Book Review: Prince of Fools (The Red Queen’s War Book One) by: Mark Lawrence
I give this book five out of five stars for its impeccable narrative, the unique hero in Jalan, and another fantastic journey through Lawrence’s Broken Empire dystopian universe. This book takes you on an incredible journey with some laugh out loud funny moments and some heart wrenching sad ones. Since finishing the book, I’ve caught my mind wandering back Prince Jalan and Snorri’s story. Lawrence has a writing talent that rises above fictional genre classifications; it’s something any lover of a good story can appreciate.
What I loved about this book:
1) The characters. It was such a treat to be on a journey with Prince Jalan. He evolves from a shallow, self-centered, coward, living from present moment to present moment; to a man who realizes there is more he is capable of doing with his life. He gets locked into a companionship turned friendship with Snorri who possesses many of the admiral characteristics Jalan should have. Despite Jalan’s failings, Snorri view’s Jalan in the best way possible, even when he’s presented with contrary evidence. It was easy to root for both Snorri and Jalan, and I eagerly look forward to seeing them again in the second book of this series.
2) The action. I was entrenched in the story from beginning to end. Lawrence kept me in a strangle hold; keeping me at the edge of my seat, captivated by the mystery of why Jalan and Snorri’s were thrown into this adventure. The battle scenes were great; even the ones Jalan admitted were sparked by his own cowardice.
3) A beautiful narrative. Lawrence makes writing first person fantasy narratives look easy. He’s taken the already difficult task of educating the reader on this foreign world and parceled it into narrative exposition material that makes you learn and laugh at the same time; leveraging the comedic insights of his protagonist.
I highly recommend this book. If you are new to Mark Lawrence or his Broken Empire, you can read this book and enjoy it without having read anything prior.
