Cover Image: The Hollow Crown

The Hollow Crown

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Member Reviews

I have to confess that I couldn’t finish The Hollow Crown by Jeff Wheeler. I couldn’t get into the story, not in the mood.

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When I first picked up this book I was on the fence about how I felt leaving Owen behind and starting the story over with his daughter a few years later. Let me tell you once I started reading I was absorbed into the next generation of the Kiskaddons. If you enjoy Jeff Wheeler's books then you'll love this next book in the series. I would highly recommend reading it!

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Ceredigion is finally at peace, after so many bloody battles, plots and greed ... Or isn't it? From the pen of Jeff Wheeler, we can enjoy another excellent novel of historical fantasy, which makes the reader not want to stop reading the book and much less that the story ends. Magnificently written, with very well detailed scenarios, situations and characters, the fourth installment of Kingfountain Series does not disappoint. An excellent book!

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This book was extrememely suspensful. The setting was completely immersive and I felt engaged from start to finish. I love the magic although the characters were a little bit predictable. I definitely recommend you read the first 3 books in the series to keep the momentum going and understand what's going on, but otherwise this was a solid addition and the author once again has taken me to a magical land.

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Trynne's father is the King's Champion. Her mother is a powerful wizr, a kind of wizard, who expected her daughter to follow in her footsteps. Trynne has tried but her heart just is not in her studies. She really wants to become a fighter like her father. When a prophecy tells her that the kingdom is going to be invaded and she is to become an Oath Maiden, she secretly begins training. The prophecy warns her to keep her training a secret until the right time comes. Along with these secrets, Trynne's life is further complicated by the behavior of her best friend Dalton whose rash behavior presents a danger to himself and the kingdom. Trynne is surrounded by people whom she cannot trust and from those she can trust she must withhold the truth .

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Received from Netgalley for honest read and review.
Another brilliant book in the Kingfountain series. I have loved the first three books and I was not sure if this would keep me entertained,but once again it was really entertaining and enjoyable.

Have already started the next one.

Recommend this one.

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I tried. I really did. I tried to read this book slowly, so that I could relish every moment, so that it would last… 2 days – that’s as long as I could manage. Hey, that’s 1 day longer than usual. I know from experience that every book Wheeler puts out is going to grab me and spin me right round baby, right round. I know the characters will force me to fall in love with them, and to want good things for them, and to be really upset right along with them when they face hardship. I know that the plot is going to be so well done that I’ll be breathless most of the time. I know that there will be twists I didn’t expect, in spite of having read everything he’s written already. I know it! Still – kablam!

There may have been more twists and surprised gasps while reading this book than any of the ones before. I got to meet some new characters, and of course fall in love with them too, especially Tryneowy, mostly because she is not your typical girl, and at the same time that’s exactly what’s so special about her. I can clearly see the things I love about both of her parents in her – something that is hard to do even in real life, let alone in a book. This is where Wheeler really shines. I love the depth of his characters. How in spite of their flaws and their shortcomings they are still people you would want to have as your friends.

I just KNEW this was going to happen!

Each time I read a new Wheeler book I try to prepare. I take calm, deep breaths. I tell myself, “Take it slow. Make it last!” It’s like the best chocolate you’ve ever had. You really do want to savor it, nibbling delicately at each precious morsel… and then you wake up 2 days later with a chocolate-covered face and a sugar hangover, eyes glazed, unsure what day it is or even where you are because scenes from the story are still spinning in your brain, and all you want is more. Bravo, Wheeler. Bravo.

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The Hollow Crown- a return to the world I love.

Once upon a time, a beautiful, yet harried, mother of 3 found a book on Kindle Unlimited. It was about a 8 year-old boy named Owen Kiskaddon, who liked to make intricate designs with tiles, and his evil king. This twist on Richard III's tale immediately intrigued the woman, who promptly downloaded every book in the series. She fell in love with Owen, with Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer, and the mysterious magical land of Ceredigion.

