The Poison Throne (The Moorehawke Trilogy, #1)

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The Poison Throne (Moorehawke Trilogy #1)

by Celine Kiernan (Goodreads Author)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 1,244 ratings · 192 reviews

Wynter returns from a five-year exile in the bleak Northlands to find her beloved homeland in turmoil. King Jonathan's civilised, multicultural realm is no more; the gibbets and cages have returned. Days of laughter, friendly ghosts and gossipy cats remain only in Wynter's memory - the present confronts her with power play, dark torture chambers, violent ghosts, and cats (...more

Paperback, 480 pages

Published September 1st 2009 by Allen and Unwin (first published September 8th 2008)

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Oct 12, 2010 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Young Adult Fantasy readers

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, series, library-hold, library-book, reviewed

(4-4.5 Stars)

"A FRIEND. A FATHER. A KINGDOM. WHICH WOULD YOU SACRIFICE?" - from the book cover

The Poison Throne was a book that sucked me in at a time when I was struggling to connect to a book, and started a few just to put them aside. I didn't want to put this one aside but had to quite a bit because of work stresses. I had no trouble getting back into it though.

Christopher? Aaaaahhh... he just tugged at my heartstrings. I want to know him better! I really cared about Wynter, Christopher, Razi...more

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Dec 05, 2012 Chani rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Blah, blah, blah. This book just plods along, never really telling you where it wants to go. The author keeps trying to throw in some 'machine' that none of the characters are allowed to talk about, perhaps trying to create mystery, but after a while, it just gets old. If you are going to dangle something in front of me, you have to tell me BEFORE I get bored. Bad timing. Also, the characters started out interesting, but then never developed into anything. Their actions seemed forced, there was...more

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Dec 15, 2012 Amanda rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: coulda-been-better, fantasy, alternate-universe

6 Dec '12
I feel I need to explain my rating for The Poison Throne, as it was not a terribly bad book. Parts of me liked it, but the larger half of me was just too disappointed to give it any more than two out of five. You see, I've been in a rut recently. Work, traveling to and fro between islands, project deadlines -- especially with financial closure coming soon -- I've been (and still am) really stressing out with no proper me time, and all I really wanted was to curl up somewhere nice and q...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Book Chick City rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. Rating 7/10 on the blog.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Poison Throne'. The lead character is Wynter. She returns home after several years of travelling and succeeding in a man's trade, working as her father's carpentry apprentice. She is looking forward to seeing her childhood friends Prince Alberon, heir to the throne, and Razi the King's bastard son. However, as soon as she and her father arrive at the Kingdom gates it because evident that things have changed...more Reviewed by Laura for Book Chick City. Rating 7/10 on the blog.

I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Poison Throne'. The lead character is Wynter. She returns home after several years of travelling and succeeding in a man's trade, working as her father's carpentry apprentice. She is looking forward to seeing her childhood friends Prince Alberon, heir to the throne, and Razi the King's bastard son. However, as soon as she and her father arrive at the Kingdom gates it because evident that things have changed in their years of absence, the atmosphere is tense and something is very wrong.

The King, a previously genial and kind man has become a cruel dictator. The King's son and heir, Alberon is missing, declared a traitor, and her dear friend Razi is named the new successor despite his reluctance and public outcry.

The King, unwilling to listen is ruling through fear and violence. The only man he seems to listen to is Wynter's father. But Wynter's father is seriously ill, a condition they must keep secret from the rest of the court.

When Wynter is reconciled with Razi she is introduced to his new companion and best friend Christopher. Aside from his promiscuity, Wynter is suspicious of Christopher and Razi's relationship. Razi's deep, unquestioning trust of Christopher gives Wynter cause for concern.

This is a story of dark secrets and dangerous political games. Amidst violence, fear and games she really doesn't understand Wynter is left with some very difficult decisions. How can she choose between her dying father, her best friend and saving the Kingdom?

The plot of the story is very difficult to explain both because it is very detailed, but also for fear that I may give too much away.

What really makes this book is the characters and their relationships with one another. Wynter's warm and loving relationship with her father, her deep bond with Razi and her confusion and desperation to help those she cares for. Wynter is a determined and brave heroine you cannot help to admire. Each of the characters are complex and rounded. With as many flaws as they have strengths and this is what makes the story so engaging.

One thing to note, is that while I know this book is the first of a trilogy, it is most definitely written as one of three and does not stand-alone on its own. You finish the last page ready to grasp for the next book. It is also advertised as a young adult novel, but despite Wynter being a teenage girl, it reads very much like an adult story.

VERDICT:

This book sucks you in with its rich characters and intrigue. The 512 pages whizz by at the speed of a much shorter book. It's not what I would call action packed, the lure of the story is the mystery as to what has caused the darkness that is spreading through the Kingdom, and at the heart of it the love and friendships that fight to survive.
(less)

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May 29, 2011 Krista (One Love) (Critical) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 1

Shelves: best-character-s, blood-and-guts, cfmf, fantasy, funny, heroine-i-wanna-slap, own-ab, read-around, tears, ya

This could have been a five star book. I'll start with the bad and then move to the good. There isn't much bad anyway.

