Prince of Fools

It's Broken - don't fix it!

As a big fan of Mark Lawrence I’d already bought two copies of this in hardback, so I was hoping it would pass muster! The original Broken Empire trilogy formed my favourite fantasy novels over the past couple of years, so obviously I was hoping for something of as high a standard. I’m happy to report Prince of Fools promises a second trilogy equally as strong.

The two main characters comprise a “cowardly rogue” Flashman type, coupled to a “larger-than-life” Viking warrior. The author manages to avoid creating the clichés these characters suggest they could become. Although there are plenty of amusing situations the novel is by no means the comedy I’d been hearing it might be – it’s still dark, though maybe a shade or two lighter than the “Thorns” trilogy. As in that series, it is pleasing to pick-up on the echoes of “the builders’ world”, plus it’s fun to get reacquainted with some familiar dramatis personae, albeit from a different angle. The plot rattles along at a fine gallop, coming to a satisfying ending, though by no means a conclusion. The prose is full of the trademark Lawrence aphorisms his past novels were crammed with. Narrator Sean Ohlendorf does a fine job BTW; it's not his fault if it's slightly jarring to hear characters from the first trilogy speaking with different voices this time around (Watch Me.....).

Should you read (hear) the previous trilogy first? I say yes, you’ll definitely enjoy this vastly more if you do and anyway, at this stage I still consider that trilogy unsurpassed. But, roll on volume two, it’s still all to play for and I would never bet against a beserker Viking....

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

Hits the right spot - More please!

A great follow-up to the broken empire trilogy

Story – 4.5/5

I enjoyed the entire novel, which got better as it moved through the plot. The last 2 hours were superb, and reminded me a little of the film “The 13th Warrior” with the Viking element and the quest to banish evil lurking and getting stronger somewhere.

The story lost the depth provided by the different time frames that ML’s other trilogy had, but it did give the story a lot more focus, so I would say it puts them even. Jalan wasn’t as interesting as Jorg was, but being cowardly and self centered is never a great protagonist choice in a story. Once again though, it was evened out by Snorri the viking, who is the complete opposite in character and much more likeable. The conversations between these two characters and the prose that Mark Lawrence uses are quite witty and clever at times, and had me laughing out loud here and there. Each of the characters develop in their own way, and Jalan becomes much more likeable as the story progresses.

As well as the ending, one of my favourite aspects of the entire book has to be the overlap with the “Prince of Thorns” storyline. This helped to join the dots up in the world, and gain more perspective for how large and wide it is. It was also a very amusing crossover that I hope is done more with future stories in this world.

Performance – 4.5/5

Sean Ohlendorf was excellent – not too dissimilar to Joe Jameson actually. There were no changes in character voices to be concerned about, as apart from one or two small cameos, none of the characters were the same. His voice suited the age and maturity level of the main character perfectly.

All voice acting was distinct, and there was never any confusion between characters. Actions were performed where possible, rather than read out of the book (like sighs and coughs etc), making the story flow more naturally. Sean Ohlendorf was able to sweep us along with the atmosphere, speeding up reading to raise more excitement during the action scenes. All in all, a first rate narrator who I will look out for.


Overall – 4.5/5

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Prince of Fools Rules!!

Any additional comments?

I started listening to this not having read or listened to Lawrence's other works and I was pleasantly surprised. With a mixture of great writing and a narrator who has the ability to give each character unique voice I quickly felt thoroughly immersed.

The story itself isn't very typical of the fantasy genre as the main character is more of a Blackadder or Flashman than a Jon Snow or Aragorn, which often results in the protagonist ending up in sticky situations (usually of his own making) and conducting accidental heroics as he attempts to flee the scene.

Due to this The Prince of Fools is a swift paced book which carries you along a gripping story from beginning to end, so much so I went and got the sequel The Liar's Key. This is a must read/listen for any and all fantasy readers!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A beautiful tale that is as gripping as it is gory

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

I would compare this book to Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie

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

Certainly, it kept me company whilst walking my dog in the wind and the rain

Any additional comments?

The narration was excellent and added colour to the story

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Broken empire,but fromadifferent view.

What did you like most about Prince of Fools?

You recognize bits of it,it is the same world. But two very different perspectives, from very different characters. It has much more humor, The story is as good and well written, drawing you in and leaving you wanting more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prince of Fools?

if you want to make a clean escape getting stuck in a toilet windows not good.

Which character – as performed by Sean Ohlendorf – was your favourite?

It has to be Jalan or Snorri, but I can not choose which.

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

I almost did, it just keeps pulling you along.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Superb

I enjoyed his previous series but couldn't shake the feeling that the main character didn't quite work for me - this was so much better. Fantastic pacing and story construction.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Prince of Fools to be better than the print version?

Yes I really enjoy listening to this story. A good narrator hooks you in and you just can't stop listening.

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

Mix between Age of Iron, Joe Abercrombie and Lies of Lock Lamora

What does Sean Ohlendorf bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Brings the characters more to life whilst still allowing your imagination to run free.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Snorri relating the death of his children

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

what can I say ? !!! I love books by Mark Lawrence

I loved listening to this the story is smart funny and dark. Sean You are a fantastic story teller !!! Thank you Mark and Thank you Sean!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

excellent story / narration combo

I absolutely loved this story. I listened to the Thorns trilogy before this and was a little put off at first with the narrator being different. Some of the naming of characters and voice acting was a bit odd at first. However after the character of the Prince develops a little more with progressive chapters it becomes apparent just how absolutely perfect Sean O's narration is for the Prince. I absolutely love the characters in this book and am onto the second. a fantastic story that leaves you sitting in the car on the drive long after you get home.

Great listen

A great start to the second trilogy of stories set in The Broken Empire. Taking place in the same world and timeframe of the Prince of Thorns series, this book was an exciting and well performed audiobook. The narrator quite easily took on the mantle of Jalen Kendeth and did a fantastic job overal. Jalen and Snorri are very easy to like and the adventure rattles along at a good pace. I enjoyed it a lot. If you liked the first series I would think you would enjoy this as well.