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The Age of the Infinite #1
The Lure of Fools
“Adventure is the lure of fools, and excitement glamour to the gullible. The siren song of the world is as music to the wanderer’s feet, but that dance leads only to the soul-less grave.”
So Jekaran’s uncle has warned him. But that doesn’t stop him from leaping at the exhilarating chance to single-handedly rescue a beautiful woman from a gang of lecherous thieves.
But the bored farm boy quickly finds that he is no match for the group of angry street thugs, and only escapes death by bonding a magical sword that grants him the strength and skill of a master swordsman. Unfortunately, a peasant wielding such magic is forbidden and punishable by death.
Thus Jekaran finds himself a fugitive with his fate tied to that of the exotic and mysterious, Kairah; a fey woman who must deliver a dire warning to the king that, if heeded, could prevent the very extinction of humanity.
So Jekaran’s uncle has warned him. But that doesn’t stop him from leaping at the exhilarating chance to single-handedly rescue a beautiful woman from a gang of lecherous thieves.
But the bored farm boy quickly finds that he is no match for the group of angry street thugs, and only escapes death by bonding a magical sword that grants him the strength and skill of a master swordsman. Unfortunately, a peasant wielding such magic is forbidden and punishable by death.
Thus Jekaran finds himself a fugitive with his fate tied to that of the exotic and mysterious, Kairah; a fey woman who must deliver a dire warning to the king that, if heeded, could prevent the very extinction of humanity.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2011
391 people are currently reading
428 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 19, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
‘The Lure of Fools,’ or Tropey McTroperson walks through Tropesville, is an epic fantasy novel in which absolutely nothing you have not seen before happens. Behold! A farm boy with a thirst for adventure wishes for something more. Is he aware he is living in a fantasy novel? Perhaps
“He really did hate the so-called normal life of their small village. His childhood dreams were of traveling the world..”
But wait, there is more! He is also…wait for it…an orphan! And he grows up with a young girl his age who is also an orphan, and she might, just maybe, be harboring a crush on him that he is unaware of. Aw, young love. What of our young orphaned love interest? What is her story? She is also an orphan, and has raised her developmentally challenged brother since their mother died.
“Their widowed mother had lived a chronically tragic life. She prostituted for several years..”
Of course she did. There was some potential there with the brother, an avenue rarely explored in fantasy. But let’s just leave any thoughts of goodwill behind on that one, our young heroine (Maely) will soon be leaving the brother behind to follow her ONE TRUE LOVETM. (Side note, I honestly don’t done if the period should be before or after the TM and I am too lazy to Google it). Brother is quickly forgotten, brought up only a few times but never factoring into the story.
So Jerakan (our farmboy turned man of destiny) is in town when a group of baddies ride in. He knows they are bad, everyone in town can sense it. He goes home and tells his Uncle who goes into a frenzy because he has A PASTTM. Said Uncle digs out an old sword, hands it off to his teenage, naïve nephew, and tells him to go right back into town to join an adventuring party looking a magic source to hid the sword form the baddies. That’s right, right back to where the men who are searching for the sword were last seen.
So Jekaran goes on an adventure and Maely wants to follow. Knowing that girls are not allowed on the quest, she cuts her hair and puts on a hat, completely fooling Jekaran for most of the book with her clever disguise. Things go a little crazy, J-man bonds with the sword which turns him into super amazing warrior complete with backflips and somersaults while fighting, and a broken English speaking lizardman follows Jekaran because he has green eyes (which isn’t unknown in the land, but somehow marks him as the man of destiny).
OH, and the party is also joined by a flawless elf like creature (I smell a LOVE TRIANGLE) who is first seen by Jekaran as a group of men surround her and threaten rape. She joins the party because why not, destiny and whatever else have you. She wants to walk up to the king and warn him that one of her people is looking to wipe out all humans. What’s her plan?
“I must journey to your capitol city and meet with your king.”
Alright then.
Pursued by multiple sources, some admittedly cool crystal golems on one side, and a rage filled cliché on the other, the party continues on their journey to nowhere, fight and get captured, and solve everything by remembering they have magic. The magic system was pure video game; magic items refilled byMana Apeiron. Perhaps Sanderson fans looking for a much shorter book can find something to like here. Oh, and Maely broods because Jerakan doesn’t love her.