1. Wynter. I do like her, but a few things annoyed me. I didn't mind that she started off arrogant and cold/calculating, because it was fun to watch her grow, however, two things bother me about her. The first is that she is homophobic and basically comes right out and says she might not love her brother if he were gay. That made me icky toward her--I don't care about the time p...more

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May 14, 2010 Angie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, it's been that kind of month and the nasty reading slump in the middle of it did not help things in the slightest. I didn't want to ruin this read with my foul mood, so I started it early in the month, put it down again, and waited until things had picked up some before giving it a go. THE POISON THRONE--the first book in Celine Kiernan's Moorehawke Trilogy--is a book I eagerly anticipated picking up. I was especially excited as I had heard it likened to Megan Whalen Turner's Attolia books...more Well, it's been that kind of month and the nasty reading slump in the middle of it did not help things in the slightest. I didn't want to ruin this read with my foul mood, so I started it early in the month, put it down again, and waited until things had picked up some before giving it a go. THE POISON THRONE--the first book in Celine Kiernan's Moorehawke Trilogy--is a book I eagerly anticipated picking up. I was especially excited as I had heard it likened to Megan Whalen Turner's Attolia books as far as the quality of intrigue and political fantasy go. And as anyone familiar with me knows, this is very high praise indeed. So I picked up a copy at my local bookstore and took it home that night. I have to say I love the covers Orbit has designed for this trilogy's U.S. debut. Previously published in Ireland and Australia, all three books have already seen a handful of lovely covers and I like the leafy vignette and swirling cloak style going on here.

Wynter Moorehawke and her ailing father Lorcan have returned home after five years away in the barbaric North. Home once more, Wynter cannot wait to renew her friendship with her beloved quasi-siblings Razi and Alberon. Both sons of King Jonathan--one legitimate and one illegitimate--Wynter grew up with these boys, running all over the castle that was their home. But when she comes across Razi in the kitchens, Wynter discovers that things have changed in the years she's been gone. And not for the better. Jonathan has changed, gone from a tolerant and fair ruler to a cruel and unreasonable lord intent on naming his legitimate (and suspiciously missing) heir Alberon as dead and grooming the illegitimate Razi on the throne in his place. Tensions are more than high as Razi--a gifted doctor--does not want to be king at all, his people would prefer open war to a dark-skinned by-blow on the throne, and the king appears increasingly unstable and violent. Into this maelstrom Wynter is thrown without a by your leave, yet she is simultaneously expected to accept all these changes without question and play her part as an apprentice carpenter under her father's tutelage. But Razi needs her. And his unusual and generally unwelcome friend Christopher seems to be always underfoot and in need of a watchful eye. And Wynter is determined to stand by her friend and get to the bottom of this mounting disaster.

I was sucked into this novel right away. I enjoyed Wynter's easy relationship with her father and it was fun feeling my way around the castle along with her as she struggled to come to terms with the magnitude of the changes that had overtaken it in her absence. I loved the slight hints at the supernatural in the cats Wynter used to be able to communicate with and the many ghosts that haunt the castle and can clearly tell when danger is afoot. And, though initially a bit confusing, I liked the historical setting in a sort of alternate Europe, sprinkled here and there with references to such places as Padua and the Moroccos. And I was all set to enjoy Wynter, with her brotherly affection for the educated and kind Razi and her righteously indignant banter with the handsome rascal Christopher. However, somewhere around the halfway mark my enthusiasm began to pall. Nothing seemed to happen and each of the characters became oh-so-tiresome. Wynter was reduced to running here and there after the various men in her life. All of whom, by the way, needed a swift kick in the pants if you ask me. There seemed to be a sort of imbalance across the whole narrative. Characters who are innocent and loving one minute turn into raving lunatics the next, hugs and fond reminiscences are bedfellows with what felt like an out-of-place amount of surprisingly cruel and coarse violence. Wynter adores her "brother" Razi and, despite being frequently annoyed with him putting her off and not telling her things, she forgives him at the drop of a hat. And the instant forgiving soon extends to much more heinous crimes than withholding the truth. So much so that I started to lose my respect for both of them. Disliking Razi made it difficult to believe in him and in Wynter's affection for him. And, as much as I liked Christopher, with his mutilated hands and his mysterious past, I was not exactly keen on 15-year-old Wynter falling for a young man quite so promiscuous as he. All of this is to say that there was quite a bit of potential but it was a struggle to finish and ultimately fell flat for me.(less)

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Oct 12, 2011 Janina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Janina by: Choco

