Actual rating 3.5 stars. 
 This is the first installment in the Kingfountain trilogy and follows the journey of Owen Kiskaddon, as he is taken from his home to the King's castle as hostage for his father's crimes of desertion and treason. Owen, a shy and serious seven-year-old, was easy to fall in love with and I immediately empathized with his plight. His abrupt departure from the world he knew, the chaos of the King's palace and the new faces he was confronted with, all conspired to give this an adventurous and action-packed beginning. It wasn't until over a quarter of the way through that the reader becomes privy to the fact of the king's magical abilities, aided by the magical fountain water. He is not alone in this aptitude, as Owen soon learns when he meets the mysterious Ankarette Tryneowy, the former Queen's poisoner. 
 Owen's friendship with Lady Elysabeth Victoria Mortimer made interesting reading, and I adored joining them on their childish and daring adventures. Learning of their quirky ways gave light respite from the surrounding story of political intrigue. 'Evie', as Owen affectionatly calls her, was a little doll and I quickly became so in love with her and Owen's little friendship. They were such an odd duo, which only made them the more interesting to read of. 
 Despite my initial affinity with this story, inconsistencies began to arise that marred my overall enjoyment. This read partly like a high fantasy or historical fiction novel, as it was full of court intrigue and political workings, but the young perspective led other parts of this to read more like a middle grade novel. Owen is a child and yet his inner-monologues often do not read as one who is such, leading to some ambiguity to also arise over his character. 
 Overall, I liked the book and am excited to see where the story goes, in the next two installments, but I can't say this is my favourite fantasy story, so far. I think I became more interested in the next episode once I learnt that it is set seven years into the future, and I only hope that the older protagonist will combat my minor dislikes from this book.