared who nearly vanquished Eredur at the fog-choked battle of Borehamwood. Now he has seized the fortress of Averanche and plans to hold it at all hazards and unite disaffected countrymen under his battle flag.
Ankarette Tryneowy, the poisoner of Kingfountain, must once again partner with John Thursby, a night watchman and once Devereaux’s sworn man, to aid Lord Horwath in bringing the rebel to heel and punish him for his crimes. But treason is in the air and the attack on Averanche is just the preamble of a gambit that could end in Eredur’s first defeat and third time losing his crown.
For the Fountain has already whispered the king’s brother will be king.
True loyalty is revealed in difficult times. When trouble comes again to the court at Kingfountain it is trumpeted by Eredur’s defeated foe, Lord Devereaux. He was the ally of Queen Morvared who nearly vanquished Eredur at the fog-choked battle of Borehamwood. Now he has seized the fortress of Averanche and plans to hold it at all hazards and unite disaffected countrymen under his battle flag.
Ankarette Tryneowy, the poisoner of Kingfountain, must once again partner with John Thursby, a night watchman and once Devereaux’s sworn man, to aid Lord Horwath in bringing the rebel to heel and punish him for his crimes. But treason is in the air and the attack on Averanche is just the preamble of a gambit that could end in Eredur’s first defeat and third time losing his crown.
For the Fountain has already whispered the king’s brother will be king.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
332 people are currently reading
1346 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
131 books5,259 followersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 27, 2024
IT is so amazing that I can forget how much I enjoy this author and especially this particular series (ALL of it - spin offs and all). If I had one complaint, it would be that the books have come out over the course of so many years, and not in chronological order - which is a me problem and I realize that. The reason that I mention this is that one day, I would LOVE to find a wrap up summary of everything starting from the beginning and going through everything CHRONOLOGICALLY that we have been given since the beginning.
For those not familiar with this series and all of the spin offs, this series spans THOUSANDS of years and several generations. Now, this book in particular is a prequel on part of the series, but not of the very beginning (I know, I know...a bit confusing). I am THRILLED with the story, with the continuation of Ankarette Tryneowy's story, but then it makes me try to remember what happens after that. I remember that then we have the whole Owen Kiskadden arc, but since I read so many books - it has been hundreds of books in between them- it makes remembering specifics difficulty. Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to reread the entire series....hence.....the request for a storyline summary. But that is just wishful thinking.....
About this book. I honestly think that Mr. Wheeler's writing is improving by leaps and bounds (and it was already wonderful in the beginning so that is honestly a heartfelt compliment). The level of everything - from plot, action, intrigue, character development....all of these are so well done that I am immediately thrown right back into the world of Kingfountain. The Poisoner storyline is one that is talked about from the very beginning, even when it was just part myth and part history, but being able to experience what really happened - after knowing and understanding the IMPACT that her life has on the world of KingFountain - well that is just a treat. And yes, now I am curious to discover what comes next. I'm honestly not sure if there is more to learn from her POV from that timeframe because I remember one of the series starts with Owen's childhood and this books timeline includes his birth.
There are snippets of fun things that long time readers will enjoy - mentions of past characters, and places that have huge meaning later on. So, yes, this book was definitely another winner and I truly enjoyed the heck out of it. I also was deeply moved by all of the sacrifice that has been expected and sacrificed by one woman for a kingdom - she gave SO much and it brings lots of emotion with the telling.
Another shout out to Kate Rudd who has been the voice of this series from the beginning. She does another amazing job. All in all - this was a total delight.
For those not familiar with this series and all of the spin offs, this series spans THOUSANDS of years and several generations. Now, this book in particular is a prequel on part of the series, but not of the very beginning (I know, I know...a bit confusing). I am THRILLED with the story, with the continuation of Ankarette Tryneowy's story, but then it makes me try to remember what happens after that. I remember that then we have the whole Owen Kiskadden arc, but since I read so many books - it has been hundreds of books in between them- it makes remembering specifics difficulty. Unfortunately, I just do not have the time to reread the entire series....hence.....the request for a storyline summary. But that is just wishful thinking.....
