Prince of Fools (Red Queen’s War, Book 1) (Red Queen's War) book online

Set in the world of Lawrence’s Broken Empire trilogy but rather lighter in tone, this is the story of Prince Jalan Kendeth, grandson of the Red Queen, self-confessed coward, dedicated ladies’ man, and devout shirker of anything remotely resembling responsibility. After a plot to kill him goes awry, Jalan winds up on the run, paired up with a Norseman whose warrior skills are matched by his keen intelligence, to discover the truth about an army of the undead that threatens to destroy the realm. This is the first installment of a projected trilogy, set more or less concurrently with the Broken Empire trilogy; it’s not quite an outright comedy, but it comes very close. Jalan is a great character—he’s a Falstaffian ne’er-do-well, and he’s content to remain that way—and the story is as richly told as the earlier trilogy: the author makes this place, a post-cataclysm earth of the far future, feel as real as any place you’ve ever visited. For fans of the Broken Empire series and readers who enjoy a good, epic-sized fantasy story (readers of, say, George R. R. Martin), this is a must-read. --David Pitt

Praise for Mark Lawrence and The Red Queen’s War

“Mark Lawrence is the best thing to happen to fantasy in recent years.”—New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett

“Lawrence’s epic fantasy is a great summer read, full of humor, revenge, and perils that this warrior-and-coward duo must evade in order [to] save their kingdoms and themselves.”—The Washington Post

“Exciting action and quick-witted dialog make it a fantastic summer page-turner.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Jalan Kendeth is a fine addition to this Loki-like roster of tricksters, knaves, and cowards: heroes and antiheroes we love to hate and hate to love...Mark Lawrence’s growing army of fans will relish this rollicking new adventure and look forward to the next one.”—The Daily Mail

“As richly told as the earlier trilogy: The author makes this place, a post-cataclysm earth of the far future, feel as real as any place you’ve ever visited. For fans of the Broken Empire series and readers who enjoy a good, epic-sized fantasy story (readers of, say, George R. R. Martin), this is a must-read.”—Booklist

“Shrewd Jalan and honorable Snorri make a marvelous team, lightening a very dark story with wry humor. The brisk adventure and black magic will leave readers eager for the next chapter in the series.”—Publishers Weekly