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False Tidings: A Fool's Errand
William Grey is in a lot of trouble. He just doesn’t know it yet.
Raised by monks, he’s never left his village, never lifted a sword, and doesn’t believe in magic. In search of his fortune so he can marry his childhood sweetheart, he stumbles into the clutches of Feydor Foolson, the evil eunuch jester to the King of Anglonia.
Feydor is also in trouble. He has poisoned the King, upset the priesthood, and his baleful witch mother is on his back. The solution? Steal the Crystal of Life from a distant land, a quest for which William is his perfect cover. Will our unwitting hero wake up and smell the nettle tea? Will he unravel the false tidings and defeat the feline guardian of the crystal? Or will his first mission be his last?
False Tidings is a tale of witches, a jester, a kings, a queen, a deadly pet monkey, a matriarchal goblin-like race, a reluctant hero, an evil priesthood, a love affair that ranges over a continent, and a magical crystal. And fake news. Don't forget the fake news.
What readers have said about False Tidings :
‘A rich pageant of plotting, intrigue and laughs’
‘I was alternately spellbound and in fits of laughter - a brilliant debut’
‘Well researched, informative & gripping’
'Fake news goes medieval with a hero, a vicious monkey, a jester, evil witches and a magical crystal.'
‘Captivates from start to finish’
‘Brings the fun back to the hero's journey’
‘I was drawn in from the very start’
'If you like fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously you'll like this. And if you take your fantasy very seriously, you'll love it!'
Raised by monks, he’s never left his village, never lifted a sword, and doesn’t believe in magic. In search of his fortune so he can marry his childhood sweetheart, he stumbles into the clutches of Feydor Foolson, the evil eunuch jester to the King of Anglonia.
Feydor is also in trouble. He has poisoned the King, upset the priesthood, and his baleful witch mother is on his back. The solution? Steal the Crystal of Life from a distant land, a quest for which William is his perfect cover. Will our unwitting hero wake up and smell the nettle tea? Will he unravel the false tidings and defeat the feline guardian of the crystal? Or will his first mission be his last?
False Tidings is a tale of witches, a jester, a kings, a queen, a deadly pet monkey, a matriarchal goblin-like race, a reluctant hero, an evil priesthood, a love affair that ranges over a continent, and a magical crystal. And fake news. Don't forget the fake news.
What readers have said about False Tidings :
‘A rich pageant of plotting, intrigue and laughs’
‘I was alternately spellbound and in fits of laughter - a brilliant debut’
‘Well researched, informative & gripping’
'Fake news goes medieval with a hero, a vicious monkey, a jester, evil witches and a magical crystal.'
‘Captivates from start to finish’
‘Brings the fun back to the hero's journey’
‘I was drawn in from the very start’
'If you like fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously you'll like this. And if you take your fantasy very seriously, you'll love it!'
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
14 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 2, 2024
False Tidings: A fool's errand by Stephen Grant
A simple messenger in training has been dubiously knighted by King Inglebert to complete a mission of finding an aphrodisiac to help his love life. Unbeknownst to William Grey our main protagonist, a plan has been hatched by the Court Jester Feydor Foolson and his mother Imelda with an ulterior motive, to find the crystal of life known as the "Narragu". Hidden in a cavern far below in a distant land sits Narragu guarded by a two-headed cat named Bisgattu. Along with a host of characters, each with their special talent, William sets off on his false journey. What transpires is a story of utmost danger and comedic relief as William starts to learn more of the inner workings of the world in which he now resides. While William's naivety is put to the test only one question remains, what role will Feydor's monkey Filthy play in the tale?
Oh Mr. Stephen Grant, thank you for blessing me with a must-read tale I didn't know I needed to digest this year. Bravo sir for building a world with depth to keep me interested but also light-hearted enough to find myself pausing to chuckle at every other page. As a fan of fantasy, I am often mesmerized by a new world brought to life by an author's vision. Complex plots and characters fill my mind with endless visions of backstabbing and power-hungry heroes to save the day. I expect that slow burn to fully flesh out an epic novel. This tale is woven in such a manner that I never felt that burn yet somehow it never lacked in depth and carried with it a sense of humor that I appreciated right from the start. At one point I believe the author makes a reference to a Monty Python movie and that is exactly what I envisioned as I read this story. Often characters deal with significant inner turmoil within family relations and yet can have a sense of humor about said situation. In particular, the writing of William Grey and Feydor Foolson's characters found a soft spot in my heart, both were extremely captivating in their way. The book just begged me to keep reading and I willingly obliged, making for one quick read indeed.
Lastly, I commend the author for not being afraid to write an epic story that never takes itself too seriously. Highly recommended for all fantasy fans but particular ones who want a fun digestible world to occupy space in their mind. 4 out of 5 but closer to 4.5 stars. I am chomping at the bit for the next installment in the series.
