The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan

The Poison Throne (Moorehawke Trilogy, #1)

by Celine Kiernan

YOUNG WYNTER MOOREHAWKE RETURNS TO COURT WITH HER DYING FATHER. BUT HER OLD HOME IS CLOAKED IN FEAR.

Once benevolent King Jonathon is now a violent despot, terrorising his people while his son Alberon plots a coup from exile. Then darkness spreads as the King appoints Alberon's half-brother Razi as heir. Wynter must watch her friend obey his father's untenable commands, as those they love are held to ransom.

And at the heart of matters lies a war machine so lethal that none dare speak of it. The kingdom would belong to its master, yet the consequences of using it are too dire to consider. But temptation has ever been the enemy of reason.

Reviewed by wyvernfriend on

4 of 5 stars

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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.

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  • Started reading
  • 17 November, 2009: Finished reading
  • 17 November, 2009: Reviewed