About this book. I honestly think that Mr. Wheeler's writing is improving by leaps and bounds (and it was already wonderful in the beginning so that is honestly a heartfelt compliment). The level of everything - from plot, action, intrigue, character development....all of these are so well done that I am immediately thrown right back into the world of Kingfountain. The Poisoner storyline is one that is talked about from the very beginning, even when it was just part myth and part history, but being able to experience what really happened - after knowing and understanding the IMPACT that her life has on the world of KingFountain - well that is just a treat. And yes, now I am curious to discover what comes next. I'm honestly not sure if there is more to learn from her POV from that timeframe because I remember one of the series starts with Owen's childhood and this books timeline includes his birth.
There are snippets of fun things that long time readers will enjoy - mentions of past characters, and places that have huge meaning later on. So, yes, this book was definitely another winner and I truly enjoyed the heck out of it. I also was deeply moved by all of the sacrifice that has been expected and sacrificed by one woman for a kingdom - she gave SO much and it brings lots of emotion with the telling.
Another shout out to Kate Rudd who has been the voice of this series from the beginning. She does another amazing job. All in all - this was a total delight.
July 26, 2024
Loved it! I absolutely loved reading more about Ankarette. Being able to visit Kingsfountain again made me very happy. I was captivated from the first pages till the last. I also enjoyed seeing another side to Severn. This book can be read as a stand alone but, just read them all!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2024
Another Fantastic Sequel
I’ve read all of Jeff Wheelers books, and like the others this one did not disappoint. His main character in this novel is my favorite of all of his characters. She’s full of intrigue, clever and her skills are daunting. Very much an enjoyable read and I recommend it,
I’ve read all of Jeff Wheelers books, and like the others this one did not disappoint. His main character in this novel is my favorite of all of his characters. She’s full of intrigue, clever and her skills are daunting. Very much an enjoyable read and I recommend it,
February 8, 2026
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.
My life gets exponentially better whenever a new Jeff Wheeler book comes out! All the little details and worldbuilding was amazing as usual. I'm sad this seems to be the last book for the Poisoner part of Kingfountain but loved reading more of Ankarette's life. Definitely a worthwhile read!
My life gets exponentially better whenever a new Jeff Wheeler book comes out! All the little details and worldbuilding was amazing as usual. I'm sad this seems to be the last book for the Poisoner part of Kingfountain but loved reading more of Ankarette's life. Definitely a worthwhile read!
January 11, 2025
I loved the Kingfountain series, though it's been awhile since I read it so I didn't remember a lot of the specifics. While that story followed Owen primarily, this story opens with his birth (which started out as a stillbirth, and I thought that was awfully grim... but stick with it, he comes back. Which, had I known this would be Owen, I'd have also guessed.) It's the poisoner from the original series, Ankarette, who is also a midwife, who speaks the words of power and brings him back. This is Ankarette's story, or at least some of it.
When the story opens, she has already been poisoned herself by her arch villain, Lord Hux, a rival poisoner who hopes to bring her over to the "dark side." Ankarette is fountain-blessed (which essentially means she's been given supernatural giftings) and the Fountain (God, in this world) speaks to her when needed. Like all of Wheeler's heroes, she is uncorruptable--but she is sorely tempted. I felt very sorry for her, that she was locked into service to the royal family she loves, but that meant she was unable to have a family of her own, even as she attends the births of all of these babies when her own womb was shriveled by the poison. A man who proposed to her twice and whom she was forced to reject comes back into her life, and they have to work together to unravel a plot against the royal family.
Since this is a prequel, I already knew how Ankarette's story ends, and therefore how this one could not end. But still I hoped, because she is such a sympathetic character. I don't know if I'd exactly say it ends sad though... it's more bittersweet. Wheeler usually manages to pull that off, by zooming out and showing the bigger (spiritual) perspective, within the context of the fantasy world, to make all of the seemingly negative events seem temporary and potentially even redemptive. That's one of the things I love about his books so much.
When the story opens, she has already been poisoned herself by her arch villain, Lord Hux, a rival poisoner who hopes to bring her over to the "dark side." Ankarette is fountain-blessed (which essentially means she's been given supernatural giftings) and the Fountain (God, in this world) speaks to her when needed. Like all of Wheeler's heroes, she is uncorruptable--but she is sorely tempted. I felt very sorry for her, that she was locked into service to the royal family she loves, but that meant she was unable to have a family of her own, even as she attends the births of all of these babies when her own womb was shriveled by the poison. A man who proposed to her twice and whom she was forced to reject comes back into her life, and they have to work together to unravel a plot against the royal family.