Shelves: fantasy, on-my-shelf, read-in-2011, cats, series-in-progress

If it weren't for the drawn out ending, which took me almost a week to read, this would be a solid four star read. A character-driven fantasy, clearly part of a trilogy and not offering much conclusion in this first instalment, I very much enjoyed both the world and the characters. This book falls into the category of "more talk, less action", but until about 75 pages before the end, this didn't bother me at all. Very atmospheric, a wonderful father-daughter relationship that often brought me cl...more

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Dec 12, 2010 Kat Hooper rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

After five years away on the King’s business, Wynter Moorehawke and Lorcan, her father, have returned to court. Though they are carpenters of common birth, they also serve their friend, King Jonathan, as Lord and Lady Protector. Wynter is excited to be reunited with her childhood friends Alberon and Razi, the King’s legitimate and illegitimate sons, respectively. They were like brothers to her and she and Lorcan were practically part of the King’s family....more ORIGINALLY POSTED AT Fantasy Literature.

After five years away on the King’s business, Wynter Moorehawke and Lorcan, her father, have returned to court. Though they are carpenters of common birth, they also serve their friend, King Jonathan, as Lord and Lady Protector. Wynter is excited to be reunited with her childhood friends Alberon and Razi, the King’s legitimate and illegitimate sons, respectively. They were like brothers to her and she and Lorcan were practically part of the King’s family. But it quickly becomes clear that things have changed dramatically since she’s been gone. King Jonathan has become a tyrant, and with her father’s fading health, Wynter realizes that even her own life could be in danger.

The Poison Throne is a pleasant read due to some immediately engaging characters: Wynter, Lorcan, Razi, Razi’s new friend Christopher, a ghost, and a palace cat. Kate Rudd, who narrated the audio version (Brilliance Audio), did a nice job with each of them. (I’ve noticed that Ms Rudd is especially good with books with young female protagonists.) I liked all of these characters right from the start — there are many tender moments in The Poison Throne and this was definitely the best part of the book.

Except for the opening and closing scenes, all of the plot occurs inside the castle grounds (most inside the castle itself) and involves a lot of political maneuvering, silly court behavior, sneaking around, concern and conversation about what everyone else thinks and does, etc. It’s a lot of emotion and angst (“Oh, Razi!” “Oh, Christopher!” “Oh, Dad!”) and some of the characters’ interactions and decisions are sometimes hard to believe.

The general setting and history are a bit far-fetched, too. For example, we’re told that this kingdom had formerly been stable, prosperous, and happy, with the royal family enjoying favor among the people. King Jonathan was a good and fair man until recently. If so, why is Wynter (as soon as she returns, before she realizes that things have changed) so hung up on perfectly proper courtly behavior? Why does she worry that the court will eat Christopher alive if he makes a social blunder? She’s so concerned that he’ll never be accepted because of his common ancestry — yet she used to be a commoner, too. Plotwise, it’s unclear why King Jonathan has to order his thuggish personal guard to kill people so that he can stop them from going out the guarded castle gate. Since he’s such a tyrant, why doesn’t he just tell the guards at the gate not to let them through? These things (and a few others) may be perfectly explainable — perhaps I missed something — but there were several times that I felt like I only had a loose grasp on why some things were happening or why Wynter, Razi, and Christopher had to take certain drastic and dangerous actions. I just wasn’t convinced about a few important aspects of the plot.

In the end, there is a lot more angst than believable plot in The Poison Throne and it takes a long time to get to what feels like “Scene 2” at the end of the book. However, because the characters are so endearing, it’s pleasant to spend time with them, even when they are just sitting around wondering what's going on. Because there’s a mystery to solve and it feels like something exciting may actually be starting to happen (we’re leaving the castle!), I have to admit that I’m looking forward to reading on in The Crowded Shadows. If you don’t insist on a quick and tight plot, The Moorehawke Trilogy may turn out to be a fun story. I recommend trying it on audio.(less)

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Mar 23, 2013 Alice rated it 3 of 5 stars

That ending. Made me cry. Like a baby. Never have I read a more touching and depressing and maudlin farewell. I could not do it. I could not be Wynter. No. Twoud be too difficult.

I love Christopher: he is just too sly and dimpled and cute. His tragic past weans my heart slowly. Razi um. he annoyed me. His sudden mood changes appeared crudely put together- and i wished he would be less of dickhead.

Locarn was.. beautiful. I love how the father is present in this story, ie the parents are not kille...more

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Dec 02, 2012 Jenny Scupi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult

The characters in this book will suck you in but the slow moving plot will put you to sleep. If you make it to the end it will be because you develop a massive crush on either Razi or Christopher, who are both very appealing in a smokin’ hot way.

The plot would be fine if it actually moved along a little (or a lot) faster. However, it just plods along and drags endlessly, especially for such a short book, and there are places where it just doesn’t make sense.

