Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The Hollow Crown
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1971
WEBSITE: http://jeff-wheeler.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
| LC control no.: | nr2006003952 |
|---|---|
| LCCN Permalink: | https://lccn.loc.gov/nr2006003952 |
| HEADING: | Wheeler, Jeff, 1971- |
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| 010 | __ |a nr2006003952 |
| 035 | __ |a (DLC)nr2006003952 |
| 040 | __ |a UPB |b eng |c UPB |e rda |d DLC |
| 053 | _0 |a PS3623.H4298 |
| 100 | 1_ |a Wheeler, Jeff, |d 1971- |
| 670 | __ |a Landmoor, 2003: |b t.p. (Jeff Wheeler) |
| 670 | __ |a The words and worlds of Jeff Wheeler, via WWW, June 18, 2004 |b (b. in New Jersey in 1971) |
| 670 | __ |a Fireblood, 2013: |b t.p. (Jeff Wheeler) |
| 670 | __ |a Amazon.com 04-12-2013: |b (Jeff Wheeler; Fireblood, Author of the Muirwood Trilogy, Landmoor, Silverkin, and numerous stories and articles for the fantasy e-zine Deep Magic … he works for Intel Corporation. He lives in Rocklin, California.) |
| 953 | __ |a xx00 |b rg15 |
PERSONAL
Born 1971, in Neptune Township, NJ; married in 1994; wife’s name Gina; children: five.
EDUCATION:San Jose State University.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Fantasy writer. Intel Corporation, employee; Deep Magic: The E-zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction, founder and writer.
WRITINGS
Also author of The Lost Abbey: A Banished of Muirwood Prequel, The Poisoner’s Enemy: A Kingfountain Prequel, and The Maid’s War.
SIDELIGHTS
A prolific writer and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the “Covenant of Muirwood” novels and the “Kingfountain Series,” Jeff Wheeler is also the founder and a writer of stories and articles for the fantasy e-zine Deep Magic: The E-zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction. Formerly employed by Intel, he left in 2014 to write full-time.
"Legends of Muirwood" Series
Wheeler published several books in the “Legends of Muirwood” series, starting with The Wretched of Muirwood. Lia is an orphan, a “wretched,” abandoned at Muirwood Abbey, where she must work rather than learn to read and write. If she earns enough to pay for her keep, she will be allowed to leave. When two injured strangers come to the abbey, she lets them in. One of the men, Colvin, invites her to travel with them. She leaves the abbey and learns that she has magical talent and a destiny. “The greatest strength of The Wretched of Muirwood is the characters. Lia is a pleasant protagonist—she’s smart, eager to learn, courageous, and nice to be around,” said Kat Hooper on the Fantasy Literature website. Janine Stinson stated in Clarion Reviews: “Wheeler writes with strength and confidence in the world he’s created and the characters who inhabit it.” Online at Fantasy Faction, a contributor likened the story to Oliver Twist and added that the book is “a middle-grade fantasy adventure for young readers and a breath of magically freshened air for adults whose lives have been overgrown with complexity.”
Book two, The Blight of Muirwood, finds Lia mastering her magical connection to the spiritual force known as the Medium. She is enlisted as a hunter to protect Muirwood Abbey and the missing daughter of a fallen kingdom. She must also defeat the evil that threatens the abbey as she struggles with her status as a wretched. According to Alicia Sondhi in Clarion Reviews, “The book’s plot is full of twists and adventure, and the adventurous aspect becomes particularly interesting about halfway through the book. While Wheeler includes some vivid descriptions and political history, they are not at all intimidating.”
In the final installment of the trilogy, The Scourge of Muirwood, Lia uses her magical abilities and warrior skills to fight against a coming blight destined to destroy the world. She fights with her beloved, Colvin, and friends and allies tuned to the powers of the Medium. In Clarion Reviews, Lee Gooden remarked: “The author is wonderful at plotting and setting a breakneck pace, as if the reader, too, is galloping on horseback across the terrain of Lia’s world.”
"Covenant of Muirwood" Series
In The Banished of Muirwood, the first book in the “Covenant of Muirwood” series, Wheeler introduces a Cinderella-type heroine, eighteen-year-old Maia, princess of Comoros and heir to the throne. Her ruthless father disinherited her and has expelled the magical order of Dochte Mandar. In secret, Maia is training in magic, which is forbidden for women. Hunted by enemies, she nevertheless tries to save her people. As the plot shifts between Maia’s various struggles, she also wants to discover the history of the evil Myriad Ones.
According to a reviewer in Publishers Weekly, “Wheeler successfully brings his central characters to vivid life” and “readers will enjoy the rich descriptions.” Online at Quite the Novel Idea, a writer praised the romance and world building, saying, “The setting is very well developed and thought out; in this book Maia travels through several countries to complete her quest.” The Ciphers of Muirwood and The Void of Muirwood complete this series.
"Kingfountain" Series
Starting Wheeler’s “Kingfountain” series is The Queen’s Poisoner. Taking cues from Shakespeare’s Richard III, King Severn Argentine is a ruthless usurper of the throne of Ceredigion. After the Duke of Kiskaddon attempts to depose him and fails, the duke must give up his eight-year-old son, Owen, as hostage against any further traitorous endeavors. Owen, who can tap into the magic fountain in the palace, has allies who help him survive, including the dowager queen’s poisoner, Ankarette Tryneowy. In an interview with Barbra Dillon online at Fanbase Press, Wheeler explained where he gets his ideas for the series: “I’m inspired by actual events in history. I’m inspired by the people I interact with day to day. I’m inspired by enormous redwood trees and I’m inspired by waterfalls. This book allowed me to weave all of these elements together into a single story.”
A Publishers Weekly reviewer noted Wheeler’s inclusion of standard elements of high fantasy yet observed: “The emotional range and insight he convincingly portrays in his child hero make for a political drama.” John Burger commented online at Rated Reads: “Nearly all of the characters have done good and bad things, with real motivations and consequences, and we get to see what makes them tick.”
The second book, The Thief’s Daughter, takes place nine years later when Owen is a confident fighter trained by Duke Horwatch and in love with the duke’s granddaughter, Elysabeth. To protect his throne and draw out the traitors, King Severn uses Elysabeth as bait. Book three, The King’s Traitor, finds Owen a loyal member of Severn’s army as Severn plans to conquer the neighboring kingdom. But Owen discovers that the neighbor queen has magic as powerful as his, and Owen must decide whether to stay loyal to his king or become a traitor.
The Hollow Crown, book four, takes its themes from Arthurian legend. The kingdom of Ceredigion is now free and prosperous, and Owen is king. His daughter Tryneowy (Trynne) Kiskaddon is a diplomat who also possesses the fountain-blessed powers. As she trains in secret to wield a sword, a threat to the throne is looming. Unimpressed with the stereotypical treatment of women in the book, a reviewer in Publishers Weekly decried the half-digested cultural references and Trynne’s magical destiny being to remain silent, adding “Trynne, tediously, is defined only by her relationship to dominant male narratives.” On the other hand, a contributor online at Fantasy Faction praised Wheeler’s writing, saying: “His commitment to penning clean, accessible all-ages prose is commendable in a publishing environment where many authors are trying to out-grim and out-dark everything that has come before.” The Silent Shield and The Forsaken Throne are also books in the “Kingfountain” series.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Clarion Reviews, April 27, 2011, Janine Stinson, review of The Wretched of Muirwood; April 27, 2011, Lee Gooden, review of The Scourge of Muirwood; June 24, 2011, Alicia Sondhi, review of The Blight of Muirwood.
Publishers Weekly, June 29, 2015, review of The Banished of Muirwood, p. 50; February 22, 2016, review of The Queen’s Poisoner, p. 71; April 3, 2017, review of The Hollow Crown, p. 57.
ONLINE
Fanbase Press, http://www.fanbasepress.com/ (January 29, 2018), Barbra Dillon, author interview.
Fantasy Faction, http://fantasy-faction.com/ (April 19, 2013), review of The Wretched of Muirwood; (July 26, 2017), review of The Hollow Crown.
Fantasy Literature, http://www.fantasyliterature.com/ (February 5, 2013), Kat Hooper, review of The Wretched of Muirwood.
Jeff Wheeler Website, http://jeff-wheeler.com (January 29, 2018), author profile.
Quite the Novel Idea, https://quitethenovelidea.com/ (August 28, 2015), review of The Banished of Muirwood.
Rated Reads, http://ratedreads.com/ (January 29, 2018), John Burger, review of The Queen’s Poisoner.
Jeff’s Mini Bio
Visit Jeff’s Amazon Author Page >
Jeff took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write
full-time and is now a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. He is,
most importantly, a husband and father, a devout member of his
church, and is occasionally spotted roaming hills with oak trees and
granite boulders in California or in any number of the state’s
majestic redwood groves. He is the founder of Deep Magic: the
E-zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction (www.deepmagic.co),
a bi-monthly e-zine featuring amazing short stories by established
& new writers, interviews, and writing craft articles.
He welcomes hearing from readers: jgwheels /at/ gmail dot com
Childhood
I was born in Neptune Township, New Jersey in 1971 but I don’t remember any of it. We moved when I was little to Silicon Valley and I grew up in the world of computers and hi-tech from my earliest memories. My dad worked at Hewlett Packard and we had lots of scopes and equipment and soldering irons at home. We also had an old HP9845 computer in the closet, which I loved to play with. A game of chess could last hours…well, at least because it took the computer that long to make a move. I remember using an old phone modem to dial into the HP network as a kid and play the mainframe games. You could say I had the makings of a geek.
The Writing Bug
My first computer was an Apple IIe and it was on that computer, using a clunky software program called Word Handler, that I wrote my first stories in middle school. None were very good. I went to Miller Junior High and one of our rival schools was John Muir. I guess that name
stuck in my mind over the years. It was at the school library at Miller that I first found The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks. I read
the first few chapters and thought I had the entire story figured out. I knew who the main characters would be and how it would end. So predictable. Then Terry killed off all of those characters. Gulp. I was hooked, reading late in the night each night. One night, I woke up my brother to try and tell him what was going on. He didn’t appreciate my enthusiasm. By the end of the book, I wanted to cry. That moment is still fresh in my mind. I wanted to write stories that made people feel. I wanted to create places and characters that would move readers emotionally as I had been.
