Good story, fun premise, only one major complaint.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Queen's Poisoner to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, so I can't comment on this.

What other book might you compare The Queen's Poisoner to and why?

I can't think of any other titles off-hand to compare it to. I liked the setting in a castle, intrigue between nations, family conflicts, magical twists and turns. A protagonist who doesn't understand his powers... it's similar to other books, but with a unique view of magic through a "fountain" and the whole concept of being "fountain-blessed" was interesting.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

She did a really good job on interpreting various characters. I especially liked her interpretation of the protagonist's best friend, who was a chatty girl with a wonderful personality. My only complaint is that the voice she used for the main character was a bit whiny, which didn't seem to fit how I would have imagined him to sound if I were just reading it. Also, the way she did the voice of the Queen's Poisoner was a little overdone when she was being "sweet" to the little boy. I did like how she showed that the woman was ill through her voice. Overall, well done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My one thing that constantly drove me crazy was how all of the adults around the young protagonist tell him about things way beyond the level that you would normally explain to an 8-year-old. They give so many details of intrigue, facts about the history of the realm, and personality conflicts, that it was hard for even me, as an adult, to follow along and keep up with everything. It would have been way above the head of a young child. I realize that this is a "special" child, but still, would you talk to any child about members of the royal family killing and poisoning each other, women being "forced", and abstract concepts that are not even physically processed by young minds until adolescence? It was just a bit too much. I feel that if the protagonist had been at least 10 or 11, it would have been more believable. T

Any additional comments?

I liked this book quite well, it was interesting and compelling enough to keep me listening. The premise with fountain-blessed magic is unique, and I enjoyed the various characters and their diverse personalities. hat said, ignoring the age issue, I was able to really enjoy the story line. I am looking forward to reading the next installment, to see what happens next in the lives of these characters. :)

48 people found this helpful

Great audio book.

This story was very interesting and different from the run of the mill books set in the medieval world. The focus of the fantasy is the eight year old son of a defiant duke who is taken as a hostage into the King's household. The boy is very special and has an undiscovered power that he must come to acknowledge, understand, and master. The intrigues of the court are realistically portrayed as well as medieval justice. This was a very enjoyable book.
As for the Kate Rudd she was superb. There are so many different voices, including men women and children, and she switches from one to another seamlessly. Can't wait to listen to the next book in the series />I would very highly recommend this book/audiobook.

32 people found this helpful

Enchanting story

I really enjoyed this story. The narration was spot on and she did a wonderful job of brining each character alive. I finished this in just two days, unable to put it down. Having the main character being just a little 8 year old boy, kept me in worried suspense for him. I couldn't stop wondering what was going to happen to him. The story was very fast paced and I think anyone that likes fantasy will enjoy this. Well worth the credit and I look forward to the next book in this series.

23 people found this helpful

Best yet!

The Queen’s poisoner Five stars all around!

Wheeler, this is your best book yet! I love how you have evolved as an author.

Jeff Wheeler proves you do not need the crutches of sex and violence to get the readers’ attention and keep them coming back. The book stands on its own merits.

His hard work and skill as a writer displays in the Queen’s Poisoner. Wheeler has developed of a boiling plot, with believable and loveable characters. I loved the intrigue, and suspense, which led to many twists and turns. The conclusive ending left me satisfied, but the world he created left me wanting to know more.

Keep this narrator! Not quite Jim Dale, but she did a great job.

I can’t wait for the next.

29 people found this helpful

Schemes upon schemes

This book is very engrossing... schemes upon schemes... ambiguity of the characters (who is really good or bad). It is not action packed, which is probably the reason for the mix of low ratings and high ratings. The thrill is following the story as it unfolds, wondering who might be pulling the strings to cause certain events and is there a longer end goal planned than the immediate need of keeping the young protagonist alive.

10 people found this helpful

Highly Entertaining

Although the Muirwood books remain my favorites by this prolific author, the opening book of this series is irresistible, perhaps because the main characters are two children, which makes the experience even more enchanting, as the wonder of discovering the world and the mysteries of life bleed into the plot itself. The characters practically breathe. I loved the book so much, I devoured the rest of the series. However, this first installment remains dearer to me than all the rest.

Kate Rudd is superlative. She is one of the few narrators I have heard who can do appealing male voices, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

4 people found this helpful

Could not finish

This is not a bad book for young adults. However I could not get into it enough after three hours to finish. The depth of writing and character development is sub par. One dimensional characters and a plot that is not very well developed. Could not finish. Kate Rudd does a good job of narration.

3 people found this helpful

Exciting is NOT the word I'd use

Would you try another book from Jeff Wheeler and/or Kate Rudd?

Kate Rudd was a fairly talented narrator. I did not care for the voice she chose for Owen, but other than that I thought she did well.

Any additional comments?

This book was OK. Just OK. Nothing special. The story is neither very original, nor very exciting. I struggled to finish it simply because it was honestly... boring. There were many places here or there that I stopped listening while I got distracted doing something else. Typically I rewind the audiobook I'm listening to when that happens and go back to be sure I didn't miss anything. It was not necessary with this story at all. Whole part of this book could have been done away with and you'd still get the gist of this predictable story. I'm glad I got it on a daily deal.

2 people found this helpful

Entertaining

I enjoyed this young adult fantasy, though the writing was a bit below my expectations. The story itself made up for it however. Don't expect anything mind-blowing, but it was worth the $4 I paid on the daily deal. I would have at least borrowed this one from the library, if not spent a credit on it. I only wish I had read it when I was younger and more able to appreciate it.

Story - 4/5
Well thought, easy enough to follow without being boring, creative magic, fun setting, not mind blowing. Currently I am not sure if I feel like reading the sequels, but I liked the mood a lot. I will probably come back to this at some point just for that.

Writing - 3/5
All of the sentences sounded the same. The author seemed inexperienced, but if you read much YA fiction these days you can probably get through it. I hope it improves with subsequent novels.

Narration - 3/5
She was okay, but she tried too hard on some voices and occasionally sounded like a robot. It got better toward the end.

2 people found this helpful

Not an inspiring main character

I wouldn't recommend this book. The characters are not believable and the reader has a very clipped delivery that I found distracting. I'm not against a YA book that is terrific; this one might not hold the attention of adult listeners.

5 people found this helpful