(a Kingfountain prequel) (Kingfountain Series) - The Poisoner's Enemy

I was completely surprised to discover how the book ended it's tale of one poisoner to reappear in another book longing to protect and guide a little lost boy captured and carried away into an environment where he was neither loved nor nurtured openly by anyone only for the sake of power and control in a harsh and dangerous environment to survive and exceed all expectations because of the secret ministrations of one woman who finally died helping this child (now a young warrior) live and fight for what is good and right in his world of war, magic, and survival!

Billed as a prequel to the Kingfountain series, The Poisoner’s Enemy fits nicely with the series to date. You could read it in order of publish date or before the original series. It would not change the story line much, but it might weaken the main character of this book who was such an enigma in the first series. Jeff has once again created a griping, fast paced book with a strong female lead. Only this time, we learn about the the enigmatic Ankarette, the poisoner, who so protected Owen in the initial Kingfountain book, her past and love interest. We even see the young Severn and his brother, who was only eluded to earlier. The kingdom is in flux, and political intrigues drive this story.

Jeff’s vivid storytelling and excellent pacing with even minor characters being interesting has become his hallmark. I used to try to compare him to the likes of Glen Cook, but he has really come into his own. Now, I compare other writers to him. I can’t just say that he has matured; I’ve read his earliest books and they exhibit the same attributes that define him as a writer. He just came out of the gate writing great books.

I highly recommend The Poisoner’s Enemy. As usual, there is nothing untoward about Jeff’s books. I’ve play the Audible forms for my kids since my daughter was in 1st grade. I can’t wait for her to read this one!

Jeff Wheeler is the absolute master of epic fantasy in today's market, in my opinion. The Poisoner's Enemy, part of the Kingfountain series and set as a prequel focused on one of the most original, interesting characters I've had the pleasure to discover, this book is like an extra gem on the crown of these incredible books. The story is gripping and the characters are not only incredibly real but will pull you along with them on their journey. And what a journey it is. Wrenched from the hands of her family as a child, our heroine is cast on an incredible path that takes her all the way to her final destination... The Queen's Poisoner. I think this is quite possibly my favorite book yet, and that's saying a LOT because I am a die-hard fan of Jeff's Muirwood series. If you love twist and turns, characters you can laugh and cry with, tension that makes you gasp out loud and books that keep you reading into the wee hours unable to put them down, this book is for you.

Prequels are often disappointing - either short "teaser" works usually offered at a discount to get a reader to pick up the whole series, or written long after the series to prequels, by which point the author has changed so much in style that it doesn't smoothly read as part of the larger whole. This is neither of those - its Jeff Wheeler at his best, a tight character story in the Kingfountain world, with believable political machinations, personal motivations, and living character who grow throughout the story. Combat is believable, as is magic. There are no supermen (or women) here.

This is why I started reading Kingfountain in the first place.

I was so surprised and saddened to turn the electronic page in the ebook and learn that The Poisoner’s Enemy was over! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye, which is one of the most important measures of a good book. As a general rule, I am not a fan of prequels, but Jeff Wheeler has gone a long way toward turning me into a convert. Of course, there is nothing new here in terms of world-building, but settling into a familiar setting with known names and conflicts was so cozy and pleasurable. Add a blanket and some hot chocolate and I’m in my happy place. Despite already knowing many of the outcomes (it is a prequel, after all), the author’s pacing and plot twists kept this an exciting read. Ankarette Tryneowy has been a favorite character of mine since she was introduced, and learning about some of her earlier experiences and those of other key figures in the series was engaging and enlightening. I so enjoy Jeff Wheeler’s work and find it gets better with each book. If you’ve not yet read any of his series (plural), you’re in for a treat! For my part, I’m eagerly awaiting the promised novella to learn the rest of Ankarette’s tale, not to mention the promised new series. If I could have given this 4.5 stars I would have. Happy reading!

Another 5 stars for Jeff Wheeler and Kate Rudd! Definitely a bittersweet ending to the world of Kingfountain and all the characters I have come to love. Check out the author's note at the end of the book for a bit of neat information, too. (: And if anyone has never listened to an audiobook before but has possibly wanted too, I suggest trying your first audiobook from one of the Kingfountain or Muirwood series (IF you've not already read them all thus far, of course lol), or else a different book altogether...but DEFINITELY one read by the Audie, Odyssey and Earphones Award winning, Kate Rudd. She's simply phenomenal!