Early Works
I went from writing short stories to novels starting in high school. Lynbrook High was not known for Intel Science Fair winners back then. The first novel I completed was a modern (as in 1980’s) adventure/thriller called The Shadyrock Murderer . It was about hundred pages or so. I still have the original, printed from an annoyingly loud dot-matrix Epson printer. Even after I had finished it, my mind kept churning out ideas for new material and I ended up making it a trilogy. One of my earliest readers was a girl named Nicole who saw me proof-reading a chapter one day and asked me about it. When I told her it was a novel I was working on, she asked to read it. I loaned her the manuscript. Having that one person was a huge motivation to me to keep writing. After the trilogy was done, I started on a new novel which I called Armageddon, it being a military thriller about an island civilization the US Government sponsored in order to fight terrorists. The last novel I completed in high school was Tho Death Bar the Way , and it was my first attempt at a martial arts/romance. I tried to get some of these published under a pseudonym and received my first round of rejection letters. In four years, I wrote five novels.
Dungeons & Dragons
In high school, I was definitely on the geek side. I learned how to play Dungeons & Dragons from a friend and spent many weekends rolling
dice and fighting monsters. But what I enjoyed most about the game was being a Dungeon Master and inventing stories. I used the platform
of D&D to create adventures and then sent my friends and siblings on these elaborate plot-lines as if they were living inside a fantasy novel.
I had no scruples bending the rules of the game if it helped improve the story. And more than once my friends would hurl dice or Lego
blocks at me when I’d end the session at a cliffhanger and with the words, “That’s all for today.”
College
I went on a mission for my church after high school and spent two years in Texas and Oklahoma. My girlfriend Gina wrote me faithfully,
every week, for two years. After returning to the Bay Area, I needed a job and ended up working at Intel as a temp. My computer skills and
typing speed surprised the recruiter. Gina and I were married in 1994 and lived in a duplex on 10th Street in downtown San Jose. My
college years were spent working at Intel and studying at San Jose State University, where I took as many creative writing classes as I could
while focusing on a major in history. It was in college that I was introduced to Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman and learned from
that trilogy about the sad fate of the last Princess of Wales. Penman’s trilogy moved me so much that I wrote her a lengthy letter praising the
work and its impact on me. I was startled to get a wonderful reply letter and we struck up a correspondence and eventually became e-mail
‘friends’, long before Facebook. Sharon would visit California occasionally for book tours and conferences and Gina and I ended up having
dinner with her several times. Sharon sent me signed hardcover copies of all her books which I proudly display now on my bookshelf. What
an amazing experience and a great mentor. I still remember losing my hard-cover edition of her book When Christ and His Saints Slept
because I had set it on top of my car and it had blown off. I was crushed, but I wrote to Sharon to see if she had any more hardcover copies
of it, and she sent me a new one with a warning to keep it buckled in the backseat the next time.
During my college years, I wrote Landmoor six times. From scratch. I’m not joking. I was learning the craft of writing, finally, but I did not
do a good job of thinking through the plot well enough in advance, and sometimes I would paint myself into corners, or new ideas would
strike me half-way through the story requiring a major re-write. Landmoor was based on some of the early D&D adventures I had created
with my friends in high school, probably enough material to fill ten books. What I lacked was the skill to translate those adventures into
literature. Even today, I can’t believe it took that many tries to finally have a version of the novel that I really liked. The good thing is that I
cut my teeth on that novel and began to hone my instincts and my process: one night a week; one chapter a week; repeat until done. The
sequel, Silverkin , was only written once.
While starting the process of getting Landmoor published, I continued to write new books. One of my history classes inspired the plot of
the Minya series and I wrote it in a unique way. My friends were recruited to become major characters in the novel, and I would send them
a few pages at a time and then ask them to pick how the characters responded to the situations. I would then write some more and we’d go
back and forth and occasionally cross paths and not even know they had “met” each other until later. I also completed the first draft of a
series called Kingmakers and thought about turning that into a series of books too.
Deep Magic
While this was going on, my best friends Jeremy, Brendon, and I discussed a long-time dream of creating an electronic magazine where we could publish fantasy and science fiction stories from new writers. We had been kicking the idea around for years and finally decided to band together and create one. Things were moving forward when 9/11 happened and we put the idea on hold. I moved to Rocklin that year, and we found ourselves in different parts of the country but still with the same idea. We decided to give it a try and named it Deep Magic after a reference in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and launched in June 2002. That experience changed me and it changed my writing.
First of all, it introduced me to a new group of friends and readers who volunteered to run the monthly e-zine. It also provided a flood of manuscripts to read, and it was reading through these that I began to see errors in my own writing along with clichés and common mistakes new writers make. We began publishing regular writing craft articles to help ourselves as well as our readers, and I had the privilege of interviewing many of the top-name authors, editors, as well as agents. We enlisted artists all over the world to contribute cover art for Deep Magic. Our covers were awesome and so were the stories. Readership started off small and then grew to over a thousand monthly readers, primarily through word of mouth. Running a monthly e-zine along with full-time jobs was not easy for any of us, and I found my one-night-a-week often swallowed up in the efforts to keep the e-zine going. Most importantly though, I learned by leaps and bounds. I decided to self-publish Landmoor and Silverkin, using Deep Magic as a platform to gain some visibility with readers. We also published two anthologies, called Deeper Magic.
A Million Words
An interesting turning point happened in October 2004. I happened to stumble across an advertisement for a writing seminar being held in Corte Madera, California. It would be taught by Terry Brooks, the man who had inspired me with the vision of becoming a writer. Words can’t express how much I looked forward to that class and for the opportunity to have Terry read a chapter from a book I’d written and critique it in the class. I debated which of my novels to use and settled on the first book in the Minya series. During the class, Terry offered unflinching criticism of each sample, and my confidence began to waver. He gave Minya some strong comments, which were helpful, and I was amazed at how fast the time went by. We broke for lunch to a nearby café, and I sat alone at a table, thinking about what Terry had said and pondered what to do about it. Terry entered the café and bought his lunch. I watched him, wondering where he would sit and eat. He glanced around the room, observing the scene a bit. Then he saw me sitting alone and came over a joined me at the table.
I had lunch with Terry Brooks. It was an amazing opportunity, and I don’t know if he even remembers it. But we talked about my writing and we talked about not giving up. He said, very kindly, that I was already a decent writer and encouraged me to keep working on my craft. On the way home that day, my mind was spinning. He had said something in class that continued to rattle around in my brain. It was a quote attributed to Stephen King that went something like this: the first million words are practice for becoming an author.
When I got back home, I did some math. I counted the number of words in The Shadyrock Murderer all the way through to Silverkin, including the re-writes. Adding it all together, it was just over one million words. I stared at my computer screen for a long time. All of this had been…practice? While driving to Corte Madera, I wondered which series would be the launch of my writing career. I realized, if I was being brutally honest with myself, that none of them would be.
The Wretched of Muirwood
So I made a decision. I would take everything I’d learned over the years and start with a brand new novel, the first book of a trilogy. I had the story arc idea from something I had learned in history from Sharon Kay Penman’s books. I wove it together into a world I had already invented for a novella for Deep Magic, and started there. As I began researching more into the world, I decided to flood my mind with some of the classics: Pride & Prejudice, The Little Princess, The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables, Les Miserables, just to name a few. I analyzed the stories for character development and plot development. I even re-read Elfstones of Shannara again and loved it every bit as much as I had the previous times.
The Wretched of Muirwood was born. When the novel was done, I submitted it to over thirty agents. A few looked at it. The rejections daunted but did not stop me. I continued to write the trilogy, completing one novel each year. I let friends and family start to read it. The feedback was encouraging. When I was nearly done, a friend of mine from Lynbrook asked to read the first two books. She devoured them and then demanded to see the third book, even if it wasn’t done yet. I made her wait a few weeks as I finished it, but the feedback was wonderful. People wanted to read it. They wanted to share it.
elf-Publishing & KDP
I decided to self-publish the Muirwood trilogy through Amazon’s Createspace service in 2010. They helped design the covers and format the series. My biggest regret was not using the editorial service. I released the Muirwood Trilogy in 2011 and watched the sales start to build. Reviews came in and the majority were positive and thrilling. Then near the end of 2011, I decided to enroll in the Kindle Direct Program. That, by far, was the best decision I made in my writing career. Sales exploded for all of my books. On April 19, 2012, I received an e-mail from David Pomerico, the new acquisitions editor at 47North. He had seen the feedback for Wretched of Muirwood, read it himself in an evening, and wanted to discuss the possibility of becoming a 47North author.
It was unsolicited and came as a complete surprise. I told David that I was very interested. In January 2013, the Muirwood Trilogy will be published by 47North. In February 2013, my new series Whispers from Mirrowen, was launched.
Full-Time Author
After publishing the Mirrowen Trilogy with 47North, I talked to them about going back to the Muirwood world. The idea was to mirror the previous success by publishing the books back to back instead of years apart. David left 47North for Harper Voyager and Jason Kirk became my new editor. We worked out the terms of the deal which would allow me to quit my day job at Intel in order to write full-time. I spent a year writing three novels and then published The Covenant of Muirwood trilogy. I wasn’t sure I would be able to maintain the pace, so this was a risk on my part. But I’m so glad that I did it and haven’t looked back. Having the freedom to write books at my own pace has been a dream come true. On the heels of that trilogy, I was approached by Jet City Comics to consider doing a graphic novel based on the world of Muirwood. I suggesting using my novella called Maia which was the origin story of the Covenant of Muirwood series. I worked with several fantastic artists and script writers to pull together a visual interpretation of my world and we launched Muirwood: The Lost Abbey when it was done. After that project, I collaborated with Jason on my next project, what I had tentatively dubbed the Kingfountain series. I took some more risks with this series by making the protagonist and 8 year-old boy. Each book would chronicle a different part of Owen’s life, leading to his rise to power. After Jason read the manuscript for The Queen’s Poisoner, he loved it and submitted it for the Kindle First program and it was accepted. I had to keep this top secret and couldn’t leak to my fans what my new project was or when it was coming out. Talk about torture! Then on March 1, 2016 it arrived as a surprise announcement to my fans and to millions of Amazon Prime members who had the opportunity to read it for free. Over 125,000 people read it through that program and it was like a boulder hitting a lake. Because books 2 and 3 were already in progress, there wasn’t much wait for The Thief’s Daughter and The King’s Traitor. So far, the Kingfountain series has exceeded every milestone compared to the original Muirwood series and enabled me to hit the Wall Street Journal bestseller list twice. As I was finishing the final book, I realized that the story of Kingfountain wasn’t going to be over. I saw the next generation and what they were going to face. So I contracted again with 47North to bring the next three books out in 2017 starting with The Hollow Crown, all the while writing a backstory novel that pre-dates Queen’s Poisoner and tells the story of a Fountain-blessed girl named Genette. The Maid’s War came out in January.
