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The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell is a stunningly written adventure filled with magic, danger, and heart. The writing is lyrical and atmospheric, making it easy to get swept away in the world from the very first page.

Even without reading the first book, I was fully pulled into the story. The characters are bold, brave, and beautifully complex, and the pacing kept me hooked right through to the final chapter. Rundell has crafted a story that’s both emotional and exciting—a perfect blend for YA and teen readers alike.

As soon as I finished, I knew I had to go back and find the first book. This is definitely a series I want to own as a full collection—one I’ll revisit and recommend to anyone who loves fantasy with depth and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this gem!

Title - the poisoned king
Author - Katherine Rundell
Release Date - September 2025
Page Count - 336
Read/Listen Time - 7hrs
Brief overview - an excellent follow up to the outstanding impossible creatures
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /4 stars

Impossible Creatures was a stand out for me in back in 2023. Not since the Harry Potter series have I been so enamored by a children's book. The Poisoned King is an excellent follow; I was worried given the ending of the first book. In The Poisoned King we are introduced to some new characters and fantastical beasts; some old friends are thrown in there for good measure too.

Anya is an amazing young princess who flees for her life following a heinous murder. She meets up with William, and together they go on a journey to save Anyas father, the dragons, and the entire future of the archipelago.

An outstanding read and one for the bedtime storytime with the kiddies. Loved it.

Thank you you @netgalley and @bloomsbury for the early e-arc in return for an honest review.

In The Poisoned King, Rundell plunges us back into the magic of the Archipelago, full of fabulous creatures, witty writing, and good old-fashioned adventure.

The book begins with Christopher being summoned back to the Archipelago to save the creatures he is sworn to protect. His journey soon intersects with that of Princess Anya, who he saves and helps to avenge a poisonous plot. Along the way, Rundell introduces us to new magical creatures alongside some old favourites.

I liked Princess Anya, who was interesting, sympathetic, and thankfully largely (but not entirely) devoid of Rundell's tendency to make her female protagonists disgusting. Like Impossible Creatures, The Poisoned King ends with a somewhat didactic moral lesson.

In the end, I really enjoyed The Poisoned King, though it felt like a standalone adventure separate from and less original than the first book. I really look forward to Book 3, which I hope will pick up on the plot line hinted at in the last chapter! Overall, the Poisoned King is a worthy sequel for fans of Impossible Creatures!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This really is a worthy sequel to the first book in the series, titled Impossible Creatures. Christopher has been longing to go back to the magical archipelago that he is tasked with helping to protect, even though he is an Otherworlder, belonging to our own sphere. But he doesn't know quite what he is getting into this time...

Caught up in Princess Anya's quest for justice as she attempts to deal with a foul plot, Christopher encounters a host of amazing creatures. Indeed, at times it feels like too many!

The story begins with an excellent hook, and Koo is an adorable addition. The adventure is engaging and the ending is also well done and leaves the reader eager for more. This series is shaping up beautifully and is worth checking out for any reader.

An incredible adventure with wonderful characters, a captivating world and high stakes. Five stars.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Loved the start and end of this, the characters of Anya and Christopher are brilliant and can't wait to see where the story goes next. The ending already has me looking forward to book three. I think perhaps a little bloated in the middle, it felt quite info heavy with characters thrown in just to hit the impossible creatures brief. I think anyone who likes mythology and mythological creatures would really enjoy this and get lost in the world.

Thank you to Katherine Rundell, Bloomsbury, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

A sequel to Impossible Creatures, The Poisoned King follows the adventures of Christopher, an ‘Otherlander” (our world) charged with protecting the Archipelago, and Anya, a princess wishing to avenge a poisonous plot.

TPK was an engaging read with strong vocabulary aimed to stretch middle grade readers, much the same as with Rundell’s other novels. It read well, the plot was interesting and paced perfectly, and the world-building was just as excellent as the first novel. Anya could come across a little cliché and trope-y at times but it didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book. I liked the tie-in with several plot points from the first book at the ending and look forward to the next instalment!

My daughter has been a Katherine Rundell fan since she read The Explorer. She was very excited to have the opportunity to read The Poisoned King. Her review is below.
A well made book, skillfully written.
The start was an instant hook, I couldnt put it down, and the characters are very interesting, I especially like the new heroine, the banter between them all is very enjoyable. I like how it brought back old characters and added new ones, Koo was very cute and the ending part was very emotional and powerful. A few of the flaws were that some parts of the plot and the ending were quite guessable. Overall a great sequel to a stunning series.

