As he has become accustomed to his readers, Jeff Wheeler delivers beautifully written stories with wonderful characters, vividly described landscapes and beautiful covers.
This time, with Knight's Ransom, the first book in The Firsts Argentine series, Mr. Wheeler gives us the story of King Devon the Elder and his four sons: Devon the Younger, Benedict, Goff and Jon-Landon. Although the main character is Sir Marshall Barton, also known as Sir Ransom, who from the first chapters has reminded me of the story of Sir William Marshall, the First Knight, known for his nobility and chivalrous virtues.
The series consists of four books which judging by the quality of the first one, will be another chain reading, one of those that the reader tries to lengthen so that the pleasure of reading it lasts a few more days...

I love The Kingfountain series! I got into it years ago in the hospital and fell in love. I am so happy that we finally get to see the beginning of the Argentine dynasty and how history does truly repeat itself. I love historical fiction and am reminded throughout the series of battles, bloodlines and warriors who fought in family battles. I cannot wait to read the entire series, fortunately Jeff Wheeler doesn’t drag it out forever like some authors when gets going you usually don’t have to wait years between book

I am a fan of Jeff Wheeler and his writing. He has such a way with creating such intricate and gripping characters and a world that reels you in. From plot to action I was sold on it all. Having not read his Kingfountain series I found that I was a tiny bit confused as I was reading. Nothing too major, but I do think if I read that series first this could have been a solid five star read for me.

Ransom was an amazing character. I enjoyed being inside his head and following him. He didn't have that typical mucho attitude, but he was brave, kind and downright awesome. Lady Claire was a firecracker and I LOVED it! The two of them together just made me excited and happy with each turn of the page.

I am excited to continue on with the series, but I think I will jump into the Kingfountain series first before continuing on with this series just to help me understand the world a bit more. Overall, this was pretty great!

At this point I find it hard to review books by Jeff Wheeler. Just because how do I keep saying how much I love his books? They are like comfort food to me at this point. I get one on my kindle and I can’t wait to get into bed at night, snuggle up in my pillows and start reading.

I was excited about this new series in particular. This is a prequel series to the Kingfountain books (which are my favorites of his) and I was so happy to read more about this world.

The throwbacks to the Kingfountain series were very much appreciated, and made for such enjoyable reading, but this story is also strong enough to stand on it’s own as a great new start. Mr. Wheeler’s female characters are a big draw for me. They are always multi-faceted and independent, and that’s a great thing to see in historical fantasy. In short, because I could just go on praising these books as usual, but you already know where I’m coming from … this series would be both a great one for fans of his books, as well as a great start for new readers. I hope you will think of picking it up.

Unpopular opinion.

This was my first book by Jeff Wheeler.

Somehow I had the impression that this book was not the first book in this series. In fact, it is a first book, but it is connected to other works by the same author. Hence the feeling of missing information several times.

I thought the plot was very slow, although there was a lot of action and fighting going on; I couldn't really connect to the main character Ransom, too.

All in all I have to say that I might have liked this book in my early teens.

I’ve heard about Jeff Wheeler for a few years now and have wanted to read his novels. So I was excited when I got an ARC from NetGalley and 47North.

My lower rating isn’t reflective of the story, but instead of my own personal preferences. I love epic-fantasies and to truly love a novel I need strong female characters and some romance, which I found lacking in this novel. The first due to the time period (woman hadn’t gained independence yet) and the romance felt subpar.

The plot was good with lots of action, sword play, world building and suspense. The pacing was a little off as everything just felt too condensed to be realistic. The novel felt like it should have been spaced over decades instead of the 8ish years it actually did (minus the first few chapters with Ransom as a child).

The characters were great, definitely the strongest part of the novel. I loved how nothing was black and white and instead every decision had consequences. I really enjoyed reading Ransom grow, change and try to contemplate tough decisions (such as betrayal). Claire was great but she didn’t get enough time devoted to her. I really would have loved to see how Ransom and Claire’s budding attraction would bloom but instead it felt too much like “soul mates”. I understand they were childhood friends but I don’t see why that attraction and “love” would still be around a decade later, especially when they barely interacted.

The fountain blessed angle could have been a nice touch, however I feel Ransom should have had some clue about what foundation blessed means even if he had just heard the rumours. But this did enable Wheeler to explain what it was without giving the reader a boring info dump session.