What’s next? Wait and see! I still have many more stories wriggling around in my brain. I’m grateful to each and every reader who has discovered my along this journey. I read all my reviews because it gives me a small little opportunity to connect with you.
All the best,
Jeff
Fanbase Press Interviews Jeff Wheeler, Author of ‘The Queen’s Poisoner’
Fanbase Press Interviews Jeff Wheeler, Author of ‘The Queen’s Poisoner’
The following is an interview with Jeff Wheeler, author of The Queen's Poisoner, the first book within The Kingfountain series. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Wheeler about his inspiration for the new book series, his approach to creating such vivid and intricate fantasy realms, his creative process, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent release of your new fantasy series, The Queen’s Poinsoner, which which is Book 1 of The Kingfountain series! Given the amount of time and dedication required to create such a large and diverse world, what inspired you to take on this endeavor?
Jeff Wheeler: Thank you for having me! You know, authors are inspired by various things, and I’m no exception. I’m inspired by actual events in history. I’m inspired by the people I interact with day to day. I’m inspired by enormous redwood trees and I’m inspired by waterfalls. This book allowed me to weave all of these elements together into a single story. Years ago (before my work was better known), I wrote a blog post called “A Manifesto on Virtue” and wrote about the Roman concept of Virtus and its themes. I like telling stories that have strong characters and elements of self-sacrifice and honor. The core element of this book is about those traits. I never get tired of them.
BD: For our readers who may be unfamiliar with the series, how would you describe its premise?
JW: Imagine parents who had to choose one of their children to either live or die—but they didn’t know which at the time. As a parent myself, such a decision would be agonizing, but it’s the premise of the tale. One of the powerful lords of the realm failed to support the king during the critical battle. As a result, he and his wife must choose one of their sons to be a hostage to the king at court. The story is about an eight year-old boy thrust into a political situation far outside his experience or abilities. A woman has compassion on him and tries to help. She’s the titular character of the book.
BD: How would you describe your creative journey throughout the project?
JW: What’s different about this series (The Kingfountain series) is that each book features the main character at a different age and starkly different stage of life. I’ve never attempted to do that before in my work, starting with a young boy, then making him a teenager, and then early adulthood. Weaving a story arc that lasted for years instead of months was a real challenge for me, but I enjoyed it immensely and how it forced me to consider new ways of filling in the details missed between books but without bogging down the story. The series starts strong and gets stronger.
BD: You have written quite a few novels prior to The Queen’s Poisoner. Do you feel that fans of your previous work would easily find a home in The Kingfountain series?
JW: Absolutely, my style of writing and the themes I touch on haven’t changed. My fans know that I write cleanreads and this is no exception. Because this is a new world and a totally new magic system, there is no required reading in order to break into this series. I think that will make it approachable for new readers to give my writing a try before deciding whether to check out the Muirwood or Mirrowen worlds next.
BD: Do you have a release date set for all of the books, and how will they be released?
JW: Yes, I’ve enjoyed the partnership with 47North and how quickly they can turn my ideas into books. The second in the series, The Thief’s Daughter, will be published May 31. The last book will come out September 6. Three books in six months.
BD: Are there any other projects on which you are working that you are able to share with our readers?
JW: I can’t reveal that yet as I’m not under contract, but let’s just say I have pitched a new proposal to 47North and am cautiously optimistic that I’ll be making an announcement about it soon.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell our readers who want to learn more about The Queen’s Poisoner and your other work?
JW: You know, one of the things I like about Amazon is the customer reviews. Some authors don’t read any of them, but I read all of them, the good and the bad. Reading is very subjective and not everyone is going to have the same experience or appreciate my stories in the same way. That’s why I think it’s important to read the most helpful positive and negatives reviews before deciding whether to give my books a try. If The Queen’s Poisoner doesn’t grab your fancy, maybe another book or my graphic novel will.
*Author photo (right) by Kim Bills.
Last modified on Thursday, 19 May 2016 15:43
The Hollow Crown
Publishers Weekly.
264.14 (Apr. 3, 2017): p57. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Hollow Crown
Jeff Wheeler. 47 North, $14.95 trade paper (337p) ISBN 978-1-5039-4396-4
Wheeler drops some knowledge at the end of his book: "I've really enjoyed respinning obscure Arthurian legends." But Lancelot, who's gender-flipped as the heroine of this second Kingfountain trilogy, is hardly obscure. Wheeler's assumption of the audience's ignorance may explain the sludgy start: more than 50 pages of backstory, given as the heroine sits playing wizr, a form of chess, or stands aside as a lady-in-waiting. She's Tryneowy Kiskaddon, daughter of the prior trilogy's hero, Owen. Unlike Owen, Trynne has roles to fit into, not an identity to discover. She listens. She worries about her appearance. And when she finally lays eyes on Siege Perilous and recognizes her prophesied destiny, she's told by her own magic that she must remain silent. Her counterpart is a restless boy she calls Fallon, but whose given name is actually, in another nonobscure reference, Iago. Their story is a collection of half-digested cultural references that have little internal logic. Trynne, tediously, is defined only by her relationship to dominant male narratives--Lancelot's, Owen's, and the patriarchy's as a whole. (June)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Hollow Crown." Publishers Weekly, 3 Apr. 2017, p. 57. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A489813713/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS&
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The Banished of Muirwood
Publishers Weekly.
262.26 (June 29, 2015): p50+. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2015 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Banished of Muirwood
Jeff Wheeler. Amazon/47North, $15.95 trade paper (450p) ISBN 978-1-5039-4532-6
In an introductory note, Wheeler (the Legends of Muirwood trilogy) attributes the origin of this new Muirwood novel to a dream he had about an evil father, his daughter, and her skilled bodyguard, complicated by a wicked twist. His adolescent heroine is a banished and suffering Cinderella and, unknowingly, the villain of the tale, spreading chaos everywhere as she tries to save her realm. Maia, princess of Comoros, was trained secretly in magic. Wheeler alternates episodes of her struggles to reach the kingdom of Naess-- where she hopes to become a maston, a priestly vocation forbidden to women, and find the history of the evil Myriad Ones--with nightmare flashbacks to crucial episodes in her past. These dizzying narrative shifts mirror Maia's struggle with the evil spirit that tries to dominate and destroy her. Wheeler successfully brings his central characters to vivid life, especially Maia's volatile father, whose sins recall Henry VIII's divorce of Catherine of Aragon; Maia's protectors, woodsman Jon Tayt and boarhound Argus; and Feint Collier, the dangerously handsome king of Dahomey. Readers will enjoy the rich descriptions of a created world that Wheeler clearly knows intimately, though series newcomers might have profited from a cast list and a recap of previous installments. (Aug.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Banished of Muirwood." Publishers Weekly, 29 June 2015, p. 50+. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A420928905/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=89be14bb. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A420928905
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The Queen's Poisoner
Publishers Weekly.
263.8 (Feb. 22, 2016): p71. From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
The Queen's Poisoner
Jeff Wheeler. Amazon/47North, $14.95 trade paper (415p) ISBN 978-1-5039-5330-7 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Richard III is near-obligatory context for reading about King Severn Argentine; readers less fond of the Bard can refer to Kylo Ren instead. Argentine is the black-garbed, duplicitous, enraged, self-absorbed usurper of the throne of Ceredigion in Wheeler's well-wrought fantasy setting. He has taken hostage eight-year old Owen, youngest child of the Duke of Kiskaddon, as surety for the duke's good conduct. None doubt that the boy is marked for death, but Owen has well- wishers in the labyrinthine palace of Kingfountain, as well as preternatural gifts of focus and analysis. His allies include Ankarette Tryneowy, the titular poisoner in the service of the dowager queen. Wheeler (the Covenant of Muirwood series) develops Owen slowly, taking a long, deep look into a young character and his circumscribed world--an unusual move for a first book in a series. Though Wheeler works very much according to the typical blueprint for high fantasy, the emotional range and insight he convincingly portrays in his child hero make for a political drama that can entice adult and teen audiences alike. (Apr,)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Queen's Poisoner." Publishers Weekly, 22 Feb. 2016, p. 71. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A444400956/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=d630555b. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A444400956
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The Wretched of Muirwood
Janine Stinson
Clarion Reviews.
(Apr. 27, 2011): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2011 ForeWord https://www.forewordmagazine.net/clarion/reviews.aspx
Full Text:
Jeff Wheeler (author); THE WRETCHED OF MUIRWOOD; CreateSpace (Fiction: Fantasy) ISBN: 9781456399481
Byline: Janine Stinson
Fantasy series have become a dime a dozen in the past two decades, so it takes a large measure of talent and vision to start one that breathes new life into the genre. George R. R. Martin has done so with his A Song of Ice and Fire series. Now, author Jeff Wheeler, an IT industry professional and the former editor of the e-zine Deep Magic, appears poised to do so with his Muirwood trilogy.
The Wretched of Muirwood, the first in the series, introduces a fresh approach to the coming-of- age tale with its star character, Lia. She is a "wretched," a child deliberately orphaned at an abbey, which is led by an Aldermaston in the kingdom where Lia lives. Wretcheds have no families who will claim them; they are abandoned and must work to earn the money to depart the abbey in which they're raised. They are segregated from the abbey's students, called "learners," who are taught to read and write.