A simple messenger in training has been dubiously knighted by King Inglebert to complete a mission of finding an aphrodisiac to help his love life. Unbeknownst to William Grey our main protagonist, a plan has been hatched by the Court Jester Feydor Foolson and his mother Imelda with an ulterior motive, to find the crystal of life known as the "Narragu". Hidden in a cavern far below in a distant land sits Narragu guarded by a two-headed cat named Bisgattu. Along with a host of characters, each with their special talent, William sets off on his false journey. What transpires is a story of utmost danger and comedic relief as William starts to learn more of the inner workings of the world in which he now resides. While William's naivety is put to the test only one question remains, what role will Feydor's monkey Filthy play in the tale?
Oh Mr. Stephen Grant, thank you for blessing me with a must-read tale I didn't know I needed to digest this year. Bravo sir for building a world with depth to keep me interested but also light-hearted enough to find myself pausing to chuckle at every other page. As a fan of fantasy, I am often mesmerized by a new world brought to life by an author's vision. Complex plots and characters fill my mind with endless visions of backstabbing and power-hungry heroes to save the day. I expect that slow burn to fully flesh out an epic novel. This tale is woven in such a manner that I never felt that burn yet somehow it never lacked in depth and carried with it a sense of humor that I appreciated right from the start. At one point I believe the author makes a reference to a Monty Python movie and that is exactly what I envisioned as I read this story. Often characters deal with significant inner turmoil within family relations and yet can have a sense of humor about said situation. In particular, the writing of William Grey and Feydor Foolson's characters found a soft spot in my heart, both were extremely captivating in their way. The book just begged me to keep reading and I willingly obliged, making for one quick read indeed.
Lastly, I commend the author for not being afraid to write an epic story that never takes itself too seriously. Highly recommended for all fantasy fans but particular ones who want a fun digestible world to occupy space in their mind. 4 out of 5 but closer to 4.5 stars. I am chomping at the bit for the next installment in the series.
January 12, 2025
A whimsical and satirical adventure set in a medieval Europe, that sees book smart but naive young messenger William unwittingly embroiled in dangerous schemes and a fool's errand.
William is set on a futile quest and becomes entangled in plots by rival witches, scheming royals, an ambitious jester, and magical beings.
This is a lighthearted adventure filled with wit and humour, and explores reluctant heroes, the dangers of a medieval world, flawed but original characters, and a layered plot of mischief, and selfish motivations.
⚔️ "Last week, I had the eminently gullible Sir Eccles sent to Albia for a jar of elbow grease. The King was laughing all day about that one"
⚔️ "I don't give a half-sucked turnip what impresses you. Scheming is what I do. I'm a witch"
⚔️ "You'll all be the death of me. Right, let's get this over with"
⚔️ "He believed in reason and that it would change the world for the better"
⚔️ "I don't hate you. Not as such. Well, a bit. Yes, I actually hate your guts. What of it?"
⚔️ "There's nothing we want from you, other than your pain, your horror, and your slow death"
William is set on a futile quest and becomes entangled in plots by rival witches, scheming royals, an ambitious jester, and magical beings.
This is a lighthearted adventure filled with wit and humour, and explores reluctant heroes, the dangers of a medieval world, flawed but original characters, and a layered plot of mischief, and selfish motivations.
⚔️ "Last week, I had the eminently gullible Sir Eccles sent to Albia for a jar of elbow grease. The King was laughing all day about that one"
⚔️ "I don't give a half-sucked turnip what impresses you. Scheming is what I do. I'm a witch"
⚔️ "You'll all be the death of me. Right, let's get this over with"
⚔️ "He believed in reason and that it would change the world for the better"
⚔️ "I don't hate you. Not as such. Well, a bit. Yes, I actually hate your guts. What of it?"
⚔️ "There's nothing we want from you, other than your pain, your horror, and your slow death"
September 7, 2023
Grant's debut novel, "False Tidings," is a delightful read that captivates from start to finish. Set in a parallel, fantasy version of medieval Europe, the novel is best described as a whimsical satire that recalls classics like Don Quixote, Discworld, and – occasionally - Monty Python's Holy Grail.
The story revolves around William, a bookish and somewhat hapless young messenger, who is sent on a fool’s errand - literally: that is to say, he is sent by the king’s court jester, Feydor the Fool. Tasked with fetching some (probably) fictional aphrodisiac water from across the continent, he unwittingly becomes entangled in the machinations of at least five string-pulling power-brokers: the jester, the king, the queen of a gnome colony, and two rival witches.
The novel thus flirts with social commentary in its handling of its main theme - “false tidings” being the old-timey way of saying “fake news”. It features multiple scheming characters with conflicting goals who each add new, overlapping layers of narrative spin to events – very often mixing lots of falsehood with not-very-much truth, in order to further their own selfish ends. The story therefore prompts the reader to reflect on how we ought to interpret narratives pushed by real world politicians and media figures. It also guides us to see scheming itself, if taken to excess, as an essentially futile endeavour.
One standout character deserving of special mention is Feydor the Fool. Presented as vain, jealous, Machiavellian, and highly arrogant, he is nevertheless written entertainingly enough that he ended up gaining my sympathy. His contempt for his rivals is largely justified by their contemptibility, and his bountiful wit gives his scenes an elevated level of punch. I strongly suspect he will become a fan favourite.
