Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

Top positive review

Brilliant

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016

What a wonderful action packed series!! I was a little saddened that Owen had grown up so much, but the adventure and peril proved to be all the more interesting. I also wanted to point out that this series has no sex or swearing in it, which is unusual to me, but the books are so well written that they don't feel lacking. There is still love, romance and hostility it's just clean, it was honestly refreshing. Anyways, the perspective is from the main character Owen. His age has increased from eight, in the first novel, to 17. He is the duke of his childhood estate and is "fountain blessed". Through the book Owen and king Severn try to thwart Severn's "nephew" from unlawfully taking the throne. Owens loyalty, integrity, self control and fountain blessed gifts are constantly tested, but through it all he prevails. Kudos to the author for conjuring up "being fountain blessed", the idea of random people being born with gifts that are replenished through corresponding personal idiosyncrasies is brilliant. I seriously love these books and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a hero who actually deserves to be idolized. Super excited for more!

28 people found this helpful

Top critical review

All critical reviews›

Paul

I am most puzzled by the positive reviews

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2019

I am puzzled by the positive reviews and suspect that only a specific, narrow kind of audience reads this book. Maybe people review it positively because it’s cheap? Worse than the prequel, which was weak but readable. Mediocre, uninspired writing at best. Lots and lots of telling and telling by the narrator instead of letting characters’ thoughts and actions unfold. Bland characters with questionable motivations, puzzling loyalties, age-inappropriate psychology, and weak development (if any). A potentially interesting plot and potentially fascinating world building that don’t go very far - a wasted opportunity. No connection to any higher or more abstract value or idea other than loyalty to a king.

Sort by

Filter by

3,323 global ratings | 1,731 global reviews

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

FlyingFish

Brilliant

Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2016

Verified Purchase

28 people found this helpful

Helpful

Lora S.

Another moving book in the series

Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

Another moving book in the Kingfountain series by Jeff Wheeler. In this one, Owen Kiskaddon and his childhood friend Evie Mortimer are grown up enough to command armies and conduct diplomatic missions. They also want to get married, but King Severn has other plans for them. It seems to have been common in earlier times for the women of noble and royal families to have been used to seal alliances between countries or powerful factions with a marriage. Severn plans to use not only Evie but Owen (whom he has made his ward) as well in this fashion. The resulting necessary parting makes the end of this book a real tearjerker.

In the meantime, though, they are sent off on a partly diplomatic, partly spy mission to the king Severn has picked out to be Evie’s husband. They are assisted by another young member of the Espion, Clark, and a new poisoner, Etayne. The king of Atabyrion is harboring a young man who claims to be Severn’s nephew who was supposedly murdered years before. Owen and Etayne are charged with finding out whether he really is who he claims to be, in which case they are to try to bring him back to Ceredigion, or if he is an impostor, in which case they are to kill him.

Other events in Ceredigion include Severn’s niece, Elyse, fleeing the country to marry King Chatriyon of Occitania against her uncle’s wishes. This, among other things, makes Severn really mad, and Owen feels he is becoming dangerous again. Nevertheless, he decides to remain loyal to the king – although this loyalty in part assumes the form of pretending to entertain the idea of defecting to Chatriyon’s side to find out what he is up to. While on this mission, he discovers something much different from what he expects to find.

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

Dori Herndon

Worth listening, but had a few problems.

Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2020

Verified Purchase

I am glad there are still some authors who write adventure and fantasy books and not ruin them with profanity and promiscuity. Jeff Wheeler has shown to be an author I can trust for that.
This book was interesting with a good plot and characters. The romantic conflict added interest, and I wonder how that will turn out. However, I found it disturbing how devoted Owen was to King Severn - Not sure how the name is spelled. I did audiobook. In the first book, this king took children away from their parents so he could kill the children if he needed to punish the parents. He murdered Owen's older brother, and a lot of the first book was two people scheming to help Owen appear to be valuable to this king so he wouldn't also be murdered. Yet, Owen is loyal to the king and admires him. Toward the end, there's some concern that the king is becoming a monster. Excuse me, anybody willing to tie up children, put them in a boat, and send them over a waterfall to be dashed to pieces and/or drowned has long passed monster. I guess you call it Stockholm syndrome, but it was still troublesome.
The only other problem was that some sentences needed tightening up. There were several places with unnecessary words and redundancy. Like "ached in pain" - ache means pain. Or "smile on his face" -where else would it be. But I doubt anybody who hasn't taken courses in editing would notice that or care.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Jamie