Since this is a prequel, I already knew how Ankarette's story ends, and therefore how this one could not end. But still I hoped, because she is such a sympathetic character. I don't know if I'd exactly say it ends sad though... it's more bittersweet. Wheeler usually manages to pull that off, by zooming out and showing the bigger (spiritual) perspective, within the context of the fantasy world, to make all of the seemingly negative events seem temporary and potentially even redemptive. That's one of the things I love about his books so much.
July 28, 2024
In this prequel, Ankarette is currently serving King Eredur and in her calling, her loyalty is tested while love hangs in the balance. I love a good excuse to revisit Kingfountain and this book picks up easily without having to reread anything, although it may certainly inspire a reread. The author does an incredible job staying true to characters while also developing them on this harrowing journey of deception and loyalty. Another page turner of a novel with nods and easter eggs to all things Kingfountain (and perhaps other JW Worlds as well). Ankarette will always be one of my favorite heroines. Life is full of suffering and hard decisions and what you do in those moments defines you. That how I would summarize this book. Reading this prequel, it is easy to forget that I already know how Ankarette's story ends. This character is well developed and seeing into her history makes me respect her even more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2024
Mark Twain said “ What is joy without sorrow? what is success without failure? What is a win without a loss? What is health without illness? You have to experience each if you are to appreciate the other. There is always going to be suffering. It’s how you look at your suffering, how you deal with it, that will define you”
Ankarette Tryneowy is the embodiment of this quote. Jeff Wheeler created this character that is a feeling experience- you’ll want to cry, swoon, love, protect, grieve, cure, poison, and rescue right along side her.
The way all his worlds tie in, and his stories connect- Ankarette is just another key piece to this puzzle.
Side note: I read it out loud to my 3 month old. She’s the biggest Jeff Wheeler fan!
Ankarette Tryneowy is the embodiment of this quote. Jeff Wheeler created this character that is a feeling experience- you’ll want to cry, swoon, love, protect, grieve, cure, poison, and rescue right along side her.
The way all his worlds tie in, and his stories connect- Ankarette is just another key piece to this puzzle.
Side note: I read it out loud to my 3 month old. She’s the biggest Jeff Wheeler fan!
July 30, 2024
I'm so excited this book finally came out. This is the last book I'm going to write for the Poisoner of Kingfountain series and it's a story I originally told in a paragraph while writing The Queen's Poisoner. Needless to say, there's a lot more involved than just a paragraph in this novel. I loved how I was able to connect so many of the dots in the Kingfountain universe and provide what really happened. Even though you may know what happens, you don't know everything that happened!
As a bonus, the print version of this book also includes the final story, Poisoner's Revenge. I hope you enjoy this last adventure of Ankarette. Many early readers wanted to re-start Queen's Poisoner again after finishing this. You may want to as well!
As a bonus, the print version of this book also includes the final story, Poisoner's Revenge. I hope you enjoy this last adventure of Ankarette. Many early readers wanted to re-start Queen's Poisoner again after finishing this. You may want to as well!
August 4, 2024
It's the most fantastic book I've read yet!
Mr. Wheeler has done it again! I fell in love with every single page in this book! A true masterpiece. The live story, adventure, heroism, and finally the Argentines themselves. I absolutely loved Eredur, Elyse, Severn, and Dudsworth. But most especially and importantly is my favorite Kingfountain character is Ankerette Treneowy. She is my absolute favorite poisener and is mesmerizing indeed. Her heartbreaking love affair with John Thursby was breathtakingly haunting. I would love to read another prequel Kingfountain book if Mr. Wheeler would agree to it. It's a fabulous series! Thank you, Mr. Wheeler for this lovely book.
Mr. Wheeler has done it again! I fell in love with every single page in this book! A true masterpiece. The live story, adventure, heroism, and finally the Argentines themselves. I absolutely loved Eredur, Elyse, Severn, and Dudsworth. But most especially and importantly is my favorite Kingfountain character is Ankerette Treneowy. She is my absolute favorite poisener and is mesmerizing indeed. Her heartbreaking love affair with John Thursby was breathtakingly haunting. I would love to read another prequel Kingfountain book if Mr. Wheeler would agree to it. It's a fabulous series! Thank you, Mr. Wheeler for this lovely book.