Reading and writing are highly prized in Lia's world. Books are made of precious metals, and only the chosen few are accepted as learners, who are served by helpers. Lia, being a wretched and a helper, has no access to education. Helpers and learners were segregated long ago, after a wretched was allowed to become a learner and used an abbey's documents to find and murder his father, who was also a wretched. Learning one's family history is a wretched's Holy Grail, and Lia will do nearly anything to gain access to Muirwood Abbey's historical records.
Lia has known nothing else but Muirwood Abbey. Her determination to learn her way out of being a wretched seems to begin on a stormy night when two men, one of them wounded, seek shelter at Muirwood. Lia's decision to let them in and tend to the wounded man starts a chain of events that puts her on the road to her destiny, which she discovers as she journeys away from Muirwood.
Wheeler works with several themes in the book: the importance of family and belonging, trust and betrayal, the machinations of power, the surety of faith, the masks evil wears, how nothing in life is cut and dried, and coming of age amid danger and uncertainty. Each character is pivotal to the story's progress.
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Wheeler stokes his tale with many of the stock elements of fantasy, but, in his hands, none are clichA[c]s, from the presence of the Medium as a supernatural power to the abbey system that educates the learners. Wheeler writes with strength and confidence in the world he's created and the characters who inhabit it.
It's obvious that Wheeler has grasped the essentials of storytelling and woven them into his vision of Muirwood. Fantasy readers looking for a world that both entertains and engages are urged to read this series. The Wretched of Muirwood is a finely crafted beginning to what promises to be an epic fantasy.
Janine Stinson
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Stinson, Janine. "The Wretched of Muirwood." Clarion Reviews, 27 Apr. 2011. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A261246145/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=c01f6e27. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A261246145
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The Blight of Muirwood
Alicia Sondhi
Clarion Reviews.
(June 24, 2011): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2011 ForeWord https://www.forewordmagazine.net/clarion/reviews.aspx
Full Text:
Jeff Wheeler (author); THE BLIGHT OF MUIRWOOD; CreateSpace (Fiction: Fantasy, Fiction: Fantasy) ISBN: 9781456406271
Byline: Alicia Sondhi
In The Blight of Muirwood: Book Two of the Muirwood Trilogy, Lia, the heroine from the first book in the series, is settling back into her life as a kitchen apprentice in the Muirwood Abbey. Soon, the Medium, a spiritual force that guides and empowers certain people, guides the Aldermaston of the Abbey to choose her as the new hunter. With her surprisingly strong connection to the Medium, Lia quickly becomes incredibly skilled in her new role, and The Blight of Muirwood shares the next steps of her journey.
Charged with the protection of both the Abbey and the long-lost daughter of a fallen kingdom, Lia's fight against evil requires every bit of her physical strength. As she struggles with her place in the world as a "wretched" -- a child with unknown parentage -- she must strengthen her connection with the Medium. The book ends with much for Lia to discover and accomplish in the final novel of the trilogy.
To his credit, author Jeff Wheeler does not explain events from the first novel in a disjointed or forced way; background information is given quite subtly and organically. Perhaps because of its status as the second book in the trilogy, there are a few instances when an essential idea does not become clear until midway through the novel, but a reader can generally piece together enough of the action to enjoy the story.
With a wicked, deadly queen, dangerous woods, and a perilous journey, the book's plot is full of twists and adventure, and the adventurous aspect becomes particularly interesting about halfway through the book. While Wheeler includes some vivid descriptions and political history, they are not at all intimidating.
Readers of fantasy novels will recognize some familiar symbols and patterns, including some of the spiritual aspects of Wheeler's story, but there are truly unique elements, too. Understanding that the Medium's power is faith-based, Lia derives incredible resoluteness. However, some of her internal struggles seem too easily quelled by simply calming herself and relying on the Medium, although there are times when Lia showcases the power of inner strength.
Light themes about gender and economic stereotypes, religion and faith, identity, and forgiveness
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round out the book. While the book can be read and enjoyed as a self-contained adventure novel, much greater comprehension and engagement would come from reading the trilogy together. An entertaining adventure with spiritual undertones and political intrigue, The Blight of Muirwood: Book Two of the Muirwood Trilogy will have the reader eager to receive the third and final installment.
Alicia Sondhi
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Sondhi, Alicia. "The Blight of Muirwood." Clarion Reviews, 24 June 2011. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A261246020/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=7d953250. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A261246020
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The Scourge of Muirwood
Lee Gooden
Clarion Reviews.
(Apr. 27, 2011): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2011 ForeWord https://www.forewordmagazine.net/clarion/reviews.aspx
Full Text:
Jeff Wheeler (author); THE SCOURGE OF MUIRWOOD; CreateSpace (Children's: Young Adult Fiction) ISBN: 9781456406356
Byline: Lee Gooden
Jeff Wheeler's Muirwood trilogy takes place in a world that seems to be an amalgamation of Medieval Britain, Wales, and Ireland. His work as a fantasist is influenced by Sharon Kay Penman's medieval mysteries and there are strong similarities between Wheeler's stories and Lloyd Alexander's sword-and-sorcery epic The Chronicles of Prydain, which was loosely based on the Mabinogion, a collection of stories from Welsh and pre-Christian Celtic myths. Immersed in history and legend, Wheeler spins yarns and sings the songs that celebrate the exploits and spirits of heroes and heroines of yore.
The Scourge of Muirwood, the third book in the series, continues the adventures of Lia, Wheeler's teenage heroine. Using her skills as a "hunter" (warrior) and a "maston" (shaman/magician), Lia must warn the world of the coming blight and find her beloved Colvin. Aided by friends, allies, and a supernatural force called the Medium, she must thwart her enemy's plans to exploit all the people of the kingdom by poisoning their minds with a dangerous cider that lowers their inhibitions to political intrigue and war and keeping the truth about the blight hidden. Wheeler writes, "In her iLia'si mind, the pieces clove together making a whole. The Queen Dowager was corrupting the kingdom through Muirwood's cider. Was there a poison she was adding to it which enabled her to control the minds of others? The Medium whispered to her iLiai there were poisons. Dahomey was the land of poisons and serpents and subtlety."
The author is wonderful at plotting and setting a breakneck pace, as if the reader, too, is galloping on horseback across the terrain of Lia's world or sailing on a ship buffeted by giant waves. Wheeler writes, "Lia advanced, swaying with the ship and stepped out into the storm. The lashing washes had swamped the main deck and crewmen clung to ropes to keep from going overboard .The Medium began to churn within her Water splashed across her face. Foam hissed like ten thousand serpents."
Unfortunately, Wheeler's prose suffers from grammatical errors and awkward sentences. While readers will be captivated by the author's brilliance and ability to enthrall, they may not be forgiving of his grammatical mistakes. While there is no argument that Wheeler is a great storyteller, one hopes that he will seek professional editing for his next project and continue to share the creations that spring from the heart of his imagination.
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Lee Gooden
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Gooden, Lee. "The Scourge of Muirwood." Clarion Reviews, 27 Apr. 2011. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A261246143/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=b3993c50. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A261246143
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The Blight of Muirwood
Alicia Sondhi
Clarion Reviews.
(Apr. 27, 2011): From Book Review Index Plus. COPYRIGHT 2011 ForeWord https://www.forewordmagazine.net/clarion/reviews.aspx
Full Text:
Jeff Wheeler (author); THE BLIGHT OF MUIRWOOD; CreateSpace (Fiction: Fantasy, Fiction: Fantasy) ISBN: 9781456406271
Byline: Alicia Sondhi
In The Blight of Muirwood: Book Two of the Muirwood Trilogy, Lia, the heroine from the first book in the series, is settling back into her life as a kitchen apprentice in the Muirwood Abbey. Soon, the Medium, a spiritual force that guides and empowers certain people, guides the Aldermaston of the Abbey to choose her as the new hunter. With her surprisingly strong connection to the Medium, Lia quickly becomes incredibly skilled in her new role, and The Blight of Muirwood shares the next steps of her journey.
Charged with the protection of both the Abbey and the long-lost daughter of a fallen kingdom, Lia's fight against evil requires every bit of her physical strength. As she struggles with her place in the world as a "wretched" -- a child with unknown parentage -- she must strengthen her connection with the Medium. The book ends with much for Lia to discover and accomplish in the final novel of the trilogy.
To his credit, author Jeff Wheeler does not explain events from the first novel in a disjointed or forced way; background information is given quite subtly and organically. Perhaps because of its status as the second book in the trilogy, there are a few instances when an essential idea does not become clear until midway through the novel, but a reader can generally piece together enough of the action to enjoy the story.
With a wicked, deadly queen, dangerous woods, and a perilous journey, the book's plot is full of twists and adventure, and the adventurous aspect becomes particularly interesting about halfway through the book. While Wheeler includes some vivid descriptions and political history, they are not at all intimidating.
Readers of fantasy novels will recognize some familiar symbols and patterns, including some of the spiritual aspects of Wheeler's story, but there are truly unique elements, too. Understanding that the Medium's power is faith-based, Lia derives incredible resoluteness. However, some of her internal struggles seem too easily quelled by simply calming herself and relying on the Medium, although there are times when Lia showcases the power of inner strength.
Light themes about gender and economic stereotypes, religion and faith, identity, and forgiveness
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round out the book. While the book can be read and enjoyed as a self-contained adventure novel, much greater comprehension and engagement would come from reading the trilogy together. An entertaining adventure with spiritual undertones and political intrigue, The Blight of Muirwood: Book Two of the Muirwood Trilogy will have the reader eager to receive the third and final installment.
Alicia Sondhi
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Sondhi, Alicia. "The Blight of Muirwood." Clarion Reviews, 27 Apr. 2011. PowerSearch,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A261246144/GPS?u=schlager&sid=GPS& xid=865ddd19. Accessed 17 Dec. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A261246144
12 of 12 12/17/17, 6:45 PM
The Kingfountain Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler – Spoiler Free Series Review
Sunday, February 19, 2017
The Kingfountain Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler – Spoiler Free Series Review
4
Book Name: The Queen’s Poisoner, The Thief’s Daughter, and The King’s Traitor
Author: Jeff Wheeler
Publisher(s): 47North
Formatt: Hardcover / Paperback / Audiobook / Ebook
Genre(s): YA Fantasy
Release Date: April 1, 2016 / May 31, 2016 / September 6, 2016
The Queen’s Poisoner (cover)Some of the best series I’ve read are series that have snuck up on me—ones that I’ve gone into cold, either based on a random cover, a sale or some other arcane reason. The sense of discovery that comes with unearthing a diamond in the rough adds to the reading experience in myriad ways, not the least of which is that it sears the book into your memory. Eddings was like that for me. Daniel Polansky’s Low Town trilogy was like that. Memory, Sorrow and Thorn as well. And so, too, is Jeff Wheeler’s first Kingfountain trilogy.