Overall this was a good, clean fantasy novel with sword fighting, light romance and the chosen one angle.

Due to a problem with send to kindle I was unable to read the title. I realized this problem only now, but it seems there was no sychronization for the past two months.

4.5 Stars

KNIGHT'S RANSOM is a story set in an Arthurian fantasy world with likable characters and an engaging plot. The author does a fabulous job of slowly unravelling this story so both old and new fans are pulled right in and easily fall in love with these characters. Definitely recommended to fantasy fans!

This story reminded me so much of some older classics, like Robin Hood by Paul Creswich, The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson and The Boy's King Arthur by Sidney Lanier. It's honestly one of the best compliments I can give. The time period is comparable and the writing is also paced similarly, but much less wordy and easier to read.

This first book in the series is very character driven and I loved these characters! Marshall or "Ransom" begins the story as a young boy, as does Claire who has journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. It was fun to see them both grow up and come into their own. At the end they have both endured great loss, challenges and have had to come to terms with different futures than what they had originally hoped for. Their journeys are both continuing on as there are two more books in the series and this was really just the start.

The plot itself is intriguing from beginning to end. There is this mysterious magic that the reader learns about right along with the characters. Ransom still has a ways to go before he understands it and what his final role will be. There are different villains and I was never quite sure who Ransom should be loyal to. It is very much like a Medieval time period where lords and ladies are vying for favors and power plays, and where battle is constant even amongst families. I'm definitely curious to see where the story goes next, especially as Ransom is an easy hero to cheer on. May can't come too soon with book two!

In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and plan on picking up the second and third books as soon as they release. There is so much I want to know about the magical system, if one country will be able to defend itself against another, if these characters will find their happily-ever-afters (Ransom so deserves some happiness!). If you enjoy sweeping fantasy that is character driven, with plenty of action and a sweet romance, then definitely grab this one!

Content: Some war violence (not too gory) and innuendo, but would consider this clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publicist, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This was my first book I read by Jeff Wheeler and I really enjoyed it. I am interested in continue to read more of his future and past books that are in this world of KingFountain or any other worlds he creates.

This book is about Ransom who is a child at the beginning of the book and it goes through what happens to him as he becomes a knight in the medieval world of KingFountain. It also has Journal entries from another character Claire that is part of Ransom's life. I really enjoyed seeing the low's and high's that Ransom went through in his life to become a knight. It seemed that when everything is going great for him an event happens that destroys him.

One part I really enjoy is the character Claire she is a strong woman that does not bow down to the men in her life. Also her journal entries helped bridge the time that might happen to Ransom between the chapters.

I am looking forward to continue in the series to see what happens to Ransom and the world of KingFountain. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys medieval fantasy worlds with an emphasis in politics of the world.

Knight's Ransom is the first book in a planned four book series featuring Ransom as he searches for his path in the world as well as answers questions he has about powers he has developed over the years. I have been reading and following this author for years, ever since I happened upon a book called The Wretched of Muirwood, and have been hooked ever since. It's not too often I re-read books, but I think I may actually go back and re-read, and review, that trilogy.

This book is a bit different from the previous books, but I really enjoyed that aspect as it shows the depth of this author's writing ability as well as his development. This one seems to take inspiration from the Arthurian Legends which made me happy; Is there anyone as a kid who wasn't inspired by King Arthur and his knights?

The story is told entirely from Ransom's perspective, with Claire's perspective told through chronicles, a format this author has used in former books. Ransom grows up to be a happy and well-adjusted boy despite the fact that he was separated from his family at a young age by the king and held ransom to keep his family in line, which is how he earned his nickname. After being rejected by his father in brutal circumstances, Ransom understood that he would have to make his own way in the world, so he was sent to a relative's castle to learn how to be a knight, something in which he excelled. He tended to look for the best in people and trusted far too easily, which set him up for betrayal, something we will see a lot of in the book. One of the things I really liked about Ransom however, was his sense of honour. Even though he struggled with making the right choices throughout the book, he ever wavered once the choice was made and his loyalty was absolute. He really seemed like this glowing light while everyone one around him was plotting and being deceptive. And yes, we know how the story ends in the legends of Arthur, don't we? Which is why I am afraid to find out what happens to Ransom in future books.

