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Moorehawke Trilogy #1
The Poison Throne
Debut fantasy author Celine Kiernan spins a gothic tale of intrigue, adventure, and romance about a girl who defies a kingdom.When young Wynter Moorehawke returns to court with her dying father, but she finds her old home shadowed with fear. The king has become a violent despot, terrorizing those he once loved. His son and heir Alberon has fled into exile and now there are whispers everywhere of rebellion. Meanwhile, Alberon's half-brother Razi has been elevated to his throne. He struggles to meet his King's demands while remaining loyal to his beloved brother and to his friend-Wynter.Now, she must choose- her father or her dreams, her friend or her king, her duty. . . or her love.
516 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2008
63 people are currently reading
3759 people want to read
About the author
Celine Kiernan
16 books396 followersCeline Kiernan is an award-winning author of fantasy novels for young adults. Her critically acclaimed work combines fantasy elements with the exploration of political, humanitarian and philosophical themes. She is best known for The Moorehawke Trilogy, a dark, complex trilogy of fantasy YA books set in an alternative renaissance Europe. First published in Celine’s native Ireland in 2008, the trilogy has since been published in 15 different territories, and translated into 10 different languages. In 2009 the first book of the Moorehawke Trilogy, The Poison Throne, won The Readers’ Association of Ireland Award for best book; it was included in the White Raven Collection and short listed for the 2009 Irish Book Awards in two categories (Best Newcomer and Best Children’s Book senior category). In 2010 it was long-listed for an Australian Silver Inky Award.
Celine’s fourth novel, Into the Grey (aka Taken Away) – a YA ghost story set in 1970′s Ireland – won the 2012 CBI Book of the Year (formerly The Bisto award) and the CBI Children’s Choice Award. It is the first book to have won both categories. It won the RAI Book of the Year 2013, and has been shortlisted for the Sakura Medal (English High) 2014. In 2013 the Irish Times named it as one of the best children's books of the past 25 years.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, 1967, Celine has spent the majority of her working life in the film business, and her career as a classical feature character animator spanned over seventeen years, before she became a full-time writer.
Celine’s fourth novel, Into the Grey (aka Taken Away) – a YA ghost story set in 1970′s Ireland – won the 2012 CBI Book of the Year (formerly The Bisto award) and the CBI Children’s Choice Award. It is the first book to have won both categories. It won the RAI Book of the Year 2013, and has been shortlisted for the Sakura Medal (English High) 2014. In 2013 the Irish Times named it as one of the best children's books of the past 25 years.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, 1967, Celine has spent the majority of her working life in the film business, and her career as a classical feature character animator spanned over seventeen years, before she became a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 339 reviews
December 16, 2012
6 Dec '12
I feel I need to explain my rating for The Poison Throne, as it was not a terribly bad book. Parts of me liked it, but the larger half of me was just too disappointed to give it any more than two out of five. You see, I've been in a rut recently. Work, traveling to and fro between islands, project deadlines -- especially with financial closure coming soon -- I've been (and still am) really stressing out with no proper me time, and all I really wanted was to curl up somewhere nice and quiet and chill out with a good book. No -- a perfect book.
The Poison Throne just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It never really stood a chance. I wanted this to be an enjoyable, relaxing read that can ease up all the tension and running figures in my head -- but alas, it did none of that. Perhaps if I read it at a better state of mind, I would have enjoyed it more. Perhaps you will, or did, enjoy it more.
What I did enjoy, though, was the relationship between our main characters . I loved the build-up between Wynter and Christopher, I enjoyed the brother-/sisterly affection between Razi and Wynter, and just the trio's friendship in general was touching and sweet.
Unfortunately, as individual characters, they just didn't cut it. I liked Christopher well enough, although the fact he was a bit of a manwhore turned me off, and Razi was likeable; but Wynter was a bit of a blank slate for me, with nothing ever really happening to her.
The main issue I had when it comes to characterization though, was how inconsistent the writing became . The King would be bashing someone's head against a tree one second, and in the next scene, he's appalled that Wynter would think he'd force an artist to desecrate his own art. He'd be beating his son and threatening to kill his friends one moment, and the next he's cowering like a berated child for disturbing Lorcan's sleep.
The inconsistencies didn't stop at King Jonathon, however. Wynter behaves like a courtly fifty year-old woman one moment, spouting out words of wisdom like a bloody fortune cookie, but the next thing we know, she'll be literally slapping herself in the face to soothe her nerves, or bawling her eyes out because a cat was mean to her. Boo-friggin-hoo.
Even cardboard characters were inconsistent. We'll have small children using fancy words like "befell", and two paragraphs later his syntax has reverted to "don't got me no frogs". Our main characters go about speaking like lords and ladies that would make the Queen Mother proud, but then contemporary slang words like "ain't" are suddenly thrown in there, making everything so jarring and the worldbuilding so out of place.
Another great part of my problem with The Poison Throne was how utterly dragging it was . Things were written to the last detail. The simplest movements, smallest eye-twitch, lowest curtsies and -- well, you get the point.
And just to add to my frustration, nothing ever really happened . A majority of the novel was spent plodding around, engaging in dramatic nonsense, shying from enemies that were never really there. I did not have the patience for it.
Speaking of dramatic -- what a prose! It tried so hard to be deep and meaningful, it came across as a little juvenile and overly dramatic .
Case in point:
To which I literally said lol. I'm sure you've lived a very complicated life, Wynter. All fifteen years of it.
More:
I'm not sure sweet and dreamy would be my choice of words in describing dung, or if it would soothe me... but hey, what do I know.
Upon Wynter's return to the palace, nothing happened worth mentioning other than two attempted assassinations, both of which never provided any actual harm or tension unto our heroes. A little annoyance of mine is how everything seemed hinged on imagined dangers . A lot of the inconveniences and troubles our characters faced did not actually have any tangible reasons.
For instance, Lorcan's stubborn need to hide his illness. Who the hell cares if he's gravely ill, and what the hell should it matter to others? His hiding it from everyone only made things inconvenient and disastrous to his daughter and close friends.
A lot of other, small, courtly-politic things did not make logical sense . Razi's in danger because he's a bastard, but his father's willed him to take the place of his true heir. The open hostility the nobles and soldiers and even people of the kingdom show Razi is absurd and contrived. Who the hell shows their disagreement so openly to a despotic King? Who the hell treats the crown Prince -- bastard or no -- with such obvious disrespect?!
Why should it matter if Christopher is granted a seat with the nobles? The way the other nobles behaved seemed forced and, again, contrived. Even in true court politics way back when, people of noble descent would know better than to act so childishly in public; and they would certainly know who is a threat to their position and not. And behaving in such a manner to a person invited to sit among the nobles? What an act of blatant disobedience!
The bulk of this novel consists of Razi telling his friends "he's a danger to them", and that "Christopher's life is in danger" (I'm paraphrasing, of course) -- but whether or not this is true, we never had any sense of danger upon any of our main characters. The only time Christopher's life was in danger was when he actively did something even the President of the USA would have him court-marshalled for; but beyond that, everything was just an overdramatic reaction to delusions of persecution .
Razi had no reason to suddenly start acting cold to Wynter. For her protection my foot. What exactly is it he's afraid of? People using her safety to blackmail him? What people? The nobles? Blackmail him into what, exactly? Being crown prince? Not being crown prince? Like he has a choice in anything? Like the nobles are stupid enough to think hurting Wynter would solve anything, considering it's the King that has the power.
It's small, petty questions like these that makes me say there is no tangible reason for anything. Even the King's sudden despotic behaviour, when only five years ago he was a very adored and benevolent King, was never answered by the end of this novel.
Now I know this is a trilogy, and this question would probably be answered by the final book, along with this cock-and-bull "mystery" Bloody Machine (seriously, that's what it's called. The Bloody Machine.) we're supposed to be dying to know more of.
Erm, while we're on the subject, helloooo Lorcan? Why not tell Razi or Christopher about this machine since it's actually important, considering how despotic your King is? -- I hate this pathetic ruse being used in novels to keep critical information away from readers. It's a lame attempt of hooking us to continue the series, and I for one am not impressed.
I like finality in the books I read -- part of a series or no. Something needs to be resolved. Unfortunately, nothing was in The Poison Throne, and it pissed me off to no end. I was looking for a book I could relax to, but all it did was aggravate me all the more; and for that, two stars.
31 Oct '12
Oh look! Someone fixed it! Thank you, whoever you are.
30 Oct '12
This sounds right up my alley. But the first sentence in the blurb seriously needs revising.
I feel I need to explain my rating for The Poison Throne, as it was not a terribly bad book. Parts of me liked it, but the larger half of me was just too disappointed to give it any more than two out of five. You see, I've been in a rut recently. Work, traveling to and fro between islands, project deadlines -- especially with financial closure coming soon -- I've been (and still am) really stressing out with no proper me time, and all I really wanted was to curl up somewhere nice and quiet and chill out with a good book. No -- a perfect book.
The Poison Throne just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It never really stood a chance. I wanted this to be an enjoyable, relaxing read that can ease up all the tension and running figures in my head -- but alas, it did none of that. Perhaps if I read it at a better state of mind, I would have enjoyed it more. Perhaps you will, or did, enjoy it more.
What I did enjoy, though, was the relationship between our main characters . I loved the build-up between Wynter and Christopher, I enjoyed the brother-/sisterly affection between Razi and Wynter, and just the trio's friendship in general was touching and sweet.
Unfortunately, as individual characters, they just didn't cut it. I liked Christopher well enough, although the fact he was a bit of a manwhore turned me off, and Razi was likeable; but Wynter was a bit of a blank slate for me, with nothing ever really happening to her.
The main issue I had when it comes to characterization though, was how inconsistent the writing became . The King would be bashing someone's head against a tree one second, and in the next scene, he's appalled that Wynter would think he'd force an artist to desecrate his own art. He'd be beating his son and threatening to kill his friends one moment, and the next he's cowering like a berated child for disturbing Lorcan's sleep.
The inconsistencies didn't stop at King Jonathon, however. Wynter behaves like a courtly fifty year-old woman one moment, spouting out words of wisdom like a bloody fortune cookie, but the next thing we know, she'll be literally slapping herself in the face to soothe her nerves, or bawling her eyes out because a cat was mean to her. Boo-friggin-hoo.
Even cardboard characters were inconsistent. We'll have small children using fancy words like "befell", and two paragraphs later his syntax has reverted to "don't got me no frogs". Our main characters go about speaking like lords and ladies that would make the Queen Mother proud, but then contemporary slang words like "ain't" are suddenly thrown in there, making everything so jarring and the worldbuilding so out of place.
