These last three books in the Kingfountain series have been great fun to read. I took a slight detour to read Muirwood because that world factors into these last three books quite heavily. After reading Muirwood I was afraid these would be more of the same (too heavily focused on religion, characters that weren't as likable as I wanted), but that wasn't the case. I was also skeptical of how much I would like focusing on the children of the characters from the previous three books, but I ended up loving these books just as much as the previous three.
Throughout these three books, the author keeps us guessing about whether we can trust a couple of people, one especially, and I liked that little bit of intrigue. There was just the right amount of romance and intrigue in this series, and although it's YA, I feel like it's a series that any age can read and enjoy. It's one of the few of late that I've wanted to actually binge read, and if other reads hadn't gotten in the way I would have. It ended up being my go-to for listening while in the pool.
While this is a light read, and the author has the tendency to tell a little more than I would like-- oh and there is the deus-ex-machina thing that gets used a couple of times, I can't help but find these books so very readable. In the end I liked how things were wrapped up for each of the characters in this series. I'm going to miss it.
The Hollow Crown by Jeff WheelerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Clean
Following the downfall of a tyrant, years have passed in prosperity for the kingdom of Ceredigion. Now, as the time comes to celebrate the new king’s nuptials, the specter of a new enemy emerges to destroy all that has been painstakingly built in those years.
Tryneowy Kiskaddon has grown up learning military and diplomatic strategy from her father, one of the king’s closest advisors. She feels her destiny lies in defending the kingdom as a knight, not as a Wizr as her parents have decided, though no lady of the realm has taken up the sword in a century. As she seeks to understand her own Fountain-blessed powers, she studies in the tradition of her mother while training in secret and closely following the realm’s politics, alarmed by her mother’s vision of an impending clash and a devastating future.
But the pieces on fate’s game board are in motion, and on the eve of battle, a threatening force irrevocably changes the future of the kingdom and her own. Does Trynne have what it takes to maneuver Ceredigion’s key players into position and outsmart the kingdom’s enemies—even those still concealed in shadow?
“No pain that we suffer, lass, no trial that we experience is ever for naught. Hardships teach us qualities we can get in no other way. Like patience, faith, fortitude . . . and humility.” ― The Hollow Crown
The Silent Shield by Jeff WheelerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Clean
Thrust into the heart of events threatening to rip her kingdom apart, young Trynne Kiskaddon will gain new powers and see old allies fall and new heroes rise as the battle for the kingdom and the lands beyond begins.
Courtly intrigue and rumors of invasion plunge Kingfountain into turmoil as the search for Trynne’s father begins in earnest. But Trynne’s quest to learn the truth of Owen’s sinister disappearance is sidetracked when tragedy strikes her family once again. Suddenly, the future of the kingdom rests in her hands as she struggles to learn—and control—the power that can keep the threatening Deep Fathoms at bay.
When King Gahalatine unleashes his overwhelming forces against the realm, Trynne must draw on her political instincts, warrior training, and Fountain-blessed magic if she hopes to survive the chaos to come. But a final, epic confrontation will force Trynne into an unimaginable choice: save her kingdom and the lives of her people, or lose the one who means more to her than life itself.
Art by Maelstromarts https://www.deviantart.com/maelstromarts/art/Shield-Maiden-264283204
“Isn’t it tragic how we women always compare ourselves to one another? Comparing our faults to others’ perfections?” ― The Silent Shield
The Forsaken Throne by Jeff WheelerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Category: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Content: Clean
A devastating disaster has left the Forbidden Court in ashes, its fountains destroyed, and its magic at risk. It was destined as the site of Trynne Kiskaddon’s coronation as empress. Now, all Trynne can imagine is the roar of flames, the cries of Gahalatine’s people, and the smell of cinders in a city gone dark. Tragic as the threat to Kingfountain is, it’s nowhere near as foul as the treachery posed by Morwenna. Saboteur, conspirator, and full-blood sister of the king, she is prepared to set forth a wave of destruction that will eliminate everything that stands between her and possession of the throne.
But Trynne has her weapons, too—her magic, her resilience, her skills at intrigue, and especially, Fallon. The man who once swore his allegiance to Morwenna now stands by Trynne’s side as they venture into the unknown to protect those they love, reunite with a family scattered by diabolical forces, and safeguard a kingdom…as well as the destiny the Fountain has for each of them.
“What we do tomorrow starts with a thought. Truly the best way to predict your future is to create it.” ― The Forsaken Throne
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