I loved Impossible Creatures but I think I might love the sequel The Poisoned King even more - it’s such an incredible story of magic, friendship, loyalty, bravery and fantasy. It’s not publishing until 11th September but you should definitely get your pre-order in now - there are some amazing sprayed edge editions.

Set once again in the Archipelago, we see Christopher return once again to save the dragons but along the way he has to rescue Anya, the second in line to the throne who wants to live wild and free in the forest but is forced to live in the castle. When her grandfather, the king, is murdered and her father arrested she has to flee for her life.

It’s such a wonderful story to read, full of brilliant lines and lots to think about. I loved the characters and Anya is definitely one of the best heroines out there. The fantasy world is created really well and the mythical creatures are abundant - there are so many references to different mythologies and it shows just how much Katherine Rundell knows her stuff.

The anticipation of a sequel is often more rewarding than when the book finally arrives and doesn't live up to the expectations.. Impossible Creatures was the "must-read' of 2023; a glorious trip into a fantastical world created by Katherine Rundell.

With so many plaudits, it could be easy for an author to be sidetracked from their game and talent and quickly produce a sequel that doesn't have the heart, but Katherine Rundell isn't that type of writer. The Poisoned King is quite simply excellent.

Christopher Forrester is back; this time on a mission to try and understand why dragons are dying- to save them. Back to the Archipelago he travels - time is running out.

But meanwhile other tragedies are taking place: a young princess discovers her grandfather has been poisoned and her father imprisoned for the crime- she needs to save him from death and also prove that another family member is power-hungry and will stop at nothing to gain power- even if it means killing other creatures

So when Christopher and Anya's paths cross they find they need to join resources, knowledge and skills to battle the enemy.
Joined by a sphinx, dragons and magical birds, the two embark on a race against time - battling against a myriad of challenges.

This is book two in a quintet and book three will be published next year. Comparisons have been made to Tolkien and Pullman but this is a distinctly Katherine Rundell world. Her prose is spell binding- never playing down to the readership - stretching imaginations through vocabulary and plot

This is another wonderful book for young (and old) - a gripping adventure full of magic, fantasy and Impossible Creatures and one that you can't put down until the final pages.

Undoubtedly another masterpiece in children's fiction - is it too early early to say Children's Fiction Book of 2025?

Very highly recommended

Thank you to Bloomsbury Children's Books and Netgalley fro the advance copy.

This was a fantastic sequel by Katherine Rundell. It was great to come back to some characters from the previous book whilst also meeting new characters and another area and culture of the Archipelago.
It's best to have already read Impossible Creatures, however the plot in The Poisoned King is a story in its own right so it is not imperative.
It's quickly paced with plenty of action and of course some some fantastical creatures, this will be loved by both children and adults.

This is the second title in Rundell’s Impossible Creatures series. While someone new diving straight into the book may be slightly confused as to what is happening, they will soon pick it up, as will a seasoned fantasy fan, but the good thing is there is no patronising recap which often happens with sequels.
Christopher returns to the Archipelago, summoned by a dragon worried about the deaths of other dragons. We meet again some of the mythical creatures who featured in book one. Mal in book one is referenced, but doesn’t make an appearance. Instead we have an equally fiery, independent female protagonist in Anya, Princess of Dousha. Anya had loved living in the forest with her Father, but her Grandfather decided she was too wild and brought her to live in the castle to be educated in the ways of Princesses. Despite this Anya still manages to care for creatures, rescuing the egg of a Gagana so it hatches before royal soldiers destroy it.
When the paths of these two children intersect they are both determined to right a wrong, each willing to help the other after their own cause is solved. But what they begin to understand is that both quests are intertwined and working together will reach the same solution.
Christopher in this book understands more of the duties of a Guardian of the Archipelago. Anya, having experienced a bereavement, at first burns with revenge but does not sink to the level of the villain when deciding their fate and reasons this out thus giving those quick to judge pause for thought.
There is adventure, suspense and of course brilliant writing. Conservation is a strong theme, albeit of mythical creatures, but the message for our world is easily translated and children will pick up on this immediately. Not normally a fantasy lover I make an exception for Katherine Rundell because she doesn’t speak down to children, subtly educating them (and me) without preaching.
The chapters are short making it a slightly easier read than the first scene-setting book, but this still remains a meaty read for children of 10+ or a great book to read aloud to years 5-7. Black and white chapter headings are promised for the hardcopy but the cover is as vibrant and exciting as the first.

