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jasonlee77's review against another edition
3.0
Ehh....an entertaining enough book, but not good enough for me to continue on with the series
skippen's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, a fun, light read. The big flaw is that the main characters who are children, are too competent and astute for what they do. If they had been 10 or 12, it would have worked, but these eight-year-olds are pretty amazing.
Still, I enjoyed it, and I will probably read the next one sometime.
Still, I enjoyed it, and I will probably read the next one sometime.
wanderlustlover's review against another edition
4.0
Spring 2018, audiobook:
I follow the Goodreads deals of the day and finally could not pass it up when I saw that all six books in this series were on sale for one day at $1.99 a piece. I snatched up the whole set, praying I wasn't making a terrible mistake, and, thankfully, I definitely was not. I'm going to end up reviewing the trilogies as wholes as I've just been moving through them so quickly.
Book One - I loved baby Owen, and the prisoner, and the slow reveal on this being a King Arthur tale. I love the quotes between the sections, and how long it takes to meet the person speaking in all of them. I love the tiny playmates and how much they both get along, don't, and inspire who each other will become.
Book Two - A leap, but an understandable one at least. The straining-to-be love story we knew was coming has arrived, but I am confused because we are now steadfastly loyal to the king after undoing his ruses last time. I did love the reveal of all of Owen's actual powers. I thought the ending, and Evie's conversation about why she had to go was incredibly contrived compared to any of her earlier scenes.
Book - ...especially when Evie's first scene in this book is everything the other one wasn't. Which was a large problem I had in this book. Evie seemed very much not Evie anymore. Which I say while deeply loving The Lady of the Fountain (/Lake), and Owen's second love story. The reveal of the board, and the will or won't it happen takedown of the king winding gyre story is so intense.
I follow the Goodreads deals of the day and finally could not pass it up when I saw that all six books in this series were on sale for one day at $1.99 a piece. I snatched up the whole set, praying I wasn't making a terrible mistake, and, thankfully, I definitely was not. I'm going to end up reviewing the trilogies as wholes as I've just been moving through them so quickly.
Book One - I loved baby Owen, and the prisoner, and the slow reveal on this being a King Arthur tale. I love the quotes between the sections, and how long it takes to meet the person speaking in all of them. I love the tiny playmates and how much they both get along, don't, and inspire who each other will become.
Book Two - A leap, but an understandable one at least. The straining-to-be love story we knew was coming has arrived, but I am confused because we are now steadfastly loyal to the king after undoing his ruses last time. I did love the reveal of all of Owen's actual powers. I thought the ending, and Evie's conversation about why she had to go was incredibly contrived compared to any of her earlier scenes.
Book - ...especially when Evie's first scene in this book is everything the other one wasn't. Which was a large problem I had in this book. Evie seemed very much not Evie anymore. Which I say while deeply loving The Lady of the Fountain (/Lake), and Owen's second love story. The reveal of the board, and the will or won't it happen takedown of the king winding gyre story is so intense.
writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition
4.0
King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.
Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were endearing and the plot kept me reading. It was an easy, but fulfilling read. I enjoyed reading this from 8 year old Owen's point of view. That could have been an iffy thing, as it could have made the book feel too middle grade for me, but it worked here. I also liked that we got a different perspective of the king, other than he was bad for the sake of being bad. He ended up being a more complex character than I was expecting.
For a good portion of the book I was left wondering about the queen's poisoner. Who it would be, how they would play a part in the story? When I finally met her, I liked the way she was both tied into things and introduced.
Overall I like this author's writing style, and I'm eager to find out what happens in the next book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were endearing and the plot kept me reading. It was an easy, but fulfilling read. I enjoyed reading this from 8 year old Owen's point of view. That could have been an iffy thing, as it could have made the book feel too middle grade for me, but it worked here. I also liked that we got a different perspective of the king, other than he was bad for the sake of being bad. He ended up being a more complex character than I was expecting.
For a good portion of the book I was left wondering about the queen's poisoner. Who it would be, how they would play a part in the story? When I finally met her, I liked the way she was both tied into things and introduced.
Overall I like this author's writing style, and I'm eager to find out what happens in the next book.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
stressiex's review against another edition
5.0
I do not give this book five stars because it was the best book I have ever read. It isn't. However, I am giving this five stars because of the simplicity and quietness I felt when reading it.
maraya21's review against another edition
3.0
⚡ Read for the KU Shitathon 2018 Challenge™ over at the MacHalos ⚡
2.5 Stars
◼ Book: #10 -- Week: 07/10 - 20/10 ◼
2.5 Stars
◼ Book: #10 -- Week: 07/10 - 20/10 ◼
splendidduchess's review against another edition
5.0
Complex, compelling characters abound, and a good number of them are women. This is a strange mixture of fantasy and alternate/speculative fiction. Loosely based on the War of Roses, yet set in a different world there is enough familiarity mixed with the new that it's interesting. It was an easy read and lovely book.
meganschmegan's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
asl4u's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. I’m enjoying this world ascmuchvas I enjoyed the other one.