The mother travelled with Owen and his friends through many journeys, laughing and crying as the story called for her to do, until the story seemingly came to a happy ending in The King's Traitor. She was content to let the story go, but Mr. Wheeler wasn't. Trolling Facebook one day, the mother happened upon a notification from Mr. Wheeler that he had, indeed, written another tale. Convinced that it could not possibly be as good as the original stories, the mother asked for an advance copy. She patiently finished the book that she was reading then proceeded to read The Hollow Crown... and promptly began ignoring her children and thirsting for the next installment.

The Hollow Crown is a clever and skillful weaving of the War of the Roses with Arthurian legend with the added thread of St. Joan's story. Honestly, it's a beautiful tale. Ceredigion reminds me of Narnia, and I just want to go there, let my mind rest, and follow the words of the Fountain. I wasn't so fond of The Maid's War, but The Hollow Crown wiped that all away. I see why Mr. Wheeler needed to write that tale down. It's an integral part of the overall story, in spite of being a stand-alone novel. The Hollow Crown is an achievement. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series. Outstanding work, Mr. Wheeler!

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I’d like to thank Jeff Wheeler, 47 North, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

This series continues to capture me through its covert connections to Medieval English history. This time we have a warrior queen similar to Bodicea and face painting with blue woad. These touches make this fantasy series so tantalizing to my mind.
In The Hollow Crown Wheeler allows the female characters to take the stage. Owen’s daughter is the lead, and she faces many trials. Courage does not only stem from a man’s heart. Due to an attack while still a small child half of Trynn’s face is paralyzed, similar to Bell’s Palsy. She feels ugly, but she she has a beautiful soul that must go up against some truly scummy people.

Of course Wheeler leaves the ending in the perfect place for the next book to pick up. In fact this may be his best ending yet. There is a war ahead. Who will lead the troops? Can the kingdom be saved?

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Extraordinary author and book; one of my all time favorite authors. Tryneowy Kiskaddon is an extraordinary character and I am enjoying reading about her adventures. Highly recommend this author and series.

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I've been hooked on this series since halfway through the very first book. While the wait between publications isn't too terribly long.. I was still thrilled to receive this advanced copy. This series just keeps getting better!!

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This series just gets better and better. I was going to reread the first 3 but once I started this one I couldn't put it down. I wasn't sure if I this second half of the series would hold my attention like the first but I think I might like it better, which is saying something since I loved the first 3. I love Trynne, her love for her family and how selfless she is. In classic Jeff Wheeler fashion he's breaking my heart with Trynne and Fallon. I will be interested to see how her romantic life plays out. It ended on quite the cliffhanger and I can't wait to dive into the next book.

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The Hollow Crown follows Trynne as a threat rises for the kingdom of Ceredigion. Trynne has grown up learning to be strategic and have a military mind, so when it comes to defending her kingdom, will she become the warrior she's destined to be? Or the Wizr her parents want from her?

I keep started books that are sequels by accident. Well actually, The Hollow Crown is book 4 of 6. The good thing is this book focuses on the children from the first book, and works quite well as a first book. It's similar to having two trilogies within the same universe.

I enjoyed the world building in The Hollow Crown. Although there were small parts that were touched on but not fully explained, I'm sure that's because I started the middle of a series. The rest, including how magic works really interested me. I especially loved that there were different worlds, and that the main Wizr traveled between them when danger was sensed. I thought this would be a great way to expand the series if Wheeler chose to. 

This YA actually had parents, and they were present throughout the storyline! Obviously this is because it's a continuation but I enjoyed seeing the different dynamics between Trynne and her mother and Trynne and her father. The characters overall were really well written. Of course the previous characters of the series aren't explored as in depth as their children. But the children were intriguing. I mostly enjoyed the differences between each of them. 

The ending left me wanting more! I'm excited to pick up the first three books, as well as the next two. Wheeler has definitely found a new fan.