On New Year’s Day 2017, in the clutches of a Michigan deep freeze, I found myself staring at my bookshelf and not wanting to read anything from the backlog. Nothing was jumping out at me, so I headed to Amazon, clicked on the “fantasy” tab and was immediately drawn to The Queen’s Poisoner based on the title alone. When I saw that it was free to download with Amazon prime, I clicked the “buy” button and 16 days later I had read the entire trilogy. It was that good.
A loose fantasy re-imagining of Richard III and The War of the Roses, the Kingfountain books follow the travails of Owen Kiskaddon as his grows from childhood to adulthood in the web of intrigue that is the court of the kingdom of Ceredigion. The first volume—The Queen’s Poisoner—is told from the point of view of an 8-year-old Owen, freshly brought to the capital city of Kingfountain as a hostage of King Severn Argentine—a savior to some and a usurper and murderer to others. From there, Wheeler embarks on a tale of war, loss, espionage and magic that invokes Eddings and Feist as much as the real-life analogues of the characters he created.
Jumping nine years into the future with the second novel—The Thief’s Daughter—and another few years into the future with The King’s Traitor, Wheeler has constructed a trilogy that masterfully captures the nuances of growing from childhood to young adulthood and beyond. We spend a lot of time at Fantasy-Faction talking about “worldbuilding,” and while Wheeler freely admits to taking his inspiration for the novels from historical figures and events, he quickly and deftly builds a world that is decidedly his own, replete with a rich history, political landscape and religion.
The Thief’s Daughter (cover)The magic system, derived from “the Fountain” from which all life springs, is—ostensibly—very straightforward. The “Fountain-blessed” manifest powers as they get older. These powers can range from prowess on the battlefield to the ability to control others through the power of their voice or written word. When used, the magic is expended and must be restored through actions that are deeply personal and highly individual. One character may sew to replenish their powers, while another may insult people. It isn’t complex stuff, but it is interesting and ultimately fun.
Wheeler, known for his Muirwood books, is to be commended for what he’s pulled off here. I’m one of those people that right or wrong, tend to shy away from books that carry the YA label. I cringe at the thought of teenage romance and oversimplified, pedantic plotting. I’m fully aware that I’m being as unfair as I am honest, which is to say completely. These books are not YA. Wheeler takes great pride in writing books that are suitable for all ages—meaning there is very little in the way of graphic or gratuitous violence and even less sexual content. My oldest child is 8 and I’d be 100% comfortable with him reading the Kingfountain books.
Wheeler’s approach does not come at the expense of depth or complexity and never feels like pandering. In fact, I think Wheeler’s prose has a straightforward and simple beauty that is both inviting and familiar. These don’t feel like books for kids, but they feel like books kids of a certain frame of mind would love to read.
Anyone who has studied either Shakespeare or the War of the Roses will know that the history is anything but simple. The cast of characters, the network of alliances and betrayals and the influence nations abroad had on the proceedings was complex. And in using this particular slice of history as a starting point, Wheeler could have easily bitten off more than he could chew. Instead, he uses straightforward language to deftly weave the past with the present. He’s inspired by the real history but never beholden to it. What the reader is left with is a fascinating tale of a young man forced to come of age in a world that is as lonely as it is wondrous.
The King’s Traitor (cover)Writing from the point of view of an eight-year-old—particularly in the first book of a planned trilogy—is not a commercially smart move, but Wheeler has that rare, Whedon/Gaiman-esque ability to reconnect with childhood in a way that seems genuine and true. As Owen ages over the course of the trilogy, his trials and tribulations become more adult as well. But that sense of wonder never truly leaves him—and when it does, even for brief periods, Owen is self-aware enough to lament the loss.
The cast of characters populating the kingdoms of Ceredigion and Occitania are instantly recognizable (Wheeler doesn’t have a problem with tropes, and in these books they never feel stale) and immediately either sympathetic or revolting—and in the case of King Severn Argentine, both in equal measure. Of particular note are the titular Queen’s Poisoner Ankarette Tryneowy, the lovable Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer and the previously mentioned King Severn. Each has a profound effect on Owen’s life over the course of the trilogy and each is a study in depth of character.
Talking too much about the plot would spoil things, and I’d hate to do that for anyone. Suffice it to say that the world of Kingfountain and the neighboring kingdoms of Occitania and Ceredigion have been repeating the same cycle of invasion, conquest and rebellion for hundreds of years. Noble houses of both countries have turned traitor and returned to the fold. The Argentine kings of Ceredigion have fought hard to cling to power, and as the trilogy begins that power is once again under threat. Over the next three books, Wheeler takes the reader through the latest shift in power from the perspective of the nobles involved. There are betrayals, discoveries, winners and losers, and all sides ultimately suffer irretrievable losses. But like any truly human story, the characters persevere. And life goes on.
The Kingfountain books mine the same vein as The Belgariad, Riftwar and The Chronicles of Narnia. They’re a coming-of-age story steeped in magic and adventure. With the Kingfountain books, Jeff Wheeler has crafted a series suitable for readers of all ages, one that melds history, magic and fantasy into something decidedly unique. With four Kingfountain novels on the shelf and another trilogy on the way in 2017, fans of classic fantasy should take note. The Kingfountain books are the best kind of surprise—one that leaves a lasting and fond impression.
Rating: 9.7/10 (6 votes cast)
The Kingfountain Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler - Spoiler Free Series Review, 9.7 out of 10 based on 6 ratings
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The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler
4
Book Name: The Hollow Crown
Author: Jeff Wheeler
Publisher(s): 47North
Formatt: Paperback / Audiobook / Ebook
Genre(s): Fantasy
Release Date: June 13, 2017
Spoiler Warning: While what follows is a spoiler-free look at The Hollow Crown, discussion of the 4th book in a series and the start of a new trilogy necessarily “spoils” much of what came before. If you plan on reading Wheeler’s Kingfountain novels but haven’t quite gotten around to it yet, suffice it to say that The Hollow Crown is another compelling entry in the series and you definitely should read it. That being said, if you haven’t read the first three Kingfountain novels, you might want to stop reading this review and start reading The Queen’s Poisoner.
One of the themes prevalent throughout Jeff Wheeler’s Kingfountain novels is that history repeats itself. With The Hollow Crown, Wheeler proves that adage true not only in plot but in execution. Wheeler has once again woven an engaging, heartfelt tale delivered with equal parts skill and artistry. Without reinventing the wheel, The Hollow Crown marks yet another solid volume in the ongoing saga of Ceredigion.
Set several years after the events of The King’s Traitor, The Hollow Crown introduces the reader to Tryneowy Kiskaddon—daughter of Owen, hero of the first trilogy—and a cast of other second generation characters. Wheeler uses their introduction to both catch the reader up on events of the first trilogy and set the stage for what is to come. Much like Tad Williams does with The Heart of What Was Lost, Wheeler is able to recap previous books without ever resorting to naked “infodumping.” He employs an economy of word that is refreshing, and his workmanlike prose is a change of pace from the many overwrought and overwritten fantasy novels filling today’s shelves.
Wheeler wastes no time getting the story moving, starting with a watershed event in Trynne’s life and quickly jumping forward several years to a Ceredigion that, while more prosperous than ever under the benevolent rule of young King Drew and Trynne’s father, is on the precipice of war. Threats both internal and foreign abound, and the delicate peace forged by Owen and his contemporaries is about to fracture.
As we follow Trynne from her home in peaceful, mysterious Ploemeur to the royal capital at Kingfountain, the web of intrigue becomes more intricate without ever becoming convoluted. The introductions of Morwenna, daughter of the deposed Severn Argentine, and the return of Fallon—Trynne’s childhood friend and the son of Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer (a favorite of the first trilogy) signal the start of the larger story, while hearkening back to Owen’s own journey to manhood in the distant past.
Morwenna and Fallon are well-written and fully formed and while a lesser author could be accused of creating one-dimensional archetypes, Wheeler does yeoman’s work by conveying the simple youth of these characters. These are, in many ways, children that are just coming into their own. For each of them, self-esteem is fluid and often fleeting. And yet they are aware of the importance of their roles in the kingdom, and take their responsibilities seriously.
Wheeler’s ability to capture the mercurial nature of young adulthood is one of sharpest knives in his belt. Trynne and Fallon, in particular, are written in a manner that deftly conveys the peaks and valleys of self-confidence that any young adult experiences. The late teens and early twenties are years in which most of us feel, alternately, invincible or utterly incapable of living up to expectations—be they self-imposed or otherwise. This dichotomy comes through clearly, but with a light touch that never feels melodramatic or “emo.” Wheeler writes complex, relatable stories that are emotionally accessible to an all-ages audience. His ability to do so without resorting to pandering or oversimplification is a true gift.
The Hollow Crown quickly expands in scope, and the more fantastic elements—including the mysterious and powerful Wizrs—move to the forefront. Trynne, Fallon and Morwenna all embark upon journeys leading them toward their true callings after Ceredigion’s fragile peace is abruptly and almost disastrously shattered. The last two thirds of the book are a rollercoaster ride, and I read the last hundred or so pages in one sitting.
There are very clear allusions to Arthurian legend peppered throughout Wheeler’s Kingfountain books, and The Hollow Crown no different. But instead of being derivative, Wheeler’s take is both fresh and engaging. Without spoiling anything, Wheeler flips the script in a few important areas and his take on the Hero’s Trials is one of my favorite parts of the book.
The Hollow Crown offers something for every type of fantasy fan—and like the rest of the Kingfountain series it is appropriate for all ages. Whether you are a fan of magic, espionage, political maneuvering or war stories, The Hollow Crown has something that is sure to make you smile.
Jeff Wheeler continues to impress me. His commitment to penning clean, accessible all-ages prose is commendable in a publishing environment where many authors are trying to outgrim and outdark everything that has come before. The Hollow Crown is shining example of simple, skillful storytelling. If you’re looking for something different, give Wheeler’s Kingfountain books a try. I think you’ll be happy you did.
