The Poisoned King
by Katherine Rundell
read by Sam West
Listening Library, 2025. 7 hours, 7 minutes.
Review written November 7, 2025, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review
With Book 2 of the books set in the magical Archipelago, I’m loving this series more than ever. I believe you don’t have to read the first book, Impossible Creatures, to enjoy this one, because it’s a mostly self-contained story. But I highly recommend that you do read the first, because both are wonderful!
This book does start with Christopher, an Outlander Guardian from our world, being summoned back to the Archipelago by Jacques, the tiny jaculus dragon. He’s summoned because dragons have been dying throughout the Archipelago, and they want a Guardian to figure out what’s wrong and save them.
Once he arrives, he gets guidance from a sphinx – who pulls him into the story of Anya, Princess of Dousha. And her story is the story of the poisoned king – for her grandfather the king was poisoned, her father was framed for his murder, and now Anya’s life is in danger because she’s next in line for the throne.
So the adventure in this book is to find out what happened to the dragons and the king, clear Anya’s father’s name, and get vengeance on the person behind all that. The idea is simple, and the adventure is wonderful.
Again, the book is full of impossible, fantastical creatures. I like the Gagana birds who follow Princess Anya around and look after her. We do meet some friends from the previous book, all working for the good of the islands. The eventual plan to make things right is ingenious, and not without danger. And it’s mostly carried out by children – Christopher and Anya.
The narrator of this series is phenomenal as well. He does excellent voices for the many creatures, and his storytelling voice is perfect for the dry humor throughout the book. One example is the chapter title, “A Discovery: Oysters Both Look and Taste Like Snot.” There are also many wise sayings (such as “Fear has wisdom in it, if you treat it well.”), which he declares with wonderful gravity.
I recently finished another Book 2 and was annoyed the story wasn’t done. With this book, I’m delighted it’s Book 2, because it has the feel of a series. I’m hoping for many more grand adventures in the magical world of the Archipelago. If you haven’t visited it yet, here’s another opportunity!
Find this review on Sonderbooks at: www.sonderbooks.com/Childrens_Fiction/poisoned_king.html
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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.
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