Book and series start at an early point and build up, interwoven into a tapestry

Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2019

Verified Purchase

When I was a child, my brothers, my father, my friends, and I all read The Lord of The Ring. When my children were old enough, I indoctrinated them in the same pleasures. When The Lord of The Ring movies started coming out a couple years later, my middle school aged children, my young adult to middle aged siblings, and my father, as well as I myself, were all beside ourselves, just beside ourselves, when we realized that Peter Jackson was bringing JRR Tolkien's world alive on the silver screen. We've all been gamers when there's time and readers even when there isn't, and the one constant in our world the whole time has been that we share good books when we find them. Well, friends, the Kingfountain series was a find of mind and I'm very excited to be sharing it with my family and friends. The writing is excellent, the characters come alive, and the story is thrilling. The series starts with the early lives of significant people who have an impact in the flow of history and it builds from book to book, interwoven into a like tapestry. It's truly a pleasure to read. I can't recommend this book, this series, or this author enough. Enjoy.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Mark Twain

Good New (to me anyways) Author

Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2016

Verified Purchase

I like this book and I'm an avid reader, I'm 60 an have been reading books since I was 3, the only changes are my glasses...I love historical non fiction, try to find non biased also, I love Literature, I love DEAN R KOONTZ he turned me on to the non snooty books, I totally dislike Stephen king and I believe he's a serious head case with a grudge against children.

I like this book I like this author, he's original and you don't find that a lot. I read the last series and liked them very much and was surprised in places which is hard to do to me.

So if you want to read a book written by a person I'd do lunch with this is the guy...

19 people found this helpful

Helpful

MapleLeafAussie

A rich and deeply involving story.

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019

Verified Purchase

Sequel to ‘The Queen’s Poisoner’ in the KingFountain series, this book continues the story of Owen Kiskaddon and his life as a one of King Severn’s most trusted advisors. Many of the same central characters feature alongside some entirely new ones, who add new dimensions and qualities to the story.

Time has passed, naturally, and Owen has grown from the child hostage and stranger in the royal court into a man, rewarded with a Duchy for his loyalty, and charged with the duty of serving the king and protecting those closest to him.

It is a magnificent and epic fantasy story, enriched with magic, deeply involving the reader in both the personal lives of the central characters the fate of the kingdom of Ceredigion, a kingdom that is richly and intricately detailed to the point where it seems real. The reader gains a deeper understanding of the complexities of the problems that face the king, fully aware as he is of the reasons why many distrust and fear him, yet also strongly motivated by his sincere love and concern for his kingdom and subjects.

Although the connections between this story and the elements of English history during The Wars of the Roses, particularly the life and personality of Richard III, are clearly discernible, the story maintains an original and unique plot that sets it apart from those events and ensures its distinction as a fine work of fantasy rather than historical fiction.

This book delivers a rich and deeply involving story that captivates the reader. It is difficult to put the book down once started, and as the momentum of the story builds, the story becomes even more compelling. It really is a most excellent read.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Donald T.

Another great book in the Kingsfountain series

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2017

Verified Purchase

“The Thief’s Daughter” is the second book in the “Kingfountain” series by Jeff Wheeler. The second installment takes place about ten years after the first. Owen is now a young man, confident, strong, and truly fountain-blessed. He has earned the Kings trust and is positioned to become a person with a bright future in the kingdom. He is also very much in love with his childhood friend Evie. Things start to fall apart as an “imposter” from another land comes in and claims to be the king’s nephew, and as such, the rightful king of Ceredigion. As events start to play out, Owen and Evie are forced into a terrible position and must make a choice to follow their hearts, or follow a king who isn’t worthy of their loyalty…..and may not be the real king at all.

I was somewhat nervous about the second book. I was assuming it would pick up immediately after the first, but when I started reading, quickly realized that almost a decade had passed. Despite my concerns, Wheeler does a good job of writing a book that faithfully follows the characters and has them matured to a believable place in their lives. This book is equally well written when compared to the first, but it’s much more heart breaking. Without giving anything away, there are situations that do not fall out the way you as the reader expect (or want them to). As someone who loves a happy ending, I was very disappointed with the conclusion of this one. That said, the book is still exciting and very well done. Hoping the third book will finish with more happy and less frustration.