The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
4
Book Name: The Wretched of Muirwood
Author: Jeff Wheeler
Publisher(s): 47North
Formatt: Paperback / Audio Book / eBook
Genre(s): Fantasy / YA Fantasy
Release Date: January 15, 2013
If Hermione in the land of Narnia sounds like your dream come true, then you may love The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler.
The story begins in proud Oliver Twist fashion, with the protagonist properly orphaned and destitute, a Cinderella in the kitchen of a forest monastery. If this seems too familiar to you, then you may not be the target market. The Wretched of Muirwood is a middle-grade fantasy adventure for young readers and a breath of magically freshened air for adults whose lives have been overgrown with complexity.
Never underestimate orphans. (Aspiring evil overlords should stop reading here to make a note of that.) I would go as far to say that an author who hasn’t orphaned their protagonist isn’t trying hard enough. But Jeff Wheeler goes so much farther. His heroine, Lia, wants only to learn to read. A brilliant mind, she collects words and values them more than coins, but the monastery master has forbidden her the art of reading. She has also been denied knowledge of her parents, which causes more than grief in this fantasy world.
The wretched of this land are those blind to their ancestry and thus ignorant of their magical power. This inner strength, known as the Medium, flows down lineages. Think of it as the Force, but with more abilities, each power woven into a person through the converging branches of a family tree. Bereft of parents, Lia has no idea of the extent of her magic, and she isn’t likely to be told anytime soon by the walking tempest known as the monastery master. What was that saying? Spare the rod, spoil the read.
The master frightens Lia, and the cook forces the girl to work her hands raw kneading dough. They torment her, but neither are caricatures of their roles. From reading her first line of scolding, I suspected the cook harbored compassion for Lia, and even the monastery master may have thought his decree served Lia’s best interest. The affection hidden in their sternness provides a spark of nuance that energizes the dialog, which impressed me throughout. The characters of the story are likewise robust.
Lia comes to appreciate her uneventful life at the monastery, once the outside world intrudes with its perils. A squire named Colvin stumbles in, near death. Lia nurtures him back to health and hides him from his pursuers, in exchange for promises of coin. This struck me as mercenary, but I grew glad she had a spark of self-interest to her. The angelic nature of Oliver Twist cloyed me to within an inch of my life. Speaking of the insufferable, Lia’s fellow wretched, Sowe, plays the part of coward to emphasize Lia’s courage. Luckily, Sowe bows out of the story about a chapter before I ripped my way into the book to throttle her.
We learn that Lia wants the coin to purchase her freedom and an education, so she’ll have her life’s dream, if she can only keep Colvin alive and out of the clutches of the sheriff. The trouble is, the sheriff is fist-biting creepy. He makes dark lords seem like pink teddy bears. It almost goes without saying that he is imbued with the strength of skittering shadow tattoos, but more than that he has Jeff Wheeler’s deadly prose and potency of dialog. He carries a royal writ for Colvin’s execution, but his interest swings to Lia like a pendulum axe once he learns the depth of her magical talent.
Lia has power up to her glowing eyeballs. Even untrained, she can shame Colvin, who has been studying the Medium for years in another monastery. (Those who roll D20’s can think of him as a paladin in training.) He hides his fear and self-doubt under an imperious scowl, and he hates having to rely on a wretched. Her intelligence and power only add to the insult. Lia is not one to meekly accept his ingratitude, and they build a tense but believable relationship amid danger and sorcery.
The heritage-based magic irritated me more than anything else in the story. I would’ve preferred the protagonist sweat a little for her supernatural supremacy. My sympathies ran more toward the sheriff (and not only because of his creeping tattoos!), who was born without magic but had to seize it by his own will. I realized long ago, however, that my preference runs counter to the paradigm of most fantasy.
The magic’s skill component grows more obvious toward the end of the story. Lia loses her powers when she begins to doubt herself, or at least when the sheriff’s magic flays her of confidence. Colvin does his best to tutor her into accepting the Medium with a calm mind, a feat he has yet to master himself. Distinguishing the Medium’s urgings from the sheriff’s magical terror is a muddle both to the reader and Lia.
The ending has a beat of anticlimax, caused by what feels like two ultimate conflicts. Both victories come from the agency of Lia, who triumphs in an epic fashion that has nothing to do with good fortune. That is, aside from her innate power in the Medium.
The faith-based power has obvious parallels to Jeff Wheeler’s own beliefs as a practicing Mormon. So does the book read like a sermon? I’m not associated with the church, and I would say the magic system sits well within the normal scope of the fantasy genre. Lia is not a passive vessel of magical faith but must struggle with her choice to accept the supernatural guidance at every turn. If The Wretched of Muirwood pokes the reader with religious themes, then the Chronicles of Narnia bludgeons.
The people most likely to be offended with the story may be Mormons themselves. A few members of the Church of Latter-day Saints critique the story as drawing too directly from their holy book, both in concept and scene composition. Their reviews mention they could predict what would happen in the trilogy based on their religious background. (Again, I would guess Christians could level the same criticism at C.S. Lewis, as Tolkien did.)
The last item of interest is the book’s publisher. 47North is Amazon’s imprint for speculative fiction. Jeff Wheeler independently published, and the success of his book caught the notice of Amazon’s cyclopean eye—and what a handsome eye it is! The imprint then assisted Jeff Wheeler in producing an audiobook, voiced by actress Kate Rudd. I loved her performance, but in listening I never saw a word of text. I couldn’t say whether or not the typos noted by early reviewers have been eradicated. I should think 47North would’ve attended to them in Amazon’s typical crushing fashion.
The Wretched of Muirwood may lack the talking animals of Narnia, and it may not be as suitable for the youngest of children, but I see no other reasons the story should not be enjoyed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to meet my new friend the sheriff. I want to discuss the crafting of a certain twisted amulet. You see, those born without magic have to make their own way.
Rating: 9.5/10 (10 votes cast)
The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler, 9.5 out of 10 based on 10 ratings
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The Wretched of Muirwood: Pleasant but not special
Readers’ average rating:
fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsThe Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff WheelerThe Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler
The Wretched of Muirwood is a book that I wouldn’t normally have picked up. It’s the opening installment of a trilogy that was first self-published by Jeff Wheeler through Createspace (an Amazon company) after being rejected by the traditional publishing houses Wheeler pitched it to. The book was later picked up by 47North, Amazon’s speculative fiction imprint. I’ve been skeptical of 47North titles because Amazon imprints don’t go through the normal publishing process, and because I was not pleased with the last couple of 47North novels I read. Personally, I love the idea of being able to self-publish, but as a reviewer, I can attest to the fact that most (but not all) self-published work I’ve encountered that wasn’t from an already well-known author has been… less than stellar. Far less than stellar. That’s because self-publishing doesn’t involve all those folks whose job it is to vet the work before it gets to the reader (agents, editors, slush-pile readers, and publicists).
But Kindle Direct Publishing has led to a new model that Amazon has been trying for a couple of years now. Authors self-publish their books in Kindle format and keep complete control, pricing their book as they like. Amazon tracks the sales (and, I assume, the reviews) of these self-published books and offers contracts to authors whose books are doing well. Thus, authors have the burden of doing the self-promotion, often taking a monetary risk by giving away a lot of free e-copies to get attention, and those people getting the free copies are acting as Amazon’s slush-pile readers. A pretty good system for Amazon and for authors who are willing to do the work and who, presumably, have a product good enough to get the reviews they need. This is what happened to Jeff Wheeler; he gave away lots of free copies of The Wretched of Muirwood, got great reviews, and got Amazon’s attention. The Wretched of Muirwood came to my attention because Brilliance Audio (another Amazon company as of 2007) has been producing 47North titles on audio and sending me review copies. The cover of The Wretched of Muirwood is attractive and it’s narrated by actress Kate Rudd, which I thought was promising, so I gave it a go.
That’s a really long introduction to Jeff Wheeler’s debut novel, which is a story about a girl named Lia who works in the kitchen of an abbey. More than anything Lia wishes she could be one of the students at the abbey, but she’s an orphan and is not allowed to study. When she saves the life of a young man named Colvin, she ends up accompanying him on a trip to meet up with a band of noblemen who oppose the tyrannical king. Along the way Lia discovers that she has some skills with magic and maybe even a Destiny.
For readers who love the traditional tropes of epic fantasy and are looking for another story in which a humble young protagonist starts out illiterately baking bread in the kitchen of an ancient abbey but ends up as a warrior in an epic supernatural battle between good and evil, The Wretched of Muirwood is likely to please. It’s well-written (not beautiful, but certainly miles better than most self-published work I’ve read), has a nice setting, an interesting story, and moves at a good pace.
The greatest strength of The Wretched of Muirwood is the characters. Lia is a pleasant protagonist — she’s smart, eager to learn, courageous, and nice to be around, but she’s not too perfect, at least at first. Other characters have their own distinct personalities and make a good supporting cast. None of them are anything we haven’t seen before in this type of epic fantasy, but they are pleasant to read about.
Those who are looking for something new will find that The Wretched of Muirwood doesn’t stand out. This was exactly the issue I had with the last couple of 47North novels I read, though The Wretched of Muirwood is better. The story could have benefited from something special, like an original magic system. Wheeler’s magic consists of a nebulous energy called the Medium, which has its own mission and helps those who believe in it, similar to The Force in Star Wars or, more likely, the Christian Holy Spirit. After reading about Jeff Wheeler and discovering that he’s a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I suspect that parts of his story may be metaphor for LDS doctrine. (I can’t say for sure since I’m unfamiliar with teaching that goes beyond what’s found in the Bible.)
Jeff Wheeler originally pitched The Wretched of Muirwood as a young adult novel and I think that target audience will enjoy the book most and will want to read Lia’s further adventures in the next novel, The Blight of Muirwood. Brilliance Audio sent me the whole trilogy and I liked The Wretched of Muirwood well enough to give that second novel a try. Kate Rudd does a great job with the narration. She has a superior ear for the rhythm of the story and she can convincingly read both male and female parts.