Why is the king trying to have Razi...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Ladysaotome rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ya-fantasy

The Poison Throne is the first in a trilogy about the medieval semi-political adventures of Wynter Moorehawke. The story begins with Wynter returning to her land after a 5 year absence, eager to see her princely childhood friends. Only, everything has radically changed. Alberon, the heir-apparent, has mysteriously disappeared. Once kindly King Jonathan appears to have gone insane, formally declaring Alberon dead & attempting to replace him with his resistant illegitimate son, Razi, despite t...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Natalie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: okay-but-missed-the-boat

This book was OKAY. It started off with lots of potential, but fizzled out before it even had a chance. I also hate books that are supposed to be historical fiction, but are thinly disguised as "historical fantasy" - they are often poorly researched books that just changes a few names and hopes the readers won't notice. I wish the author had done more research in this one. It just seems lazy.

The relationships between Wynter (the "protagonist") and each of the other characters seemed contrived. I...more

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Mar 08, 2012 Shaheen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

It’s the characters and their relationships that really make this book. Wynter’s relationship with Prince Razi, whom she calls ‘brother’, was especially sweet. I think they behaved very much like siblings. Her sudden and irrational jealousy of Christopher, Razi’s best friend, irritated me until I realised acts just like a sister would. Wynter also has a wonderful relationship with her father, and she takes care of him lovingly during his illness. I think the story of The Poison Throne is so powe...more

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Jan 09, 2012 Viridian5 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction

In The Poison Throne by Celine Kiernan, Wynter and her ailing father are at last returning to their home kingdom after several years as political hostages in the cold, conservative north. Although she's not enthused about returning to court politics and machinations, Wynter is looking forward to being home, warm, and amongst friends again. She also hopes her father's health will improve. However, things have really changed during her time away. The rational, tolerant king has become a violent de...more

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Jul 12, 2011 grellian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult

“The Poison Throne” is the first installment in “The Moorehawke Trilogy” by Irish author Celine Kiernan. In this Medieval-inspired world of intrigue, royal bloodlines and secret passages the author focuses on the poignant coming-of-age story of Wyn-ter Moorehawke, as the protagonist confronts a mad king, whose ruthless political machinations sacrifice all but his fractured kingdom, racial in-tolerance against her beloved childhood friend, and the ultimate loss of innocence.

The novel follows Wyn...more “The Poison Throne” is the first installment in “The Moorehawke Trilogy” by Irish author Celine Kiernan. In this Medieval-inspired world of intrigue, royal bloodlines and secret passages the author focuses on the poignant coming-of-age story of Wyn-ter Moorehawke, as the protagonist confronts a mad king, whose ruthless political machinations sacrifice all but his fractured kingdom, racial in-tolerance against her beloved childhood friend, and the ultimate loss of innocence.

The novel follows Wynter’s struggles to come in terms with the current realities of court after spending the last few years abroad and returning home with sweet memories of a blissful childhood. However, the truth shatters her fragile illusions. Thrown into the midst of political games and corruption, the main heroine aims to restore the balance and peace of the kingdom. Aided by her dear friend Lord Razi and the sexually promiscuous Christopher Garron, Wynter sets out on a path of unknown danger that may ultimately lead to her demise.

Even though “The Poison Throne” is considered to be young adult fantasy fiction, it is more of a historical novel sprinkled here and there with talking, obscenely arrogant cats and helpful vs. hate-filled spirits. Moreover, Celine Kiernan has suffused the book with many a references regarding the current state of affairs in the world; racial and religious intolerance, a weapon of mass destruction, an armed rebellion are just a few on the list. It is, therefore, not only a deeply moving story of cursed love and bitter disappointment and villainous treachery, but also a well thought out chronicle of our world. “The Poison Throne” is universal in its appeal.

In terms of writing style, this is a fast-paced and complex read introducing its characters in the third person. The plot, as can be gathered, is rather schematic in summary, but in fact quite intricate in execution. There were, fortunately, quite a few unexpected twists and turns that will leave you craving for more. And, of course, the cliffhanger at the end is practically mocking. In fact, “The Poison Throne” is so well-written that any flaws regarding the formulaic plot are simply forgotten as the novel progresses. And it does develop with striking detail, yet is brisk and wonderfully balanced.

What undoubtedly made the novel unique, however, are the characters of Wynter, her father, Razi, Christopher and a multitude of other secondary characters. They are so lively and heavy with human vices and virtues that realism is within the reader’s grasp during all times. What’s more, their interaction is life-like and not contrived in any sense, which makes them instantly likeable. The book gives a thrilling feel of a Gothic mystery, as ghosts are practically ubiquitous, and the author has used this to the novel’s advantage; the tinge of horror creates an even richer atmosphere.