I was thrilled when I found out Mr. Wheeler would be releasing another Kingfountain book. I was doubly excited when I learned it would be about the enigmatic Ankarette Tryneowy, whom we know as the Queen's Poisoner. In book one of the Kingfountain Series, "The Queen's Poisoner" we meet Ankarette as she befriends and teaches a young, frightened Owen Kiskaddon. We learn about her through his eyes and the little bit of background she is willing to feed him. Other than that, her life, and how she came to be living in secret in the knife-like tower in the palace at Kingfountain, is a mystery! It has been quite a while since I've read "The Queen's Poisoner", so at first I got lost in all of the names and characters of Ankarette's past. Once I started remembering all of them I was easily able to follow along on Ankarette's journey. What a journey it was! Taken from her home and 'invited' to become Lord Warrewik's daughter's special companion, she finds herself smack dab in the middle of the political intrigue of Kingfountain. Do her loyalties lie with Lord Warrewik, the Kingmaker, or with the king? Ankarette's story is one of courage, bravery, love, sadness, duty, loyalty, and sacrifice. Do not expect this story to lay bare all of Ankarette's secrets, though. I doubt even Mr. Wheeler knows them all-for as Ankarette once said, "I am very good at keeping secrets." 4.5 stars

Binged another Jeff Wheeler novel. I sure hope someone picks this up for a TV series. I feel it would rival the ratings of the Shannara Chronicles. His writing is so immersive, leaving the reader seeing, hearing and experiencing the emotions of the characters. Full of nonstop GMC, a reader is likely to abandon all responsibilities when reading his works. I love his spin on the telling of the War of the Roses, and his ability the create characters that I long to sit and have tea with to hear about all of their travels and experiences. They seem so real. This is a prequel, so be sure to read the sequels first or much will be lost on the reader.

I sometimes don’t like prequels. Either I’m too emotionally attached to the characters of the previous installments or the author is just wrung the eff out from the sheer speed of churning the books out and the pressure from publishers and fans alike to maintain that pace and it shows in his story. However this was different. Wheeler proves once again that he can pop his books out McDonalds-style without sacrificing any quality. Kudos to his prolific ability. This prequel does not disappoint. I became just as enamoured with this character as I did the others and it showed a few old hands in a new light.

There are two authors I read, that always make any other book I read feel less than. I never enjoy them as much as I should, when I read them following those two's books. The best for me is Brandon Sanderson and not far behind is Jeff Wheeler. I loved this prequel and hate to see it end, so much. Jeff Wheeler just keeps getting better, and I am so very glad I discovered his books. You will be too..give him a try!

This is a wonderful addition to the Kingfountain Series, giving us more history on the characters and details that were alluded to in previous books, starting in "The Queen's Poisoner".
I loved reading this story of Ankarette's life. In the first book of the series, she helps young Owen Kiskaddon and helps shape his destiny. In this book, she is a very young heroine, starting out as barely more than a child herself being the companion to Duke Warrewik's daughter, Isybelle. As she grows up and matures she learns a very valuable set of skills that serve her well as she aids King Eredur and Queen Elyse and becomes an important player in the politics and intrigues of the kingdoms. We met Queen Elyse and her daughter, Elyse, in the first book of this series, where her husband, King Eredur, and their past was eluded to. I loved getting to know her and her husband, and see the love and devotion they share.
The author has a talent for weaving a story and bringing the characters to life. I didn't want to put the book down, yet didn't want to finish it, either. I hope Mr. Wheeler revisits this world some day and gives us more!

I read the Kingfountain series before I read Muirwood and now this one. Reading them out of the order they were written has made me really appreciate how the author has improved upon his style. The stories are always imaginative but you can definitely see how he's growing. I loved this book. There's so much going on with all of the different royalty that sometimes I feel like I need to keep a chart, but that adds to the suspense and intrigue. After reading this I feel like I need to read The Queen's Poisoner again!

My morning reading time usually ends about 9:00 but this wonderful book added 2 hrs to my reading in the morning. I loved it . I t was exciting, fast moving, hard to put down. Thank you . I Enjoyed learning the lives of so many of the people, events, and the prisoner's lives that is in the upcoming books that i have already read. You are truly a fantastic writer.

I sometimes don’t like prequels. Either I’m too emotionally attached to the characters of the previous installments or the author is just wrung the eff out from the sheer speed of churning the books out and the pressure from publishers and fans alike to maintain that pace and it shows in his story. However this was different. Wheeler proves once again that he can pop his books out McDonalds-style without sacrificing any quality. Kudos to his prolific ability. This prequel does not disappoint. I became just as enamoured with this character as I did the others and it showed a few old hands in a new light.

There are two authors I read, that always make any other book I read feel less than. I never enjoy them as much as I should, when I read them following those two's books. The best for me is Brandon Sanderson and not far behind is Jeff Wheeler. I loved this prequel and hate to see it end, so much. Jeff Wheeler just keeps getting better, and I am so very glad I discovered his books. You will be too..give him a try!

