The Queen’s Poisoner

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.)