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Kingfountain #6

The Forsaken Throne

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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.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2017

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About the author

Jeff Wheeler

95 books4,956 followers
Wall 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 www.jeff-wheeler.com, or participate in one of his online writing classes through Writer’s Block (www.writersblock.biz).

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5 stars
7,469 (59%)
4 stars
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3 stars
1,072 (8%)
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57 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
869 reviews227 followers
November 13, 2017
Releases tomorrow: November 14, 2017!!

I actually read this a couple weeks ago and never posted the review because I’ve been so busy with work. I’ve read all six of Wheeler’s Kingfountain books this year and honestly, not a single one disappointed. I’m not sure if this is the last intended Kingfountain book, but I really hope it’s not!

This is the conclusion to Trynne’s story and it was full of highs and lows. Nothing is ever as it seems and I was kept on my toes by every turn of events. At many points in this story I was left wondering: “How the heck will Trynne get out of this?” Luckily, though it seems all of Kingfountain is against her, she has a few friends to help her out.

The writing is beautiful and concise. Wheeler doesn’t waste words or pages. He gives you exactly what is needed. I have an emotional investment in almost all of these characters and that is the true gift in his writing, he really knows how to make you care. None of them are perfect. They are layered and complex and make hard decisions that don’t always pan out the way you might want or expect them too.

The action is paced well and balanced with the slower parts where Trynne is traveling. Did I mention she dual wields swords? She dual wields swords. Seriously, I have yet to find another character as awesome as Trynne.

This is not a standalone, so if you have not yet read The Queen’s Poisoner start with that. It has a different feel to it then the books that come later because the hero is an 8 year old boy, but I promise there is never a dull moment and it remains my favorite in the series. I cannot recommend this series enough to other fantasy lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for providing an eARC for me to review.
5 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2017
A bit disappointed. I read the entire thing in one sitting because I was so excited to see what would happen to my favorite, Trynne.

A couple things ...didn't love how the love story panned out. I was really looking forward to getting to know Gahalatine's character more- and how Trynne and he would adjust to married life. This seemed like an easy out.

I also didn't really enjoy all the references to all of Wheeler's other series. I read part of the Muirwood series and didn't like it and didn't remember too much about it, so was shocked to be pulled back into that world. I felt confused the whole time with all the different world-specific lingo and phrases, was definitely a bit lost- being pulled into the ending of another story, and having too little frame of reference to care about Martin and his granddaughter or what happened to the worlds.

Despite feeling like I didn't know enough about the other world. I was also not curious. I would rather have spent more time with the characters that I know and love - Evie, Owen... or gotten to know Gahalatine better.

Also it felt rushed and too perfect at the end. Sinia suddenly arrives and saves the day with Ganon in tow. Myrddin suddenly arrives to fix everything that's broken. Everything that Trynne wishes and desires comes true. Of course I would not like to have Trynne suffer more, but after her journey to the other side, all the rest of the storylines just conveniently get closed off within the last 2 chapters or so.

In summary, it was just too much time spent in the other world, mixing together confusing references and series, and not enough time spent finishing up the actual storyline in Kingfountain!!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews74 followers
December 1, 2018
Don’t miss this series!

*Spoiler*
Inexplicably, I wasn’t crazy about Trynne and Fallon and was actually shipping her with Gahalatine. Still, this is a conclusion of epic proportions.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
545 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2021
When I was younger, I thought, that I could write my own fantasy book. It couldn’t be that hard, right? You draw a cool world map, invent some cultures, spice it with magic and tell your story. Well, over the years, I’ve learned that it is much more complicated than that. Oftentimes, I was in awe about the cleverness and brilliance of some authors’ plots, how they keep track of their threads, make them come together with multiple POVs (and books), how they make me care about their flawed characters, how they flavour their story with contextual critics and how awesome (and logic) their magic system turned out. Yes, writing fantasy is hard.