In conclusion, Celine Kiernan’s “The Poison Throne” is an excellent read filled with memorable characters a reader sympathizes with, a well-wrought story that is a pinch clichéd but otherwise absorbing, and, of course, a scene of court intrigue, tense internal and external struggles and an unlikely love story. (less)

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Jun 17, 2011 Cathleen Clark rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book during a stressful period of my life and I must say it did offer me a time to not think about my challenges. The Poison Throne is written by a new author, Celine Kiernan and it centers on 3 central characters (Christopher, Razi, and Wynter), though it is told from the point of view of Wynter. The story opens with Wynter and her ailing father being called back from the mysterious Northlands to thier home castle. Wynter, a young girl of 15, is soon entrenched into court politics a...more

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Feb 03, 2011 Witchmag rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, historical-fiction, read-2011, young-adult

I came across this book and read the very interesting backside. The story isn't that interesting when you start reading. The first few pages are great in getting your hopes up, but then you get a lot of political things, which are not my thing. I prefer action. That's why I stopped reading at that moment......

Now for the Dutch people:
Het leek me een interesant boek, mysterieuze achterkant (keuze tussen je vader, een vriend of een koninkrijk, pratende katten en geesten??) Algauw bleek echter dat...more

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Jan 02, 2011 drey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-reads, fantasy, ya

Celine Kiernan's The Poison Throne sets a fifteen-year-old apprentice carpenter on a hard path. When Wynter Moorehawke returns home, she expects it to be just as it was when she left five years ago. Instead, it seems as though the King has gone mad, and things that used to be so much a part of normal daily life--including ghosts and talking cats--are now banned, upon penalty of death.

When Wynter goes to search out her childhood friends--the King's sons Alberon and Razi, she finds that Alberon's...more

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Sep 13, 2010 Kat rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fantasy fans

Recommended to Kat by: Michelle

Though not a whole lot actually happens in this book, it's quite an enjoyable fantasy novel. The characters are likeable enough, and their relationships intriguing enough, that I would like to find out what happens next. I will definitely be picking up volume 2 as soon as I can.

(And an aside that has nothing to do with the book: this book was recced me by a friend, who had nothing but positive things to say about it, but the first time I looked for it at the library it was checked out. However,...more

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Sep 11, 2010 YA Reads Book Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

At last, something in the YA fantasy genre that doesn’t need vampires or werewolves, magic or the paranormal to make an interesting read. The Poison Throne is debut novel from Irish author Celine Kiernan is one novel that I couldn’t put down.

Born to the commoners class, girl apprentice in the ‘man’s’ trade of carpentry and friend to the sons of the King, Wynter is no ordinary girl. For five years Wynter and her father had been confined to the Northlands, cut off from everything they know. So whe...more At last, something in the YA fantasy genre that doesn’t need vampires or werewolves, magic or the paranormal to make an interesting read. The Poison Throne is debut novel from Irish author Celine Kiernan is one novel that I couldn’t put down.

Born to the commoners class, girl apprentice in the ‘man’s’ trade of carpentry and friend to the sons of the King, Wynter is no ordinary girl. For five years Wynter and her father had been confined to the Northlands, cut off from everything they know. So when they finally are ordered to return to the South, Wynter can’t wait to see her friends again, to live the life that she knows best.

Yet as they travel south, not all is as it seems. And when they arrive at the castle itself things are defiantly not the way they should be. What was once the most prosperous, fair, just and right kingdom seems to be descending into chaos and destruction – King Jonathon at the heart. The once benevolent ruler seems to have completely abandoned the people, no longer listening to their wishes, letting the state run into disarray and himself to be consumed by madness.

So it would seem.

In a court where one wrong step could have you fighting for your life, Wynter must navigate the difficult waters as the only daughter of the Protector Lord. Particularly when that Lord is your father and is deathly ill, so ill that even moving around the castle can become so difficult that he must rely of others to assist him.

Razi, the bastard son and illegitimate heir of the king is desperate to continue his doctor’s training yet is being forced into the position of crown prince. A position that not only does Razi not want, but that the people will not accept him in. Especially when the true heir Alberon is still alive despite Jonathon’s every effort to erase him from history. Alberon who used to be Wynter’s best friend and the beloved son of the King.

Wynter is thrown into the midst of a battle for power. A battle that could see one of her two best friends dead. Or both if she isn’t careful. And only two things are certain. Alberon must be found, or the lives of more than just her best friends and father could be in danger…

The Poison Throne is by far, one of the best young adult fantasy books I have read in a long time. From the beginning, Kiernan has created a world so complete and rich, that it automatically pulls you into the story. Atmospheric and intriguing, The Poison Throne evokes and enchanting and convincing alternate universe. A universe full of love, treachery, jealousy, tenderness, war, wisdom and court life. High fantasy at its best, The Poison Throne is an engaging and dynamic read that left me wanting for more, even after the last page.(less)

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Aug 01, 2010 Samantha rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

For all that one might call this a mix of high fantasy and historical fantasy, there's relatively little of swordfights and magic in 'The Poison Throne.' Instead, what Kiernan offers us is a moving tale of friendship and friendships betrayed, of childhood friendships lost and found and perhaps lost again, of broken promises between powerful lifelong friends.