Grant’s writing is effortlessly amusing when he wishes it to be. The prose oozes with charm, and is characterised by regular witty observations and asides. The author possesses a quintessentially British style of schoolboy humour, which is expressed through his wordplay and frequent winks to the reader. This is particularly noticeable in his choice of character and place names – and as such I even found myself chuckling while reading the glossary at the back. It is refreshing to read the work of someone who commits to the demands of a self-aware, light-hearted frolic in the fantasy genre, and thus refuses to take his own subject matter too seriously.
If I were to critique any aspect of the novel, I would probably suggest that the obstacles William and his travelling companions face on their quest, on the journey to their final destination, should have been more consistently farcical in nature, especially in the second half. Humour is such a clear strength of Grant’s writing, and the potential for farcical situations unfolding in his alternative universe had already been established through the introduction of several colourful characters early on, as well as in many of the early plot developments - especially in Feydor’s B-Plot. Doubling down on the novel’s comedic strength would, in my opinion, have further enhanced the satire – without necessarily detracting from the story’s stakes, or indeed making me feel any less attached to the story’s more sympathetic characters.
Despite this, "False Tidings" introduces a cast of lovable characters with a tightly written and at times thought-provoking plot, combining amusing moments with the underlying satirical theme. Grant's personal investment in the story shines through, evident in the cultural, philosophical, and literary references sprinkled into the narrative. The endnotes further reveal the author's passion for his book’s subject matter, and provide a nice optional extra for those interested while not intruding too much on the experience of readers who just want the story.
In conclusion, "False Tidings" is clearly a labour of love, showcasing Grant's talent for crafting an endearing and thoughtful tale. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in self-aware, light-hearted fantasy adventures.
The story revolves around William, a bookish and somewhat hapless young messenger, who is sent on a fool’s errand - literally: that is to say, he is sent by the king’s court jester, Feydor the Fool. Tasked with fetching some (probably) fictional aphrodisiac water from across the continent, he unwittingly becomes entangled in the machinations of at least five string-pulling power-brokers: the jester, the king, the queen of a gnome colony, and two rival witches.
The novel thus flirts with social commentary in its handling of its main theme - “false tidings” being the old-timey way of saying “fake news”. It features multiple scheming characters with conflicting goals who each add new, overlapping layers of narrative spin to events – very often mixing lots of falsehood with not-very-much truth, in order to further their own selfish ends. The story therefore prompts the reader to reflect on how we ought to interpret narratives pushed by real world politicians and media figures. It also guides us to see scheming itself, if taken to excess, as an essentially futile endeavour.
One standout character deserving of special mention is Feydor the Fool. Presented as vain, jealous, Machiavellian, and highly arrogant, he is nevertheless written entertainingly enough that he ended up gaining my sympathy. His contempt for his rivals is largely justified by their contemptibility, and his bountiful wit gives his scenes an elevated level of punch. I strongly suspect he will become a fan favourite.
Grant’s writing is effortlessly amusing when he wishes it to be. The prose oozes with charm, and is characterised by regular witty observations and asides. The author possesses a quintessentially British style of schoolboy humour, which is expressed through his wordplay and frequent winks to the reader. This is particularly noticeable in his choice of character and place names – and as such I even found myself chuckling while reading the glossary at the back. It is refreshing to read the work of someone who commits to the demands of a self-aware, light-hearted frolic in the fantasy genre, and thus refuses to take his own subject matter too seriously.
If I were to critique any aspect of the novel, I would probably suggest that the obstacles William and his travelling companions face on their quest, on the journey to their final destination, should have been more consistently farcical in nature, especially in the second half. Humour is such a clear strength of Grant’s writing, and the potential for farcical situations unfolding in his alternative universe had already been established through the introduction of several colourful characters early on, as well as in many of the early plot developments - especially in Feydor’s B-Plot. Doubling down on the novel’s comedic strength would, in my opinion, have further enhanced the satire – without necessarily detracting from the story’s stakes, or indeed making me feel any less attached to the story’s more sympathetic characters.
Despite this, "False Tidings" introduces a cast of lovable characters with a tightly written and at times thought-provoking plot, combining amusing moments with the underlying satirical theme. Grant's personal investment in the story shines through, evident in the cultural, philosophical, and literary references sprinkled into the narrative. The endnotes further reveal the author's passion for his book’s subject matter, and provide a nice optional extra for those interested while not intruding too much on the experience of readers who just want the story.
In conclusion, "False Tidings" is clearly a labour of love, showcasing Grant's talent for crafting an endearing and thoughtful tale. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in self-aware, light-hearted fantasy adventures.
May 28, 2024
False tidings is the first book in the riveting "The fool's journey" satirical historical fiction set in a parallel medieval Europe that revolves around the social commentary, unwitting entanglements, rivals, witches, royalty, fools and more. Filled with humour and fantastical elements, this book will surely take you on a rollercoaster ride.
We follow our protagonist William Grey who was raised by monks and doesn't believe in magic is about to stumble on something that he never expected. Being an apprentice messenger his life took a strange turn. The court's fool, Feydor Foolson has found himself in grave trouble as he uses William to hatch a plot for his ulterior motive.