Another great part of my problem with The Poison Throne was how utterly dragging it was . Things were written to the last detail. The simplest movements, smallest eye-twitch, lowest curtsies and -- well, you get the point.
And just to add to my frustration, nothing ever really happened . A majority of the novel was spent plodding around, engaging in dramatic nonsense, shying from enemies that were never really there. I did not have the patience for it.
Speaking of dramatic -- what a prose! It tried so hard to be deep and meaningful, it came across as a little juvenile and overly dramatic .
Case in point:
Wynter knew that the gardens would not come to life again till late in the evening, when the temperature would return to bearable. For now she had the entire palace complex to herself, a rare blessing in this complicated world.
To which I literally said lol. I'm sure you've lived a very complicated life, Wynter. All fifteen years of it.
More:
Little swallows sliced the sunshine around her, darting moments of shadow in the shimmering air, and the sound of contented horses and the sweet and dreamy smell of dung soothed her.
I'm not sure sweet and dreamy would be my choice of words in describing dung, or if it would soothe me... but hey, what do I know.
Upon Wynter's return to the palace, nothing happened worth mentioning other than two attempted assassinations, both of which never provided any actual harm or tension unto our heroes. A little annoyance of mine is how everything seemed hinged on imagined dangers . A lot of the inconveniences and troubles our characters faced did not actually have any tangible reasons.
For instance, Lorcan's stubborn need to hide his illness. Who the hell cares if he's gravely ill, and what the hell should it matter to others? His hiding it from everyone only made things inconvenient and disastrous to his daughter and close friends.
A lot of other, small, courtly-politic things did not make logical sense . Razi's in danger because he's a bastard, but his father's willed him to take the place of his true heir. The open hostility the nobles and soldiers and even people of the kingdom show Razi is absurd and contrived. Who the hell shows their disagreement so openly to a despotic King? Who the hell treats the crown Prince -- bastard or no -- with such obvious disrespect?!
Why should it matter if Christopher is granted a seat with the nobles? The way the other nobles behaved seemed forced and, again, contrived. Even in true court politics way back when, people of noble descent would know better than to act so childishly in public; and they would certainly know who is a threat to their position and not. And behaving in such a manner to a person invited to sit among the nobles? What an act of blatant disobedience!
The bulk of this novel consists of Razi telling his friends "he's a danger to them", and that "Christopher's life is in danger" (I'm paraphrasing, of course) -- but whether or not this is true, we never had any sense of danger upon any of our main characters. The only time Christopher's life was in danger was when he actively did something even the President of the USA would have him court-marshalled for; but beyond that, everything was just an overdramatic reaction to delusions of persecution .
Razi had no reason to suddenly start acting cold to Wynter. For her protection my foot. What exactly is it he's afraid of? People using her safety to blackmail him? What people? The nobles? Blackmail him into what, exactly? Being crown prince? Not being crown prince? Like he has a choice in anything? Like the nobles are stupid enough to think hurting Wynter would solve anything, considering it's the King that has the power.
It's small, petty questions like these that makes me say there is no tangible reason for anything. Even the King's sudden despotic behaviour, when only five years ago he was a very adored and benevolent King, was never answered by the end of this novel.
Now I know this is a trilogy, and this question would probably be answered by the final book, along with this cock-and-bull "mystery" Bloody Machine (seriously, that's what it's called. The Bloody Machine.) we're supposed to be dying to know more of.
Erm, while we're on the subject, helloooo Lorcan? Why not tell Razi or Christopher about this machine since it's actually important, considering how despotic your King is? -- I hate this pathetic ruse being used in novels to keep critical information away from readers. It's a lame attempt of hooking us to continue the series, and I for one am not impressed.
I like finality in the books I read -- part of a series or no. Something needs to be resolved. Unfortunately, nothing was in The Poison Throne, and it pissed me off to no end. I was looking for a book I could relax to, but all it did was aggravate me all the more; and for that, two stars.
31 Oct '12
Oh look! Someone fixed it! Thank you, whoever you are.
30 Oct '12
This sounds right up my alley. But the first sentence in the blurb seriously needs revising.
June 9, 2014
Okay. How do I start.
This book was so S**** that I injured my dog. No joke. I threw it and the damn thing decided to cause me some more internal damage by hitting my poor dog, Jersey.
My dog is old.
She's also very small.
So when it hit her, she sort of flew into the air and hurtled into the pool.
She's also never been in the pool before.
Oh. And PS: she cant swim.
I jumped in with my F****ing clothes on and got her.
However, the book decided this wasnt enough- so while I left the damn cursed thing in the pool. It was found by the sucky-thing that cleans the bottom of your pool (WHAT IS THAT THING CALLED!?) and attempted to suck it up.
However the book is too damn big that it ended up... choking? And basically blew the pump thing that the leaves go into.
But it doesn't end there, I was wet and when I stepped on the very slippery floor. I plummeted very unattractively to the floor and broke my finger.
Okay, well not really. But I did hurt it.
So all in all, I am very, very pissed with this book.
Oh and then there's that actual book- I hate EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!
I hate the stupid, insignificant title that has absolutely nothing to do with the plot- why not call it 'The Father Who Keeps Not Dying' or 'The Whiny Bitch Who Needs A Good Slapping'.
I mean the only thing good about this book was Christopher, and you know what they did to him? Sent him to freaking Morocco. Y'know after destroying his face and making you imagine him as the ugliest dude on the imaginary and very stoopid kingdom of No one Gives A Shit.
And Razi. I Will Kill That Stupid Pompous Asshole.
Y'know I actually got through this book. The entire bloody thing. And i just sat there confused and had to re-read th last chapter.
WHY THE HELL WOULD THEY PUT AN AWESOME COVER WITH A FREAKING AWESOME GIRl WITH A FREAKING AWESOME KNIFE, WHEN THERE IS NO FREAKING AWESOME GIRL WITH AN AWESOME KNIFE?! Its actually sickening.
I picked this book up solely because of the cover- I mean it looked like it would have rebels and teenage-girl-assassins plotting to kill an evil king.
But nope- they tricked us- its a stupid, coward rebel who thinks hes a prince but actually ran away like the big pussy he is, and a couple of his minions who keep failing to kill ONE guy. And a girl who I cant decide is a lesbian or just fricking ignorant to any romance. Oh! At least they got one thing right, the king is evil. Oh wait no! No hes not. Because for some insane reason he is actually a really nice dude- but for some reason he wants to kill both his sons, and destroy everyone around him. Including his own damn kingdom.
But he's still a 'nice dude'.
So nice and kind and lovin- WHO AM I KIDDING HES A F*CKED UP PSYCHO!
So there it is.
Dont read this book- it sucks ass.
Its awful.
It hurts to read.
Just dont.
But as I always say, Happy Reading!! (with a different book) :PPP
This book was so S**** that I injured my dog. No joke. I threw it and the damn thing decided to cause me some more internal damage by hitting my poor dog, Jersey.
My dog is old.
She's also very small.
So when it hit her, she sort of flew into the air and hurtled into the pool.
She's also never been in the pool before.
Oh. And PS: she cant swim.
I jumped in with my F****ing clothes on and got her.
However, the book decided this wasnt enough- so while I left the damn cursed thing in the pool. It was found by the sucky-thing that cleans the bottom of your pool (WHAT IS THAT THING CALLED!?) and attempted to suck it up.
However the book is too damn big that it ended up... choking? And basically blew the pump thing that the leaves go into.
But it doesn't end there, I was wet and when I stepped on the very slippery floor. I plummeted very unattractively to the floor and broke my finger.
Okay, well not really. But I did hurt it.
So all in all, I am very, very pissed with this book.
Oh and then there's that actual book- I hate EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!
I hate the stupid, insignificant title that has absolutely nothing to do with the plot- why not call it 'The Father Who Keeps Not Dying' or 'The Whiny Bitch Who Needs A Good Slapping'.
I mean the only thing good about this book was Christopher, and you know what they did to him? Sent him to freaking Morocco. Y'know after destroying his face and making you imagine him as the ugliest dude on the imaginary and very stoopid kingdom of No one Gives A Shit.
And Razi. I Will Kill That Stupid Pompous Asshole.
Y'know I actually got through this book. The entire bloody thing. And i just sat there confused and had to re-read th last chapter.
WHY THE HELL WOULD THEY PUT AN AWESOME COVER WITH A FREAKING AWESOME GIRl WITH A FREAKING AWESOME KNIFE, WHEN THERE IS NO FREAKING AWESOME GIRL WITH AN AWESOME KNIFE?! Its actually sickening.
I picked this book up solely because of the cover- I mean it looked like it would have rebels and teenage-girl-assassins plotting to kill an evil king.
But nope- they tricked us- its a stupid, coward rebel who thinks hes a prince but actually ran away like the big pussy he is, and a couple of his minions who keep failing to kill ONE guy. And a girl who I cant decide is a lesbian or just fricking ignorant to any romance. Oh! At least they got one thing right, the king is evil. Oh wait no! No hes not. Because for some insane reason he is actually a really nice dude- but for some reason he wants to kill both his sons, and destroy everyone around him. Including his own damn kingdom.
But he's still a 'nice dude'.
So nice and kind and lovin- WHO AM I KIDDING HES A F*CKED UP PSYCHO!
So there it is.
Dont read this book- it sucks ass.
Its awful.
It hurts to read.
Just dont.
But as I always say, Happy Reading!! (with a different book) :PPP
October 12, 2010
(4-4.5 Stars)
"A FRIEND. A FATHER. A KINGDOM. WHICH WOULD YOU SACRIFICE?" - from the book cover
The Poison Throne was a book that sucked me in at a time when I was struggling to connect to a book, and started a few just to put them aside. I didn't want to put this one aside but had to quite a bit because of work stresses. I had no trouble getting back into it though.
Christopher? Aaaaahhh... he just tugged at my heartstrings. I want to know him better! I really cared about Wynter, Christopher, Razi and Lorcan. And even Alberon! Even though I only got to know him through the love of his friends. King Jonathan? I wanted to kill him!
I look forward to reading the next book. The story has only just begun, really. Intrigue, politics, friendship, family, sacrifice, ghosts, talking cats, heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments (I got teary a few times)...there was all this in the story!
I did have a few issues with the book. It lacked in action, in comparison to books like Graceling and Poison Study, though the violence in it was rather gruesome. I felt the story was more of a lead in to the trilogy and an introduction to the characters rather than a story just in itself. The writing flowed well, but there were moments when the author was describing the physicality of the characters, that I felt taken out of the story and was trying to figure out what that body language meant. Although, I wonder whether that was a writing technique to make you wonder about the character's motivations/intentions?