Young Wynter and her father Lorcan, an associate of the King, return to court from years in the North, only to find all has changed, and a...more For all that one might call this a mix of high fantasy and historical fantasy, there's relatively little of swordfights and magic in 'The Poison Throne.' Instead, what Kiernan offers us is a moving tale of friendship and friendships betrayed, of childhood friendships lost and found and perhaps lost again, of broken promises between powerful lifelong friends.

Young Wynter and her father Lorcan, an associate of the King, return to court from years in the North, only to find all has changed, and a darkness fallen over the place where Wynter spent many happy years of her childhood. She is happily reunited with the King's bastard son, Razi, her lifelong friend, but soon learns royal Heir Alberon, another childhood friend, is missing, and for mysterious reasons is being shunned by his father. Troubled by the ongoings, and fearful for her father's fragile health, both Wynter and Razi have some serious decisions to make, with many lives on the line – and the country's future in question.

An undercurrent of dark secrets runs through the tome. What's this terrible machine Lorcan makes vague reference to? Where IS Alberon, and what is he up to? What's the King's true agenda? These unanswered questions make for a keen air of suspense elevating the story past being largely political.

I think the tale exceeds when we're shown the interactions between the characters. The obviously close friendship between Razi and his pal Christopher; the scenes where Lorcan and his old friend King Jonathon confront each other, but are obviously still very close; the many instances in which the characters, in a moment of vulnerability, open up to each other. You really get a feel for the characters are people, as friends, as siblings. The story does a great job of highlighting the bonds these individuals share. The only thing I'm uncertain about is where the bulk of the story is taking place. There are references to Europe, and an Italian character, so obviously its quasi-real world, but the "actual" location is unclear (at least to me).

Overall, I found that there is just enough action, paired with the suspense, and just a dash of romance, to make for an easy and addictive read. (less)

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Apr 23, 2010 Deangroom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Loved every moment in it. The characters hold your interest and curiosity right from the beginning and the author never really needs to use radical surprises and unseen twists to explore both their strength and vulnerability. As a tale of Utopia/Distopia - it continually addresses both sides though the characters, leaving the reader to continually challenged to find their sympathies with the characters view and often actions.

For teachers wishing to explore these general themes; but wanting to pu...more

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Dec 19, 2009 Gemma rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, reviewed

God, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Rarely nowadays do I get to read a novel for young people that is so mature and so well written! I've been reading way too many that are fluffy, unoriginal tales of two dimensional characters and love/obsession that has no basis, this reminded me of why I love to read books. (:

What I loved about The Poison Throne was that it was one of those rare books where I got completely engrossed in the story, a type of epic fantasy/historical hybrid that swept me up from the first p...more

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May 15, 2011 Terra rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-sci-fi

Hum. So. I'm not really sure what to do with this one; on the one hand, it is hella well-written, the characters are nicely multidimensional, and the world-building is pretty good (though frankly it ain't no Tortall or Ancelstierre). On the other hand, it left me feeling pretty damn traumatized, which is not high on my checklist o' things I appreciate in a book. I have never been a cheerful consumer of stories that are painful to my brain on the grounds that they are Well-Executed Literature. So...more Hum. So. I'm not really sure what to do with this one; on the one hand, it is hella well-written, the characters are nicely multidimensional, and the world-building is pretty good (though frankly it ain't no Tortall or Ancelstierre). On the other hand, it left me feeling pretty damn traumatized, which is not high on my checklist o' things I appreciate in a book. I have never been a cheerful consumer of stories that are painful to my brain on the grounds that they are Well-Executed Literature. So there's that.

I did get sucked into the story pretty quickly, but then all these THINGS start HAPPENING and it becomes like an exploitation-film-turned-book, in that there is a whole lotta suffering going on and AGH THE TENTERHOOKS YE GADS. In addition, I'm not sure how much I bought the arc that is supposed to have taken place in the five years previous to the story. You have to believe that this kingdom was a lovely place filled with happy tolerant people, an excellent ruler, singing birdies, dancing kittens, etc., and YET somehow it has now been transformed into a reeking cesspool of awful. And frankly, I'm not entirely sure that I did buy it. Maybe this quibble will be resolved in one of the two subsequent books--maybe the terrible bad thing that caused everyone to suddenly totally suck will be miraculously revealed. Maybe I will stop egregiously overusing adverbs. Here's hoping.