I really enjoyed the other characters in the books although I don't think they were quite as developed as Ransom. I especially felt like the 'romance' between Claire and Ransom felt off simply because there was not enough time to really explore their feelings as they didn't spend a lot of time together for reasons you will understand when you read the book. Yes, they spent a lot of time together as children, but people change a lot as adults and for the most part, when Ransom was at Kingfountain, Claire was not really around. I am really glad that the author is not afraid to kill off characters if necessary though, as some of the fighting was brutal.

The plot itself was twisty and fun. There were betrayals aplenty, some coming out of nowhere that I didn't even suspect; I love it when an author can catch you by surprise and turn an experience on your head. The entire Argentine family is plotting against each other and are quite the dysfunctional family, but that is what makes them so interesting. Devon and his younger brothers all plot against their father, Devon the Elder, all while plotting against each other, fighting for the Hollow Crown, determined to take it on their own terms. There is also a secondary mystery twisting through all of this plotting and betrayal involving Ransom, but at this point the reader is left hanging and guessing as to what it is. The author has only given a teasing glimpse into the possibilities in this book.

Knight's Ransom is set in the Kingfountain world and I am so glad to be back in that world. I enjoyed Ransom as a main character and loved the medieval setting of this world, with the knights, the battles, the betrayals, and the loyalties constantly changing. I did think the character development of some of the secondary characters was a bit weak so I am hoping for a bit more on that end in future books. There is a mystery intertwined throughout the story involving Ransom that has not yet been resolved which includes a quest (just seeing that word gives me a huge thrill!!), and I can't wait to find out more about Ransom and his abilities. Although you do not have to be familiar with the Kingfountain world to enjoy this book, I do recommend you read his other books at some point, especially The Kingfountain Series, as it will give you interesting background information about the world. I'm off to dive into book 2, Warrior's Ransom, to be released May 18.

I honestly can't praise this book enough. I've loved almost every Jeff Wheeler series and while I was a little worried this would be like every other argentine themed book I was wrong. I admire the authors ability to create relatable characters and detailed worlds. I highly recommend if you like the other books by Jeff Wheeler or even if you've never read his books that you give this series a read.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book!

There are very few authors out there that are able to make worlds come to life the way Jeff Wheeler does. I get so sucked into his stories and eagerly await each one. This was so well written and although it goes back into the Kingfountain realm (yes!!) it definitely is not a repeat. I've already started the next one and would absolutely recommend this to EVERYONE!

It was refreshing to read a book that felt based in historical accuracy (even if it wasn't) that didn't feel the need to dive deep into the history of each topic it mentioned, and kept a storyline moving at a comfortable pace. Jeff Wheeler's proise is quick and clear, with the interludes between the chapters almost as much fun as the rest of the book. His combat feels frantic and heavy, which fits the setting perfectly. It was also great to read a book that didn't dive headfirst into high fantastical worldbuilding and magical systems; Knight's Ransom reminded me of discovering the Arthurian legends and Robin Hood stories when I was younger. This was an easy read, and one that I'm excited will continue within the same vein.

A great start to a new series set in the Kingfountain world! Wheeler's writing has improved significantly. This book stepped away from the formula that book 4 through 6 from The Kingfountain series fell into, making it less predictable, and I was very happy to see that! The Kingfountain series suffered from reusing the same plot and even though I felt like that was the point (history repeating itself was an important aspect of the story), it became a bit tiring after a while. Knight's Ransom started off in the same manner but towards the end, it ventured out and I really hope that the next installments continue to explore the new plot line. I love the political intrigue in his books and this new addition to the Kingfountain world definitely continues to deliver that.

Thank you to 47North for an early copy.

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This is a really good first book in a new, exciting fantasy series. We're back in Kingfountain, and I'm so excited! This story revolves around a young man nicknamed Ransom. As a young second son, he is given to the King by his father as hostage to ensure his father behaves and does not side with rival Devon Argentine, who is intent on taking the crown for himself.