Still a great read.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Forever Me ;)

From my 75ish yr old aunt.. "Make a TV show or movie"

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2019

Verified Purchase

"They need to make this whole set into a movie or TV show." Coming from her that means loads of good!! I imagine I bought it for myself, but she ended up starting with the 4th book in the series and I had to get her on course. She's not used to reading series, so she just opened up a book to read. She doesn't normally go for anything but "it could happen" type books, e.g. mysteries, romance, drama. She is in no way interested in magic, syfy or that type of book, show or movie. So when she said, "There's a little bit of magic", I nearly fell out from the fact that she even read one, much less said that the series was so good that she could not put it down. She would go into the bedroom to watch TV, go through her mail or whatever and said she would have to stop and pick up the iPad and start reading again. Very avid reader and goes through a book about every day or two when she is not busy volunteering, working outside, "re-arranging the house"!! (Yes. It's a copy and paste for the whole series, but as per my aunt's review, I thought they all needed it)

Helpful

Amazon Customer

Character Driven Plots Are The Best!

Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2017

Verified Purchase

I'm loving Wheeler's Kingfountain series and can hardly wait for the next volume.

The characters are rich and complex.

Owen Kiskaddon as an adult has remained loyal to King Severn, is deeply in love with Evie and is mired in politics. He proves himself to be a great tactician in war which he needs in his personal life as well.

Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer is still daring, passionate and devoted to both her king and Owen. Politics continue to get in the way of what she wants and she has to choose where her loyalties will lie.

King Severn insists upon loyalty, even as his own loyalty was required. When loyalty fails the king seems to tip into a well of madness, though some would argue it wasn't a far drop for him anyhow. The kingdom has prospered under King Severn, but his countrymen may not be loyal under his rule no matter the gold in their pockets.

The new poisoner, Etayne, is multi-layered. She distrusts those around her and simultaneously craves acknowledgement for her skills. Her loyalty is easily bought through true friendship. (The oddity was that Etayne should be very memorable since she is the title character, but I had to look up her name to write this review - so perhaps, she needed to be more significant.)

Too often middle books suffer with a dragging plot. I am happy to report that The Thief's Daughter clips along at a steady pace, with new political intrigue and stands as a novel rather than a set-up for the dramatic conclusion. Mind you, there is going to be drama in the third book that the reader can see bubbling up from the terrible situations. I found it very convincing that Owen is embroiled in politics as a young man that he couldn't have understood as a child. Skipping much of Owen and Evie's childhood was a good plan to keep the reader focused on the salient points of the progression of the story.

The only thing I would change would be a larger map so I could more easily see the relationships of the various kingdoms.

Anyone who enjoys historical fiction or fantasy will enjoy this book. The writing is very character driven within the events which makes for a scintillating plot. Kudos to Wheeler!

If you would like to read my interview with Jeff you can find me on talesuntangled through wordpress

Helpful

Anna

Entertaining read; can't wait to read next book . . .

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2018

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed reading this second book of The KingFountain Series. It was more entertaining than the first and I can't wait to read the third installment.

SHORT SUMMARY (SPOILER ALERT) : This book takes place 10 years after the end of the first book. Owen is now a grown man and has a strong love for Evie. The King of Ceredigion soon tests their loyalty to him by sending them on various missions. Ultimately, they are heartbroken as Evie ends up marrying the King of Atabyrion to form a peace alliance. In the midst of this strenuous love story, the Queen's poisoner has been replace by a new King's poisoner, a girl named Etayne. Etayne is the thief's daughter. At a young age she was caught stealing from the fountain and to avoid the punishment of death she was trained as a poisoner to serve the King of Ceredigion. She learns that she is fountain-blessed becomes loyal to Owen as he teachers her about the magics. Owen and Etayne are sent on a mission to discover who this pretender king is and then capture or kill him. They discover that he truly is Eyric, the King's nephew. They also learn that his unborn child will become the Dreadful Deadman, the true king. Owen's loyalty will soon be tested as he decides to serve the fountain and protect the Dreadful Deadman OR serve the current usurper king.

Helpful

Need customer service? Click here

‹ See all details for The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

5 star		71%
4 star		24%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

›

Customer reviews

Customer reviews

The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2) › Customer reviews

Customer reviews

The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the United States

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

The Thief's Daughter (Kingfountain, 2)

›

Customer reviews