Guarded by the legendary guardian called Bisgattu, a two headed cat is the crystal of life. He wants to take on a quest to steal it. And William unexpectedly becomes a perfect pawn to direct his plan. He is sent on this quest under the falsied goal of finding aphrodisiac that will ultimately aid in his love life.
But things are far simple from that. Standing true to its title, false tidings are about to commence. And a monkey does have a part to play in it.
An extraordinary and incredibly intriguing book. The author's writing style is a powerful approach to establish the edges of a profound world building and character arcs. With sharp and witty dialogues and navigation through twists and turns, the readers are pulled into the narration and propelling plotline. The light hearted humour and profound exploration of themes of conflicts and contrast of ideas and observations immensely captivated me. A masterfully crafted plot with an excellent cast of characters. There are a lot of situations and events that goes around in this story and never did I felt the author has jumbled up. He meticulously plans this captivating story. Spinning such an incredibly intriguing and extensively explored historical fiction with multilayer twists is truly commendable.
I have already refrained from speaking any major spoilers, however know that if you are a historical fiction enthusiasts or a satirical novel reader them this book should on your radar for next read.
We follow our protagonist William Grey who was raised by monks and doesn't believe in magic is about to stumble on something that he never expected. Being an apprentice messenger his life took a strange turn. The court's fool, Feydor Foolson has found himself in grave trouble as he uses William to hatch a plot for his ulterior motive.
Guarded by the legendary guardian called Bisgattu, a two headed cat is the crystal of life. He wants to take on a quest to steal it. And William unexpectedly becomes a perfect pawn to direct his plan. He is sent on this quest under the falsied goal of finding aphrodisiac that will ultimately aid in his love life.
But things are far simple from that. Standing true to its title, false tidings are about to commence. And a monkey does have a part to play in it.
An extraordinary and incredibly intriguing book. The author's writing style is a powerful approach to establish the edges of a profound world building and character arcs. With sharp and witty dialogues and navigation through twists and turns, the readers are pulled into the narration and propelling plotline. The light hearted humour and profound exploration of themes of conflicts and contrast of ideas and observations immensely captivated me. A masterfully crafted plot with an excellent cast of characters. There are a lot of situations and events that goes around in this story and never did I felt the author has jumbled up. He meticulously plans this captivating story. Spinning such an incredibly intriguing and extensively explored historical fiction with multilayer twists is truly commendable.
I have already refrained from speaking any major spoilers, however know that if you are a historical fiction enthusiasts or a satirical novel reader them this book should on your radar for next read.
January 16, 2025
ELEVATOR PITCH: I'm a fan of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Stasheff and any type of satire and humorous fantasy. I also love alternate history and story that are multilayered and can make you laugh and thing.
This is an excellent multilayered satire, full of humour and sharp remarks. I kept me reading as was enjoying William's quest, Feydor attemps to spread voices (or false tidings), all the enemies and the adventures.
Laughed a lot and enjoyed it. I was happy to discover this author and this series.
Read it and have fun.
Many thanks to -Stephen J. Grant and Love Book Tours for this digital copies, all opinions are mine
Harry: Hey Andry, ever pounced on a book by that author who does alternate history and satire?
Andry: Oh, you mean the one with those stories that make you purr and think at the same time?
Harry: That's the one! I just finished one of their yarns, and it's a purr-fectly multilayered satire. Full of humor and sharp claw-marks.
Andry: Sounds like a real catnip read. What kept your whiskers twitching?
Harry: Well, I was really enjoying William's quest and Feydor's attempts to spread meows—or maybe false tidings. There were so many enemies and adventures!
Andry: I love it when a tale keeps you purring and pondering. Did you enjoy it overall?
Harry: Absolutely! I purred a lot and enjoyed every bit of it. I was so happy to discover this author and this series.
Andry: Sounds like a must-read. I should sink my claws into it and have some fun, too.
Harry: Definitely! Read it and have a paw-some time
Bea: Hope that brings a smile to your whiskers! 🐾😺📚
This is an excellent multilayered satire, full of humour and sharp remarks. I kept me reading as was enjoying William's quest, Feydor attemps to spread voices (or false tidings), all the enemies and the adventures.
Laughed a lot and enjoyed it. I was happy to discover this author and this series.
Read it and have fun.
Many thanks to -Stephen J. Grant and Love Book Tours for this digital copies, all opinions are mine
Harry: Hey Andry, ever pounced on a book by that author who does alternate history and satire?
Andry: Oh, you mean the one with those stories that make you purr and think at the same time?
Harry: That's the one! I just finished one of their yarns, and it's a purr-fectly multilayered satire. Full of humor and sharp claw-marks.
Andry: Sounds like a real catnip read. What kept your whiskers twitching?
Harry: Well, I was really enjoying William's quest and Feydor's attempts to spread meows—or maybe false tidings. There were so many enemies and adventures!
Andry: I love it when a tale keeps you purring and pondering. Did you enjoy it overall?
Harry: Absolutely! I purred a lot and enjoyed every bit of it. I was so happy to discover this author and this series.
Andry: Sounds like a must-read. I should sink my claws into it and have some fun, too.
