The Poison Throne (Moorehawke Trilogy, #1)

by Celine Kiernan

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.

• ISBN10: 0316077062
• ISBN13: 9780316077064
• Publish Date: 7 April 2010 (first published 1 September 2009)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Little, Brown & Company
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 512
• Language: English

Reviews

[wyvernfriend]

While there were parts of this story that didn't quite grab me mostly it impressed me for a first novel. There were bits that faltered but it won't stop me from looking for book 2.

The story of Wynter, fifteen, daughter of Protector Lord Lorean Moorehawke and former King's Cat-Keeper, woodworking apprentice to her father. Sent for five years to the Northlands she returns to find that all is not as it was. King Jonathan's realm has become a bleak place with conspiracy, torture and suspicion. The cats are gone. Talking to ghosts could get you killed and the Crown Prince is missing.

Wynter is caught, her father is seriously ill, Razi, the next in line for the throne is in serious trouble and she's worried about what's going to happen next.

It's a historical past that never was with aspects that suggest magic but don't state it, there is good potential here for a good series. A little more polish will make her a very good read.