I don’t know, I could be overly critical here. This was not a horribly written book, just not all that interesting to me. The most interesting aspect, a man turned to an avatar of death in the introduction, is completely absent form this volume; obviously his story is going to be bigger in future books but it was the only one I cared about.
2 Stars.
Review copy received through NetGalley.
‘The Lure of Fools,’ or Tropey McTroperson walks through Tropesville, is an epic fantasy novel in which absolutely nothing you have not seen before happens. Behold! A farm boy with a thirst for adventure wishes for something more. Is he aware he is living in a fantasy novel? Perhaps
“He really did hate the so-called normal life of their small village. His childhood dreams were of traveling the world..”
But wait, there is more! He is also…wait for it…an orphan! And he grows up with a young girl his age who is also an orphan, and she might, just maybe, be harboring a crush on him that he is unaware of. Aw, young love. What of our young orphaned love interest? What is her story? She is also an orphan, and has raised her developmentally challenged brother since their mother died.
“Their widowed mother had lived a chronically tragic life. She prostituted for several years..”
Of course she did. There was some potential there with the brother, an avenue rarely explored in fantasy. But let’s just leave any thoughts of goodwill behind on that one, our young heroine (Maely) will soon be leaving the brother behind to follow her ONE TRUE LOVETM. (Side note, I honestly don’t done if the period should be before or after the TM and I am too lazy to Google it). Brother is quickly forgotten, brought up only a few times but never factoring into the story.
So Jerakan (our farmboy turned man of destiny) is in town when a group of baddies ride in. He knows they are bad, everyone in town can sense it. He goes home and tells his Uncle who goes into a frenzy because he has A PASTTM. Said Uncle digs out an old sword, hands it off to his teenage, naïve nephew, and tells him to go right back into town to join an adventuring party looking a magic source to hid the sword form the baddies. That’s right, right back to where the men who are searching for the sword were last seen.
So Jekaran goes on an adventure and Maely wants to follow. Knowing that girls are not allowed on the quest, she cuts her hair and puts on a hat, completely fooling Jekaran for most of the book with her clever disguise. Things go a little crazy, J-man bonds with the sword which turns him into super amazing warrior complete with backflips and somersaults while fighting, and a broken English speaking lizardman follows Jekaran because he has green eyes (which isn’t unknown in the land, but somehow marks him as the man of destiny).
OH, and the party is also joined by a flawless elf like creature (I smell a LOVE TRIANGLE) who is first seen by Jekaran as a group of men surround her and threaten rape. She joins the party because why not, destiny and whatever else have you. She wants to walk up to the king and warn him that one of her people is looking to wipe out all humans. What’s her plan?
“I must journey to your capitol city and meet with your king.”
Alright then.
Pursued by multiple sources, some admittedly cool crystal golems on one side, and a rage filled cliché on the other, the party continues on their journey to nowhere, fight and get captured, and solve everything by remembering they have magic. The magic system was pure video game; magic items refilled by
I don’t know, I could be overly critical here. This was not a horribly written book, just not all that interesting to me. The most interesting aspect, a man turned to an avatar of death in the introduction, is completely absent form this volume; obviously his story is going to be bigger in future books but it was the only one I cared about.
2 Stars.
Review copy received through NetGalley.
September 13, 2013
The Lure of Fools
Jason King
Curiousity Quills Press
The Lure of Fools according to Ez, Jek's uncle, is the call of adventure. Jek though wants adventure. He wants to see more of the world than just the little village where he grew up being cared for by his uncle. It is to stop the lure that Ez forbids Jek from going on a well finding expedition, yet when Jek returns home with news that men are looking for a man with a half moon tattoo everything changes. Ez is not who Jek always believed him to be, and the young man is sent off with a magic sword to take it to safety. Ez plans on drawing the pursuit after himself.
Elsewhere Kariah an Allosian is convinced that her brother is going to try to destroy all the humans. She must stop him, but that means leaving the safety of her home and garden and traveling into the human lands. She takes a necklace that will allow her to disguise herself and escapes, but two golems are sent after her.
I found the characters in the book to be likable and well drawn. The dialogue is natural with good rhythm and enough difference to mark where characters came from. The plot itself is also interesting. We are given hints that there is much more going on than just Jek's desire for adventure.
The problem I have with the book is that there are a lot of places that feel over-written. Similes are repeated several times as if the author wasn't sure that we would get it the first time. There are also a number of places in which we are told information that doesn't seem to fit with the needs of the plot at that moment. These flaws, however are not deal breakers. This is still a good story, told by a good writer.