Overall, though, certainly a captivating book and I truly care about knowing what will become of these characters.
"A FRIEND. A FATHER. A KINGDOM. WHICH WOULD YOU SACRIFICE?" - from the book cover
The Poison Throne was a book that sucked me in at a time when I was struggling to connect to a book, and started a few just to put them aside. I didn't want to put this one aside but had to quite a bit because of work stresses. I had no trouble getting back into it though.
Christopher? Aaaaahhh... he just tugged at my heartstrings. I want to know him better! I really cared about Wynter, Christopher, Razi and Lorcan. And even Alberon! Even though I only got to know him through the love of his friends. King Jonathan? I wanted to kill him!
I look forward to reading the next book. The story has only just begun, really. Intrigue, politics, friendship, family, sacrifice, ghosts, talking cats, heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments (I got teary a few times)...there was all this in the story!
I did have a few issues with the book. It lacked in action, in comparison to books like Graceling and Poison Study, though the violence in it was rather gruesome. I felt the story was more of a lead in to the trilogy and an introduction to the characters rather than a story just in itself. The writing flowed well, but there were moments when the author was describing the physicality of the characters, that I felt taken out of the story and was trying to figure out what that body language meant. Although, I wonder whether that was a writing technique to make you wonder about the character's motivations/intentions?
Overall, though, certainly a captivating book and I truly care about knowing what will become of these characters.
May 30, 2011
This could have been a five star book. I'll start with the bad and then move to the good. There isn't much bad anyway.
1. Wynter. I do like her, but a few things annoyed me. I didn't mind that she started off arrogant and cold/calculating, because it was fun to watch her grow, however, two things bother me about her. The first is that she is homophobic and basically comes right out and says she might not love her brother if he were gay. That made me icky toward her--I don't care about the time period or how she grew up. Secondly, at one point she actually FORGETS that one of her friends is being held in the dungeon at night, possibly being tortured. Who would freaking forget something like that?
2. I like Lorcan, Wynter's father, but I feel there was way too much of him. He's in 99.99% of the scenes and sometimes I felt like everything in the book was revolving around him. That's not to say I didn't feel sorry for him, though. Also, not enough Christopher. I know, I know. Wynter is the main character. But come on. SEVEN Christopher-less chapters. No. Nope. I'm not having it.
ONTO THE GOOD.
I like the world. It's unique and eerie and just really cool. I haven't read anything quite like it before. It's magical.
And the characters. They're all very unique and full and real and have so many hidden layers.
I could have killed Razi on a number of occassions for being a complete a-hole, and yet I still like him and feel so much sympathy for him. Should I kick him or hug him? Yeahhh.
As for Chritopher. OhGod. He begins as a character who seems like a stereotype, but that's because Wynter immediately begins judging him and putting him into categories and thinking she knows his every secret. Now, I loved him from the moment he stepped on the scene, but the more I got to know him, the more I wanted to steal him for myself. He's just so. Freaking. Sweet. He has no right to be so honorable and kind and funny and caring and loving and smart and AHHH. I almost want to eat him. Except no. He needs to be my husband. Anyone have magic powers to pull characters out of books, huh, huh? The scene where he's telling the story to a little boy in the palace. Holy God. WHY? He kills me. And the way he says 'afeared' or 'mortal feared.' So freaking cute.
Okay, okay. Moving on. I cried quite a few times reading this, mostly in relation to Christopher, but also about the terrible things that happened to some of the ghosts. I won't say what it is, but I didn't even know OR like one of the ghosts, but I felt so damn bad for him and was bawling my eyes out. That is how you write, people. You make your readers feel things other than annoyance.
This scene ensues when a little 'spit boy' asks my darling Christopher how he lost his two middle fingers.
-------
The child's eyes showed silver under his lashes again and he peered at Christopher across a huge chasm of sleep, not sure if he believed him. Christopher breathed another soft laugh. "I was fishing for flies..." he said confidentially.
"For flies?"
"Aye." Christopher's thumb kept up its easy stroking of the little forehead. "Ain't you never fished for flies?" The child shook his head, his eyes closing despite his best efforts. "Huh," said Christopher, "how do you feed your frogs then?"
Christopher straightened and then chuckled as the sleepy little voice said, "Don't got me no frogs."
Christopher bent forward again, murmuring low so that Razi and Wynter had to strain to hear. The fire shot blue and lilac highlights through his curtain of black hair and outlined his chin in gold as he said, "Oh, you must get some frogs, lad. They are excellent good companions."
"How you fish for flies?" the boy mumbled.
"Well..." Christopher's scarred hand lay on the side of the small head. "You just dip your fingers in honey and wait. "'Course, I fell asleep, didn't I? And when I woke up, that bloody bear was making off with my fingers. I chased him, of course, and he dropped all but the two that are missing. And your good Lord Razi, he sewed the others back on for me, because he is a great doctor, and a most excellent man."
"You know what the worst part was, mouse?"
"Mmmmhmmm?"
"Those two fingers had all my best rings on them. Now, whenever I see a bear I follow him home to see if he's shat out my jewels."
The child squeaked out a little laugh of delighted revulsion. "Ew! You roots in bear poop!"
"Silly boy," tutted Christopher, "I use a stick."
------
Oh how I love thisboy book.
Christopher (With short hair and modern clothes, of course ;)
Wynter
1. Wynter. I do like her, but a few things annoyed me. I didn't mind that she started off arrogant and cold/calculating, because it was fun to watch her grow, however, two things bother me about her. The first is that she is homophobic and basically comes right out and says she might not love her brother if he were gay. That made me icky toward her--I don't care about the time period or how she grew up. Secondly, at one point she actually FORGETS that one of her friends is being held in the dungeon at night, possibly being tortured. Who would freaking forget something like that?
2. I like Lorcan, Wynter's father, but I feel there was way too much of him. He's in 99.99% of the scenes and sometimes I felt like everything in the book was revolving around him. That's not to say I didn't feel sorry for him, though. Also, not enough Christopher. I know, I know. Wynter is the main character. But come on. SEVEN Christopher-less chapters. No. Nope. I'm not having it.
ONTO THE GOOD.
I like the world. It's unique and eerie and just really cool. I haven't read anything quite like it before. It's magical.
And the characters. They're all very unique and full and real and have so many hidden layers.
I could have killed Razi on a number of occassions for being a complete a-hole, and yet I still like him and feel so much sympathy for him. Should I kick him or hug him? Yeahhh.
As for Chritopher. OhGod. He begins as a character who seems like a stereotype, but that's because Wynter immediately begins judging him and putting him into categories and thinking she knows his every secret. Now, I loved him from the moment he stepped on the scene, but the more I got to know him, the more I wanted to steal him for myself. He's just so. Freaking. Sweet. He has no right to be so honorable and kind and funny and caring and loving and smart and AHHH. I almost want to eat him. Except no. He needs to be my husband. Anyone have magic powers to pull characters out of books, huh, huh? The scene where he's telling the story to a little boy in the palace. Holy God. WHY? He kills me. And the way he says 'afeared' or 'mortal feared.' So freaking cute.
Okay, okay. Moving on. I cried quite a few times reading this, mostly in relation to Christopher, but also about the terrible things that happened to some of the ghosts. I won't say what it is, but I didn't even know OR like one of the ghosts, but I felt so damn bad for him and was bawling my eyes out. That is how you write, people. You make your readers feel things other than annoyance.
This scene ensues when a little 'spit boy' asks my darling Christopher how he lost his two middle fingers.
-------
"They were eaten by a bear," whispered Christopher, with such easy conviction that for a moment Wynter believed him, though the story was patently ridiculous.
The child's eyes showed silver under his lashes again and he peered at Christopher across a huge chasm of sleep, not sure if he believed him. Christopher breathed another soft laugh. "I was fishing for flies..." he said confidentially.
"For flies?"
"Aye." Christopher's thumb kept up its easy stroking of the little forehead. "Ain't you never fished for flies?" The child shook his head, his eyes closing despite his best efforts. "Huh," said Christopher, "how do you feed your frogs then?"
Christopher straightened and then chuckled as the sleepy little voice said, "Don't got me no frogs."
Christopher bent forward again, murmuring low so that Razi and Wynter had to strain to hear. The fire shot blue and lilac highlights through his curtain of black hair and outlined his chin in gold as he said, "Oh, you must get some frogs, lad. They are excellent good companions."
"How you fish for flies?" the boy mumbled.
"Well..." Christopher's scarred hand lay on the side of the small head. "You just dip your fingers in honey and wait. "'Course, I fell asleep, didn't I? And when I woke up, that bloody bear was making off with my fingers. I chased him, of course, and he dropped all but the two that are missing. And your good Lord Razi, he sewed the others back on for me, because he is a great doctor, and a most excellent man."
"You know what the worst part was, mouse?"
"Mmmmhmmm?"
"Those two fingers had all my best rings on them. Now, whenever I see a bear I follow him home to see if he's shat out my jewels."
The child squeaked out a little laugh of delighted revulsion. "Ew! You roots in bear poop!"
"Silly boy," tutted Christopher, "I use a stick."
------
Oh how I love this
Christopher (With short hair and modern clothes, of course ;)
Wynter
July 21, 2019
It’s been a little while since I read a medievalist fantasy and this reminded me of what I’ve been missing. The texture of similar worlds sent me off to do medieval history at university nearly 20 years ago, and I’m still enthralled. The Poison Throne has been described as YA fantasy, but I’m not sure it fits that category well - it’s a slow-burn, comprised almost entirely of world building and character development.
We meet fifteen year old Wynter Moorhawke, returning to her home after five years on a diplomatic mission with her father, the Lord Protector of the kingdom. In their absence the political equilibrium of the court has been thoroughly upset: the king’s only legitimate son Alberon has disappeared, perhaps in open rebellion. Razi, the King’s older but illegitimate boy has been installed in his place, against both his own wishes and the wishes of the people. The atmosphere is increasingly oppressive and dangerous, as factions align for an apparently inevitable civil war. In this tense febrile atmosphere Wynter must find a way to stay safe and to protect her father, whose weakened health threatens to break altogether. She’s helped along the way by Christopher, Razi’s best friend, by ghosts and, yes, by talking cats.
It was a rich and satisfying read, if slightly too long in parts, and I’m very much looking forward to continuing with book two.