Harry: Definitely! Read it and have a paw-some time
Bea: Hope that brings a smile to your whiskers! 🐾😺📚
June 16, 2024
This is a different read in many ways: first off, it’s medieval, both in setting and in style. Fantasy books often reminds me of computer games gone literary, which I don’t mind, but being a history buff, it’s refreshing when I step into literature which feels like it was written in the time period it conveys.
This book is entertaining in many ways (maybe British way? I’m Norwegian so I’m on thin ice here). I especially liked the educational footnotes about quirky facts (which made me buy the book as I couldn’t reach them from the free sample).
I also like the Janasa race and all the characters milling around what appears to be the main one, William, who is out on a fool’s quest. Like in the medieval times, some of them come to a sudden demise, which was for me a surprisingly refreshing take from standard pattern of storytelling.
That William grew up in a convent, sheltered from real life, is a superb way of introducing us readers to a medieval world steeped in fun dangers. There is witchcraft lurking in the book (very medieval kind of witchcraft) and also a monkey which has a most enjoyable way of perceiving the world.
And yes, the book has multiple points of view, but still easy to follow. If you want a break from a standard read, and to set out on a quest off the beaten track in a parallel medieval Europe to discover fun quirkiness and sudden change fortunes, this is book worth reading.
Don’t read too close though, as the monkey in the book tend to bite prying noses.
This book is entertaining in many ways (maybe British way? I’m Norwegian so I’m on thin ice here). I especially liked the educational footnotes about quirky facts (which made me buy the book as I couldn’t reach them from the free sample).
I also like the Janasa race and all the characters milling around what appears to be the main one, William, who is out on a fool’s quest. Like in the medieval times, some of them come to a sudden demise, which was for me a surprisingly refreshing take from standard pattern of storytelling.
That William grew up in a convent, sheltered from real life, is a superb way of introducing us readers to a medieval world steeped in fun dangers. There is witchcraft lurking in the book (very medieval kind of witchcraft) and also a monkey which has a most enjoyable way of perceiving the world.
And yes, the book has multiple points of view, but still easy to follow. If you want a break from a standard read, and to set out on a quest off the beaten track in a parallel medieval Europe to discover fun quirkiness and sudden change fortunes, this is book worth reading.
Don’t read too close though, as the monkey in the book tend to bite prying noses.
November 22, 2024
First Impressions:
So the first thing to say about FALSE TIDINGS by Stephen J Grant is that this is not your normal read. As a Fantasy it is set in an alternate world but it clearly references medieval Europe and one that is feudal in nature with the real power being held by the various religious orders of monks.
Plot summary:
In this environment we meet our hero, not that he knows it. William is a young, innocent but educated man. He is desperately trying to do the right thing but unwittingly becomes a pawn in a game of chess between witches. They in turn are being used by Feydor, the castrated son of one of these witches, who also happens to be the Court Jester with the ear of the King.
Personal Review:
The world Stephen describes is dark and dreary. But it reflects that way of life as the history books tell us. The writing is clever and prosaic with plenty of light hearted moments dispersed throughout the story.
There is an underlying message throughout the book which concerns the ridiculousness of authoritarian rule. We are reminded how it is self-serving for the powers that be with poverty and oppression being left for the majority of the population. This pushes Stephen J Grant into the realms of a political satirist, and a clever one to boot.
Although it took me a while to warm to the characters I have to say that the story was thoroughly entertaining. It reminded me of the cautionary tales such as Don Quixote with Stephen’s writing similar to the great Tom Holt – high praise indeed.
Highly recommended - 9/10.
So the first thing to say about FALSE TIDINGS by Stephen J Grant is that this is not your normal read. As a Fantasy it is set in an alternate world but it clearly references medieval Europe and one that is feudal in nature with the real power being held by the various religious orders of monks.
Plot summary:
In this environment we meet our hero, not that he knows it. William is a young, innocent but educated man. He is desperately trying to do the right thing but unwittingly becomes a pawn in a game of chess between witches. They in turn are being used by Feydor, the castrated son of one of these witches, who also happens to be the Court Jester with the ear of the King.
Personal Review:
The world Stephen describes is dark and dreary. But it reflects that way of life as the history books tell us. The writing is clever and prosaic with plenty of light hearted moments dispersed throughout the story.
There is an underlying message throughout the book which concerns the ridiculousness of authoritarian rule. We are reminded how it is self-serving for the powers that be with poverty and oppression being left for the majority of the population. This pushes Stephen J Grant into the realms of a political satirist, and a clever one to boot.
Although it took me a while to warm to the characters I have to say that the story was thoroughly entertaining. It reminded me of the cautionary tales such as Don Quixote with Stephen’s writing similar to the great Tom Holt – high praise indeed.
Highly recommended - 9/10.
September 27, 2024
False Tidings by Stephen Grant, book one of The Fool’s Journey series, is a witty, satirical fantasy set in a world that is not unlike our own. When William Grey, a bookworm guided by logic and philosophy, finds himself tossed together with a motley group of misfits on a royal quest, you might well believe it will be life changing.
Grant is especially skilled at showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of his characters, making it impossible to know the outcome of any situation. There were a number of times I did a double take after being caught off guard by a twist, wondering how the story might shift with the new turn of events.