Unfortunately, the Kingfountain Series does not count as such a masterpiece in fantasy. While I cared for the characters, the world building is simplistic and too inconsistent. The rules constantly change, the reasoning is flawed and new magic/characters/worlds/talents are introduced on a whim - mostly to make an unexpected move and not because it is reasonable characters’ behaviour. A few examples: . That’s not how genius works! You want a traitor, then make them one by subtlety and inventiveness and not by introducing new concepts like hetaerae, kystrel or kishion… in the last of a six-book series. Frankly, I am angry and so done with this series! At least I did not spend a penny on it. Not recommended for avid fantasy readers, might be enjoyed by people who do not really know any good fantasy.
Profile Image for Tammie.
1,505 reviews167 followers
August 8, 2020
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.


description

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.

description

“What we do tomorrow starts with a thought. Truly the best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Profile Image for Greg Garguilo.
80 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2017
First, I loved this book, but this is a review, and we have to be honest. I did not love it is much as the Silent Shield, though Jeff Wheeler's artistry was no less on display. I loved it less because I had read all of Jeff's other books first, including Muirwood, Mirrowen, and Landmoor/Silverkin. End result, I needed less of the exposition present in this book needed for newer readers to tie the threads together from his past works. Thankfully, there wasn't much of that, and it was largely later in the book - 80% in or so. Ultimately, there was less here to surprise me, though I can think of no way in which he could have continued to drop the bread crumbs for fans like me without some exposition for those unfamiliar with his other works before wrapping this one up.

The chief antagonist of this book, whom I've delighted in the last two books, was largely off screen for events in this one. Her actions and motivations were revealed in brief passages at the beginning of various chapters. By necessity, as the point of view had moved on from her, they lacked the subtelty that I so appreciated in her character previously. Over the course of the works, her transformation has been believable, her goals understandable, and her emotional response plausible. It simply led her to a place where her plans relied more on power, and less on the delicious cunning I previously appreciated in her.

Taking all of those quibbles as a whole, this book held fewer surprises for me and less to ponder in the days and months ahead. I do still strongly recommend the book, and continue to suggest you read all of Jeff's other books previously - but for reasons above, this is Four and a Half Stars for me, though likely Five Stars for most.

I suppose I should also note that I did not recieve an advance copy, am not paid for my reviews, etc. I logged into my Amazon account this morning, shortly thereafter began downloading the book to my Kindle, and sat down in a comfortable chair to enjoy the reading of it.
Profile Image for Chevonn.
106 reviews19 followers
November 27, 2020
Man, that was the most amazing, beautiful, cup-filling ending to a long and drama-filled series. I'm so happy! Thank you, Jeff Wheeler, for such great storytelling!
Profile Image for T.E. Bradford.
Author 16 books96 followers
November 15, 2017
The Forsaken Throne is the conclusion book to Wheeler’s 6-book Kingfountain series – his best so far in my opinion. Right out of the gate there are surprising twists and gut-wrenching choices for the main character, Trynneowy Kiskaddon. The pace never let up. Even trying to keep myself from ripping through the story, I finished reading it at three in the morning, bleary-eyed but completely satisfied.

Sometimes, when you get to a “grand finale” like this one, the battle is nowhere near epic enough. The danger can’t be ratcheted any higher, and the outcome is almost an afterthought. The Forsaken Throne is the complete opposite. Once you think it can’t get any worse, it does, and when you think it can’t possibly resolve, it does that too. Not easily, mind you, but in the most epic, explosive, exhausting way possible. When I was done I felt like I’d fought a battle! It was amazing.

If you’ve read any of the other series’ written by this author, there are bits and pieces in this book that will absolutely delight you. That’s all I’ll say on that!

And the ending… well I hate spoilers so I refuse to give it away, but I’ll say this. If you have been searching for an author who delivers on endings, Wheeler is your man. No one gets left out, nothing gets left undone. There were some things that still managed to surprise me, even this far in, and others that were like that sweet sip of hot cocoa on a winter night: satisfying, stunning and just right.