We meet fifteen year old Wynter Moorhawke, returning to her home after five years on a diplomatic mission with her father, the Lord Protector of the kingdom. In their absence the political equilibrium of the court has been thoroughly upset: the king’s only legitimate son Alberon has disappeared, perhaps in open rebellion. Razi, the King’s older but illegitimate boy has been installed in his place, against both his own wishes and the wishes of the people. The atmosphere is increasingly oppressive and dangerous, as factions align for an apparently inevitable civil war. In this tense febrile atmosphere Wynter must find a way to stay safe and to protect her father, whose weakened health threatens to break altogether. She’s helped along the way by Christopher, Razi’s best friend, by ghosts and, yes, by talking cats.
It was a rich and satisfying read, if slightly too long in parts, and I’m very much looking forward to continuing with book two.
May 14, 2010
Well, it's been that kind of month and the nasty reading slump in the middle of it did not help things in the slightest. I didn't want to ruin this read with my foul mood, so I started it early in the month, put it down again, and waited until things had picked up some before giving it a go. THE POISON THRONE--the first book in Celine Kiernan's Moorehawke Trilogy--is a book I eagerly anticipated picking up. I was especially excited as I had heard it likened to Megan Whalen Turner's Attolia books as far as the quality of intrigue and political fantasy go. And as anyone familiar with me knows, this is very high praise indeed. So I picked up a copy at my local bookstore and took it home that night. I have to say I love the covers Orbit has designed for this trilogy's U.S. debut. Previously published in Ireland and Australia, all three books have already seen a handful of lovely covers and I like the leafy vignette and swirling cloak style going on here.
Wynter Moorehawke and her ailing father Lorcan have returned home after five years away in the barbaric North. Home once more, Wynter cannot wait to renew her friendship with her beloved quasi-siblings Razi and Alberon. Both sons of King Jonathan--one legitimate and one illegitimate--Wynter grew up with these boys, running all over the castle that was their home. But when she comes across Razi in the kitchens, Wynter discovers that things have changed in the years she's been gone. And not for the better. Jonathan has changed, gone from a tolerant and fair ruler to a cruel and unreasonable lord intent on naming his legitimate (and suspiciously missing) heir Alberon as dead and grooming the illegitimate Razi on the throne in his place. Tensions are more than high as Razi--a gifted doctor--does not want to be king at all, his people would prefer open war to a dark-skinned by-blow on the throne, and the king appears increasingly unstable and violent. Into this maelstrom Wynter is thrown without a by your leave, yet she is simultaneously expected to accept all these changes without question and play her part as an apprentice carpenter under her father's tutelage. But Razi needs her. And his unusual and generally unwelcome friend Christopher seems to be always underfoot and in need of a watchful eye. And Wynter is determined to stand by her friend and get to the bottom of this mounting disaster.
I was sucked into this novel right away. I enjoyed Wynter's easy relationship with her father and it was fun feeling my way around the castle along with her as she struggled to come to terms with the magnitude of the changes that had overtaken it in her absence. I loved the slight hints at the supernatural in the cats Wynter used to be able to communicate with and the many ghosts that haunt the castle and can clearly tell when danger is afoot. And, though initially a bit confusing, I liked the historical setting in a sort of alternate Europe, sprinkled here and there with references to such places as Padua and the Moroccos. And I was all set to enjoy Wynter, with her brotherly affection for the educated and kind Razi and her righteously indignant banter with the handsome rascal Christopher. However, somewhere around the halfway mark my enthusiasm began to pall. Nothing seemed to happen and each of the characters became oh-so-tiresome. Wynter was reduced to running here and there after the various men in her life. All of whom, by the way, needed a swift kick in the pants if you ask me. There seemed to be a sort of imbalance across the whole narrative. Characters who are innocent and loving one minute turn into raving lunatics the next, hugs and fond reminiscences are bedfellows with what felt like an out-of-place amount of surprisingly cruel and coarse violence. Wynter adores her "brother" Razi and, despite being frequently annoyed with him putting her off and not telling her things, she forgives him at the drop of a hat. And the instant forgiving soon extends to much more heinous crimes than withholding the truth. So much so that I started to lose my respect for both of them. Disliking Razi made it difficult to believe in him and in Wynter's affection for him. And, as much as I liked Christopher, with his mutilated hands and his mysterious past, I was not exactly keen on 15-year-old Wynter falling for a young man quite so promiscuous as he. All of this is to say that there was quite a bit of potential but it was a struggle to finish and ultimately fell flat for me.
Wynter Moorehawke and her ailing father Lorcan have returned home after five years away in the barbaric North. Home once more, Wynter cannot wait to renew her friendship with her beloved quasi-siblings Razi and Alberon. Both sons of King Jonathan--one legitimate and one illegitimate--Wynter grew up with these boys, running all over the castle that was their home. But when she comes across Razi in the kitchens, Wynter discovers that things have changed in the years she's been gone. And not for the better. Jonathan has changed, gone from a tolerant and fair ruler to a cruel and unreasonable lord intent on naming his legitimate (and suspiciously missing) heir Alberon as dead and grooming the illegitimate Razi on the throne in his place. Tensions are more than high as Razi--a gifted doctor--does not want to be king at all, his people would prefer open war to a dark-skinned by-blow on the throne, and the king appears increasingly unstable and violent. Into this maelstrom Wynter is thrown without a by your leave, yet she is simultaneously expected to accept all these changes without question and play her part as an apprentice carpenter under her father's tutelage. But Razi needs her. And his unusual and generally unwelcome friend Christopher seems to be always underfoot and in need of a watchful eye. And Wynter is determined to stand by her friend and get to the bottom of this mounting disaster.
I was sucked into this novel right away. I enjoyed Wynter's easy relationship with her father and it was fun feeling my way around the castle along with her as she struggled to come to terms with the magnitude of the changes that had overtaken it in her absence. I loved the slight hints at the supernatural in the cats Wynter used to be able to communicate with and the many ghosts that haunt the castle and can clearly tell when danger is afoot. And, though initially a bit confusing, I liked the historical setting in a sort of alternate Europe, sprinkled here and there with references to such places as Padua and the Moroccos. And I was all set to enjoy Wynter, with her brotherly affection for the educated and kind Razi and her righteously indignant banter with the handsome rascal Christopher. However, somewhere around the halfway mark my enthusiasm began to pall. Nothing seemed to happen and each of the characters became oh-so-tiresome. Wynter was reduced to running here and there after the various men in her life. All of whom, by the way, needed a swift kick in the pants if you ask me. There seemed to be a sort of imbalance across the whole narrative. Characters who are innocent and loving one minute turn into raving lunatics the next, hugs and fond reminiscences are bedfellows with what felt like an out-of-place amount of surprisingly cruel and coarse violence. Wynter adores her "brother" Razi and, despite being frequently annoyed with him putting her off and not telling her things, she forgives him at the drop of a hat. And the instant forgiving soon extends to much more heinous crimes than withholding the truth. So much so that I started to lose my respect for both of them. Disliking Razi made it difficult to believe in him and in Wynter's affection for him. And, as much as I liked Christopher, with his mutilated hands and his mysterious past, I was not exactly keen on 15-year-old Wynter falling for a young man quite so promiscuous as he. All of this is to say that there was quite a bit of potential but it was a struggle to finish and ultimately fell flat for me.
December 5, 2012
Blah, blah, blah. This book just plods along, never really telling you where it wants to go. The author keeps trying to throw in some 'machine' that none of the characters are allowed to talk about, perhaps trying to create mystery, but after a while, it just gets old. If you are going to dangle something in front of me, you have to tell me BEFORE I get bored. Bad timing. Also, the characters started out interesting, but then never developed into anything. Their actions seemed forced, there was no build up. The romantic element is just plain messy. No direction, no drive, no logical reasoning.
February 7, 2011
Wow. Just wow. I was sucked in from the first few chapters. First I loved the setting. It’s an interesting blend of fantasy, some paranormal characteristics, and some “real life” qualities. What I mean by that is you have talking cats, ghosts, yet the setting is set someplace in Europe (not really specified). It’s hard to explain, but once you read into the book you get the idea. I thought this was interesting and different.
The book may be slow to some. Yet I was so interested in the political intrigue, that the pace was good for me. You won’t find much action or adventure. Instead, there’s lots of politics and a lot of relationship development and character building. Which is fine for me, it’s certainly a different approach towards fantasy (where you would expect a lot of action and fighting). It was at a perfect pace and I could read this without feeling confused, and I got the characters all straightened out and was able to understand what was happening as there’s several different plots branching out. Considering this if the first book in a trilogy, you won’t get many questions answered. That may be frustrating and it may seem as if you really didn’t get much out of the book at all, however I feel that this book was a good starter for a trilogy. It created your questions, made an interesting world for you to get used to, and gave you a set list of characters so you know who is who without getting confused. Besides, what would be the point of a trilogy if all questions were answered in the first book?
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I enjoyed Wynter and her relationship with her father , but her friendships with both Razi and Christopher are also interesting and differ from each other. I found no fault with any of them and liked all of the characters. I even liked King Jonathan despite his issues with Alberon and his mistreatment of Razi. They all had their distinct personalities and qualities and were perfectly “fleshed out” so you don’t have any two dimensional, wooden characters. I can’t say I have a favorite as they’re all well done.
Although none of my questions have been answered for this novel (well, the majority of them) I am going to continue reading this trilogy. I absolutely loved this book. This one proved to be one of the best reads I have come across so far for this year. It’s a perfect “first novel in a trilogy” because it establishes everything for the reader so we’re set for the next two books. This book is definitely worth the read.
The book may be slow to some. Yet I was so interested in the political intrigue, that the pace was good for me. You won’t find much action or adventure. Instead, there’s lots of politics and a lot of relationship development and character building. Which is fine for me, it’s certainly a different approach towards fantasy (where you would expect a lot of action and fighting). It was at a perfect pace and I could read this without feeling confused, and I got the characters all straightened out and was able to understand what was happening as there’s several different plots branching out. Considering this if the first book in a trilogy, you won’t get many questions answered. That may be frustrating and it may seem as if you really didn’t get much out of the book at all, however I feel that this book was a good starter for a trilogy. It created your questions, made an interesting world for you to get used to, and gave you a set list of characters so you know who is who without getting confused. Besides, what would be the point of a trilogy if all questions were answered in the first book?
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I enjoyed Wynter and her relationship with her father , but her friendships with both Razi and Christopher are also interesting and differ from each other. I found no fault with any of them and liked all of the characters. I even liked King Jonathan despite his issues with Alberon and his mistreatment of Razi. They all had their distinct personalities and qualities and were perfectly “fleshed out” so you don’t have any two dimensional, wooden characters. I can’t say I have a favorite as they’re all well done.