Lastly, the characters: the lead character (I say lead because the whole thing is written from her perspective) is pretty cool. I approve, other than the fact that she seems to spend a great deal of time in tears. Admittedly, she has excellent reason for said tears and they don't stop her from Getting Shit Done, but still. Christopher, Best Friend Guy, is also good, although his Deep Dark Past made me cringe a bit (I am not a huge fan of the trope in which a character must be terribly damaged in some way in order to appear more noble and brave and mysterious. Whatever, man, say I). And finally, Razi, a.k.a. Le Prince: I must admit, some squicky shit goes down to which he's a party or at least a willing observer, and my inner human rights lawyer COMES DOWN on that sort of thing pretty hard (in much the same way as my inner Catholic comes down pretty hard on characters who gad about cheating on their significant others. You better believe this makes a LOT of book characters annoyingly unsympathetic to me--it's like the vegetarianism of readerdom).

Anywho, this has gone long. Suffice to say: well-written, stressed me out. I will read the next two because I do feel pretty invested in the characters, and also in hopes that things will go the opposite of pear-shaped at the end and thus prevent me from having nightmares or similar. Le sigh.(less)

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Nov 28, 2009 Elaine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, 2009, young-adult, 100-faves

Wow. I hadn’t expected to enjoy “The Poison Throne” so much but I loved it. Admittedly, I found it difficult to get into at the start but found myself becoming more and more drawn in as the story progressed.

Although marketed as a “tale of court intrigue, romance and adventure”, I found these labels somewhat misleading as it conjured up images of a swashbuckling, sword-wielding, young heroine in my mind. However, it was the emotions more so than the events of the novel that really captivated me....more

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Sep 11, 2009 Ashlee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ashlees-top-100, fantasy-fiction

It's been a long time since something different found its way into my hands, while browsing the shelves of my favorite bookstore I found this book with it's amazing cover. (If you wish to see for yourself take a look at the author's blog, she shows each of the covers there.)It was not only the cover that caught my eye, but upon reading the first page I became amazed at the authors writing technique, it was captivating and descriptive, right from the very begining until the very end. The names an...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Cherie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the first in the Moorehawke trilogy about young Protector Lady Moorehawke and the life she leads once she returned from five years afar and finds her previous life impossible to retrieve.

I think that this book is set somewhere in medieval Europe. I can’t think of an exact part of the book that makes me think of that, but there must be some subtle things that suggest that setting and time frame.

I thought that this was a good book because it is really quite long when I think about it, 468...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: other-adult-fantasy, 2011, loved-it, own-it

The three books of the series are The Poison Throne, The Crowded Shadows and The Rebel Prince. I'm reviewing them together partly because it would be hard to write individual reviews without a ton of spoilers...but also because I was insanely addicted to the series and read all three books in a row, and in a ridiculously short amount of time. Oh - and fair warning - there will be gushing to follow.

Here, friends. Here is a series to get lost in. This world, these people...they don't let you keep...more

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Aug 27, 2009 Adele rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Poison Throne immediately took me back to those fond years when I discovered book detailing the adventures of a lady knight named Alanna. In no way does this mean that Kiernan has borrowed from Pierce, instead it’s about girls in fictional medieval settings trying to buck gender conformities. In the case of our heroine, Wynter, she has the support of her father and we meet her after her considerable carpentry training. Her father, Lorcan, was a master in engineering and design as well as a g...more The Poison Throne immediately took me back to those fond years when I discovered book detailing the adventures of a lady knight named Alanna. In no way does this mean that Kiernan has borrowed from Pierce, instead it’s about girls in fictional medieval settings trying to buck gender conformities. In the case of our heroine, Wynter, she has the support of her father and we meet her after her considerable carpentry training. Her father, Lorcan, was a master in engineering and design as well as a good friend to the king and as such has been entitled, Lord Proctor.

We join this family of two as they return to the castle after a three year sojourn north. Quickly they realise that all is not well with the kingdom, the cats have stopped talking, people are whisked away and tortured and the heir has been disinherited. The king’s bastard son, Rezi, is to be the new heir and he’s extremely reluctant as he’s loyal to his brother. If Rezi is reluctant then the kingdom is livid – they don’t want an Arab (via Rezi’s mother) as their future ruler. The king is a brute. The heir would rather be a doctor. Lorcan's dying. Wynter’s confused, upset and conflicted and there’s a new guy too – the slippery and charming Christopher.

Featuring some of the most beautiful cover art of the year, The Poison Throne, has a lot going for it. Rich writing, fully formed characters, political intrigue, secret passages, ghosts and horrific torture. Kiernan’s work is amazingly detailed and absorbing, a wonderful debut effort from this Irish author. She has effectively weaved a whole host of characters that aggressively pursue their own goals. The world building is also beautifully achieved with the societal structure, political agendas and even the layout of the castle vividly detailed.