Release date: January 15, 2013 | Series: Legends of Muirwood: Book 1. In the ancient and mystical land of Muirwood, Lia has known only a life of servitude. Labeled a “wretched,” an outcast unwanted and unworthy of respect, Lia is forbidden to realize her dream to read or write. All but doomed, her days are spent toiling away as a kitchen slave under the charge of the Aldermaston, the Abbey’s watchful overseer. But when an injured squire named Colvin is abandoned at the kitchen’s doorstep, an opportunity arises. The nefarious Sheriff Almaguer soon starts a manhunt for Colvin, and Lia conspires to hide Colvin and change her fate. In the midst of a land torn by a treacherous war between a ruthless king and a rebel army, Lia finds herself on an ominous journey that will push her to wonder if her own hidden magic is enough to set things right. At once captivating, mysterious, and magic-infused, The Wretched of Muirwood takes the classic fantasy adventure and paints it with a story instantly epic, and yet, all its own.
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February 5th, 2013. Kat Hooper´s rating: 3 | Jeff Wheeler | Audio, Young Adult | SFF Reviews | 8 comments |
KAT HOOPER, who started this site in June 2007, earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and psychology at Indiana University (Bloomington) and now teaches at the University of North Florida. When she reads fiction, she wants to encounter new ideas and lots of imagination. She wants to view the world in a different way. She wants to have her mind blown. She loves beautiful language and has no patience for dull prose, vapid romance, or cheesy dialogue. She prefers complex characterization, intriguing plots, and plenty of action. Favorite authors are Jack Vance, Robin Hobb, Kage Baker, William Gibson, Gene Wolfe, Richard Matheson, and C.S. Lewis.
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Review {The Banished of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler}
Posted August 28, 2015 by Liza in Reviews / 8 Comments
Review {The Banished of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler}The Banished of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood, #1) by Jeff Wheeler
Series: Covenant of Muirwood #1
Pages: 416
Published on August 18th 2015
by 47North
Genres: Young Adult
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Amazon | B&N | BookDepository | Goodreads
Also by this author: The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood, #2)
In a stand-alone series set in the world of Muirwood, eighteen-year-old Maia is the exiled princess of Comoros and heir to the throne. As a result of her father’s ceaseless need for authority, she was left disinherited and forced to live as a servant in her enemy’s home. When the king invites chaos into the land by expelling the magical order known as the Dochte Mandar, Maia finds herself on a perilous quest to save her people. To survive, she must use magic she has learned in secret—despite the fact that women are forbidden to control it. Hunted by enemies at every turn, Maia realizes that danger lurks within her, too. Her powers threaten to steal not only her consciousness but also her sense of right and wrong. Can she set herself free and save the realm she loves—even if that realm has forgotten her?
5 Stars
What first called my attention to this book was its beautiful cover. The description sounds a bit like Cinderella, but with magic and fantasy through in and I knew I had to read it. The Banished of Muirwood is the first book in the Covenant of Muirwood series. There is another series by Wheeler – Legends of Muirwood – of events that happen about 100 years before this series. I haven’t read this other series but I think I must remedy that soon.
I absolutely loved this book. Can’t you tell? Here are some of the reasons why:
World building is amazing. As I mentioned before, this is series is set up in the same world as a previous one and it shows. The setting is very well developed and thought out, in this book Maia travels through several countries to complete her quest and the author does an excellent job on making each two, each mountain, and their inhabitants distinct from each other. It’s like having a picture painted with words and I loved every one of them. The Medium is like ‘the force’, like a deity sort of. Even though ‘religion’ is a big part of the story, the book doesn’t feel preachy at all.
Maia – Marciana, the princess of Comoros, has suffered a lot in her short life. Due to the rift between her parents, she is separated from her mother and banished in order for her father to be able to marry again and name new heirs. Maia has a very strong will and character and refuses to let all the many injustices, slights, abuses – I mean, she is treated so badly and I’m not sure how a person endures so much without anger and hate eating her insides. Instead her troubles give Maia maturity, appreciation for the beauty and kindness of other.
“…Your mother is banished. I’m seeking to have our marriage annulled.” He looked at her pointendly. “For that to happen, Maia, I must banish you as well.”
That is not to say that the other characters weren’t well developed, because they were. Her guide and champion Jon Tayt and his hound Argus and loyal and fierce, the kishion, a killer hired by Maia’s father to ‘protect’ her, and Collier, the dashing prince of Dahomey.
“…Very well. Then give one boon at least.”
She sighed. “I will not tell you my name,” she answered stubbornly.
He shook his head, his expression serious, his tone intimate. “Not that, lass. Just give one thing.”
“…And what is that?”
“A dance,” he said, extending hishand to her. “If you must go tonight, then give this memory to take with me. Please, my lady. Dance with me.”
Writing – Full of images, feelings, enthralling… Love it!
Plot – Well, it you like intricate, political, plots, then this one’s for you! It seems like all the countries are always at war with each other. People are used as pawns, they bestow favors to the underserving, they marry and divorce at will, they betray bows and abuse power. It was fascinating to read, but easy enough to understand. The twists and turns kept my interest piqued with the turn of every page.
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”
Do you need more? There is also a budding romance and we get to see more of it in the next book.
Overall, The Banished of Muirwood is an amazingly good start of the series that kept me so enthralled that I immediately started reading The Ciphers of Muirwood (which was just as awesome!) and I cannot wait for The Void of Muirwood! If you love fantasy, do yourself a favor and star reading it now!
Liza
About Jeff Wheeler
BE IT KNOWN THAT: We have locked Jeff Wheeler away in Muirwood Abbey for a couple of years and have commanded him to write many more adventuresome books. He is permitted free time to roam the grounds under heavy guard. After he has written enough books that we can scarcely read them all in a lifetime, we may finally become, in our old age, sated in our quest for new characters and lands. Perhaps then, all would be well in the kingdom.
TRANSLATION: Jeff took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to become a full-time author. He is, most importantly, a husband and father, a devout member of his church, and is occasionally spotted roaming hills with oak trees and granite boulders in California or in any number of the state’s majestic redwood groves.
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About Latest Posts
Liza
Co-owner at Quite the Novel Idea
I'm an avid reader (since I learned to read at age four) and a book blogger (since May, 2011).I read mostly YA, but I also read romance, new adult and some middle grade.
Born in Puerto Rico, hola :), military wife for 22-years, and mother of three boys.I work full time doing something else that I love (sadly I don't get paid for reading!)
The Queen's Poisoner: The Kingfountain Series
5.0
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The Queen's Poisoner: The Kingfountain Series
Author(s)
Jeff Wheeler
Publisher
47North
Genre(s)
Fantasy
Fantasy & Magic
Coming of Age
Age Range
13+
Release Date
April 01, 2016
ISBN
978-1503953307
Buy This Book
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler.
King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.
Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.
Editor reviews
1 reviews
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0 (1)
Characters
5.0 (1)
Writing Style
5.0 (1)
July 18, 2016
Melissa A. Craven, Indie Manager Melissa A. Craven, Indie Manager
Top 100 Reviewer
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Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Get your Fantasy fix and discover a phenomenal new series
I am now a die-hard Jeff Wheeler fan. I was so excited to find such a great example of a young adult book that will appeal to ALL audiences. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy taken from his home and placed precariously among the dangers of palace intrigue. But the Queen’s Poisoner is not a book only to be enjoyed by young readers eager to live vicariously through Owen's adventures. It is a dynamic tale for all ages—which to this YA fan—is what great YA is all about.
Inspired by the War of the Roses and Richard III's struggle for the English crown, The Queen’s Poisoner brings magic, mystery, espionage and suspenseful strategic political maneuvers to this epic fantasy tale. Beautifully written and expertly researched, this first installment of the Kingfountain Series will leave readers eager to pick up the sequel, The Thief’s Daughter.
Game of Thrones fans will definitely enjoy The Queen’s Poisoner, while at the same time it is also appropriate for a younger audience. The rich descriptive setting of Kingfountain and the impressive world-building combine to create a fantasy world so real, there are moments where it almost feels like historic fiction.
Owen is an admirable, honorable and believable protagonist, while his young playmate, the vivacious, Lady Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer, leaves him baffled at times, and hardly able to get a word in edgewise at others. The cast of characters, from the sinister and mysterious King Severn, right down to the motherly cook, Liona are well developed, three dimensional characters, each with their own colorful story.
And The Queen’s Poisoner—she’s incredible.
The Queen's Poisoner (The Kingfountain Series, Book 1)
by Jeff Wheeler
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In his new YA fantasy venture, THE QUEEN’S POISONER, Jeff Wheeler poses a poignant question: What would have happened if Shakespeare’s version of King Richard III hadn’t been killed at the Battle of Bosworth? What if Richard really was a child-murdering, ruthless monster who continued to rule England? Wheeler casts usurper King Severn Argentine as Richard and a loosely disguised fictional European country as England. He spins a thoroughly engaging yarn, but it is not one that does much to distinguish itself in a highly competitive market.
"In THE QUEEN’S POISONER, Wheeler delivers a solid, enjoyable dose of fantasy to an ever-eager readership."
In a recent battle for the crown, King Severn defeated all competition that came his way; he’s brutal to anyone who didn’t stay loyal to him. One such unfortunate subject is the Duke of Kiskaddon, whose oldest son was killed as punishment for his father’s hesitation in supporting Severn. Now, the duke’s wife must sent one of her other children to court as a hostage. The unlucky candidate? Eight-year-old Owen, his mother’s youngest and favorite among her brood. With that royal mandate, the precocious boy is launched into a precarious political atmosphere --- one that will keep readers engaged for the rest of the novel.
Owen is a bright lad, one readers are bound to like and sympathize with, but Wheeler's secondary characters are a bit less original. Instead, they’re thinly veiled copies of real-life members of Richard’s court, which is off-putting for knowledgeable readers, as is the author’s initial stylistic choices. At the start of the novel, Wheeler allows the pacing to lag, rather than letting the experiences Owen undergoes and the scenery he passes emerge off the page fully formed. But, as the book progresses and the reader gets deeper into clever Owen’s psyche, the boy develops wonderfully, as does Wheeler’s style.