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I am a huge fan of the previous books of the Kingfountain series, and was immensely drawn to Owen as he grew into his role as warrior and strategist. Even in the very first book, where most of it is spent following Owen around as a child, was enjoyable to read, and I typically dislike books from children's POV.

His daughter's story has promise, but unfortunately I wasn't as drawn to her as a character. Sequels are always tricky to pull off. How do you balance between bringing back beloved characters, history, and lore, with a fresh character with an immense legacy on her shoulders? I think this book floundered in that balancing act. This time around, the parallels to Arthurian legends were too stark and obvious to ignore, to the point where I questioned if it was a mistake to continue the Kingfountain series. Make no mistake, I'll still read the last two books in the series, because of how devoted I am to Owen and his legacy, but I hope the children of The Hollow Crown mature quickly, and their characters develop substantially!

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I love this series!

The characters you know and love are back in The Hollow Crown, the first in the second trilogy of the series. A sort of calm has come over the realm and the main characters have been able to get on with their lives and have some kids. The main character is Treowney (Trynne) who was named after a pivotal character in the first trilogy. She is the daughter of Lord Owen Kiskaddon and is a strong and determined woman.

A new threat has emerged and the kingdom must band together if they are going to survive; including coming up with alternative ways to protect themselves.

I love Trynne so much, as well as the other strong women like the new queen and the new poisoner.

I wish I would have waited for all three to come out before starting this one, the wait is going to be a killer.

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A thoroughly addictive retelling of the Arthurian legends set in an incredibly well developed world. The characters are really engaging, to the point where I kept reading snatches of this book wherever I could in order to find out what was happening to them. It was the classic "just one more chapter" effect until it's midnight and you've got work the next day and it was totally worth it. Having read this I will be going back to the beginning to catch up with the first three novels.

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I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and from the author through a goodreads giveaway for an honest review.

Jeff has done it for me again. I can honestly say I have never read a book of his I didn't like. He is fast becoming one of my go-to Fantasy authors. When I first finished King's Traitor (kingfountain #3) I was sad when it ended because it was so good. Now, I know there are at least 6 planned in the series.

My only gripe is that Sinia seems a bit cold and I would have liked more interaction from some of the old characters in the first three books. Other than that, love.

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I have enjoyed the first three books in the Kingfountain series and was pleased to find that this latest instalment, the opening to another trilogy, doesn't disappoint. The novel tells the tale of Trynne, the daughter of Owen Kiskaddon and our new protagonist. The action takes place in familiar surroundings with familiar aspects, like the power of the fountain and the game of Wizr but we are treated to new characters that will push the narrative forward. I thought the pacing of this book was really good - in some of the earlier instalments, this was an area that I felt needed some work, but it is clear to see the improvements that Wheeler has made in his craft. On occasion the dialogue can be a little bit clunky, but it isn't detrimental to the plot. I loved the institution of the Gauntlet Games and I also loved the idea of introducing Shield Maidens to the mix. Our protagonist is a feisty female and, while there is a smattering of stereotype about her, she is still really fun to read about. I look forward to the next part of the trilogy.

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The Hollow Crown is book four in the Kingfountain series. I read the first book (The Queen's Poisoner) last year and I loved it so I bought the next 2 books later on in the year when I saw they were on sale and of course when I saw The Hollow Crown on Netgalley I just had to request it.

I have been loving this series so far. It is well written and if you aren't one who usually read Fantasy or want to start reading fantasy this is the perfect book series to start with.

This book is very well written and it did get me hooked from the very beginning. I ended up staying up late reading this book.

I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

I do recommend you read the previous books first because it would be too confusing not to.

I am giving this 4 out of 5.

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What a wonderful adventure in the land of the Fountain blessed! I loved the Fountain Trilogy so I was excited to return to this world but nervous about whether this one would be as good. Thankfully it was amazing. We follow Owen's daughter Trynne this time as she grows into herself and the Fountain's plans for her family. I don't want to give anything away but this novel is action packed and full of the author's well constructed characters and plot twists. I am very excited to find out what happens next! I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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