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Poisoner of Kingfountain #1
The Poisoner's Enemy
Before she befriended a frightened young boy in the palace of Kingfountain, Ankarette Tryneowy grew up during the shattering civil war that raged between members of the Argentine family. This is the story of how the only daughter of a lawyer and a midwife became the famed Queen’s Poisoner.
Recruited by King Eredur’s ambitious uncle, Ankarette is thrown into a world of double dealing, deception, and tangled loyalties. With the help of her mentor and friend, Sir Thomas, she must learn to trust her instincts and remember that others will not always be loyal, even when they are of the same blood. But involving herself in the machinations of the realm draws the eye of an enemy more dangerous than kings or dukes. How will she navigate the politics of the realm and the desires of her heart to become the woman she needs to become?
Recruited by King Eredur’s ambitious uncle, Ankarette is thrown into a world of double dealing, deception, and tangled loyalties. With the help of her mentor and friend, Sir Thomas, she must learn to trust her instincts and remember that others will not always be loyal, even when they are of the same blood. But involving herself in the machinations of the realm draws the eye of an enemy more dangerous than kings or dukes. How will she navigate the politics of the realm and the desires of her heart to become the woman she needs to become?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2018
1,762 people are currently reading
2,671 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Wheeler
103Ìýbooks5,081ÌýfollowersWall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff lives in the Rocky Mountains.
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at , or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block ().
Learn about Jeff’s many worlds at , or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block ().
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
January 11, 2018
i love the way wheeler weaves a story. phenomenal.
January 9, 2018
It is books like these that make me want to keep reading.
In this novel, we learn the back story of one of the more shadowy characters of the Kingfountain series, Ankarette Trenowy, the Queen's Poisoner. Plucked from her home as a young teen and thrust into the heart of the Ceredigion court. The court at Kingfountain was still in an uproar of King Eredor's conquest of the throne, young Ankarette must learn to tread the murky and often lethal waters of court, before she has even had any formal poisoner training.
Luckily, Sir Thomas Mortimer takes a shine to Ankarette, helping her see whom is in the right, and watching her back. Poisoners school in Pisan and training in the use of her Fountain gift give her the confidence she needs to take on Lord Warrewik, Queen Morvared, and the sinister Lord Hux.
This fresh look at the War of the Roses is an intriguing and fun journey into the "What if" of the past, skillfully woven. As with all of Jeff Wheeler's novels, it is a family friendly novel, with no sex or foul language. This is a great book that I will happily give to my husband and children to read.
In this novel, we learn the back story of one of the more shadowy characters of the Kingfountain series, Ankarette Trenowy, the Queen's Poisoner. Plucked from her home as a young teen and thrust into the heart of the Ceredigion court. The court at Kingfountain was still in an uproar of King Eredor's conquest of the throne, young Ankarette must learn to tread the murky and often lethal waters of court, before she has even had any formal poisoner training.
Luckily, Sir Thomas Mortimer takes a shine to Ankarette, helping her see whom is in the right, and watching her back. Poisoners school in Pisan and training in the use of her Fountain gift give her the confidence she needs to take on Lord Warrewik, Queen Morvared, and the sinister Lord Hux.
This fresh look at the War of the Roses is an intriguing and fun journey into the "What if" of the past, skillfully woven. As with all of Jeff Wheeler's novels, it is a family friendly novel, with no sex or foul language. This is a great book that I will happily give to my husband and children to read.
January 30, 2018
I loved this book so much! Getting to know more about Ankarette and her story was so pleasing. This book also cleared up a lot of confusion I had about Dundsworth, Isybelle and Nanette. A fantastic and emotional read; Wheeler does it again.
February 12, 2024
Jeff Wheeler who is an excellent author and knows how to combine intrigue and mystery in his novels did it again with this Prequil. I have read all the Poisoner series and when I saw this one I had to read it as well know how good he was. And he didn't let me down with this one either. If your into Fantasy fiction or young adult as they are being called now you will like this series.
January 9, 2018
Finally! A book that really dives into the mind of Ankarette Tryneowy. Anakarette might very well be the most interesting character out the countless others in the Kingfountain series by Mr. Wheeler.