My primary gripe was that there were quite a few characters involved in the story, and sometimes I wanted to stick with and learn more about one or the other than what was given. But, for the sake of length, I can understand that it simply wouldn’t have been possible to dive into great depth with each and every character we followed. Perhaps future stories are to come for some of these individuals!
If you enjoy fairy-tale quests, imperfect characters, and medieval satire that makes you laugh (or sometimes cringe), then this is the book for you!
Grant is especially skilled at showcasing both the strengths and weaknesses of his characters, making it impossible to know the outcome of any situation. There were a number of times I did a double take after being caught off guard by a twist, wondering how the story might shift with the new turn of events.
My primary gripe was that there were quite a few characters involved in the story, and sometimes I wanted to stick with and learn more about one or the other than what was given. But, for the sake of length, I can understand that it simply wouldn’t have been possible to dive into great depth with each and every character we followed. Perhaps future stories are to come for some of these individuals!
If you enjoy fairy-tale quests, imperfect characters, and medieval satire that makes you laugh (or sometimes cringe), then this is the book for you!
January 18, 2025
Raised by monks, he’s never left his village, and couldn’t tell a long sword from a loofah. He thinks magic is just stuff we don’t understand yet, but he’s in for a rude awakening. In a strange twist, William is knighted and sent on a life-altering quest for a magical crystal in faraway Sardonica, an island close to the land of Italica.
But this quest is no straightforward jaunt. As rival witches flex their mystical muscles, William soon clocks that he’s a pawn in a grander scheme orchestrated by Feydor, a eunuch jester with a flair for manipulation. The question on everyone’s lips: Will he wise up in time to debunk the False Tidings and outwit Feydor? Or will his inaugural quest also be his swan song?
False Tidings is a tale of witches, a jester, a king, a queen, a deadly pet monkey, a matriarchal goblin-like race, a reluctant hero, an evil priesthood, a love affair that ranges over a continent, and a magical crystal. And fake news. Don’t forget the fake news.
Readers of this humorous medieval fantasy describe it as “a rich pageant of plotting, intrigue and laughs” and “brings the fun back to the hero’s journey."
But this quest is no straightforward jaunt. As rival witches flex their mystical muscles, William soon clocks that he’s a pawn in a grander scheme orchestrated by Feydor, a eunuch jester with a flair for manipulation. The question on everyone’s lips: Will he wise up in time to debunk the False Tidings and outwit Feydor? Or will his inaugural quest also be his swan song?
False Tidings is a tale of witches, a jester, a king, a queen, a deadly pet monkey, a matriarchal goblin-like race, a reluctant hero, an evil priesthood, a love affair that ranges over a continent, and a magical crystal. And fake news. Don’t forget the fake news.
Readers of this humorous medieval fantasy describe it as “a rich pageant of plotting, intrigue and laughs” and “brings the fun back to the hero’s journey."
May 6, 2025
This book is a witty tale of a chosen one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The main character, Feydor Foolson is probably the best part of this book. He is smart, conniving, and sarcastic, but can be stupid and meek when he needs to be. His desire for power and his contempt for his rivals are both justified by their clear lack of intelligence. William is the weakest aspect of the story, with a personality blander than boiled cabbage, but Grant makes sure I feel sorry for him, when I could have just as easily hated him. Matilda, I hate for sure, though I would reserve judgement until I finish the series. Bisgattu was a bit disappointing after being set up as a huge scary monster for the entire book.
The world is not only fleshed out, it feels lived-in. The major players in the grand political conflict fight for petty reasons, which is the crux of the realism of this book. Soft magic systems aren’t really my thing, but Grant makes up for it with humorous use of known phrases, e.g, trunk call, praypal, etc.
Grant is such a talented writer he is going to be in my default-read list.
The world is not only fleshed out, it feels lived-in. The major players in the grand political conflict fight for petty reasons, which is the crux of the realism of this book. Soft magic systems aren’t really my thing, but Grant makes up for it with humorous use of known phrases, e.g, trunk call, praypal, etc.
Grant is such a talented writer he is going to be in my default-read list.
September 8, 2023
A truly wonderful and entertaining debut novel from Steven.
Although, I don't normally read this genre, the book drew me in and I devoured it within a few days. There were several ways Steven tackled the novel which draws the reader in and you can visually imagine the setting and characters.
The place names he conjures up are easily relatable to current real locations so that you are never lost but can easily visualise the surroundings and distances involved. I found the characters really well developed, especially the hero Feydor. They sprang off the page and you could imagine exactly what they looked like. They reminded me very much of the characters in the tv comedy series Black Adder.
Another method Steven employed, with great affect, was providing delightful snippets of historical information and bawdy humour which left me sniggering.
All in all a very enjoyable read from a very talented person and I eagerly look forward to the next book.
Although, I don't normally read this genre, the book drew me in and I devoured it within a few days. There were several ways Steven tackled the novel which draws the reader in and you can visually imagine the setting and characters.
The place names he conjures up are easily relatable to current real locations so that you are never lost but can easily visualise the surroundings and distances involved. I found the characters really well developed, especially the hero Feydor. They sprang off the page and you could imagine exactly what they looked like. They reminded me very much of the characters in the tv comedy series Black Adder.