Now I’m going to go back and start all over again at book one…
Profile Image for Theresa Gilman.
60 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2017
It's over? Color me nonplussed

There absolutely are dangling threads, and reversals & events that feel very abrupt, bookended with tedious description. I'd more accurately give 3-1/2 stars, but of course cannot. Must-read if you're a fan, but there are disappointments, some of which for me were baffling. I mean, I understood them, but felt Wheeler was betraying his own story. SEMI-SPOILER: One plot line has a complete deus-ex-machina even more blatant than the eagles in LOTR. We saw where it was going all along, but it was done so clumsily! I've come to expect his characters to receive better treatment.

I'm beginning to feel, Mr Wheeler, that you just have a hard time wrapping up your novels. This is not the first time I've enjoyed one trending at a stately pace, only to feel rushed through its final chapters. It's robbery, Sir, especially in the conclusion of a series!
Profile Image for Lisa Calvert.
248 reviews51 followers
November 26, 2017
This was one of the greatest binge read series ever. I loved the characters, the development, the pace, the world building - SO GOOD.
Profile Image for Katy.
2,062 reviews199 followers
March 17, 2019
Was a fun series. I thought we had some loose ends to our story, so perhaps there is more to come.
Profile Image for Joy Ramlogan.
492 reviews
December 21, 2017
i am compulsive when it comes to finishing a series, and thus book 6 The Forsaken Throne. The series should have stopped at Book 5 where the intrepid and creative Trynne like her famous father Owen, agreed a deal of state to save her king and country. Now to Book 6 - what a mismash of action and hurriedly drawn characters who have no resonance. Trynne remains unabashedly honest and true - an admirable heroine from all perspectives. No other character has any sort of development or meaning. I find Fallon shallow and hurrah for him, he is reformed, but when you read the book, there is little to engage the reader with this character. Churning them out...
Profile Image for Rachelle (ReaderRachelle).
98 reviews75 followers
August 8, 2018
I received this book for free from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This final book did not leave up to the previous instalments in the series; it did still contain all of the things that made me initially fall in love with the world and the characters that inhabit it. The world-building and characters are still exemplary and Kate Rudd's narration still brings me great joy.

My issue with this finale is twofold; first is this crosses over with one of Wheeler's other series (which I haven't read) and I was overwhelmed with the breadth of information presented to which I had no background and was rushed through to keep pace with the story currently being explored. The second was the final wrap-up of the story, certain elements felt a little convenient and several threads were wrapped too quickly without enough time to appreciate their consequences.

I would still recommend this series to anyone interested but would suggest you take the time to read Wheeler's Muirwood series to understand the full scope of the worlds in the final journey.
Profile Image for Stacey Fain.
91 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2017
I greatly enjoyed the King Fountain series and recommend it over all. I am a little disappointed in some of the choices in this final installment. Having the bulk of the adventure take place in Muirwood vs King Fountain fell flat for me, especially since I have read the Muirwood series and did not particularly care for it. Converging all of the worlds within the author’s universe in this story is an intriguing concept, but for me ended up being both under and over explained somehow. Morwenna’s fate deserved a bigger spotlight than being quickly explained after the fact. My final gripe is Ghalantine’s death so Trynne and Fallon could be together while still remaining “faithful.” G deserved a better and more satisfying ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for M..
28 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2017
I hope Mr. Wheeler keeps writing the series because it just keeps getting better & better! Loved it.
Profile Image for wecantlivewithoutdaylight.
29 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2021
This is a 4.7 stars!!! This series... THIS SERIES!! Gosh! Okay. When I started book one I wasn’t expecting this incredible journey. From Owen’s childhood to meet her daughter succeed and be happy!! I fell in love with every single one of the 6 books and it’s characters, heroes and villains! The author has such an amazing way to give things a 360 degrees turn that fascinated me. Also the way he teaches you important values which are loyalty, courage, love but most of all the importance of knowing how and when to apply them (discernment) it’s something I haven’t read about in a YA series before and I appreciated it a lot!!
So yeah I’m sad this finished but also pleased with this long story :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for MarkP.
170 reviews
November 17, 2020
A fantastic series that left me wanting to discover more of this author's works. I loved both the Arthurian as well as the Wars of the Roses influences on the story which melded well with the author's own storyline. Well worth a read.
Profile Image for Richard Myers.
509 reviews9 followers
February 16, 2021
Wonderful book