In THE QUEEN’S POISONER, Wheeler delivers a solid, enjoyable dose of fantasy to an ever-eager readership. Though his interesting take on Shakespeare’s "Richard III" is somewhat diminished by a few poor stylistic choices, it’s the clever, young protagonist who takes the cake as the real star of this book. He’s one to watch --- luckily, readers needn't wait long, as THE THIEF'S DAUGHTER, book two in the Kingfountain Series, will be available May 31st.
Reviewed by Carly Silver on May 13, 2016
Swords, Sorcery, and the Small Press: Jeff Wheeler's Landmoor
By: Colin Harvey
Issue: 30 August 2004
Landmoor cover
I'm not a great lover of Heroic Fantasy. Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes in Amber is probably my favourite single novel in the genre, but it spawned a whole string of sequels of ever-decreasing quality. Michael Moorcock has written novels, such as The War Hound and The World's Pain, which are as tightly plotted and logical as any SF novel. I adore the Lankhmar novels of Fritz Leiber, which are full of wit and charm. Ursula K. Le Guin's The Earthsea Cycle towers above any competitor.
But the rest of the wizards, swordsmen, elves, and goblins that are Tolkien's bastard offspring do nothing for me.
So when I realized that in reviewing Landmoor, I was reading a heroic fantasy, my heart sank just a little.
And to make matters worse, it's a print-on-demand book. I know little about POD, a publishing phenomenon that's become increasingly popular over the last decade. I envisaged POD as being essentially chapbooks, with lurid covers and amateurish line drawings.
But I was pleasantly surprised. Landmoor looks as good as any trade paperback published by a big publishing house. The big boys' advantages are in mass-market paperbacks and the promotional budget, but I suspect that in years to come, even that may change. The POD novel is here, and judging by this example, is in fine shape.
Landmoor is set in what seems at first a standard fantasy realm, where humans co-exist uneasily alongside the Drugaen and the Shae, to whom magic is a living, talking entity. There are three kinds of magic: earth, life, and forbidden magic. Wheeler doesn't elaborate too much on the differences, although forbidden magic is fairly self-evident.
If there are hints of elves in Wheeler's description of the Shae, then the closest analogy to the Drugaen, with their stubby fingers, combed beards and barrel chests, are dwarves.
At the centre of the novel's plot is Everoot—a healing plant that grows freely, but which, by the simple measure of not watering it, can be corrupted into Deathbane, a potent forbidden magic.
As the novel progresses, it becomes more interesting: the Shae in the distant past arrived from another world in a flying city; they have their own customs and mores. The richness and complexity of their society add to the complex political situation to be found in Landmoor, which I'll attempt to summarize:
Amongst the humans, years of internecine strife have in the past pitted coastal-dwellers against those living inland, region against region, and race against race.
Even factions formerly allied have turned against one another, as has happened with the forces who've combined to besiege the fortress city of Landmoor; each faction is played off the other by their Sorian aides. The Sorians are a small Shae faction; powerful, almost immortal, and obsessive plotters.
Thealos Quickfellow is a young Shae, maneuvered into rejecting the customs of his people by an opponent and his own naiveté; charged with treason, he flees, pursued by a squad of Shae warriors.
Taken prisoner by human mercenaries, Thealos escapes, helped by a mystery companion, Jaerod, a Sleepwalker, a Shae-trained human warrior. Arriving at the port city of Sol, Jaerod goes to a meeting while Thealos becomes involved in a tavern brawl, from which a young woman and a Drugaen help him escape.
The girl is affianced to one of the novel's villains: Thealos and she struggle with their mutual attraction, adding to the novel's tension.
Fearing retribution for their involvement in the brawl, Thealos's companions travel with him to Landmoor, but are ambushed by Drugaens. A knight whom they helped escape the tavern brawl, and who has followed them, now helps them in return, and frees the Drugaen's prisoner, a Shae called the Warder.
One by one the company grows, until there are seven: Thealos and another Shae, Jaerod, the companion, and another Sleepwalker, the knight, the girl, and the Drugaen: each has a part to play as they race against time, converging on the besieged city of Landmoor.
Although it's not signaled as the first of a series, the ending implies that there are sequels to come. There are no signs that there are other works forthcoming on the book jacket, or inside, which I found disappointing; I read this as a separate novel until the last page, and felt the end fizzled out. However, there are so many series that they've become the default, and single novels the exception.
There are so many characters, so many factions, that I'd really have liked a cast list, and some settings and characters could have been more clearly delineated.
In its favor, Landmoor has a gritty quality, and Wheeler's prose is dense and hard working. He doesn't infodump at the beginning of the tale, nor stop the story to explain the bigger world of which Landmoor is a part. Instead, he works it in as the story progresses, and in turn, the reader has to work hard as well. In this case, the reader gets out what they put in.
I'd recommend Landmoor to all devotees of heroic fantasy, and even to grouches like me, who are willing to be won over by a thoughtful, intelligent action story.
© Copyright 2004 By: Colin Harvey
Dryad Born
Jeff Wheeler
Reviewed by Clare O'Beara
Posted May 4, 2014
Fantasy Saga
According to the ancient Greeks the Dryad was a tree spirit in the shape of a lovely woman. DRYAD BORN is the second book in a medieval fantasy series called Whispers from Mirrowen.
Phae is an orphan adopted by a winemaking family in a country called Stonehollow. She has a magic skill to make people forget her - which she tries not to use, because she gets no supper. Now aged sixteen, she hears rumours of war and plague from a friend, Trasen, who is enlisting as a caravan guard. A stranger has also arrived at the farmstead. He says he wants to protect Phae from searchers by taking her away to Sylvandom. She has another gift, fire- raising, which goes along with her red hair, but would never use it on anyone... so far. Who knew of this?
Intermittent plagues arise in this world and they are believed to come out of the Scourgelands. Only someone with Dryad blood can learn the secrets of these lands and Phae is one such person. Uniquely she combines the fire gift with Dryad blood. Now she is old enough to be useful, city rulers want to turn her into a tool - at whatever risk to the girl. A desperate quest begins which is studded with fights, magic curses, poisons and attack by a large black bear. Trasen, with less expertise than he realised, is no match for those hunting Phae, but desperately he tries to protect her and when they get separated he follows her as best he can. It's easy to like these young characters as they grow and learn, taking us along while they explore.
A man called Tyrus gives Phae no chance to refuse as he tells her that they must enter the Scourgelands to find the source of the plagues and try to put a stop to them. Her fire gift may help to protect her from whatever lurks there unseen, but using it too much would be harmful to the girl. So, there is no easy answer.
The first book in this series is called Fireblood and author Jeff Wheeler promises to conclude matters in the third, so we are left without a fixed ending at the conclusion of DRYAD BORN. I found this a lively story with likeable characters and interesting concepts, which was not too hard to follow although I had not read the previous book. Fantasy lovers should probably start with the first story and follow the action in the correct order.
Learn more about Dryad Born
SUMMARY
The struggle to save the plague-ridden kingdoms continues in this captivating second novel in the Whispers from Mirrowen series.
The orphan Phae has kept her innate ability secret since she was young. Not only does she possess the dangerous fireblood, but she can also steal the memories of anyone who looks into her eyes.
Phae has no idea that her combination of powers is extraordinary. She is the unwitting key to discovering the secret origin of the plagues…and she is also now a target. The ruthless Arch-Rike of Kenatos has sent his most menacing servant—the Quiet Kishion—to destroy her.
As Phae struggles to wield her powers and escape her pursuers, a team of allies has already been dispatched on a quest to end the plagues. Some face the horrors in the Arch-Rike’s secret lair, while others search for the fabled lost Shatalin temple.
The determined allies must square off against the Arch-Rike, who is ever steadfast in his aim to kill Phae…and let the plagues rage on.
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The Queen’s Poisoner
by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: None
The Queen’s Poisoner is the first book in the new Kingfountain Series. And truth be told, it’s very different than what I expected, but not in a bad way. I’m a fan of Jeff Wheeler and have enjoyed his three trilogies in the Muirwood and Mirrowen worlds; I came into this book expecting The Queen’s Poisoner to be much of the same, but it was surprisingly different and unique.
Although Wheeler’s writing style is still clear throughout, unlike his other books, this story follows a child, 8-year-old Owen, as the main character. This change made a different overall feel from his other books as readers learn about this new world through the eyes of young Owen.
Owen is thrust into conflict and must learn to adapt, build courage, and make alliances/friendships to help him survive and save his family. The characters are entertaining (Mancini is my favorite), bringing humor and intrigue to the story.
As Owen begins to feel the magic of the Fountain, we get a lot of foreshadowing, hints and small demonstrations of what the magic entails, but the magic is not what drives the plot — it’s the characters. In this way, I felt I was reading more of a historical fiction book, albeit in a fantasy kingdom where the magic of the Fountain Blessed is evident, but running in the background. Magic is not necessarily how kings keep or enforce their rule. It’s not the traditional fantasy story (at least in this first book) with some overwhelming evil or tyrant that must be overthrown or an impossible quest. Nearly all of the characters have done good and bad things, with real motivations and consequences, and we get to see what makes them tick. Basically, this is an origin story that sets the stage with a focus on the characters.
It reminds me of how I felt reading Megan Whalen Turner’s The Queen’s Thief series, or Sherwood Smith’s A Stranger to Command.
At the end, I was left wanting to know where, and what, Owen’s gifts will sprout into and where the conflict will go. In the afterward, it appears book 2 will jump seven years into the future with Owen now 15, having been trained and taught in the intervening years. Looking forward to that.
BOOK SUMMARY:
King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles … and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.
Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth — through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.
Rated: None. As with all of Wheeler’s books, I enjoyed the clean aspect to his writing. The Queen’s Poisoner is devoid of the graphic violence, sex and language that so easily turn me away from many other fantasy books. But while doing so, it doesn’t compromise in the storytelling that I enjoy. I would give it a PG rating as a movie since it does feature death, some intense situations, threats made, thematic undertones, etc.
— Reviewed by John Burger
Besides being an avid reader and reviewer, John Burger is also an author of YA Scifi and Fantasy under the pen name Johan Twiss. He enjoys writing and reading clean fiction that's suitable for tweens, teens and adults alike.
The Queen's Poisoner
The Queen’s Poisoner
by Jeff Wheeler
Rated: None
Genre: Fiction
Reviewer: John Burger