August 3, 2024
Another glimpse of Kingfountain that does not disappoint! I have read all the Kingfountain works and love that as you read you make connections to those books. Although Kingfountain is full of intrigue and betrayal, Ankarette is a person of loyalty and integrity, dedicated to the king. I loved the scene of Owen's birth, and the Epilogue will have you cheer! Ankarette softer side is shown but also her torments in her relationship with John Thursby. Jeff Wheeler stands alone atop the mountain in this genre!
July 11, 2024
2024
Fantasy
Review: An enjoyable novel that is an addendum to the Kingfountain series. I think this was better written than the others as it did not ply the lanes of YA speshulness. Ankarette, for all that seem to laud her presence, is a failed character in that she kills her best friends inadvertantly.
John Thursby steals the show when he is part of it, otherwise the POV is singular in focus.
4.7/5
Fantasy
Review: An enjoyable novel that is an addendum to the Kingfountain series. I think this was better written than the others as it did not ply the lanes of YA speshulness. Ankarette, for all that seem to laud her presence, is a failed character in that she kills her best friends inadvertantly.
John Thursby steals the show when he is part of it, otherwise the POV is singular in focus.
4.7/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2024
I’ve red all the books in the Kingfountain series and the Poisoner of Kingfountain swrues. Each one has been better than the last.
In this latest in the Poisoner series we continue to follow Ankerette. She is one of my favorite characters in any book I’ve read. Jeff writes characters that make hard decisions and go through every emotion and act like real people that are affected by what they go through. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this latest in the Poisoner series we continue to follow Ankerette. She is one of my favorite characters in any book I’ve read. Jeff writes characters that make hard decisions and go through every emotion and act like real people that are affected by what they go through. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2024
Yet, another 5 star review for Mr. Wheeler
Clever, riveting, and original storyline, which is very hard to do in a series that has been around for a while. ( I say that as a good thing!). The author has the ability to create the most amazing honorable and humane characters that you can’t help but love. ( He also has made some terrible evil villains too) The combination of all the above continues to make for fantastic reading….
Clever, riveting, and original storyline, which is very hard to do in a series that has been around for a while. ( I say that as a good thing!). The author has the ability to create the most amazing honorable and humane characters that you can’t help but love. ( He also has made some terrible evil villains too) The combination of all the above continues to make for fantastic reading….
January 9, 2025
A tail finally told
I went looking for the back story of Ankarette. Jeff Wheeler suggests an order & it's aiso possible to read them in a chronological way, but I was thrown in the middle by a friend. I'm enjoying the ride. I knew that this would be a hard one to read because of what I read about her character in the Kingfountain series. This tells the tail of how she becomes a woman to admire.
I went looking for the back story of Ankarette. Jeff Wheeler suggests an order & it's aiso possible to read them in a chronological way, but I was thrown in the middle by a friend. I'm enjoying the ride. I knew that this would be a hard one to read because of what I read about her character in the Kingfountain series. This tells the tail of how she becomes a woman to admire.
September 27, 2025
I am a big Jeff Wheeler fan.
The book is well written. Problem is, I don't know why the author wrote it. He wrote The Poisoner's Revenge (book 5) 5 years before this book. That means we already know how the plot turns out. There are no real surprises. There's not much new here, other than one new relationship.
Recommended for lovers of medieval fantasy who haven't read The Poisoner's Revenge yet.
The book is well written. Problem is, I don't know why the author wrote it. He wrote The Poisoner's Revenge (book 5) 5 years before this book. That means we already know how the plot turns out. There are no real surprises. There's not much new here, other than one new relationship.
Recommended for lovers of medieval fantasy who haven't read The Poisoner's Revenge yet.
November 2, 2025
Book 4 The Poisoner of Kingfountain
Twist and turns and back again. Intrigue at the highest. I'm so moved by all of the books I've read by Jeff that I am planning to read the many books that gave him the inspiration to write his books. I believe I've read 30 books Jeff's written and can't wait for any other books he's done or will be doing. What an incredible time I've had reading books surrounding the lands of Kingfountain and Muirwood. Thank you again, Jeff.
Twist and turns and back again. Intrigue at the highest. I'm so moved by all of the books I've read by Jeff that I am planning to read the many books that gave him the inspiration to write his books. I believe I've read 30 books Jeff's written and can't wait for any other books he's done or will be doing. What an incredible time I've had reading books surrounding the lands of Kingfountain and Muirwood. Thank you again, Jeff.
July 21, 2024
This book continues the story of the King’s Poisoner. She once again must try to find the truth to protect the royal family. In this book, she must decide how far she is willing to go to do so.