After seeing her machinations and actions in the first book of the series, I've always wanted to get a clearer understanding of where she came from and what her real motivations were. "The Poisoner's Enemy" dives into the politics of the Argentine family right from the get-go and we quickly learn how Ankarette became the woman we meet in "The Queen's Poisoner".
I won't go into spoiler territory but it really is a thrill to see Mr. Wheeler bring this world to life in multiple different stages of time. Having read everything else in the Kingfountain series makes this book even more fascinating. Seeing characters like Sir Thomas, Owen's father, Severn, and more pop in and out of scenes as you try and connect them to characters and events that occur later is endlessly entertaining.
The story itself is tight, tense, and captivating. Another great book from Mr. Wheeler.
After seeing her machinations and actions in the first book of the series, I've always wanted to get a clearer understanding of where she came from and what her real motivations were. "The Poisoner's Enemy" dives into the politics of the Argentine family right from the get-go and we quickly learn how Ankarette became the woman we meet in "The Queen's Poisoner".
I won't go into spoiler territory but it really is a thrill to see Mr. Wheeler bring this world to life in multiple different stages of time. Having read everything else in the Kingfountain series makes this book even more fascinating. Seeing characters like Sir Thomas, Owen's father, Severn, and more pop in and out of scenes as you try and connect them to characters and events that occur later is endlessly entertaining.
The story itself is tight, tense, and captivating. Another great book from Mr. Wheeler.
January 25, 2018
Filling some gaps
While for returning readers the main events and the outcome are known, this novel does a nice job filling some of the gaps of the fictional history. Ankarette is truly a marvelous character and getting to see her growing up and into the role of The Queen’s Poisoner is interesting and fun. The story is nicely written, with hints and nods to the rest of the series. Politics, intrigue and love are present and depicted in a believable way. It’s well worth the read for both returning readers as well as new ones, providing an interesting entrance to the whole universe. Some mysteries remain and the story still leaves some questions unanswered, in a way making you yearn for more. The most interesting ones are what is Pissan all about and who is Lord Hux? Looking forward to reading more in future installments.
While for returning readers the main events and the outcome are known, this novel does a nice job filling some of the gaps of the fictional history. Ankarette is truly a marvelous character and getting to see her growing up and into the role of The Queen’s Poisoner is interesting and fun. The story is nicely written, with hints and nods to the rest of the series. Politics, intrigue and love are present and depicted in a believable way. It’s well worth the read for both returning readers as well as new ones, providing an interesting entrance to the whole universe. Some mysteries remain and the story still leaves some questions unanswered, in a way making you yearn for more. The most interesting ones are what is Pissan all about and who is Lord Hux? Looking forward to reading more in future installments.
January 27, 2018
Another Winner!
I always finish these books in such an emotional state that it takes me awhile to process them. I didn’t realize that so much of this tale is based on actual historical events and it’s people. Ankorette, being my favor Characters in the series, I was actually relieved to find out that she and Sir Thomas were fictional characters. The sacrifices that they are called to make tore my heart apart. I loved learning how her journey in this world of royality started. I need to review the other books that tell more of her story... and the life she lived in sacrifice for their kingdom.
I always finish these books in such an emotional state that it takes me awhile to process them. I didn’t realize that so much of this tale is based on actual historical events and it’s people. Ankorette, being my favor Characters in the series, I was actually relieved to find out that she and Sir Thomas were fictional characters. The sacrifices that they are called to make tore my heart apart. I loved learning how her journey in this world of royality started. I need to review the other books that tell more of her story... and the life she lived in sacrifice for their kingdom.
January 26, 2018
Ankarette
Jeff Wheeler pulls us from the tales of Kingsfountain to learn why we so loved Ankarette and the story of the woman who saved our hero Owen.
We learn her humble beginnings as she is pulled from the shadows of village life in to the complexities and dangers of court. Watching a woman of intelligence and fountain magic become a dangerous tool of the court in a time where women are mostly bargaining chips.
Lastly we watch helplessly as the affairs of court and the danger of intrigue toy with her heart and shape her as the queens poisoner
Jeff Wheeler pulls us from the tales of Kingsfountain to learn why we so loved Ankarette and the story of the woman who saved our hero Owen.
We learn her humble beginnings as she is pulled from the shadows of village life in to the complexities and dangers of court. Watching a woman of intelligence and fountain magic become a dangerous tool of the court in a time where women are mostly bargaining chips.