Although none of my questions have been answered for this novel (well, the majority of them) I am going to continue reading this trilogy. I absolutely loved this book. This one proved to be one of the best reads I have come across so far for this year. It’s a perfect “first novel in a trilogy” because it establishes everything for the reader so we’re set for the next two books. This book is definitely worth the read.
January 17, 2021
Update (1/16/2021): After I've re-read this I'm not as enamored of the book as I once was. The characters are well developed with a good solid world around them but I thought the middle of the book took too long to get to certain plot points. There was a bit of a slower pace in the middle and I'm not as intrigued to continue on in the series as I had originally planned.
Original review:
Can't decide between a 4 or a 4.5.
Finally! A fantasy book I can sink my teeth into (or hands, rather)! And it’s a YA one no less!
I loved this book! I loved how all the characters are fully realized with their own faults and flaws but they have their own inner strengths that make them shine. Wynter is a pragmatic, tough, and a very determined heroine. I loved how she cares for her father and her friends. The fact that she does not wallow or mope about when things get hard is awesome. So tired of these whiny protagonists who always claim they’re hot shit but don’t do anything.
Another thing that’s so fabulous about this book is the camaraderie the main characters have with each other. It’s so refreshing. We can see how much they look after the other and how terrible things affect them. Razi’s whole turmoil about being forced in line to the throne and all the political gaming was fascinating as well as Christopher’s past and lower status position in society.
Sure there might have been a lull in places where there wasn’t as much tension but the writing is so engaging that it didn’t bother you at all. You just sped to the ending that had some major plot twists I totally did not see. At the end you’re just bowled over and looking eagerly for the next one. If you don’t care for romance in your stories, don’t worry. This one doesn’t have a lot and it’s just a minimal thing in terms of the overall narrative.
Such an excellent book. Highly recommended.
Original review:
Can't decide between a 4 or a 4.5.
Finally! A fantasy book I can sink my teeth into (or hands, rather)! And it’s a YA one no less!
I loved this book! I loved how all the characters are fully realized with their own faults and flaws but they have their own inner strengths that make them shine. Wynter is a pragmatic, tough, and a very determined heroine. I loved how she cares for her father and her friends. The fact that she does not wallow or mope about when things get hard is awesome. So tired of these whiny protagonists who always claim they’re hot shit but don’t do anything.
Another thing that’s so fabulous about this book is the camaraderie the main characters have with each other. It’s so refreshing. We can see how much they look after the other and how terrible things affect them. Razi’s whole turmoil about being forced in line to the throne and all the political gaming was fascinating as well as Christopher’s past and lower status position in society.
Sure there might have been a lull in places where there wasn’t as much tension but the writing is so engaging that it didn’t bother you at all. You just sped to the ending that had some major plot twists I totally did not see. At the end you’re just bowled over and looking eagerly for the next one. If you don’t care for romance in your stories, don’t worry. This one doesn’t have a lot and it’s just a minimal thing in terms of the overall narrative.
Such an excellent book. Highly recommended.
August 25, 2018
This book is so intense. I read it first when I was a young teen and it traumatized me.
The mention of body parts, allusions to sex, and graphic torture were a harsh surprise to my innocent younger self. The court politics in this are savage -- old friends betraying each other and family turning against family. This book also powerfully conveys the feeling of coming home after a long time to find that the place where you belong is gone, which is unsettling and uncomfortable.
HOWEVER I never forgot this book, and kept thinking about it for years after I got rid of it, so when I saw it again at Goodwill I had to pick it up again. It is as disconcerting as I remember, but it makes me want to write. The combination of the main characters' strong love for each other, and the ruthless court politics they are trying to survive is exactly the kind of thing that piques my desire to create stories. For that, it is a very valuable book and I will absolutely get the rest of the series.
It does make me uncomfortable that fifteen-year-old Wynter and nineteen-year-old Christopher are set up to be a romance in the future, since that's quite an age gap. I'm okay with it in this book, since things were kept decently platonic and Christopher was sent away to Morocco. Hopefully by the time they meet again Wynter will have grown up a little.
The mention of body parts, allusions to sex, and graphic torture were a harsh surprise to my innocent younger self. The court politics in this are savage -- old friends betraying each other and family turning against family. This book also powerfully conveys the feeling of coming home after a long time to find that the place where you belong is gone, which is unsettling and uncomfortable.
HOWEVER I never forgot this book, and kept thinking about it for years after I got rid of it, so when I saw it again at Goodwill I had to pick it up again. It is as disconcerting as I remember, but it makes me want to write. The combination of the main characters' strong love for each other, and the ruthless court politics they are trying to survive is exactly the kind of thing that piques my desire to create stories. For that, it is a very valuable book and I will absolutely get the rest of the series.
It does make me uncomfortable that fifteen-year-old Wynter and nineteen-year-old Christopher are set up to be a romance in the future, since that's quite an age gap. I'm okay with it in this book, since things were kept decently platonic and Christopher was sent away to Morocco. Hopefully by the time they meet again Wynter will have grown up a little.
October 12, 2011
If it weren't for the drawn out ending, which took me almost a week to read, this would be a solid four star read. A character-driven fantasy, clearly part of a trilogy and not offering much conclusion in this first instalment, I very much enjoyed both the world and the characters. This book falls into the category of "more talk, less action", but until about 75 pages before the end, this didn't bother me at all. Very atmospheric, a wonderful father-daughter relationship that often brought me close to tears, loyality and friendship, a blossoming love ...
I really hope book two won't pick up where this has ended in terms of boredom factor, but will move with a bit of a quicker pace and offers explanations denied in The Poison Throne. Can't wait to see more of Wynter, Razi and Christopher (hopefully) and maybe even Alberon (very curious).
I really hope book two won't pick up where this has ended in terms of boredom factor, but will move with a bit of a quicker pace and offers explanations denied in The Poison Throne. Can't wait to see more of Wynter, Razi and Christopher (hopefully) and maybe even Alberon (very curious).
September 1, 2010
I didn't LOVE this book, but for someone who enjoys more Young-Adult oriented fantasy, I think they might really like it. (For example, Graceling or Twilight) The reviews are pretty glowing here on Goodreads, especially for the following in the trilogy. Personally I just found it a bit odd, the world-building and the main character hard to hang onto, but that's just me. I might pick up the second later.
Read
January 3, 2010Spring-Summer 2010
March 13, 2016
More appropriately this could be considered historical fiction with fantasy overtones I suppose, but talking cats, infuriated ghosts and magic tends to make think 'fantasy' so fantasy it shalt be called. Also this is considered Young Adult by the author and most places I looked it up, I suppose since Wynter is 15 years old, Chris is 18 (I think) and Razi is 19 that makes sense, but I'll warn you for content regardless since it feels like there is more of the following than I normally read in YA. There is violence, torture and no small amount of sexual innuendo happening.
Onto the book itself! There is a lot to recommend this novel for fantasy fans; its a medieval setting, royalty is the main seat of power, court intrigue and political machinations saturate this novel as well. We start out with Wynter Moorehawke and her father Lorcan Moorehawke returning home from 5 years in the North (keeping the peace for King Jonothan). But things aren't working out how Wynter, or Lorcan I imagine, thought they would. From the odd reception at the front gate, to the fact that the court seems suspended with a level of tenseness neither remembers, events begin adding up to a to create an upsetting picture.
As I said Wynter is 15 years old, but circumstances and life make her seem much older. She has to bear up under some stressful situations. Her father's rapidly deteriorating health, her one friend banished and the other keeping secrets, the knowledge that her beloved cats were all killed, and turbulent feelings over Razi's new friend Chris. She had uncertainties, fears and doubts that plagued her and made her act out in impulse instead of reason. But beneath it all there was a core of steel built not only from her own willpower and determination, but also from years in court life.
The 'action' of the novel comes in segments with long interludes of conspiracy and maneuvering as players began their gambits. Kiernan doesn't let any of her characters fall into one category; King Jonothan (the 'bad guy' of the book, for various reasons) is shown to be cruel and merciless at times, but with Lorcan (an old friend and the Lord Protector) he is all doubts and pleas to understand. Razi, a Doctor and the second in line to the throne (he is the bastard son of Jonothan and an Arabian mistress) is fiercely loyal to his friends and to his brother (the rightful, but banished heir Alberon) but his loyalty is at a cost as he slips further away in his efforts to keep them safe.
The truth of what is going on is murky and changes depending on who you ask. Jonothan is certain his rightful heir Alberon is plotting a coup with a machine Jonothan swore would never see the light of day again. Razi thinks Jonothan is off his rocker and making a huge mistake. Wynter can't believe that her childhood friend Albi, who idolized Razi so much throughout their childhood, could be such a vicious fellow now. The court is certain that Razi is the bad guy, that Jonothan is bewitched and Razi is trying to usurp Alberon's place. What I found fascinating is how quickly a mass of people, who have known Razi all their lives, are willing to turn on him when their expectations are tested.
This book ends in heart-breaking decisions. Decisions that were as hard to read about as they were for the characters to live. I don't know if I could have been strong enough to do what Wynter does. Or to live with myself if I could.
Book 2: The Crowded Shadows is available now (review coming soon) and the third and final book, The Rebel Prince, is due out in October. It can't come quickly enough!
Onto the book itself! There is a lot to recommend this novel for fantasy fans; its a medieval setting, royalty is the main seat of power, court intrigue and political machinations saturate this novel as well. We start out with Wynter Moorehawke and her father Lorcan Moorehawke returning home from 5 years in the North (keeping the peace for King Jonothan). But things aren't working out how Wynter, or Lorcan I imagine, thought they would. From the odd reception at the front gate, to the fact that the court seems suspended with a level of tenseness neither remembers, events begin adding up to a to create an upsetting picture.
As I said Wynter is 15 years old, but circumstances and life make her seem much older. She has to bear up under some stressful situations. Her father's rapidly deteriorating health, her one friend banished and the other keeping secrets, the knowledge that her beloved cats were all killed, and turbulent feelings over Razi's new friend Chris. She had uncertainties, fears and doubts that plagued her and made her act out in impulse instead of reason. But beneath it all there was a core of steel built not only from her own willpower and determination, but also from years in court life.
The 'action' of the novel comes in segments with long interludes of conspiracy and maneuvering as players began their gambits. Kiernan doesn't let any of her characters fall into one category; King Jonothan (the 'bad guy' of the book, for various reasons) is shown to be cruel and merciless at times, but with Lorcan (an old friend and the Lord Protector) he is all doubts and pleas to understand. Razi, a Doctor and the second in line to the throne (he is the bastard son of Jonothan and an Arabian mistress) is fiercely loyal to his friends and to his brother (the rightful, but banished heir Alberon) but his loyalty is at a cost as he slips further away in his efforts to keep them safe.
