Prince of Fools

The Red Queen's War, Book 1

De: Mark Lawrence

Narrado por: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Hailed as "epic fantasy on a George R. R. Martin scale, but on speed" (Fixed on Fantasy), the Broken Empire trilogy introduced a bold new world of dark fantasy with the story of Jorg Ancrath' s devastating rise to power. Now, Mark Lawrence returns to the Broken Empire with the tale of a less ambitious prince.

The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister - unseen by most and unspoken of by all.

The Red Queen's grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth - drinker, gambler, seducer of women - is one who can see The Silent Sister. Tenth in line for the throne and content with his role as a minor royal, he pretends that the hideous crone is not there. But war is coming. Witnesses claim an undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal thinks it' s all a rumor - nothing that will affect him - but he is wrong. After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell, encountering grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way, Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: He and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war - and the Red Queen controls the board.

©2014 Bobalinga, Ltd. (P)2014 Recorded Books

Ok Writing and wonderful Narrator, hate the story

I actually didn't like British voices as readers until I heard Tim Gerard Reynolds read the Riyria series. I picked this book because of Mr. Reynolds is that fantastic reader I love to hear.

My problem with this book is Mark Lawrence's writing about this character. I think he is a decent writer, I just hate this character. I find him disgusting and loathsome. Maybe that is what Mr. Lawrence is going for. Maybe he has just done too good a job at making me hate this lead character? I dislike this prince so much, I don't want to hear anything more about him.

In the Riyria series, which I feel is a worthy comparison, Michael J. Sullivan writes about characters I enjoy. They are "anti-heros" I feel I can get behind.

I likely won't finish this book. If you are one of the ones who liked this book far better than I, I judge you not. This is just not a book for me.

Not For Me: Dark and Depressing

After reading this book, I would say it is well written. And I'm happy that a book like this exists in the world. It has good world building, and is pretty funny. The main character is hilariously scared of everything, and tries to wiggle his way out of any sort of commitment. The secondary characters (especially the Queen) intrigued me, and I'd like to know more.

But the story itself is depressing. I just give fair warning, and I 100% acknowledge that it's just not my cup of tea. I'll give you an example

What I wanted: Blood Song
What I got: The Blade Itself

Good story and kept me laughing

What made the experience of listening to Prince of Fools the most enjoyable?

I loved the humor in the book along with TG Reynolds.

What other book might you compare Prince of Fools to and why?

Reminds me a lot of the demon saga wars.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices!! It made it worth listen to all on its on.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Titles mean nothing in his world

Fast paced blood and fun!

Great new story in a world I love already. Good work Mr Lawrence, keep it coming.

Great story and great narrator

This book was very fantastic. I loved the Broken Empire. That story was dark with a dark protagonist. This book was hilarious....I laughed out loud several times.