There is a strong relationship depicted between Lorcan and his daughter, he is a widow who is inordinately proud and supportive of Wynter’s achievements. There love is the heart of this novel. Wynter’s relationship with Rezi is a little more complex, each regard the other as their sibling but the nature of that tie is continually altered throughout the novel. This is the one element that frustrated me, Rezi’s love for the family means he also needs to keep them at arm’s length. His constant to-ing and fro-ing between fierce care and removal was focused on a little too much, though I empathise with the character’s predicament. It’s through Rezi and his best friend, Christopher, that we get the lion’s share of action – sword play, fist fights and beatings. However, it’s with Christopher that the romantic interplay begins. Christopher is a man of mystery (complete with missing middle fingers) who also has a way with the ladies yet, Wynter and he manage to establish a sweet link that is based on what is not said between them.

The Poison Throne is a book full of possibilities. With such a strong start, it is exciting to anticipate the second title in this series. Questions are asked, characters are spread across the lands and the royal family is still an absolute mess. Celine Kiernan has debuted with a bang!!(less)

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Jan 21, 2011 Kawaiiwriting rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have been waiting to read Celine Keirnan’s The Moorehawke Trilogy for more than a year now. Keirnan is an Irish writer, so her books were released in the European and Australian markets earlier than here in the United States. My best friend is a writer who lives in Germany, and she hyped the first book up to me before it was even available here. I got to read The Poison Throne when it was released in April 2010. Wow. Just wow. I wanted more, but when The Crowded Shadows was released in July, I...more I have been waiting to read Celine Keirnan’s The Moorehawke Trilogy for more than a year now. Keirnan is an Irish writer, so her books were released in the European and Australian markets earlier than here in the United States. My best friend is a writer who lives in Germany, and she hyped the first book up to me before it was even available here. I got to read The Poison Throne when it was released in April 2010. Wow. Just wow. I wanted more, but when The Crowded Shadows was released in July, I was mega-busy with my graduate studies. There just was no chance for me to read it until I got through summer and completed my fall semester.

Enter winter break. Once I got through vacations, family obligations, and holiday madness I hunkered down with a warm blanket and The Moorehawke Trilogy. I re-read the first book because it had been awhile, and hey, it was good enough for a second read. I loved it just as much the second time as I did the first. Then I read the last two books in the series. My wow factor tripled. Wow wow wow.

The series is set in Europe of the 1500’s, but this is not a historical setting really. Kiernan has re-imagined the time period to suit her world, weaving fictional countries and politics in with decidedly nonfictional ones. My husband the history buff would be aggravated, but it worked in this narrative and I didn’t really mind. Her world also has fantastical elements such as talking cats, ghosts, and shapeshifters. The touches of fantasy were used with great care, and they added considerable depth to the story. A reader might expect whimsy, but most of the fantasy was of a darker nature.

In fact, I learned that this series faced something of a marketing conundrum (for more on this, check out the interview with Celine Kiernan on The Skiffy and Fanty Show). Teenage female heroine, talking cats, ghosts-- that equals young adult, right? But there are some pretty graphic scenes of torture and violence. Hrm. In the United States, it got shuffled into the fantasy market even though it might be considered lightweight by the dedicated sword-and-sorcery crowd.

I don’t care about that. The series is beautiful and nail-biting and uplifting. It will be added to my short list of books to read again and again.

Wynter makes a fascinating study in the fortitude and self-possession it takes for a woman to navigate life at court while maintaining her own ideas, opinions, and agendas. Although she is not noble by birth, her father was named Protector Lord by the King, and Wynter is the Protector Lady. As such, she grew up at court in the company of Razi and Alberon, the king’s two sons. Razi is older but illegitimate, so he has been trained for life as a doctor. Alberon is the legitimate heir to the throne, but a few chapters into The Poison Throne, you discover that something is terribly wrong.

Wynter is forced to decide between loyalty to her friend, loyalty to her country, and loyalty to her ailing father. She does not decide lightly, but her course of action shapes the events for the last two books in the series. Her adventurous path leads her to danger, romance, and more danger. The romance is rocky and sweet and wonderful. I don’t want to say too much more for fear that spoilers may slip. So, all I will say is go buy the books. Read them! Love them!(less)

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About Celine Kiernan

Born in Dublin, Ireland, 1967, Celine Kiernan has spent the majority of her working life in the film business. Trained at the Sullivan Bluth Studios, her career as a classical feature character animator spanned over seventeen years. She spent most of her time working between Germany, Ireland and the USA. Her books have been included in the White Raven's Collection, and short listed for the 2009 Ir...more

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The Crowded Shadows (Moorehawke Trilogy, #2)

The Rebel Prince (Moorehawke Trilogy, #3)

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Quotes from The Poison Throne

“(CBI lecture, Dublin, 2008. Speaking on the challenges presented by The Moorehawke Trilogy to the YA reader)

You can't choose any of these characters and say, 'Yes! I'm completely on your side. You are the good guy! You are the one I agree with.' Because at some stage along the way every single one of these characters will let you down. They may not want to. They may have no choice. But they will let you down.” — 10 people liked it

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