This is a wonderful addition to the Kingfountain Series, giving us more history on the characters and details that were alluded to in previous books, starting in "The Queen's Poisoner".
I loved reading this story of Ankarette's life. In the first book of the series, she helps young Owen Kiskaddon and helps shape his destiny. In this book, she is a very young heroine, starting out as barely more than a child herself being the companion to Duke Warrewik's daughter, Isybelle. As she grows up and matures she learns a very valuable set of skills that serve her well as she aids King Eredur and Queen Elyse and becomes an important player in the politics and intrigues of the kingdoms. We met Queen Elyse and her daughter, Elyse, in the first book of this series, where her husband, King Eredur, and their past was eluded to. I loved getting to know her and her husband, and see the love and devotion they share.
The author has a talent for weaving a story and bringing the characters to life. I didn't want to put the book down, yet didn't want to finish it, either. I hope Mr. Wheeler revisits this world some day and gives us more!

I read the Kingfountain series before I read Muirwood and now this one. Reading them out of the order they were written has made me really appreciate how the author has improved upon his style. The stories are always imaginative but you can definitely see how he's growing. I loved this book. There's so much going on with all of the different royalty that sometimes I feel like I need to keep a chart, but that adds to the suspense and intrigue. After reading this I feel like I need to read The Queen's Poisoner again!

My morning reading time usually ends about 9:00 but this wonderful book added 2 hrs to my reading in the morning. I loved it . I t was exciting, fast moving, hard to put down. Thank you . I Enjoyed learning the lives of so many of the people, events, and the prisoner's lives that is in the upcoming books that i have already read. You are truly a fantastic writer.

Having read the entire Kingfountain series it was fun to read this “prequel” about one of the most important players. The writing is excellent and effortless as always, and the storyline is solid with little nuggets or nods to the future (ley lines, for example). If you love the series, you will love this novel. More please!!!

This book was the icing on the cake. After reading all of the books in The Kingfountain Series it was so delightful to pick up this novel and read the history of the week's poisoner and how she became so important to the royalty at Kingfountain. I hope Jeff Wheeler will write more about her as she is such an interesting character. This was a genuine story of love.

I love the history woven throughout this book. I couldn't wait to get more of Ankarette's story. She has been such a fascinating character throughout the series. I still want more. I feel like I want to go back an read the previous books with this new perspective. But... so much to read and so little time. I can highly recommend. If you've enjoyed the series you will love this prequel. Gbash

I enjoyed Murwood but Kingsfountain .... I fail to give words to my feelings. I will reread all your books my friend. Thank you for sharing a part/parts of you. My late husband is a Wheeler and that is what attracted me to start reading your books. I was born in the North of England. That may be part of my joy in your works. I will be telllng everyone I know about your books.

Jeff Wheeler is my favorite author. I've enjoyed every book in this series. This prequel reveals the history of the Poisoner from the "Queen's Poisoner" story. It's a fast and exciting read. I will read it again and again. Jeff takes real historical events and puts a great story to them. I could never say enough about all the feels this book gives me.

I loved reading? this book?...I highly recommend it...so Evie was the daughter of Thomas...the man Ankarrah/sp LOVED and he LOVED her...so unfortunate that they didn't get together❤ in the end?
I Don't understand why she felt STRENGTH OF THE FOUNTAIN so strong when she was fighting Hux AND YET SHE STILL LOST?

I liked finding out some of the back story behind the Kingfountain series I have read previously. This one was probably my least favorite, though. I had a hard time staying immersed in the tale. I think its difficult to portray something so visually assaulting and chaotic as a battle scene in a series of words.

Since I'm already invested, I wouldn't skip this one. There are tidbits to enjoy that add fullness to the series.

I read this prequel last. It seems that the author shares the same proclivity for embroidery as the main character! I mean that in a good way! Each new book fleshes out the already interesting plots and characters. I hope he will continue to develop the King fountain series.

This book is a prequel to Wheeler's Kingfountain series. I would have preferred reading it before the other books, but it's still a great story and I definitely recommend it. Interestingly, and strangely, there are many distracting typos in this edition that I did not see in any of his other books.

Loved going to the world of kingfountain and hearing the story of the Anakrette and her indomitable spirit and the power of hope. Looking forward to the rest of Anakrette’s story that will tie everything back together to the series we’ve all become familiar with.

The Kingfountain series is one of my favorite! Ankarette, has always been an intriguing character. To get the chance to read about her life before Kingfountain was a no-brainer. I love how she uses her fountain magic, her fighting skills, and how brave she is despite her young age.
Thank you Jeff for allowing me to leave reality for a while and emerge myself in Ankarette's life!

After reading the entire series, I went backwards and read this prequel. It was great to fill in some blanks and understand the reasons behind some of the plot twists. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire series!

This prequel fills in some of the backstory that has always been sitting in the back of my mind since the very first Kingfountain story. It was amazing learning all the details of how Ankarette became who she was and how influential she was in the shaping of her world and the generations following her. What a great prequel!

Reading this last book, which actually is set to precede the first book, has me wanting to reread the entire series again. It's like a big loop and no matter where you start, if you can't locate book 1, it will come full circle.