Lastly we watch helplessly as the affairs of court and the danger of intrigue toy with her heart and shape her as the queens poisoner
January 24, 2018
Can I rate it 6 stars or more? So well written. So satisfying! The amazing beginning of Ankorette's story finally told! Now I want to go back and read the entire Kingfountain series again. Maybe someday...Jeff Wheeler is my favorite fantasy author.
My only tiny issue is the very few place names like 'Yuork' that sounded like real places. Otherwise, another gem from the master.
My only tiny issue is the very few place names like 'Yuork' that sounded like real places. Otherwise, another gem from the master.
February 18, 2018
Loved the world of Kingfountain
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.
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.
October 20, 2020
What an intricate and mesmerizing world Jeff Wheeler has created in his Kingfountain series. The Poisoner's Enemy gives a lot of background on Ankarette Tryneowy and her role in King Eredur's reign and helps understand the history of the series. I wish I had read this novella before so I could have enjoyed Ankarette's character more. In the first book of Kingfountain I didn't connected well with her character. She felt too mysterious and unrealistic. But after reading The Poisoner's Enemy I understood her better and loved how the simple midwife's girl has transformed into a legend in her own right. It also thrilled me that Owen and Evie's dad were in this too. Her friendship with Thomas Mortimer was so bittersweet. All in all an excellent addition to a fabulous series.
March 19, 2020
This author is a solid 4 stars for the books I have read. I intend to continue with the series and I can see where many of the themes come from history just with a little magic added in. I did feel a little lost in this book but I am assuming that much of the world building and character development takes place in future books.
March 21, 2019
This has been a fun series, and the prequels have been worth reading also. Very tempted to read another series by this author
January 30, 2018
Wheeler does it again
Jeff Wheeler spins another yarn full of magic, intrigue and love. If you crave adventurous action mixed in with a love story then Jeff Wheelers books are for you. Violence without gore and love without pornography JW keeps your imagination working overtime without vulgarity. I've read all of the Kingfountain books and have yet to be disappointed.
Jeff Wheeler spins another yarn full of magic, intrigue and love. If you crave adventurous action mixed in with a love story then Jeff Wheelers books are for you. Violence without gore and love without pornography JW keeps your imagination working overtime without vulgarity. I've read all of the Kingfountain books and have yet to be disappointed.
January 27, 2018
Another book to love!
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!
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!
January 29, 2018
A good read
It took me a while to read this. Day and a half! I am not a speed reader. Just an intense reader! I have read All of Mr Wheelers books. Now l await more. I am not a pseudo intellectual that just writes big worded opinions. I am just a fan that seriously enjoys Jeffs work. And l do. Well done Mr Wheeler...........Well Done
It took me a while to read this. Day and a half! I am not a speed reader. Just an intense reader! I have read All of Mr Wheelers books. Now l await more. I am not a pseudo intellectual that just writes big worded opinions. I am just a fan that seriously enjoys Jeffs work. And l do. Well done Mr Wheeler...........Well Done
January 27, 2018
Kingfountain prequel
I actually read 2-6 of the kingfountain series not knowing of this
Book so I felt I had to read it. I must say once again how much I
Love Jeff's writing and I look forward to reading more!
J Clark
I actually read 2-6 of the kingfountain series not knowing of this
Book so I felt I had to read it. I must say once again how much I
Love Jeff's writing and I look forward to reading more!
J Clark
November 7, 2019
This was a great prequel to the rest of the series. It was fun to find out the beginnings of characters in the other books and to meet new characters. I’m always a little sad when I finish one of these books because it is like saying goodbye to old friends.
January 16, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series and stop what I'm reading to pull the new one into my reading cycle. I wanted a little more at the end. Hopefully we will get the rest of the details that link Ankarette to the Kiskadons.
January 10, 2018
The Poisoners Enemy is a prequel to the Kingfountain Series.
I have read all the Kingfountain series, so was super excited to read The Poisoners Enemy. And Jeff did not disappoint! The Poisoners Enemy is all about the life of Ankarette Tryneowy, who was a prominent character from earlier in the Kingfountain series. This book takes you back to a life before Ankarette Tryneowy met Owen Kiskaddon. You get to find out how she came to have the life she has and answers so many questions that I had whilst reading about her earlier in the Kingfountain series.