The highly anticipated follow up to The Impossible Creatures sure didn’t disappoint! I reread the first one in preparation for this and I was suitably hyped! I can’t believe how quickly it went and how absorbed I was.

It was great to be back with characters we’ve come to know and love and be introduced to new ones. With split character perspectives until our characters meet, we get to experience the world of the Archipelago with them. It was a pure joy! And we meet Anya who is an amazing character!

The chapters are also short and snappy and really adds to that extra ‘just one more chapter’ addiction which had me tearing through these pages in record time. It was so effortless and fun to read, I had no problem getting through this book in just a few days. I was hooked to say the least!

The central plot itself was compelling and together with Anya, we unravel the mystery of The Poisoned King. It was seriously such a good story and I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next one!

What an absolutely beautiful and amazing book. After reading impossible creatures I was so excited to be approved for The poison king. Katherine Rundell is a genius at weaving and crafting a great story. A must read for children and adults.

Absolutely phenomenal! What a joy it was to return to Archipelago for another whimsical, high-stakes adventure. I truly love how Rundell encourages a love of nature and conservation in her younger creatures through her wonderfully unique and loveable creatures, alongside her strong-willed and caring characters. Truly a job to read!

This is a book for adults who want to read a children's story reminiscent of C.S .Lewis and for children who want an adventure with the most glorious magical beasts. Written as a sequel to the highly acclaimed "Impossible Creatures", this new story takes us again into a fantasy world of kings ,oceans, magic and quest underpinned by philosophical musings but lightened by wit. In this tale Christopher returns to the world through the lake to save the dragons who are inexplicably dying. Meanwhile the princess Anya witnesses the death of her grandfather ,the King of the realm and sets out to seek justice for him. Inevitably the two children meet and work together. Unlike many of the current fantasy adventures this is more restrained in terms of the emotional journey the children go on but this is no bad thing. In its place is much detailed and vivid description of the creatures and their surroundings which are sure to spark imagination. Put simply, this is very good.

My thanks got to Bloomsbury and to NetGalley for this advanced copy.

How on earth do I review The Poisoned King, the second book in the Impossible Creatures series? I could simply write: buy it, read it, gift it to everyone you know!  And I do mean everyone, because I think that adults benefit as much from the exquisite imagination, academic brilliance and unique ability with words of author Katherine Rundell, as the middle grade readership for which this book is written. Like one of her characters, this author 'deplores cliché' and every chapter is blessed with beautifully crafted sentences whether they are describing characters, action or those deeply held truths which reach to the heart and soul of the reader.

As stated earlier, this is the second in a series, and whilst it could be read as a standalone novel, I think that it is likely to be more enjoyable and meaningful if you have read the first Impossible Creatures book in advance (I will put a link to my review at the end of this post).

The story begins with Christopher Forrester being summoned back to the magical Archipelago by a very insistent Jacques, a small Jaculus dragon, who brings news of mysterious dragon deaths which Christopher alone has the ability to investigate. Using the ‘Waybetween’ crossing in the Scottish Highlands, of which his grandfather is the guardian, Christopher and Jacques are met on the other side by Naravirala, a sphinx who is to fly them to a meeting with the majestic dragon Sarkany. They are deflected off-course by a summons to aid a young girl whose life is in grave danger and thus Christopher teams up with Princess Anya Argen of the Island of Dousha, Duchess of the Silver Mountain, Countess of the Winged Forests. Despite her grand titles, Anya would rather be cultivating plants in the forest with her father, or speaking with a flock of royal birds, than attending palace balls and banquets with her grandfather. Having been forced to live at the palace, she has become aware of discord in the kingdom and her rescue by Christopher and Naravirala is timely.

At first it would appear that each child has a different mission to fulfill and different priorities. Christopher is deeply caring, has the instinctive ability to gain the trust of any magical creature and feels duty-bound to investigate the dragon deaths  immediately. Anya burns with the ferocious anger of injustice and desire for revenge. She knows the identity of the poisoner of her grandfather, King Halam Argen. The assassin is not only a cold-blooded murderer but has also framed her beloved father, Argus, for the murder. Having narrowly escaped from being poisoned herself, and with her avian companions the royal gaganas she will use every molecule of her courage to seek justice for her father and expose the traitorous villain. It takes a wise third party to make the children realise that their goals are inter-linked, and an adventure of exceptional courage, deep friendship and encounters with mythical beasts ensues.