When the old King dies and Devon is crowned King, Ransom is told he is free to leave. Ransom goes home, but gets no warm welcome by his father. Forced to make his way in the world on his own, Ransom finds a place in his uncle's house training to become a knight. He dreams of a life loyally serving an honorable lord, preferably with his boyhood crush Lady Claire by his side. Ransom finally becomes a knight, but suffers setbacks along the way. When he grabs the notice of the Queen of Ceredigion, she asks him to join the service of her eldest son, the heir to the King. Ransom must learn to navigate the treachery and conflict surrounding the noble family, while also trying to learn about the mysterious powers he may have that aid his fighting abilities.

I really enjoyed this book. Ransom is a great new lead character. He had to grow up quick and figure out who he is. He is a strong and capable knight, but still has the naivete of the young boy he is. He is clearly fountain-blessed, but since that is considered just an old-time legend and not real, there is no one he can talk with about it or train him. He is a skilled and feared fighter. Therefore, people like him to be on their side, but also fear to be around him. He is used by the nobility for their own purposes, and hasn't had a lot of choice in his own fate. This is obviously frustrating for him.

The budding romance between him and Lady Claire is sweet, but they are kept apart so much that it's a bit frustrating. I would like to see them able to have a little bit of happiness together in the next book. Lady Claire is a fierce, strong-willed young woman that definitely knows her own mind. She is very capable and I hope she gets a bigger part to play in the next book. She's not the shy, retiring type and the fact that she was sidelined so much in the first book is frustrating. It seemed like she would have been a bit more daring.

This is a strong first book and I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and 47North. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Jeff Wheeler is the author that got me into reading Fantasy.

Knight's Ransom is the first book in The First Argentines series and let me tell you what a ride!!! I just couldn't put this one down and now I am impatiently waiting for the next book.

I do highly recommend it.

Recently I have been pulled towards honor as I have binged my way through the "Stormlight Archives" by Brandon Sanderson. When a new series by Jeff Wheeler popped up on Netgalley, I had to click. His new series was going to be framed around the myths of chivalry from the days of yore. This is also an opportunity to see into the realm of Kingfountain without having to read any of his previous series.

I found it difficult to get into this story at first. There was something that just wasn't setting up right for me. Something disjointed that I just couldn't put my finger on. Then something magical happened, I couldn't put the book down. I'm not positive at what point in the story I had become entrenched in the world of Ransom and Claire. It was such a subtle transition, before I knew it the book was ending and I needed to know what happened. Now I look forward to the rest of the series.

I'm still not entirely sure if I'm impressed with the writing, but the story ended up being fantastic. The struggles of Ransom during the age of knights and courtiers really resonated. He desperately wants to be loyal to a good man and serve his life in loyalty. However, he is a man that never seems to make it down his own path. The cast of characters were also necessary for the whole plot to hold together. Each plot twist kept the pages turning, but I really want to know what happens to Ransom. I am completely invested in his quest.

Having read fantasy author Jeff Wheeler’s two previous Kingfountain series, I was excited to hear that he had decided to delve deeper into the roots of the ruling Argentine family. Again, we see the kingdom through the eyes of one of its knights, but Marshall “Ransom” Barton in “Knight’s Ransom – The First Argentine Series” takes a different path than Owen Kiskaddon of the original Kingfountain trilogy.
And full disclosure, I was given a free copy of the book to read in advance. But the only promise I made was to review the book, with no strings attached about what my review would say.
Some of what we see in the first of this four-part series, which Booklist notes “adds elements of Arthurian legend,” is familiar. As with Owen Kiskaddon at the beginning of “The Queen’s Poisoner,” Ransom, just a boy, is held hostage by a king who has usurped the throne of Ceredigion, to secure his father’s loyalty.
Over time, we also see Ransom’s budding understanding of his Fountain-blessed abilities, which in some ways mirror Owen Kiskaddon’s. But whereas Owen had poisoner Ankarette Tryneowy to guide him, Ransom struggles to understand what it all means.
We follow Ransom’s quest to become a knight, learn more details about that world than we did with Owen. Ransom’s struggles with a bully, Sir James, in some ways mirror Owen’s with Dundsworth, King Severn’s nephew. Ransom also ages more quickly in the first book than Owen did in “The Queen’s Poisoner.”
And while Owen spent much of the first book in the company of his good friend, feisty Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer, Ransom only gets fleeting moments with fellow hostage and love interest feisty Claire du Murrow. Wheeler employs Claire’s humorous point of view through epigrams at the start of every chapter to summarize action and move the plot along.
Like the original Kingfountain series, “Knight’s Ransom” also has a poisoner. But it’s not until the end of the book that we learn a bit more about her.
In a note at the end of “Knight’s Ransom,” Wheeler acknowledges that readers of his previous series will likely see “archetypes and shadows of previous Kingfountain characters in this story.” But then he adds this: “If you think you know what’s going to happen, think again. I never tell the same story twice.”
That note is an encouragement to readers looking for a new tale. Though I have to admit there is something nice about finding some familiar elements in this new saga of the Argentine family. Flawed characters find redemption. Some characters can’t be redeemed. Known locations are populated by new faces. And we get to go back to a time when little was known about what it meant to be Fountain-blessed.
Wheeler is also great about dropping in easter eggs, which he frequently does to reward returning readers. This one brought a smile: “King Andrew was given a sword and a scabbard. Yet the Wizr Myrddin told him the scabbard was more powerful than the sword.”
By the end of the book, I am left eager to plunge into Book 2, which won’t be published until May 18, with the third book set to be released in September. I look forward to seeing where Wheeler and Ransom take me next.