A great book, which I really enjoyed reading. I received a free copy from the Author in return for an open and honest review.
I have read all the Kingfountain series, so was super excited to read The Poisoners Enemy. And Jeff did not disappoint! The Poisoners Enemy is all about the life of Ankarette Tryneowy, who was a prominent character from earlier in the Kingfountain series. This book takes you back to a life before Ankarette Tryneowy met Owen Kiskaddon. You get to find out how she came to have the life she has and answers so many questions that I had whilst reading about her earlier in the Kingfountain series.
A great book, which I really enjoyed reading. I received a free copy from the Author in return for an open and honest review.
January 11, 2018
Jeff Wheeler tells a wonderful story
Intrigue, war, love are all in this book. Going from a helper to her Mother in Midwifery to the Kings poisoner, helping to bring babies into this world to defending herself and others makes for some interesting reading.
Intrigue, war, love are all in this book. Going from a helper to her Mother in Midwifery to the Kings poisoner, helping to bring babies into this world to defending herself and others makes for some interesting reading.
January 25, 2018
Very good story
I liked this story. Very good plot with lots of twists and turns. Very good read. Good prequel. Love the names and descriptions of the palaces.
I liked this story. Very good plot with lots of twists and turns. Very good read. Good prequel. Love the names and descriptions of the palaces.
January 25, 2018
Hoped for more
I love that these stories are historical fiction blended with fantasy. But they've become too much of romance for my taste. Otherwise, good story.
I love that these stories are historical fiction blended with fantasy. But they've become too much of romance for my taste. Otherwise, good story.
April 11, 2018
Truths of the Heart
Jeff Wheeler's novels do two things which I believe are essential to writing great fantasy, or even historical and science fiction, fiction that can hold its own with all those marvelous books of classical fiction. First: he makes the reader think, ask the questions such as "What if..." "Where is this going?" "Why did he do that?" These are questions that not only keep us reading, but teach us in so many ways that actions have consequences. And second, more importantly, his characters model for the rest of us what William Faulkner, in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech (which should be required reading for every aspiring writer, I think) called the "old verities and truths of the heart: love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice." Both Thomas and Ankarette are paragons of those verities, strong, virtuous characters who reveal the kind of nobility that does not come with birth, but with service to people and worthy causes and to the Supreme Being who orders all things for good. Ankarette is thrust into the role of professional assassin, but the choices she makes do not violate her principles or her values. Sir Thomas likewise must make choices that, were he a weak or venal sort, could violate his honor and loyalty to the kingdom. Together they use their gifts to preserve honor and defeat the evil that threatens to overwhelm them and their people, at great personal cost. If one has not already read the rest of the King fountain series, do move on to the Maid's War and then the other six books. The best is yet to come.
Jeff Wheeler's novels do two things which I believe are essential to writing great fantasy, or even historical and science fiction, fiction that can hold its own with all those marvelous books of classical fiction. First: he makes the reader think, ask the questions such as "What if..." "Where is this going?" "Why did he do that?" These are questions that not only keep us reading, but teach us in so many ways that actions have consequences. And second, more importantly, his characters model for the rest of us what William Faulkner, in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech (which should be required reading for every aspiring writer, I think) called the "old verities and truths of the heart: love and honor and pity and pride and compassion and sacrifice." Both Thomas and Ankarette are paragons of those verities, strong, virtuous characters who reveal the kind of nobility that does not come with birth, but with service to people and worthy causes and to the Supreme Being who orders all things for good. Ankarette is thrust into the role of professional assassin, but the choices she makes do not violate her principles or her values. Sir Thomas likewise must make choices that, were he a weak or venal sort, could violate his honor and loyalty to the kingdom. Together they use their gifts to preserve honor and defeat the evil that threatens to overwhelm them and their people, at great personal cost. If one has not already read the rest of the King fountain series, do move on to the Maid's War and then the other six books. The best is yet to come.
November 6, 2023
4.5 Stars 🌟
It is honestly odd because I feel like I'm going backwards in time in this series. I guess I really am since I seem to be reading the "prequel" after reading three other books in the series. Even with me reading this series COMPLETELY out of order (which is a real pet peeve of mine), I still really LOVE this world.