This last book in the series is about the battle and the Painted Knight when she went to another world in search of her father. She found new enemies and different magics that were after her.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,212 reviews335 followers
May 23, 2021
Not too impressed with this one.
I felt the author got sidetracked.
The heroine goes to another realm and it was full of what I assume are links to other series by the author, which I haven't read.
I almost gave up, I just wanted to stick to the main story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Deb in UT.
1,450 reviews18 followers
August 5, 2018
Today I was given the gift of relief from my normal responsibilities and allowed to read this entire book with very little interruption. Normally I squeeze reading time in between regular life. It felt like I was on vacation this afternoon. What a rare joy and pleasure.

This is my favorite book in the series. It makes the set up from previous books totally worth it. I didn't want to put it down and was so grateful I mostly didn't have to. The only reason I'm giving it four stars instead of five is I know I'm presently blinded to its imperfections because of the circumstances of how I read it-- lying on my shaded porch swing, enjoying a beautiful summer breeze.

Even so, I'm definitely a fan of Jeff Wheeler and look forward to reading his other series. I like his magic system, his strong female characters, how clean his books are, and how clear the difference is between good and evil.
Profile Image for Diane.
154 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2021
Four star conclusion to this epic series. I love a happy ( ish ) ending so was pleased with this. The boy gets the girl. The legends are followed. There is room for a follow up series. The characters are all well developed in this final book....I was expecting that Gahalatine would be the love interest and win the day but not to be. Morwenna finally met her match and the Arthurian legend was thwarted. Overall an enjoyable series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for J.E..
Author 7 books64 followers
December 28, 2017
This conclusion to The Kingfountain series is at once satisfying and poignant. Trynne faces impossible odds as she searches for her father, attempts to win back her husband's good will and strives to meet all her promises. To say more is to risk spoiling it for readers. I will say that I wish one item had been resolved which wasn't, at least not clearly. Does Trynne recover the use of her damaged facial muscles? All in all, Wheeler has constructed a very satisfying end to his heroine's journey.
Profile Image for Jana.
107 reviews4 followers
December 28, 2018
Captivating

I hate to see the end of this very captivating series. I don't think there will be another like it. Sigh.... I would say I wish this could be a tv series but I'm afraid they would ruin it. I love this series and am amazed it is free for amazon prime members. Thank you Mr. Wheeler for an amazing read!
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,663 reviews76 followers
December 6, 2017
Well if you use a kindle like I do beware that trying to write a review with it often does not work. FWI.

This last book in the King Fountain series was a delight, having the ability to listen to Audible at the same time was awesome. I will just say that Jeff Wheeler ranks with Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson for awesome fantasy writers.
Profile Image for Raquel.
180 reviews15 followers
January 17, 2018
What a fantastic conclusion to the Kingfountain series! This book was so heartbreaking at times! The ending was shocking and fulfilling, and there were such beautiful family moments in this book. It was absolutely thrilling.
Profile Image for Sofia Navalho.
23 reviews13 followers
October 30, 2020
I’ve truly loved the final of Kingfountain series! The characters took their own decisions in the end and I really think that was an improvement when compare to other final series books. It was a pleasure to read this series, I totally recommend it!
51 reviews
March 12, 2022
Different than I expected

possible Spoilers ahead.



I'm not sure about the middle. Never having read the Muirwood books I found it hard care about the people and events in the middle. I just wanted the book to get back to the storyline I cared about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews

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