I was gifted an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I was so pleased to start reading Knight’s Ransom and discover it is set in the world of Kingfountain. I loved the previous series which was set here and this book is a brilliant addition/follow on. There is a new set of characters to learn to love and hope the best for. As always Jeff gets straight into the story, making it easy to become hooked and no opportunity to become bored. One of the first chapters I literally held my breathe whilst I read through! I cannot wait to see where Ransom and Claire end up and other characters which may join along the way.

Jeff Wheeler crafts a masterful tale of war, succession and intrigue in his latest book, Knight's Ransom.

The story follows the tale of Marshall Barton, a hostage of King Gervase of Kingfountain. In a bid to bring Marshall’s father to heel, King Gervase is advised that in order to make him toe the line is to kill his child. However, things don’t go according to plan. Firstly, Marshall’s father refuses to acknowledge his son, thus making the death worthless, and King Gervase is not the type of king to callously kill a child.

When we get to the first chapter, we learn that Marshall has earned the name Ransom due to him being held as such. We learn that Ransom has been kept for years as a hostage and he has developed relationships at court with another child Claire de Murrow.

However, as with everything in Kingfountain, things change. The death of King Gervase signals change for Ransom and he is sent out into the world to make his own way. However, his father, a cold and frigid hearted man has cut Ransom out of the family and tells him that he has no place at his family home. His mother takes pity on him and gives him a letter of recommendation to take up a position with family member Lord Kinghorn. Thus starts Ransom's journey through the tumultuous waters of courtly politics and life as a knight.

Wheeler tells the story of Ransom extremely well. The character of Ransom is likeable, charming, sometimes a little annoying in his absolute goodness. He goes through life just wanting to make his way in the world and serve someone who is as loyal to him as he is to them. However, he goes through life being tested, having temptation put in his way and at times being out in the wilderness.

The plot moves at a decent pace. There were times when I did think that the courtly intrigue did become a little sluggish and you could see that certain situations weren’t going to go that well and you wanted to shout at Ransom that he shouldn’t go there because we know it is going to go bad. However, Ransom refused to listen and did it anyway.

Additionally, Wheeler gives us a pretty solid retinue of supporting characters, both good and bad. Sir James is a good character. I like how he is not as straightforward and when certain events happen with him, I thought I didn’t expect that. There are some surprising events that blindsided me that I didn't see coming.

I liked that there is a reference to David Gemmell in there by calling the horse Gemmell.

Now, there is one thing that I did have a little difficulty with and that was the place names that are used in the world. Wheeler uses a number of English place names, like Folkestone, Connaught, North Cumbria, which on the whole did not bother me. However, when he uses Blackpool as a place name this jarred me a little, as this means something a little different to readers from the UK and I had a little difficulty picturing Blackpool in a medieval way. I know it must have been at some point.

The magic system was intriguing. I certainly want to know more about what a fountain blessed and what it means and what they can do.

I liked the structure of the book with the diary entries at the end of the chapters. It is a good device to expand the world and give us another point of view and to detail wider world events

This is my first time reading Jeff Wheeler and I enjoyed this book. I will definitely reading the next part of the series