Another method Steven employed, with great affect, was providing delightful snippets of historical information and bawdy humour which left me sniggering.
All in all a very enjoyable read from a very talented person and I eagerly look forward to the next book.
January 14, 2025
So I'm not even sure where to start with this book.
Other than wow what a wonderful way to start the new year. I was instantly captivated by this read and I loved all the characters well most of them. Matilda annoyed me. I didn't like the way she tried to dictate her mom's life and her overall attitude just rubbed me the wrong way. I loved William I thought his character was so well written and I liked that he was wiper knowledgeable and loved books. I felt for him cause he wasn't understood most of the time. I feel like that all the time. This book has humor, fantasy even a little romance oh and the footnotes in itself were enough for a story. I liked how this had some history too. I mean this book was pure just chefs kiss !!! I can't say enough good things about it!! I am now patiently waiting for the next book to see what the gang is gonna get into and there was a lot of unanswered questions I need to know what happens next. Definitely everyone needs to check out this book!!!
Other than wow what a wonderful way to start the new year. I was instantly captivated by this read and I loved all the characters well most of them. Matilda annoyed me. I didn't like the way she tried to dictate her mom's life and her overall attitude just rubbed me the wrong way. I loved William I thought his character was so well written and I liked that he was wiper knowledgeable and loved books. I felt for him cause he wasn't understood most of the time. I feel like that all the time. This book has humor, fantasy even a little romance oh and the footnotes in itself were enough for a story. I liked how this had some history too. I mean this book was pure just chefs kiss !!! I can't say enough good things about it!! I am now patiently waiting for the next book to see what the gang is gonna get into and there was a lot of unanswered questions I need to know what happens next. Definitely everyone needs to check out this book!!!
October 10, 2023
Stephen J. Grant has published an incredible debut novel that exceeded all my expectations after reading it! The sharp wit, clear voice and well researched world provides a tasty treat for all those readers wanting to dip their toes in fantasy without sacrificing that irresistible British wit that is usually present in other genres. I cannot recommend it highly enough. The compelling characters drew me in, as well as the quirky take on medieval Europe, and I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for Feydor and the other characters. I can recommend this novel to everyone out there, even those who are not avid readers of this genre, but I can particularly see Pratchett lovers enjoying this.
5 STARS, well done Stephen J. Grant!
5 STARS, well done Stephen J. Grant!
January 13, 2025
False Tidings by Stephen J. Grant was a very enjoyable satirical fantasy set in the medieval(ish 😉) times following young bookish but clueless William as he ventures out on a foolish mission set up by Feydor - the kings court jester - who has his own agenda in mind.
We meet many characters along the way some prove trustworthy and others well…not so much 😅
There’s quite a few footnotes in this and at first this distracted me from the story - but I ended up really enjoying and either laughing or finding them really interesting.
Overall I found this book to be a great adventure, had brilliant characters, awesome world depiction and many, many belly laughs. I really enjoyed the authors writing and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series… Witch Hunt 🧙🧙♀️💫
We meet many characters along the way some prove trustworthy and others well…not so much 😅
There’s quite a few footnotes in this and at first this distracted me from the story - but I ended up really enjoying and either laughing or finding them really interesting.
Overall I found this book to be a great adventure, had brilliant characters, awesome world depiction and many, many belly laughs. I really enjoyed the authors writing and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series… Witch Hunt 🧙🧙♀️💫
September 8, 2023
Loved this tongue in cheek romp through a Euro-inspired Medieval world! Witty, sharp writing. Will, the naive and book smart main character sets out to impress a woman and ends up duped into a quest. Will's strings are being pulled by a deviously funny Fool, his evil mother and others as his journey takes him from castles to the muddy streets where he encounters fringe factions, fights, illegal magic, houses of ill repute, witches, wise women, queens and kings, crystals and cats. (Oh, and a viciously adorable monkey). All the while, the Kingdom's newspaper delivers its own twist on today's fake news. Would recommend.
September 7, 2023
This book masterfully mixes historical facts with fantasy fiction, all wrapped up in delightful British humor. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys having fun while embarking on an epic journey through a good story. I loved every single character's backstory, the attention to detail, and the level of research by the author. The varied twists and turns kept me engaged throughout the book. I am very satisfied with my read and plan to gift this book to others. I am also looking forward to reading book 2!
January 10, 2025
I set myself a goal this year to try different genres to my usual safe ones. First up, we have fantasy! This took a short while for me to get into, but that was purely my fault and nothing to do with the book, but once I got passed that I really enjoyed it and im glad this paved the way into this genre. It's excellently written, full of humour, loveable characters, insights into medieval England, magic, and so much more! Honestly, the footnotes should be a book themselves👌🏼 I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
December 27, 2025
I was given this book in a book swap. I really liked the overall story and the medieval settings. I found the tale at times a little difficult to follow as it jumped from place to place and person to person, however that may have been because I read it over several weeks and that maybe affected continuity. I felt a bit let down by the ending which left a lot of threads up in the air. Maybe those threads will be neatly tied off in book 2 which I will read later. Overall though a clever story with interesting plot and characters. Well worth a read.