As I have come to expect from this author, the narrative is intricately plotted, with wonders revealed on every page, the action and emotion building to a heart-affecting climax. Additionally, I was delighted to find the necessary Belgian joke, plenty more humour and lavish descriptions of food and drink. This book is noticeably shorter than Impossible Creatures and the majority of the chapters are exceptionally short. I feel that this will make it an easier book for many middle grade readers to enjoy independently, additionally it is likely to allow teachers, teaching assistants and parents/caregivers time to read a chapter aloud even when the busy term-time agenda often seems a barrier to shared enjoyment of a book. 

As well as being an immersive and exciting fantasy adventure, for those who care to look deeper I think this story provides some interesting and wise commentary for our current times. The dragons’ age-old wisdom about the dangers of gold being accumulated and concentrated in the hands of just a few men; the reflections on the power and necessity of books, libraries and knowledge; and messages about being true to yourself and choosing your own future are valuable to young and older readers. I expect The Poisoned King to be on many of the book prize lists across the coming year and I can only recommend that you share it with a child you love when it is published on 11th September 2025. I have placed my pre-order with my local indie bookshop and can’t wait to re-read the physical copy!

What an absolutely wonderful book!

This story brings us back into the world of the Archipelago, and builds on it even more. We get more places, people, and creatures, and with more of the world comes more adventure.

We start the journey back with Christopher's 'summons' back by a familiar dragon (who is fast becoming a favourite character) and once he gets there, he's met by more familiar faces. He's then given a very important task, but must aid another before he begins.

This is were we are introduced to Anya, a new character who is facing trials of her own. I loved her wildness, her love of all natural things, of the forest, and new creatures.

But then came events that caused Anya and Christopher to meet and I was invested for that point onward. I wanted to know how Christopher's task would entangle with Anya's and how they would work together once they sorted out all the puzzle pieces in their own quests.

As ever, Rundell manages to cleverly weave moral topics into the story (conversations of good/bad, save one or save the many, the price of greed etc.) that can be a great way to springboard these types of conversations within a context that children reading can relate to. I think this is brilliant - especially as I have a very mindful and curious child who will no doubt want to talk about this when she gets their copy. Very 'C.S. Lewisy',

The way this book ended was lovely. As it's pretty much all adventure, having the book end the way it did was super: as a reader I enjoyed it and as a parent of a child who will read this, I also appreciate it!

I also enjoyed (and welcomed) the expanded 'Guardians Bestiary'. With all those new characters, it was great to see this grow with those new additions!

Overall, a brilliant read that had me hooked early on, adds to the series, and will bring joy to many readers.

Arc received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this story - possibly not as much as I loved the first book, but I was so happy to be transported back into this world again. Rundell’s world-building is just exquisite, with new and old characters making appearances as well as the plethora of creatures that I loved.

Christopher is back in the Archipelago again! Summoned by Jacques, Christopher must find out what is killing the dragons and if he can stop it. Along the way, he meets Anya. Though different than Mal (who I did miss), she is a fiesty, good-hearted child who has experienced a great tragedy in her kingdom. The lives of Christopher and Anya entwine, with their stories and missions meeting each other and connecting thoughout the novel.

It was lovely to meet Irian, Nightmand, Naravirala, Ratwin and Jacques again, and I enjoyed meeting the gagana and Arach. I think Rundell finds a way to introduce quite a few characters in a short space of time, but you don’t lose track of who she’s talking about. With the creatures, there is a handy guide which you can use to refresh yourself if you forget their characteristics. I would have loved to see more of Nighthand and Irian in the book than I did, but I enjoyed their contributions, particularly towards the end of the book.

Overall, this was a joy to read and 2026 can’t come fast enough for the next in the series!

I didn’t think it was possible, but this sequel might be even better than the first.

From the moment a dragon woke Christopher up by chewing on his face (!!), I knew I was in for something special. The Poisoned King swept me right back into the Archipelago, and I didn’t want to leave. Katherine Rundell’s imagination is wild and wonderful this world feels alive in a way few fantasy stories do. The creatures, the landscapes, the magic… it all just sings.

But what really stuck with me was the heart of this story. Yes, there are dragons and sphinxes and epic rescues, but there’s also so much about friendship, justice, and the kind of bravery that isn’t loud or flashy, just quietly determined. I adored the girl with birds at her side (seriously can we talk about her? Instant favorite), and Christopher continues to be such a compelling, kind-hearted protagonist.

If you loved Impossible Creatures, this one will absolutely deliver. And if you haven’t started the series yet please do. Rundell’s writing is full of magic, but also humor, tenderness, and so much soul.

I turned the last page and immediately wanted to go back. Counting down the days until book three.