I would recommend the book to those who like a good adventure story.
Jason King
Curiousity Quills Press
The Lure of Fools according to Ez, Jek's uncle, is the call of adventure. Jek though wants adventure. He wants to see more of the world than just the little village where he grew up being cared for by his uncle. It is to stop the lure that Ez forbids Jek from going on a well finding expedition, yet when Jek returns home with news that men are looking for a man with a half moon tattoo everything changes. Ez is not who Jek always believed him to be, and the young man is sent off with a magic sword to take it to safety. Ez plans on drawing the pursuit after himself.
Elsewhere Kariah an Allosian is convinced that her brother is going to try to destroy all the humans. She must stop him, but that means leaving the safety of her home and garden and traveling into the human lands. She takes a necklace that will allow her to disguise herself and escapes, but two golems are sent after her.
I found the characters in the book to be likable and well drawn. The dialogue is natural with good rhythm and enough difference to mark where characters came from. The plot itself is also interesting. We are given hints that there is much more going on than just Jek's desire for adventure.
The problem I have with the book is that there are a lot of places that feel over-written. Similes are repeated several times as if the author wasn't sure that we would get it the first time. There are also a number of places in which we are told information that doesn't seem to fit with the needs of the plot at that moment. These flaws, however are not deal breakers. This is still a good story, told by a good writer.
I would recommend the book to those who like a good adventure story.
August 11, 2013
While a lot of fantasy feels tired and regurgitated, the Lure of Fools is fresh and fun. With a pervasive magic system touching every facet of life, and characters that you think you used to know, the book grabs ahold and won't let go. Jason King's imagery is breath taking. In an age of CGI and special effects, this book holds its own. You will be glad you read it.
November 4, 2013
Copy given for review curtsy of Curiousity Quills Press
Review contains spoilers
So there's a lot going on but not a whole lot happening all at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Jek, is a village boy with green eyes, something that is rare, is sent out to go on the well finding expedition, at first his uncle was against his going because he was afraid he would be attracted to the lure, “Adventure is the lure of fools, and excitement glamour to the gullible. The siren song of the world is as music to the wanderer’s feet, but that dance leads only to the soul-less grave.”
But all that is changed now that the man with two different color eyes is in town asking questions, searching for someone, for something. Karl, is someone from Ez's past who wants to poses the sword because he knows that with it along with the other tailes he has,he will be unstoppable. So Ez sends him off to the expefition with his sword, he has to protect it and he is to NEVER touch it.
Mae, determined to keep an eye on Jek because she loves him so, disguises herself as a boy in order to join Jek in the well finding expedition.
Eventually in his adventures he meets up with an interesting group of people who helps him on his journey to meet up with his uncle.
Kariah is Allosian, something to the humans nothing but a story, the fae, she is on a journey to visit the rulers of the three nations to warn them of her brothers plot to wipe out the human race. In order to do so she must steal a magical necklace that will help disguise her looks because pale skin and purple hair would call attention in the outside world.
All the while this is happening there is a person? A creature, roaming around who is sucking the life from all he encounters, he his death himself has he likes to think.
So back to what I was getting to when I said there's a lot going on but not a whole lot happening all at the same time. This book seems like it's all about the build up, it's obvious that this is book one of a series. If not then I'll be majorly disappointed. Because it feels like I'm going on this long walk, stopping to check things out and I'm heading somewhere but I don't really know where that is. But I am headed somewhere. If this book doesn't continue, it's going to feel like I just stop walking in the middle of the road and just stood there.
We have a lot of action taking place, we have a lot of characters with there individual things taking place and it will all mix together nicely. When it happens and it started too, but then it ended. :(
I liked the story, I like the characters. It's all tossed into the pot, getting stirred up together now it needs to simmer and cook. I'm looking forward to meal.
Review contains spoilers
So there's a lot going on but not a whole lot happening all at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Jek, is a village boy with green eyes, something that is rare, is sent out to go on the well finding expedition, at first his uncle was against his going because he was afraid he would be attracted to the lure, “Adventure is the lure of fools, and excitement glamour to the gullible. The siren song of the world is as music to the wanderer’s feet, but that dance leads only to the soul-less grave.”
