Do I need to read The Broken Empire trilogy before starting this book?

While this story takes place in the same universe and shares a timeline with The Broken Empire, it is entirely possible to read this series first. You may miss minor easter eggs or context regarding certain events, but the narrative is designed to stand on its own.

How does the world-building relate to our own history?

The setting is a post-apocalyptic version of Europe where technology has been replaced by magic. You will encounter familiar geographical names and cultural archetypes that hint at their real-world counterparts.

Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence

Prince of Fools

Epic Fantasy Fantasy

Pages: 368
Published: 2014
Language: English

Synopsis

Prince Jalan Kendeth wants nothing more than a quiet life of drinking and womanizing, far from the throne. But when a magical curse binds him to a fierce Norse warrior, he's thrust into a dangerous quest across the Broken Empire. To break the spell and survive, Jalan must confront an undead army, a terrifying sorceress, and the truth about his own destiny.

1 review

How it reads

Dark Adventurous Tense Gritty

Quest Reluctant Hero Forced Proximity

Prose complexity 7/10

Content warnings (2)

Substance AbuseViolence

Genres

Subjects

Epic Fiction, fantasy, epic Guerres et batailles imaginaires Imaginary wars and battles Queens Reines Romans, nouvelles

Places

The Broken Empire · Fictional

Prince Jalan KendethProtagonist

A cowardly, gambling, womanizing minor prince of Red March, tenth in line to the throne, who narrates the story.

Snorri ver SnagasonProtagonist

A serious, honest Norse warrior from the north who is magically bound to Jalan and travels the Broken Empire with him.

The Red Queen (Broken Empire)Supporting

Jalan's grandmother, one of the most feared rulers of the Broken Empire, who is waging a long secret war.

The Silent Sister (Broken Empire)Supporting

The Red Queen's sibling and greatest weapon, a hideous crone few can see and whose spell binds Jalan and Snorri.

Jorg AncrathCameo

The upstart prince from the Broken Empire trilogy whom Jalan encounters along the way.

All characters in Prince of Fools

Mark LawrenceFantasy · Dark Fantasy·b. 1966

While this story takes place in the same universe and shares a timeline with The Broken Empire, it is entirely possible to read this series first. You may miss minor easter eggs or context regarding certain events, but the narrative is designed to stand on its own.
The setting is a post-apocalyptic version of Europe where technology has been replaced by magic. You will encounter familiar geographical names and cultural archetypes that hint at their real-world counterparts.