foxy_roxy's review against another edition
3.0
I have to admit that I was a little confused while I read this book. It's not that the book was terrible, but I felt like it was missing something (don't ask me what, because I wouldn't be able to answer that).
Nevertheless, I read the whole book - which it only took me a couple of days (so that wasn't so bad). I feel like I enjoyed the ending of the book more than the beginning. It's probably because Owen grew into his own skin and became more of the individual that I was expecting.
All in all, yes I'll continue to read the series. I feel like I'll like the next book more, since it's about Owen once he's older.
Nevertheless, I read the whole book - which it only took me a couple of days (so that wasn't so bad). I feel like I enjoyed the ending of the book more than the beginning. It's probably because Owen grew into his own skin and became more of the individual that I was expecting.
All in all, yes I'll continue to read the series. I feel like I'll like the next book more, since it's about Owen once he's older.
thinde's review against another edition
4.0
I was drawn into the story almost from the first page. The author kept the story wrapped tightly around its protagonist, a young boy named Owen. He is quickly isolated from all familiar landmarks and held hostage to his parents' loyalty to the crown.
The world-building is also kept tight, mainly focused on a single castle. There is much for the reader to discover in the remainder of the series. The same could be said of the magic system which reminded me of Kristin Cashore's "Graceling." The general public seems to think the 'Fountain' blesses a lucky few with abilities in order for them to help the world. Those in power know the abilities are gifted randomly, and must therefore be harnessed, lest they threaten that power.
Sure there are a lot of genre tropes present, but many of them are quickly subverted. In the process, this fantasy takes on a more nuanced tone. It managed to finish at a satisfying point in the story, leaving the reader eager to learn more.
The world-building is also kept tight, mainly focused on a single castle. There is much for the reader to discover in the remainder of the series. The same could be said of the magic system which reminded me of Kristin Cashore's "Graceling." The general public seems to think the 'Fountain' blesses a lucky few with abilities in order for them to help the world. Those in power know the abilities are gifted randomly, and must therefore be harnessed, lest they threaten that power.
Sure there are a lot of genre tropes present, but many of them are quickly subverted. In the process, this fantasy takes on a more nuanced tone. It managed to finish at a satisfying point in the story, leaving the reader eager to learn more.
annaka's review against another edition
3.0
A good and interesting story line but a bit long winded I thought. Had trouble wanting to return to it yet care enough about the characters that I think I'll give the next in the series a chance.
turnherintoliterature's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 15%. Katie’s review puts it far more eloquently than my sleep deprived baby brain could at this point.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2990090284
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2990090284
rachel_abby_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Owen is only eight years old when his parents send him to live with the King, a hostage to ensure their loyalty. He's small, he's shy, and can't speak for himself. He finds friends in unexpected places: the kitchen, the niece of the king, even a secret friend. And finally, Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer, young granddaughter of a duke loyal to the king.
Evie, as he comes to call her, is loquacious, bold, and loyal. She helps Owen be brave. She supports him as his secret friend tries to save his life from the fear of the King.
There's magic, there are spies, and it is loosely based on the history of the war of the Roses. You can even find references to Joan of Arc, one of my favorites.
I want to share this with my nieces. I think they'd like it. Completely clean, interesting and enjoyable. I'll read more.
Evie, as he comes to call her, is loquacious, bold, and loyal. She helps Owen be brave. She supports him as his secret friend tries to save his life from the fear of the King.
There's magic, there are spies, and it is loosely based on the history of the war of the Roses. You can even find references to Joan of Arc, one of my favorites.
I want to share this with my nieces. I think they'd like it. Completely clean, interesting and enjoyable. I'll read more.
melinduh's review against another edition
5.0
I really liked this story-- I definitely recommend the audiobook!
jennderqueer's review against another edition
4.0
A little slow at the beginning but it picked up and I really enjoyed it. It was quite a wild ride and I'm looking forward to starting the next in the series.
claire_michelle18's review against another edition
2.0
This book annoyed me from the very start - there's only one woman on the list of characters yet the first chapter opens from the POV of a woman not listed as a character at all! The setting is a mishmash of the Wars of the Roses with various bits of semi-celtic mysticism thrown in but not a lot of time is spent on any deep world building.
The story itself is interesting enough - it's told from the perspective of Owen, an 8 year old son of a suspected traitor who being held as hostage by King Severn (a thinly veiled King Richard III). He meets a mysterious woman who seems to be helping him escape the king although it doesn't actually work out like that as Severn turns out to be not that bad. I wonder if the author is a member of the Richard III Society?!
Overall an ok book but nothing out of the ordinary and I probably won't bother with the rest of the series.
The story itself is interesting enough - it's told from the perspective of Owen, an 8 year old son of a suspected traitor who being held as hostage by King Severn (a thinly veiled King Richard III). He meets a mysterious woman who seems to be helping him escape the king although it doesn't actually work out like that as Severn turns out to be not that bad. I wonder if the author is a member of the Richard III Society?!
Overall an ok book but nothing out of the ordinary and I probably won't bother with the rest of the series.
celinbean's review against another edition
4.0
Well this was surprisingly good? I honestly didn't expect to like it this much.
I don't know how to describe how i felt about the characters sometimes. Sometimes it was like the characters, especially the king, were too open about their emotions. Like in any movie or book everyone always makes it a point to not show emotions because it makes you look weak. No one really tried to do this in here and it was irritating me 😄 And considering that the king was such a monster his spy master threw quiet a lot of temper tantrums. And i mean i was confused part way through bc i thought i was supposed to hate severn but honestly i really didn't.
It was a really good book and i'd love to read the second book!
I don't know how to describe how i felt about the characters sometimes. Sometimes it was like the characters, especially the king, were too open about their emotions. Like in any movie or book everyone always makes it a point to not show emotions because it makes you look weak. No one really tried to do this in here and it was irritating me 😄 And considering that the king was such a monster his spy master threw quiet a lot of temper tantrums. And i mean i was confused part way through bc i thought i was supposed to hate severn but honestly i really didn't.
It was a really good book and i'd love to read the second book!