The truth of what is going on is murky and changes depending on who you ask. Jonothan is certain his rightful heir Alberon is plotting a coup with a machine Jonothan swore would never see the light of day again. Razi thinks Jonothan is off his rocker and making a huge mistake. Wynter can't believe that her childhood friend Albi, who idolized Razi so much throughout their childhood, could be such a vicious fellow now. The court is certain that Razi is the bad guy, that Jonothan is bewitched and Razi is trying to usurp Alberon's place. What I found fascinating is how quickly a mass of people, who have known Razi all their lives, are willing to turn on him when their expectations are tested.
This book ends in heart-breaking decisions. Decisions that were as hard to read about as they were for the characters to live. I don't know if I could have been strong enough to do what Wynter does. Or to live with myself if I could.
Book 2: The Crowded Shadows is available now (review coming soon) and the third and final book, The Rebel Prince, is due out in October. It can't come quickly enough!
August 6, 2019
Meh.
This was very “meh”. I read it because a friend recommended it to me and I wished I loved it as much as she did but... there was nothing really bad about it, but nothing I found interesting either.
It took me a long time to get into this. I did think the magic in this world with the ghosts and talking cats was interesting, but it was very slow and I felt like not much happend.
The characters were okay... I didn’t care a lot about them but I also didn’t hate them... Oh I wish this was more positive than that.
Usually I like political intrigue, but since we didn’t see Razi or the Kings perspectives on that, I just did not really care about it.
How bad I feel to not be able to share my friend’s love for this book. I might read the sequel? If anyone has read it, please let me know if this series gets better!
This was very “meh”. I read it because a friend recommended it to me and I wished I loved it as much as she did but... there was nothing really bad about it, but nothing I found interesting either.
It took me a long time to get into this. I did think the magic in this world with the ghosts and talking cats was interesting, but it was very slow and I felt like not much happend.
The characters were okay... I didn’t care a lot about them but I also didn’t hate them... Oh I wish this was more positive than that.
Usually I like political intrigue, but since we didn’t see Razi or the Kings perspectives on that, I just did not really care about it.
How bad I feel to not be able to share my friend’s love for this book. I might read the sequel? If anyone has read it, please let me know if this series gets better!
November 18, 2015
Every once in a while you come across a book that satisfies everything your bibliophilic heart desires and demands in a good read. For me, it was The Poison Throne. It has been a while since I read it and unlike when I read Hunger Games, I didn’t rush to immediately write down my thoughts. Because I wanted to savour it. What I’m saying in my roundabout way is that if I were asked to name a best book of 2010 (for me) this would be it. Yes, I loved it that much. It begins with a homecoming and this is such a smart way to start a story. As the main character rediscovers “home,” the reader is taken on a journey that is hued with nostalgia, sentiment and at many times surprise. Even though Wynter was born and grew up in the Southland, she has been away from home for some time and while she has been away, things have changed.
I’m trying to correctly articulate my thoughts here instead of simply demanding that you read this so bear with me.
I’ve said this (probably countless) times before that the most essential thing in a book are its characters. I don’t know about everyone else but I will read a book even if I dislike the plot just for the characters. And Ms. Kiernan’s characters are carved so painstakingly and in such detail that they could waltz off their two-dimensional world and right into ours. There’s Wynter, the protagonist. Razi and Christopher. Lorcan and Jonathon. They are exquisitely complex beings who have been created by the times they live. Also deserving a mention are the relationships between the characters. The dynamic is engaging and evokes an empathy in the reader with the circumstances the protagonists find themselves in. Even though romance is not a big concern in the book, what there is of it is sweet.
The book is a glorious amalgamation of different cultures, religions and traditions brought together in one world that struggles to find balance in a time that is much too beloved of chaos.
The writing is flawless and sweeps the reader away in the world created by Ms. Kiernan. She has built her world with an exactness and the detail that is reminiscent of Tolkien. As for the plot, if you are not gasping for the next book by the end of this one, well you have more restraint that I do.
I know that my review has done no justice at all to this book so I urge you not to take my word for it. Read it and decide for yourself.
I’m trying to correctly articulate my thoughts here instead of simply demanding that you read this so bear with me.
I’ve said this (probably countless) times before that the most essential thing in a book are its characters. I don’t know about everyone else but I will read a book even if I dislike the plot just for the characters. And Ms. Kiernan’s characters are carved so painstakingly and in such detail that they could waltz off their two-dimensional world and right into ours. There’s Wynter, the protagonist. Razi and Christopher. Lorcan and Jonathon. They are exquisitely complex beings who have been created by the times they live. Also deserving a mention are the relationships between the characters. The dynamic is engaging and evokes an empathy in the reader with the circumstances the protagonists find themselves in. Even though romance is not a big concern in the book, what there is of it is sweet.
The book is a glorious amalgamation of different cultures, religions and traditions brought together in one world that struggles to find balance in a time that is much too beloved of chaos.
The writing is flawless and sweeps the reader away in the world created by Ms. Kiernan. She has built her world with an exactness and the detail that is reminiscent of Tolkien. As for the plot, if you are not gasping for the next book by the end of this one, well you have more restraint that I do.
I know that my review has done no justice at all to this book so I urge you not to take my word for it. Read it and decide for yourself.
December 19, 2009
God, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Rarely nowadays do I get to read a novel for young people that is so mature and so well written! I've been reading way too many that are fluffy, unoriginal tales of two dimensional characters and love/obsession that has no basis, this reminded me of why I love to read books. (:
What I loved about The Poison Throne was that it was one of those rare books where I got completely engrossed in the story, a type of epic fantasy/historical hybrid that swept me up from the first page.
The characters are all so complex and multi-layered - Wynter annoyed me sometimes with her pig headedness, but I still really cared about her. I loved Christopher, he was a really different yet compelling take on the usual 'hero', and Razi for all his brooding guiltiness was a great character too. The language was flowed beautifully, and again made me realise how many books are really simply written and the writers don't seem to grasp how to use words to evoke reactions in people.
I live in Ireland so I read these books a while back, but I have a feling they will be massive when released in the US & UK - if they aren't it would be such a shame, they're so amazing.
The Poison Throne is complex, emotional, dramatic, amazing, beautiful, epic, spellbinding, dark, magical, and generally awesome.
Read it if you want a mature and magical read for kids & adults, something that'll leave you thinking about the world and characters long after you've put it down and have you desperate to read more.
P.S. This series gets better as it goes on, so if you liked this or were lukewarm about it, read The Crowded Shadows - the story only gets better. :)
What I loved about The Poison Throne was that it was one of those rare books where I got completely engrossed in the story, a type of epic fantasy/historical hybrid that swept me up from the first page.
The characters are all so complex and multi-layered - Wynter annoyed me sometimes with her pig headedness, but I still really cared about her. I loved Christopher, he was a really different yet compelling take on the usual 'hero', and Razi for all his brooding guiltiness was a great character too. The language was flowed beautifully, and again made me realise how many books are really simply written and the writers don't seem to grasp how to use words to evoke reactions in people.
I live in Ireland so I read these books a while back, but I have a feling they will be massive when released in the US & UK - if they aren't it would be such a shame, they're so amazing.
The Poison Throne is complex, emotional, dramatic, amazing, beautiful, epic, spellbinding, dark, magical, and generally awesome.
Read it if you want a mature and magical read for kids & adults, something that'll leave you thinking about the world and characters long after you've put it down and have you desperate to read more.
P.S. This series gets better as it goes on, so if you liked this or were lukewarm about it, read The Crowded Shadows - the story only gets better. :)
September 25, 2011
I cannot believe how good this book was! It isn't a kind of book you should rush to get to the end. I strongly recommend you savour every scene and every emotion each character exhibits. I felt with the characters, and to me this book read almost like literature. I don't know a YA book in similar genres that describes characters so well and so consistently. I am going to pace myself now and read the second book a bit later so that I won't have to wait for the third book too long. Am I being silly???
This book made it to my (rather short) absolute favourite list!
This book made it to my (rather short) absolute favourite list!
October 14, 2014
Lovely book. It was so good that I wish I'd waited for the second one to come out before starting. My only and complaint--which seems to be a new trend--is that it seems like none of the new series books coming out can stand alone.
July 7, 2021
Now it may be fair to say that I enjoyed this as much as I did because I picked it up straight after the rather dull fare I had been forcing myself to try prior, but what I do admire is the way Kiernan uses figurative language to expand our view of this world she has created.
I like that it appears to be a kind of alternative medieval Europe, with ethnic groups and languages. I like that she has realised a coherent and believable world. I like her uncovering of character as time passes, so what we see in the beginning is added to as events unfold. I like the relationship between Wynter and Lorcan, her father, as well as the way she is described amongst the dominantly male characters. I like that she takes her time to reveal things, rather than baldly inform the reader.
I am enjoying the writing and the plot enough to continue; which seems to mean more as I age.
I like that it appears to be a kind of alternative medieval Europe, with ethnic groups and languages. I like that she has realised a coherent and believable world. I like her uncovering of character as time passes, so what we see in the beginning is added to as events unfold. I like the relationship between Wynter and Lorcan, her father, as well as the way she is described amongst the dominantly male characters. I like that she takes her time to reveal things, rather than baldly inform the reader.
I am enjoying the writing and the plot enough to continue; which seems to mean more as I age.
July 13, 2023
This medieval-type fantasy had some wonderful, intriguing characters, but it developed too slowly to hold my interest. It also may have just been bad timing for me to read it. I do want to remember this for library patrons who like character-rich fantasy.
December 12, 2010
ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.
After five years away on the King’s business, Wynter Moorehawke and Lorcan, her father, have returned to court. Though they are carpenters of common birth, they also serve their friend, King Jonathan, as Lord and Lady Protector. Wynter is excited to be reunited with her childhood friends Alberon and Razi, the King’s legitimate and illegitimate sons, respectively. They were like brothers to her and she and Lorcan were practically part of the King’s family. But it quickly becomes clear that things have changed dramatically since she’s been gone. King Jonathan has become a tyrant, and with her father’s fading health, Wynter realizes that even her own life could be in danger.
The Poison Throne is a pleasant read due to some immediately engaging characters: Wynter, Lorcan, Razi, Razi’s new friend Christopher, a ghost, and a palace cat. Kate Rudd, who narrated the audio version (Brilliance Audio), did a nice job with each of them. (I’ve noticed that Ms Rudd is especially good with books with young female protagonists.) I liked all of these characters right from the start — there are many tender moments in The Poison Throne and this was definitely the best part of the book.
