Betrayal. Power. Perception. The most dangerous mind at court belongs to a fool.
From the author of The Alchemist's Daughter comes a dark tale of ambition and survival.
"One of the most vibrant characters I've encountered in years."--Goodreads Ecostell
Kronos is a fool--mocked for his dwarfism, prized for his juggling, and underestimated by everyone who matters. But in a court ruled by paranoia and whispers, invisibility is its own kind of power.
When Kronos overhears a secret that could destroy Queen Katherine Howard, he becomes a liability the crown cannot afford. Silenced, mutilated, and left for dead, he survives--barely.
Rescued by an ambitious apothecary, Kronos soon realizes he has not escaped danger--he has merely changed masters. His secret is worth a fortune...and powerful men are willing to kill to control it.
But Kronos has spent his life being overlooked and he's ready to use that to his advantage.
As rival factions circle and scheme, Kronos sets a plan in motion--one that could topple the mighty, rewrite his fate, and force his foes to reconsider which of them is truly...the fool.
Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom and Philippa Gregory.
Praise
'Fool is a masterclass in immersive storytelling'
Tony Riches, bestselling author of The Tudor Trilogy
'Fool brings the Tudor world to life through an exciting narrative voice, placing real historical figures--Henry VIII, Katherine Howard, and Archbishop Cranmer--at the heart of the drama. Its unforgettable narrator, Kronos, the king's sharp-witted court fool, survives on intelligence and observations rather than power, moving invisibly through corridors of influence. Vividly written and grounded in scrupulous research, the novel captures both the dark comedy and lethal danger of Henry VIII's court.'
Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown, The Chalice, and The Tapestry
'A thoughtful and unsparing Tudor novel that reframes the court jester not as comic ornament but as a precarious witness to power.'
Megan Parker, for IndieReader
Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four-Star Review of Fool by Mary Lawrence
Fool by Mary Lawrence is a well-crafted work of historical fiction set in the dangerous and politically charged world of Tudor England. The novel follows Kronos, a court fool whose sharp mind and unusual position allow him to observe—and become entangled in—the intrigue surrounding the court of Henry VIII, particularly during the time of Queen Katherine Howard.
One of the novel’s defining features is its strong sense of place. The Tudor setting is vividly realised, with careful attention to the social hierarchy, tensions, and ever-present risks of court life. Alongside this, the story incorporates a clear element of mystery, as Kronos becomes involved in uncovering secrets that carry real and often deadly consequences.
Kronos himself is a distinctive and engaging central character. His background—found and brought up in a religious house—adds depth to his perspective. His role as a fool allows him a certain freedom to speak and observe, yet it also places him in a precarious position. The narrative does not shy away from the harsher aspects of the period, and there are moments of violence and cruelty that reflect the instability of the time.
At points, the pacing slows during sections that explore Kronos’s earlier life in detail. While these passages contribute to character development, they can feel extended in comparison to the more immediate tension of the central plot. Additionally, the shifts between humour and darker subject matter may feel abrupt, though they align with the realities of the setting.
Final thoughts: Fool is an engaging and immersive novel that combines historical detail with elements of mystery and character-driven storytelling. While not without its slower moments, it remains a strong and rewarding read.
Author's Universal Buy Link
Mary Lawrence
Mary Lawrence is the author of the Bianca Goddard mysteries, a 5-book series that takes place in the slums of Tudor London featuring the daughter of an infamous alchemist.
Suspense Magazine named The Alchemist’s Daughter and The Alchemist of Lost Souls best historical mysteries of 2015 and 2017. Her writing has been published in several journals, including The Daily Beast.
When she is not writing, she tends a small berry farm in Maine with her husband and creates artisanal jams for sale at market.
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