The Poison Throne

Before i start my review, there are some interesting things to know about 'The Poison Throne' and Moorhawke Trilogy, - these books will be released in the UK/US via Orbit in the coming year (the first being released in April).

So how am i able to review this book then?

Well its not because I've stolen an ARC or vandalised Celine Kiernan's house, but because this book (The Poison Throne) has been released (under O'Brien Press - an Irish publisher) in Ireland in 2008 and in Spain, Germany and Australia in 2009.

'The Poison Throne' tells the story of Wynter Moorhawke, daughter of Lord Protector of the King and best friend to both the Crown Prince (Alberon) and the illegitimate son (Razi). After returning with her father from the North after five years, the Kingdom and court of her homeland is completely changed and is being torn apart from the inside. Friends have become enemies, stable things have changed (i mean, cats don't even talk anymore!) and the court grows more and more dangerous day by day.

I read this book in a night, as i couldn't put it down. Celine Kiernan is an excellent storyteller and certainly keeps the readers interest throughout the book. Although there are good overall elements to this book, I feel that Kiernan's strength really lies in the development and relationships of her characters. The Poison Throne's plot involves and focuses on court intrigue etc. but in my opinion it is a book about relationships - fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, friendship and loyalty. Therefore why i think this book works so well is due to Kiernans handling of the characters and their relationships. The book pulls you in through the characters experiences, emotions and thoughts - which Kiernan portrays very well - and leaves you wanting to know more. By the end of this book, I became quite attached to the characters (especially to Christopher!) and seriously didn't want it to end . So, I'm dying to read 'The Crowded Shadows' (2nd book, which is currently in Ireland only, lucky me) to follow these characters stories and to find out more about 'the bloody machine'.

My favourite sections of the book, of course involved Christopher, who fast became my favourite character. I don't want to spoil the story but I absolutely loved the small moments between Wynter and himself, which happened in a very natural way and seemed very in touch with the characters. Can't wait (hopefully) to see how their relationship develops. I would also love to learn more though about the 'hinted at' feelings which Razi seems or used to have for Wynter, but i guess i'll have to wait and see.

Overall a very good start to the trilogy, which i would recommend US/UK readers to watch out for in the coming months :)

P.S. The cover in the above pic is the old irish cover. Check out Celine Kiernan's Blog for UK/US Orbit covers and News.