But all that is changed now that the man with two different color eyes is in town asking questions, searching for someone, for something. Karl, is someone from Ez's past who wants to poses the sword because he knows that with it along with the other tailes he has,he will be unstoppable. So Ez sends him off to the expefition with his sword, he has to protect it and he is to NEVER touch it.
Mae, determined to keep an eye on Jek because she loves him so, disguises herself as a boy in order to join Jek in the well finding expedition.
Eventually in his adventures he meets up with an interesting group of people who helps him on his journey to meet up with his uncle.
Kariah is Allosian, something to the humans nothing but a story, the fae, she is on a journey to visit the rulers of the three nations to warn them of her brothers plot to wipe out the human race. In order to do so she must steal a magical necklace that will help disguise her looks because pale skin and purple hair would call attention in the outside world.
All the while this is happening there is a person? A creature, roaming around who is sucking the life from all he encounters, he his death himself has he likes to think.
So back to what I was getting to when I said there's a lot going on but not a whole lot happening all at the same time. This book seems like it's all about the build up, it's obvious that this is book one of a series. If not then I'll be majorly disappointed. Because it feels like I'm going on this long walk, stopping to check things out and I'm heading somewhere but I don't really know where that is. But I am headed somewhere. If this book doesn't continue, it's going to feel like I just stop walking in the middle of the road and just stood there.
We have a lot of action taking place, we have a lot of characters with there individual things taking place and it will all mix together nicely. When it happens and it started too, but then it ended. :(
I liked the story, I like the characters. It's all tossed into the pot, getting stirred up together now it needs to simmer and cook. I'm looking forward to meal.
August 6, 2015
I honestly wasn't sure how much I would like this when a friend recommended it, but I really did enjoy it. The author does a great job creating a believable world. There was enough connections with traditional fantasy concepts that I could easily understand what things were, but there was just enough of a twist to keep things interesting. I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters, while others I could really see where they were coming from. The end is a bit of a cliff hanger. Not so bad that I wanted to throw the book against the wall when I finished, but just enough that I am eager to read the second book.
July 6, 2015
To all of you high fantasy fans out there. A new series is in town and it begins with The Lure of Fools. This book has everything one would want from great high fantasy, magic, swords, monsters, love, good, and evil. Jason hits the writing scene with his excellent prose and wonderful character development. He unspools a great story here that compels readers to keep the pages turning. This one is not to be missed for any fan of fantasy in the traditional sense.
August 4, 2015
I had a good deal of fun with this book. My only complaint is that it was too short, I finished it too quickly and then had to wait for the next book to arrive.
I liked that the author puts constraints on his magical talismans, having the need to be recharged by magic at Apieron wells. Gives it a nice flavor that makes it just that little bit different.
I liked that the author puts constraints on his magical talismans, having the need to be recharged by magic at Apieron wells. Gives it a nice flavor that makes it just that little bit different.
September 14, 2016
Read review in its entirety at http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
Inciting curiosity in just the first chapter, The Lure of Fools (The Age of the Infinite #1) by Jason King, provokes readers' excitement by opening with a dark scene and a murderous character. Though the theme may not be new to fantasy novels – a farm boy who craves adventure – the characters read as precise individuals and as their paths cross their harrowing journey is anything but ordinary.
The book has a number of characters that readers can choose to love or hate; the main protagonists are Jakaran, a teenage farm hand, and Kairah, an elfin-like creature. Told through third person, readers get to observe the story through various perspectives as minor characters also get an opportunity to express themselves every few chapters.
It is hard to believe that the author, Jason King, is a rookie writer, as he does an excellent job of assimilating readers into the fantasy world he has created. His description and writing skills are excellent and really capture readers' attention. The transitions, though smooth in the beginning, break up near the end of the book and are only noticeable because the opening chapters are so impeccably arranged. A minor quip readers may have is that there is no map! As a reader, especially with fantasy novels, I like the author to provide a map of their fabricated land so I can better grasp the world that is being described and where all the action is taking place.
This is a book that teens, both male and female can enjoy, as there is a lot of action and a dose of romance that is not overwhelming. For those that have an interest in The Hobbit or Eragon, but are off-put by their girth, this may be a good starting point for you, but be warned, this novel might just lure you in and hook you with its sequel, The Soulless Grave (The Age of the Infinite #2).