Except for the opening and closing scenes, all of the plot occurs inside the castle grounds (most inside the castle itself) and involves a lot of political maneuvering, silly court behavior, sneaking around, concern and conversation about what everyone else thinks and does, etc. It’s a lot of emotion and angst (“Oh, Razi!” “Oh, Christopher!” “Oh, Dad!”) and some of the characters’ interactions and decisions are sometimes hard to believe.
The general setting and history are a bit far-fetched, too. For example, we’re told that this kingdom had formerly been stable, prosperous, and happy, with the royal family enjoying favor among the people. King Jonathan was a good and fair man until recently. If so, why is Wynter (as soon as she returns, before she realizes that things have changed) so hung up on perfectly proper courtly behavior? Why does she worry that the court will eat Christopher alive if he makes a social blunder? She’s so concerned that he’ll never be accepted because of his common ancestry — yet she used to be a commoner, too. Plotwise, it’s unclear why King Jonathan has to order his thuggish personal guard to kill people so that he can stop them from going out the guarded castle gate. Since he’s such a tyrant, why doesn’t he just tell the guards at the gate not to let them through? These things (and a few others) may be perfectly explainable — perhaps I missed something — but there were several times that I felt like I only had a loose grasp on why some things were happening or why Wynter, Razi, and Christopher had to take certain drastic and dangerous actions. I just wasn’t convinced about a few important aspects of the plot.
In the end, there is a lot more angst than believable plot in The Poison Throne and it takes a long time to get to what feels like “Scene 2” at the end of the book. However, because the characters are so endearing, it’s pleasant to spend time with them, even when they are just sitting around wondering what's going on. Because there’s a mystery to solve and it feels like something exciting may actually be starting to happen (we’re leaving the castle!), I have to admit that I’m looking forward to reading on in The Crowded Shadows. If you don’t insist on a quick and tight plot, The Moorehawke Trilogy may turn out to be a fun story. I recommend trying it on audio.
After five years away on the King’s business, Wynter Moorehawke and Lorcan, her father, have returned to court. Though they are carpenters of common birth, they also serve their friend, King Jonathan, as Lord and Lady Protector. Wynter is excited to be reunited with her childhood friends Alberon and Razi, the King’s legitimate and illegitimate sons, respectively. They were like brothers to her and she and Lorcan were practically part of the King’s family. But it quickly becomes clear that things have changed dramatically since she’s been gone. King Jonathan has become a tyrant, and with her father’s fading health, Wynter realizes that even her own life could be in danger.
The Poison Throne is a pleasant read due to some immediately engaging characters: Wynter, Lorcan, Razi, Razi’s new friend Christopher, a ghost, and a palace cat. Kate Rudd, who narrated the audio version (Brilliance Audio), did a nice job with each of them. (I’ve noticed that Ms Rudd is especially good with books with young female protagonists.) I liked all of these characters right from the start — there are many tender moments in The Poison Throne and this was definitely the best part of the book.
Except for the opening and closing scenes, all of the plot occurs inside the castle grounds (most inside the castle itself) and involves a lot of political maneuvering, silly court behavior, sneaking around, concern and conversation about what everyone else thinks and does, etc. It’s a lot of emotion and angst (“Oh, Razi!” “Oh, Christopher!” “Oh, Dad!”) and some of the characters’ interactions and decisions are sometimes hard to believe.
The general setting and history are a bit far-fetched, too. For example, we’re told that this kingdom had formerly been stable, prosperous, and happy, with the royal family enjoying favor among the people. King Jonathan was a good and fair man until recently. If so, why is Wynter (as soon as she returns, before she realizes that things have changed) so hung up on perfectly proper courtly behavior? Why does she worry that the court will eat Christopher alive if he makes a social blunder? She’s so concerned that he’ll never be accepted because of his common ancestry — yet she used to be a commoner, too. Plotwise, it’s unclear why King Jonathan has to order his thuggish personal guard to kill people so that he can stop them from going out the guarded castle gate. Since he’s such a tyrant, why doesn’t he just tell the guards at the gate not to let them through? These things (and a few others) may be perfectly explainable — perhaps I missed something — but there were several times that I felt like I only had a loose grasp on why some things were happening or why Wynter, Razi, and Christopher had to take certain drastic and dangerous actions. I just wasn’t convinced about a few important aspects of the plot.
In the end, there is a lot more angst than believable plot in The Poison Throne and it takes a long time to get to what feels like “Scene 2” at the end of the book. However, because the characters are so endearing, it’s pleasant to spend time with them, even when they are just sitting around wondering what's going on. Because there’s a mystery to solve and it feels like something exciting may actually be starting to happen (we’re leaving the castle!), I have to admit that I’m looking forward to reading on in The Crowded Shadows. If you don’t insist on a quick and tight plot, The Moorehawke Trilogy may turn out to be a fun story. I recommend trying it on audio.
October 17, 2016
Oh, man. Where to even begin?
I picked up the entire Moorehawke trilogy at a book sale for $1.50 and I am so happy I did not pay cover price for them. The entirety of The Poison Throne felt like a prologue that just kept going on for 475 pages. Kiernan completely disregarded the number one rule of writing: each book in a series should be able to stand alone. Beginning. Middle. End. This book, however, did little except explain a basic premise, introduce some characters, and never progressed to an actual story-line until the last 50 or so pages.
The style of writing just...exhausted me. So much time was spent describing emotions or useless details or trivia I came to think of as "Things Wynter Thinks You Shouldn't Do In Court" that you could honestly skip entire pages at a time and find that nothing had changed. No one, and I do mean *no one*, is capable of bursting into tears or flying into rages as much as the characters in this book do. The obsessive detailing of every single changing expression on every single person's face in every single scene probably added a good 100 pages to the book by itself. Character development was largely non-existent and the main group spent all their time being emotionally devastated by events instead of trying to fight back and/or influence them.
Can I also bring up the fact that - in a book about a land with TALKING CATS AND GHOSTS - the main point of contention of Razi becoming heir is because he is "Arab" and not because he is a bastard? The rehashing of the Christian vs. Muslim trope has been played to death and, to be completely honest, Kiernan should leave it to better writers than herself.
Also, that part when the characters learn the court is spreading rumors that Razi and Christopher are lovers and Razi flies into a fit and Wynter thinks, and I quote, "I would think differently of him" if he were gay? Docked this book an entire star for me.
Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, yes. I find myself reluctantly interested in what Alberon has to say for himself and what The Machine is and whether Jonathan will get dethroned. However, I fear that the next book will be nothing more than a placeholder for the last book in the series, much the same way that the first 400 pages of this book was just a prologue for the next one...
I picked up the entire Moorehawke trilogy at a book sale for $1.50 and I am so happy I did not pay cover price for them. The entirety of The Poison Throne felt like a prologue that just kept going on for 475 pages. Kiernan completely disregarded the number one rule of writing: each book in a series should be able to stand alone. Beginning. Middle. End. This book, however, did little except explain a basic premise, introduce some characters, and never progressed to an actual story-line until the last 50 or so pages.
The style of writing just...exhausted me. So much time was spent describing emotions or useless details or trivia I came to think of as "Things Wynter Thinks You Shouldn't Do In Court" that you could honestly skip entire pages at a time and find that nothing had changed. No one, and I do mean *no one*, is capable of bursting into tears or flying into rages as much as the characters in this book do. The obsessive detailing of every single changing expression on every single person's face in every single scene probably added a good 100 pages to the book by itself. Character development was largely non-existent and the main group spent all their time being emotionally devastated by events instead of trying to fight back and/or influence them.
Can I also bring up the fact that - in a book about a land with TALKING CATS AND GHOSTS - the main point of contention of Razi becoming heir is because he is "Arab" and not because he is a bastard? The rehashing of the Christian vs. Muslim trope has been played to death and, to be completely honest, Kiernan should leave it to better writers than herself.
Also, that part when the characters learn the court is spreading rumors that Razi and Christopher are lovers and Razi flies into a fit and Wynter thinks, and I quote, "I would think differently of him" if he were gay? Docked this book an entire star for me.
Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, yes. I find myself reluctantly interested in what Alberon has to say for himself and what The Machine is and whether Jonathan will get dethroned. However, I fear that the next book will be nothing more than a placeholder for the last book in the series, much the same way that the first 400 pages of this book was just a prologue for the next one...
January 1, 2011
The three books of the series are The Poison Throne, The Crowded Shadows and The Rebel Prince. I'm reviewing them together partly because it would be hard to write individual reviews without a ton of spoilers...but also because I was insanely addicted to the series and read all three books in a row, and in a ridiculously short amount of time. Oh - and fair warning - there will be gushing to follow.
Here, friends. Here is a series to get lost in. This world, these people...they don't let you keep them on the pages of the book for long. I got so completely caught up in the adventures of Wynter, Razi and Christopher; when I would set the books down for something it would take me a disorienting moment to remember that I wasn't actually with them and part of the story. That, my friends, is the biggest gift a book can give you.
The politics, characters and different tribes and nations of people are all so layered and complex. I'm already looking forward to rereading the series sometime in the future because I know there is enough to the story that I will be picking up all kinds of things that I missed the first time.
I could never critique these books by saying "I didn't like what this character did in this situation" or "I wish she had written this part different" because...of course there are things I wish the characters hadn't done, or things that I wish had happened differently. Reading these books means watching a world unfold. (I did warn you there'd be gushing.) But, fair warning, there is a lot of intensity, and a lot of things that are hard to read (like human sacrifice).
In a lot of ways, reading is a never-ending search for books like these...the ones that give you a complete escape. If you like that feeling (and you know the one I'm talking about), then this really is a trilogy you shouldn't miss.
Here, friends. Here is a series to get lost in. This world, these people...they don't let you keep them on the pages of the book for long. I got so completely caught up in the adventures of Wynter, Razi and Christopher; when I would set the books down for something it would take me a disorienting moment to remember that I wasn't actually with them and part of the story. That, my friends, is the biggest gift a book can give you.
The politics, characters and different tribes and nations of people are all so layered and complex. I'm already looking forward to rereading the series sometime in the future because I know there is enough to the story that I will be picking up all kinds of things that I missed the first time.
I could never critique these books by saying "I didn't like what this character did in this situation" or "I wish she had written this part different" because...of course there are things I wish the characters hadn't done, or things that I wish had happened differently. Reading these books means watching a world unfold. (I did warn you there'd be gushing.) But, fair warning, there is a lot of intensity, and a lot of things that are hard to read (like human sacrifice).