This book is listed as the prequel for the Poisoner series, but it really is our earliest look at the life of Ankarette Tryneowy. We get to see snippets from her early life, starting at the age of 12, and we definitely get to see where and when she met Sir Thomas. It really fills in so many of the blanks that were there as we saw events from later in her life and it helped to understand the woman she later became.
This book is still a fairly large offering, even though I tend to think of a prequel as a smaller short story. I felt like the pages just flew by. It is always an interesting concept when we (long time readers) have been given information from this world from many, many different time periods. We know some of the things that occur in her "future" and it is a matter of fitting the new information into our timeframe and knowledge outline.
Mr. Wheeler does another fantastic job with this book and is excellent as usual.
It is honestly odd because I feel like I'm going backwards in time in this series. I guess I really am since I seem to be reading the "prequel" after reading three other books in the series. Even with me reading this series COMPLETELY out of order (which is a real pet peeve of mine), I still really LOVE this world.
This book is listed as the prequel for the Poisoner series, but it really is our earliest look at the life of Ankarette Tryneowy. We get to see snippets from her early life, starting at the age of 12, and we definitely get to see where and when she met Sir Thomas. It really fills in so many of the blanks that were there as we saw events from later in her life and it helped to understand the woman she later became.
This book is still a fairly large offering, even though I tend to think of a prequel as a smaller short story. I felt like the pages just flew by. It is always an interesting concept when we (long time readers) have been given information from this world from many, many different time periods. We know some of the things that occur in her "future" and it is a matter of fitting the new information into our timeframe and knowledge outline.
Mr. Wheeler does another fantastic job with this book and is excellent as usual.
February 4, 2020
Ankarette Tryneowy is a fantastic character. I am so glad she got her own book. I was disappointed that she died so early in the Kingfountain series. It was great to spend more time with her.
That said, the writing in this book was sub-par. The plotting was convoluted at points. The use of rhetorical questions was horrible. Unless you are writing for first graders, you should never end sequence with 'What could it all mean?' or 'Could this child be more than he seems?' At many points, Wheeler was content to tell us something rather than show it. Worst of all was when he showed us in a scene that was sufficient, and then proceeded to explain what was already clear.
On the whole, I am glad I read it, but I feel like this book does a disservice to a fantastic character.
That said, the writing in this book was sub-par. The plotting was convoluted at points. The use of rhetorical questions was horrible. Unless you are writing for first graders, you should never end sequence with 'What could it all mean?' or 'Could this child be more than he seems?' At many points, Wheeler was content to tell us something rather than show it. Worst of all was when he showed us in a scene that was sufficient, and then proceeded to explain what was already clear.
On the whole, I am glad I read it, but I feel like this book does a disservice to a fantastic character.
February 13, 2018
I loved reading Ankarette's backstory! This is no novella but a fully fleshed story of how Ankarette became the Queen's poisoner from her early years to completion of her training at the school of Pisan and beyond. Her close friendship with Sir Thomas spans several years and we get to meet Eredur, (Severn's older brother) and the court intrigues of his time. We feel Ankarette's heartbreak as we understand what losses she endured and the cause of her condition we glimpsed in The King fountain series. More questions were left unanswered about Eredur and what happened after he regained the kingdom of Ceredigion. Hopefully J. Wheeler will give us a novella to clear it all up.
May 4, 2018
Touching story
Could we love the Queens' Poisoner anymore? And the author teases us that there will be a novella about Ankarette. Can't wait. I thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. Action, adventures, intrigue, Kings, Queens and magic and love. It is obvious that Jeff loves all of his characters in each book of each series. Thanks Jeff.
Could we love the Queens' Poisoner anymore? And the author teases us that there will be a novella about Ankarette. Can't wait. I thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. Action, adventures, intrigue, Kings, Queens and magic and love. It is obvious that Jeff loves all of his characters in each book of each series. Thanks Jeff.
August 2, 2018
Love reading about history and castles and "magic".
I couldn't put this book down. This is the first one if the series I read. I only wish that Sir Thomas and Ankarette had a better ending unless I'm missing something from not reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend reading this.
I couldn't put this book down. This is the first one if the series I read. I only wish that Sir Thomas and Ankarette had a better ending unless I'm missing something from not reading the rest of the series. I highly recommend reading this.
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