September 7, 2023
Fantasy is not normally my book of choice, but when I received this book as a gift I decided to give it a go. What a revelation! I was gripped from the start and had trouble putting this down.
My only disappointment was when the book finished but there was so much more I wanted to find out.
If there is ever a sequel I will be first in the queue.
Stephen Grant is a new author I believe, but writes as if he has been doing so for years.
My only disappointment was when the book finished but there was so much more I wanted to find out.
If there is ever a sequel I will be first in the queue.
Stephen Grant is a new author I believe, but writes as if he has been doing so for years.
September 8, 2023
A fun and ironic fantasy that reminded me of Terry Pratchett's atmospheres.
I read it with pleasure, gradually becoming attached to the characters.
As in other similar works, the villains have the most interesting characterisations, but this does not detract from the narrative. The contrast between good guys and bad guys is sometimes blurred, sometimes very sharp. So sharp as to reserve a few surprises.
I read it with pleasure, gradually becoming attached to the characters.
As in other similar works, the villains have the most interesting characterisations, but this does not detract from the narrative. The contrast between good guys and bad guys is sometimes blurred, sometimes very sharp. So sharp as to reserve a few surprises.
February 20, 2025
Oh my gosh, I don't even know where to start with this book.
I was initially drawn in by the cross genres of history and fantasy, I think that the medieval period lends itself so well to fantasy writing. And the book certainly did not disappoint. I found myself instantly immersed in William's world and I didn't want to leave. This book had everything I love, Witches, monkeys, and so much humour.
I was initially drawn in by the cross genres of history and fantasy, I think that the medieval period lends itself so well to fantasy writing. And the book certainly did not disappoint. I found myself instantly immersed in William's world and I didn't want to leave. This book had everything I love, Witches, monkeys, and so much humour.
September 7, 2023
Even though I am not an avid reader, I have literally devoured False Tidings. A pleasant and relaxing immersion in a fantasy world more or less loosely based on real medieval Europe.
The narrative style is flawless and very descriptive, very thorough.
Male logic and female magic... will we ever find the right balance? Or is our world eventually doomed to sink into chaos?
The narrative style is flawless and very descriptive, very thorough.
Male logic and female magic... will we ever find the right balance? Or is our world eventually doomed to sink into chaos?
January 16, 2025
The book follows William Grey who is kicked out of his home at a monastery and sent to the castle to become a messenger. He inadvertently ends up being knighted and sent on a quest to collect some aphrodisiac water for the king.
Little does he know, his quest is just a diversion to distract the Janasa (Cave dwelling, goblin-like creatures who guard a magic crystal), long enough for the King's fool Feydor to carry out his own personal mission to obtain the magic crystal.
William is book smart, but not street smart. This makes him rather naive and he keeps finding himself in ridiculous situations. He is also being tricked by witches along the way.
This fantasy quest story is told with lots of humour. I loved getting to know the characters and the world building was great. The author's footnotes added extra snippets of interesting information.
An enjoyable tale and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book to review.
Little does he know, his quest is just a diversion to distract the Janasa (Cave dwelling, goblin-like creatures who guard a magic crystal), long enough for the King's fool Feydor to carry out his own personal mission to obtain the magic crystal.
William is book smart, but not street smart. This makes him rather naive and he keeps finding himself in ridiculous situations. He is also being tricked by witches along the way.
This fantasy quest story is told with lots of humour. I loved getting to know the characters and the world building was great. The author's footnotes added extra snippets of interesting information.
An enjoyable tale and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book to review.
January 17, 2024
Adventures abound in this fantasy novel! Follow the journey of young William and the people he meets along the way with quirky humor and the sticky situations he gets into. This book made me chuckle and keep turning the pages.
May 31, 2024
I knew I'd enjoy this book from the first page. Stephen J Grant has a captivating way of writing. It's highly entertaining and the characters are superb. This should be your next fantasy read. It's perfect in every way.
January 19, 2026
Hilarious and adventurous from start to finish
I laughed out loud more times than I can count! William Grey is the perfect reluctant hero, and the mix of witches, jester antics, and a deadly pet monkey made this fantasy utterly delightful. The story kept me turning pages late into the night.
I laughed out loud more times than I can count! William Grey is the perfect reluctant hero, and the mix of witches, jester antics, and a deadly pet monkey made this fantasy utterly delightful. The story kept me turning pages late into the night.
October 15, 2023
Three very good reasons to read this book: the setting, the very original characters and the author's irony! An unconventional read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2023
CALLING ALL PRATCHETT LOVERS. Stephen Grant's debut novel is everything you're looking for. False Tidings offers a visceral trip back in time with a delightful fantastical veil. The novel is well researched and well voiced. It possesses all of the cheeky humour we love delivered in a unique voice. I cannot wait to see what awaits Feydor The Fool.
May 3, 2025
I did enjoy this book however I struggled a lot with the medieval style language/writing style. I did enjoy the British slang that was thrown in there and found the monkey a great character addition. While reading, the book felt longer than it was as the chapters were super long but overall was a good plot line and kept me hooked. Now I need to continue with the second book to find out what happens next.
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