Inciting curiosity in just the first chapter, The Lure of Fools (The Age of the Infinite #1) by Jason King, provokes readers' excitement by opening with a dark scene and a murderous character. Though the theme may not be new to fantasy novels – a farm boy who craves adventure – the characters read as precise individuals and as their paths cross their harrowing journey is anything but ordinary.
The book has a number of characters that readers can choose to love or hate; the main protagonists are Jakaran, a teenage farm hand, and Kairah, an elfin-like creature. Told through third person, readers get to observe the story through various perspectives as minor characters also get an opportunity to express themselves every few chapters.
It is hard to believe that the author, Jason King, is a rookie writer, as he does an excellent job of assimilating readers into the fantasy world he has created. His description and writing skills are excellent and really capture readers' attention. The transitions, though smooth in the beginning, break up near the end of the book and are only noticeable because the opening chapters are so impeccably arranged. A minor quip readers may have is that there is no map! As a reader, especially with fantasy novels, I like the author to provide a map of their fabricated land so I can better grasp the world that is being described and where all the action is taking place.
This is a book that teens, both male and female can enjoy, as there is a lot of action and a dose of romance that is not overwhelming. For those that have an interest in The Hobbit or Eragon, but are off-put by their girth, this may be a good starting point for you, but be warned, this novel might just lure you in and hook you with its sequel, The Soulless Grave (The Age of the Infinite #2).
August 15, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
“Adventure is the lure of fools, and excitement glamour to the gullible. The siren song of the world is as music to the wanderer’s feet, but that dance leads only to the soul-less grave.”
Completely ignoring the words quoted above, Jekeran takes the magic sword from his uncle and sets out on an adventure that may turn so big it might just save all humans.
Admittedly, this was not the most original fantasy I've read last year, but I still enjoyed reading it. The magic had some nice twists to it (mostly in the fey-land though) and the talises (not sure if the correct plural) added something extra, though I still don't really know how it works exactly and I having a nagging feel I should be careful, because they could easily be used as an easy plot device.
I was a bit disappointed however that after the first chapter, which really suck me into the story (which seldom happens to me after only reading a few pages), the wood-killing, life-sucking 'human' representation of Death is completely neglected for the rest of the story. Okay, there are a few mentions of 'something' that's going on in the East but I wanted more of that story line (for it seemed more interesting than the quest). Kept waiting for something to happen with it, then realized that it's probably something that will be important in one of the next books. Just that makes me want to read the next book.
Besides, it was a fun and quick read, although the main story line was not that original.
The Lure of Fools is the first book in The Age of The Infinite. The second book is called The Soulless Grave
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
“Adventure is the lure of fools, and excitement glamour to the gullible. The siren song of the world is as music to the wanderer’s feet, but that dance leads only to the soul-less grave.”
Completely ignoring the words quoted above, Jekeran takes the magic sword from his uncle and sets out on an adventure that may turn so big it might just save all humans.
Admittedly, this was not the most original fantasy I've read last year, but I still enjoyed reading it. The magic had some nice twists to it (mostly in the fey-land though) and the talises (not sure if the correct plural) added something extra, though I still don't really know how it works exactly and I having a nagging feel I should be careful, because they could easily be used as an easy plot device.
I was a bit disappointed however that after the first chapter, which really suck me into the story (which seldom happens to me after only reading a few pages), the wood-killing, life-sucking 'human' representation of Death is completely neglected for the rest of the story. Okay, there are a few mentions of 'something' that's going on in the East but I wanted more of that story line (for it seemed more interesting than the quest). Kept waiting for something to happen with it, then realized that it's probably something that will be important in one of the next books. Just that makes me want to read the next book.
Besides, it was a fun and quick read, although the main story line was not that original.
The Lure of Fools is the first book in The Age of The Infinite. The second book is called The Soulless Grave
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
February 25, 2015
I found myself not able to put it down. I wanted to know what would happen, would the siblings come to blows? Would the farmboy succumb to the magical sword, or overcome himself? From crystal golems to spy-like intrigue, it is a great page turner, I highly recommend it and am looking forward to book 2!
September 6, 2013
I'll keep this short and sweet guys. READ THIS BOOK. Right from the very first scene you get graphic and detailed imagery that it is just spectacular - Curiosity Quills knows how to pick 'em. His description alone will keep you turning pages. I'm taking off points for originality but this is definitely a fantasy recommendation.
