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

by Mark Lawrence Narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds

Overview

Hailed as "epic fantasy on a George R. R. Martin scale, but on speed" (Fixed on Fantasy), the Broken Empire trilogy introduced a bold new world of dark fantasy with the story of Jorg Ancrath' s devastating rise to power. Now, Mark Lawrence returns to the Broken Empire with the tale of a less ambitious prince The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister-- unseen by most and unspoken of by all. The Red Queen' s grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth-- drinker, gambler, seducer of women-- is one who can see The Silent Sister. Tenth in line for the throne and content with his role as a minor royal, he pretends that the hideous crone is not there. But war is coming. Witnesses claim an undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal thinks it' s all a rumor-- nothing that will affect him-- but he is wrong. After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell, encountering grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way, Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: he and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war-- and the Red Queen controls the board.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170469246
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	06/03/2014
Series:	Red Queen's War Series , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged
Sales rank:	566,994

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