In a lot of ways, reading is a never-ending search for books like these...the ones that give you a complete escape. If you like that feeling (and you know the one I'm talking about), then this really is a trilogy you shouldn't miss.
November 25, 2017
Wynter Moorehawke has just returned from the North (yep, it's just as vague as it sounds) to a court with a missing prince, a corrupt king, and an ailing father.
Even after reading 500 pages of this book I still could not tell you much of the plot. It could've been massively condensed, and the pacing was all over the place. Wynter is an okay character but Razi and Christopher were the real interesting and multidimensional characters.
At first I thought the name Wynter was just a trashy fantasy spelling of Winter but it turned out to be legit. I only found vague sources, but it looks like a Middle English spelling of Winter? It's nice that it's sort of historically accurate, but it still doesn't sit well to name your MC Wynter of all things. If it requires outside research from your book to not be something trashy than maybe don't go with it.
And the worldbuilding was a mess!! The set up is basically an alternate universe of medieval Europe except with talking cats and ghosts. But surprise surprise, there's still rampant racism and homophobia. The sexism isn't as big a factor, but I'm not surprised, given the author is a white woman. Really though, at one point Wynter pretty directly says that she wouldn't love her brother as much if he were gay (Y I K E S). At what point are talking cats and ghosts believable but a world without blatant racism and homophobia isn't? Plot twist, gay people don't want to read about a homophobic main character, especially if they never change their mind.
I was intrigued for the first half of the book, but the second half made me realize how thinly everything was being held together.
Even after reading 500 pages of this book I still could not tell you much of the plot. It could've been massively condensed, and the pacing was all over the place. Wynter is an okay character but Razi and Christopher were the real interesting and multidimensional characters.
At first I thought the name Wynter was just a trashy fantasy spelling of Winter but it turned out to be legit. I only found vague sources, but it looks like a Middle English spelling of Winter? It's nice that it's sort of historically accurate, but it still doesn't sit well to name your MC Wynter of all things. If it requires outside research from your book to not be something trashy than maybe don't go with it.
And the worldbuilding was a mess!! The set up is basically an alternate universe of medieval Europe except with talking cats and ghosts. But surprise surprise, there's still rampant racism and homophobia. The sexism isn't as big a factor, but I'm not surprised, given the author is a white woman. Really though, at one point Wynter pretty directly says that she wouldn't love her brother as much if he were gay (Y I K E S). At what point are talking cats and ghosts believable but a world without blatant racism and homophobia isn't? Plot twist, gay people don't want to read about a homophobic main character, especially if they never change their mind.
I was intrigued for the first half of the book, but the second half made me realize how thinly everything was being held together.
November 28, 2009
Wow. I hadn’t expected to enjoy “The Poison Throne” so much but I loved it. Admittedly, I found it difficult to get into at the start but found myself becoming more and more drawn in as the story progressed.
Although marketed as a “tale of court intrigue, romance and adventure”, I found these labels somewhat misleading as it conjured up images of a swashbuckling, sword-wielding, young heroine in my mind. However, it was the emotions more so than the events of the novel that really captivated me. “The Poison Throne” was full of so many heart-warming and gut-wrenching moments. It is at its core a tale about love and friendship, while the themes of prejudice and social-injustice also feature heavily. A review I recently read drew many parallels between “The Poison Throne” and modern-day society, which I second. Celine Kiernan explores the way in which equality has been achieved for some groups of society and yet still continues to elude others.
Kiernan also does a great job with the characters. Not one single character can be said to be purely good or evil; each has his or her own flaws. The result is wonderfully three-dimensional characters. I enjoyed “The Poison Throne” so much I went out and bought my own copy and I eagerly await the release of the rest of the series.
Although marketed as a “tale of court intrigue, romance and adventure”, I found these labels somewhat misleading as it conjured up images of a swashbuckling, sword-wielding, young heroine in my mind. However, it was the emotions more so than the events of the novel that really captivated me. “The Poison Throne” was full of so many heart-warming and gut-wrenching moments. It is at its core a tale about love and friendship, while the themes of prejudice and social-injustice also feature heavily. A review I recently read drew many parallels between “The Poison Throne” and modern-day society, which I second. Celine Kiernan explores the way in which equality has been achieved for some groups of society and yet still continues to elude others.
Kiernan also does a great job with the characters. Not one single character can be said to be purely good or evil; each has his or her own flaws. The result is wonderfully three-dimensional characters. I enjoyed “The Poison Throne” so much I went out and bought my own copy and I eagerly await the release of the rest of the series.
September 8, 2010
This epic fantasy series clearly ought not to have been published in three books, as the whole first book is a set-up for the doom to come. The main characters are engaging, especially Wynter and Ravi, with Christopher still something of an enigma.
Although the book is written in third person we only are shown as much as Wynter knows, which means a lot of things are unclear, easy to misunderstand or guess work - like real life if you were in her situation. The information isn't spoon-fed - no Gandalf or Elven council - that's why it only makes sense to read this book if you can lay your hands on the following two right away - fortunately not a problem when reading in ebook and all three are already out.
Don't read this for a picker-upper, but if you're willing to dive into a court in turmoil right before everything goes down the drain and watching what happens to people on all sides who do what they think is best and have to decide what to sacrifice to protect or reach their aims and no clear-cut villains or even heroes, but characters you can learn to care for then this is a good choice.
I hope the next two books give a resolution I can live with.
Although the book is written in third person we only are shown as much as Wynter knows, which means a lot of things are unclear, easy to misunderstand or guess work - like real life if you were in her situation. The information isn't spoon-fed - no Gandalf or Elven council - that's why it only makes sense to read this book if you can lay your hands on the following two right away - fortunately not a problem when reading in ebook and all three are already out.
Don't read this for a picker-upper, but if you're willing to dive into a court in turmoil right before everything goes down the drain and watching what happens to people on all sides who do what they think is best and have to decide what to sacrifice to protect or reach their aims and no clear-cut villains or even heroes, but characters you can learn to care for then this is a good choice.
I hope the next two books give a resolution I can live with.
December 20, 2017
Probably 4.5 stars but I am so excited to have a new series to love, I am rounding up.
Things I loved:
1. The setting, fantasy version of High Medieval Spain, I believe.
2. The language.
3. The fact that our protagonists are genuinely good people.
4. CHRISTOPHER!!!!!!!!! I like Wynter (most of the time, occasionally I did want to smack her) and Lorcan and Razi. But my heart belongs to the charismatic and mistreated Christopher, who is so much my thing, it hurts!
Things I loved:
1. The setting, fantasy version of High Medieval Spain, I believe.
2. The language.
3. The fact that our protagonists are genuinely good people.
4. CHRISTOPHER!!!!!!!!! I like Wynter (most of the time, occasionally I did want to smack her) and Lorcan and Razi. But my heart belongs to the charismatic and mistreated Christopher, who is so much my thing, it hurts!
December 21, 2014
3.5 Stars
The Poison Throne is the first in a trilogy by Celine Kiernan and is set in an unique medieval fantasy world filled with ghosts and sarcastic cats. Apart from that, the characters are wonderfully written and the storyline intrigues the reader from start to finish.
The Poison Throne is the first in a trilogy by Celine Kiernan and is set in an unique medieval fantasy world filled with ghosts and sarcastic cats. Apart from that, the characters are wonderfully written and the storyline intrigues the reader from start to finish.
March 1, 2021
2.5 stars.
Meh. It was okay, but no more or less than that.
The plot: Young Wynter Moorehawke is returning to her old home with her father, a master carpenter who's taught his daughter his craft, and a Lord Protector - apparently this means he's been given an honoury title by the king (as a friend) but has no estate or money. However, things have changed; the king's legitimate son Alberon has fled into exile and is in the process of being disinherited in favour of his half-brother Razi.
As I say, it was alright, but not as exciting as I was hoping or expecting. Part of this was due to the cover, which gave me the impression I would be spending time with a sword wielding young lady, and I felt rather cheated by the fact that I wasn't. Here's a picture of the cover of my copy:
The other problem I had with the book was that it was set in an alternative Earth, so there were plenty of references to 'Europes' and Africa, Christians and 'Musulmen' without any explanation of what was going on; in the author interview in my copy, the author mentioned it was set in an alternative 14th Century Europe where no crusades or Muslim conquests had taken place, and there were quite a lot of small European countries rather than a couple of large ones, but none of these was explained in story and there was no map, so I was left floundering and trying to work out what was happening and where and when the story was set, ranging from a long-distant past to a post-apocalyptic future.
The book ended on a sort-of cliffhanger and left me with the distinct impression that a lot of the first book was written purely to build up for the ending. Presumably they'll be a big pay off in the second and/or third book, but with books costing the best part of a £10 nowadays, I expect the first book to be able to stand on its own two feet, and won't buy the second if it doesn't. So sorry author, but I won't be buying the sequel, unless I see a second hand copy going cheap. Alternatively, if anyone wants a second hand copy of this book, let me know :D.
Meh. It was okay, but no more or less than that.
The plot: Young Wynter Moorehawke is returning to her old home with her father, a master carpenter who's taught his daughter his craft, and a Lord Protector - apparently this means he's been given an honoury title by the king (as a friend) but has no estate or money. However, things have changed; the king's legitimate son Alberon has fled into exile and is in the process of being disinherited in favour of his half-brother Razi.
As I say, it was alright, but not as exciting as I was hoping or expecting. Part of this was due to the cover, which gave me the impression I would be spending time with a sword wielding young lady, and I felt rather cheated by the fact that I wasn't. Here's a picture of the cover of my copy:
The other problem I had with the book was that it was set in an alternative Earth, so there were plenty of references to 'Europes' and Africa, Christians and 'Musulmen' without any explanation of what was going on; in the author interview in my copy, the author mentioned it was set in an alternative 14th Century Europe where no crusades or Muslim conquests had taken place, and there were quite a lot of small European countries rather than a couple of large ones, but none of these was explained in story and there was no map, so I was left floundering and trying to work out what was happening and where and when the story was set, ranging from a long-distant past to a post-apocalyptic future.
The book ended on a sort-of cliffhanger and left me with the distinct impression that a lot of the first book was written purely to build up for the ending. Presumably they'll be a big pay off in the second and/or third book, but with books costing the best part of a £10 nowadays, I expect the first book to be able to stand on its own two feet, and won't buy the second if it doesn't. So sorry author, but I won't be buying the sequel, unless I see a second hand copy going cheap. Alternatively, if anyone wants a second hand copy of this book, let me know :D.
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