A lot of unexpected twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A lot of unexpected twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Fantastic! I know that word is cliche and punny, but I always enjoy the books I read of Jeff Wheeler's. His worlds and especially ones set in Kingfountain are some of my favorites. I've especially enjoyed Ankarette's story and the prequels to his original Kingfountain trilogy.
I have enjoyed all of them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed all of them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2024
Ankarette Tryneowy, the poisoner of Kingfountain, has to deal with The Duke's Treason (paper from Oliver Heber Books). Lord Devereaux had lost his dukedom and turned pirate. Now according to Jeff Wheeler, has decided to capture a castle. Unfortunately her nemesis Hux is behind a far deeper plot, and his ability to magically teleport makes him impossible to capture. Lots of fun.
September 8, 2024
Disappointed. I have enjoyed all of Jeff Wheeler's book. Unfortunately not this one. Ankarette is suppose to be a "bad-ass" poisoner and assassin.
However, her "feelings of love" for another character get in the way. She looses sight of what she needs to do to protect Ceredigion and things go to hell!
However, her "feelings of love" for another character get in the way. She looses sight of what she needs to do to protect Ceredigion and things go to hell!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2024
I've enjoyed this series a lot, each novel is pretty unique. It has been fun to get snapshots of history told as Wheeler weaves them into Ankarette's life and adventures, or rather misadventures.
Wheeler has done a great job of building up the ever evasive, yet ever present arch enemy, Lord hux, who is a constant menace and threat.
Wheeler has done a great job of building up the ever evasive, yet ever present arch enemy, Lord hux, who is a constant menace and threat.
January 13, 2025
Final book in the Ankarette series which is prior to the original Kingfountain trilogy. Ankarette was a great character that was fun to flush out in this prequel series. A lot of good history that ties in well with the Kingfountain series. This last book was a great bridge that leads up to the events of the Queens Poisoner (Kingfountain #1). Highly recommend this whole series by Jeff Wheeler.
August 7, 2025
This series has grabbed my attention and jolted my heart. I loved following Ankarette and John Thursby in this book, both such noble and humble characters. I did not appreciate the ending, and it got a little bit brutal with the evility of Lord Hux the mastermind poisoner. Overall, good book and story still though.
December 10, 2025
I enjoyed wrapping up this series but felt that this story added little to everything. The same could be said of the last two, but their focus didnt seem to be on advancing the plot but rather the characters. It was a good look at big events previously only mentioned but didnt stick at the top for me.
July 28, 2024
Thank you Anazon publishing for the free arc via netgalley. Love the politics and maneuvering mixed in with some romance. The epilogue was the icing on the cake tieing it back to one of my favorite characters.. Still need to go read the main series.
August 18, 2024
Pleasant
Another piece of this large puzzle and another month of pleasant reading. The flow of gentle water and the gurgles from a patchwork of rocks would best describe this addition. I tell no secrets from this book or series.
Another piece of this large puzzle and another month of pleasant reading. The flow of gentle water and the gurgles from a patchwork of rocks would best describe this addition. I tell no secrets from this book or series.
August 26, 2024
Will have to admit that this answered a few questions that the 5th book in the series had me wondering and I couldn't figure out what was going on. Especially since book 5 came out months before this one did.
September 13, 2024
Love, jealousy, intrigue
As always, the world of King fountain is fabulous retreat from reality. We think our politics are messy but the rulers and those loyal to them show how ruthless things can be. Another the embodies the pain of being human, even though she is more
As always, the world of King fountain is fabulous retreat from reality. We think our politics are messy but the rulers and those loyal to them show how ruthless things can be. Another the embodies the pain of being human, even though she is more
December 1, 2024
Waves Of Power And Poison
Our heroian must face many trials and losses as she protects the king and his famiy. Plenty of suspense as the tale follows the twists and turns of political power. Remain true to the fountain.
Our heroian must face many trials and losses as she protects the king and his famiy. Plenty of suspense as the tale follows the twists and turns of political power. Remain true to the fountain.
January 9, 2025
Quite the Ride!
I really enjoyed this one. That last bit at the end i did not see coming. But I have to say, the Epilogue was my favorite part. Readers of Wheeler's other books would understand...
Christa
I really enjoyed this one. That last bit at the end i did not see coming. But I have to say, the Epilogue was my favorite part. Readers of Wheeler's other books would understand...
Christa
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews