Synopsis
In a realm ruled by idiots, their only hope is the Fool.
You’d think an army of zombie trolls and undead ogres would catch the nobility’s attention. You’d be wrong. The rulers of Halfsock are deeply in denial. Besides, they have taxes to avoid, neighbors to plunder, and relatives to backstab.
With war looming, a goblin latrine slave named Shelly resolves to save Castle Halfsock from itself. He must take on many roles… jester, detective, spy, and political fixer. But his most challenging role—especially after a lifetime spent cleaning other people’s toilets—is as a confident secret agent worthy of trust, friendship, and maybe even love.
Can the least powerful person in the realm overcome his insecurities to depose rulers, forge alliances, and fend off an undead horde?
A comic tale of politics, friendship, and found family for fans of Nicholas Eames, Terry Pratchett, and J. Zachary Pike.
Review
After adoring the novella, Majordomo, I was very excited to read Jester!
It has similar underdog and found family vibes, with lesser appreciated characters taking the forefront – in this case, a goblin latrine slave – who are much more than they appear.
Unfortunately, the kingdom he serves is full of infighting and political backstabbing, and is woefully unprepared to deal with the imminent arrival of a undead army led by the Skeleton Queen.
What started as a slave discovering a bit more to a murder grows into something quite impressive, when he rises in station and importance (but never really gets over his fear of big people) has he desperately attempts to get the kingdom prepared, while hoping no one realises that’s what he’s doing.
I always love stories where lowly, unappreciated characters get to shine, and this delivers that by the bucketload. We have a fugitive mage who is also more than what he seems, a human woman trying to plot and scheme past the misogyny of the kingdom, and plenty of others who are looked down and trod upon who want to improve their lot in life.
There are many descriptions of sewers, battles, and visceral description that may or may not make you squirm, but it’s all delivered with razor sharp wit.
This is a fantastically entertaining story about adjusting expectations, confronting stereotypes, and rooting for the lesser known, less conventional characters. Loved it!
Also, the audiobook was wonderfully narrated! I especially loved the regional dialects and accents (particularly Scouse and Welsh!)
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