Prince of Fools

The Red Queen's War, Book 1

By: Mark Lawrence

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Boring

I didn't like the book and found it difficult to finish. it carried no real substance. I couldn't figure out the main objective. On a more positive note. The narrator voice and style was wonderful. I tired the book because I enjoy his narration. He brings characters alive.

Great Fun

If you could sum up Prince of Fools in three words, what would they be?

The interplay between the two characters and their two inner spirits made this surprising fun and a unique read

Which character – as performed by Tim Gerard Reynolds – was your favorite?

He did a marvelous job with all of them!

Great Story

One of the better books I've read recently. This was we'll written and had interesting characters. The narration was very good. I hold 5 stars for only the very best books, this one was about 4.5 really.

love Mark Lawrence's work

I loved everything about this book. Lawrence has an uncanny ability to put you directly in his world and never let you leave. At first I thought Jalan's character would annoy me, but I couldn't be more wrong.

A Fantastic Adventure

I am just in love with this book. While it does have a good amount of action it has a lot of wit as well. I was never bored.

Devastating

What starts as dark humor develops steadily into horror. Every barrier I thought would bring the horror to a merciful end was blown through. If you like fast paced fantasy horror with skids of irreverence this story is it.

Mr. Reynold's steals the show

What did you love best about Prince of Fools?

I loved the main character Prince Jalon, he is not your normal medieval tech level puffed up hero. He is a coward. At least he says he is. His internal monologue is probably one of the most effective means for understanding the world, as well as one of the funniest (while being completely serious) monologues I have ever heard.

What did you like best about this story?

The back and forth between "Jal" and Snorey was my favorite part of the whole thing. Snorey with his matter of fact Norse honor system and his continual mis-interpretation of all the sarcasm that Jal has for him.

Which character – as performed by Tim Gerard Reynolds – was your favorite?

Jal, Mr. Reynolds' inflections were spot on! Made the character come to life, its as if he was really recounting his tale to me. And I found myself laughing at all of his quips. Good writing helps for great narration but there is clearly some natural talent in Mr. Reynolds.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it surely was, too bad time barely ever allows for that.

Any additional comments?

As the title says, Mr. Reynolds steals the show. If I has simply read the book, I don't think Jalon would have sounded nearly as alive, or sarcastic. I loved Reynolds' narration, the book really popped with him reading it. I have read all of the "thorns" arc in the broken empire universe and I thought the characters were just as well written but the way the narration is done here makes them so real. Top marks!

good book

oddly long pauses in narration that where weird otherwise interesting book five more words needed

Lighter than Broken Empire,but just as enthralling

I am thoroughly delighted by Tim Gerard Reynolds' performance. At first, I found it a bit trite and heavy-handed, but his Jalal grew familiar and interesting in short time.

Snoori and Jal; Mark and Tim

Lawrence takes the grim dark of his Thorn novels (both are in overlapping settings) and mixes in the great, often laugh out loud funny, humor of self deprecating Prince Jalen. I am a fan of Lawrence and Joe Abercrombie and this will easily appeal to their fan base and possibly fantasy readers who might find the Jorg - Thorn novels too dark.

Tim Gerard Reynolds is among those extraordinary reader-performers who elevate their books to a higher level bringing the characters to life. You should cross reference him as well as Steven Pacey, Michael Paige, Peter Kenney, Michael Kramer and John Lee to see what other books they have performed. They are simply the best at what they do.