July 23, 2020
This review can also be found on The Weatherwax Report for SPFBO 6
6/10 stars:
This is the story of Jekaran, who is a teenage boy living in a fairly rural town with his uncle. When Jek’s uncle’s past starts to catch up with him, Jek is forced to flee with his uncle’s magical sword, and accidentally bonds to it while trying to save a woman from thieves. The magical sword gives him the skill of a master swordsman, but also acts as a type of addiction. Oh, and using one of these ‘weapon talis’ as they’re called is punishable by death. Cue shenanigans.
We see this story from several points of view. Jakaran’s is obviously the most prevalent, but we also see the story from the eyes of a few others, including Maely, Jekaran’s friend; Ezra, Jek’s uncle; Kairah, an Allosian (similar to fae or elves) woman; and Jenoc, Kairah’s brother. I will admit that at the very beginning, when the POV was changing between so many people, that I was getting a little irritated by just how many there were. That said, after I got to know the characters a bit better, it did become less irritating and much easier to follow.
The story was paced pretty well and was fairly well edited. I did find a spelling error or two, it definitely didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the story. The characters were mostly good. I liked Jekaran and found myself cheering for him through most of the story. I also really enjoyed Karak, who is a Vorakk (a kind of lizard-man). Karak’s navigation of the human language and culture was interesting and well thought out.
There were a few things that just bounced off me. Mainly, there was a significant swath of this book wherein Maely becomes annoying to the point of eye-rolling. Maely is pretty obviously in love with Jekaran, fourteen-year-old style. So, when Jekaran meets Kairah, a woman that he considers so beautiful that he doesn’t actually ever shut up about it (and I mean he’s nearly constantly internally thinking about how beautiful this woman is, which in itself got old quickly), Maely gets incredibly jealous and starts spouting just chapters and chapters of vitriol at Kairah. This whole teenage-love-triangle-esque nonsense started to sour what was otherwise a pretty engaging story. So, I actually liked the first half of this story more than the second, which is very rare for me.
But, all told I can say that I enjoyed this one even with the rockier second half. It was altogether a quick read, well paced, with an interesting magic system and thankfully some good characters that balanced out the more annoying ones.
6/10 stars:
This is the story of Jekaran, who is a teenage boy living in a fairly rural town with his uncle. When Jek’s uncle’s past starts to catch up with him, Jek is forced to flee with his uncle’s magical sword, and accidentally bonds to it while trying to save a woman from thieves. The magical sword gives him the skill of a master swordsman, but also acts as a type of addiction. Oh, and using one of these ‘weapon talis’ as they’re called is punishable by death. Cue shenanigans.
We see this story from several points of view. Jakaran’s is obviously the most prevalent, but we also see the story from the eyes of a few others, including Maely, Jekaran’s friend; Ezra, Jek’s uncle; Kairah, an Allosian (similar to fae or elves) woman; and Jenoc, Kairah’s brother. I will admit that at the very beginning, when the POV was changing between so many people, that I was getting a little irritated by just how many there were. That said, after I got to know the characters a bit better, it did become less irritating and much easier to follow.
The story was paced pretty well and was fairly well edited. I did find a spelling error or two, it definitely didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the story. The characters were mostly good. I liked Jekaran and found myself cheering for him through most of the story. I also really enjoyed Karak, who is a Vorakk (a kind of lizard-man). Karak’s navigation of the human language and culture was interesting and well thought out.
There were a few things that just bounced off me. Mainly, there was a significant swath of this book wherein Maely becomes annoying to the point of eye-rolling. Maely is pretty obviously in love with Jekaran, fourteen-year-old style. So, when Jekaran meets Kairah, a woman that he considers so beautiful that he doesn’t actually ever shut up about it (and I mean he’s nearly constantly internally thinking about how beautiful this woman is, which in itself got old quickly), Maely gets incredibly jealous and starts spouting just chapters and chapters of vitriol at Kairah. This whole teenage-love-triangle-esque nonsense started to sour what was otherwise a pretty engaging story. So, I actually liked the first half of this story more than the second, which is very rare for me.
But, all told I can say that I enjoyed this one even with the rockier second half. It was altogether a quick read, well paced, with an interesting magic system and thankfully some good characters that balanced out the more annoying ones.
April 30, 2018
If you’re looking for a story chalked with adventure, obscure but endearing characters, and a “pick your own path” feel, this is the book for you
Jekaran is seventeen-year-old farm boy with dreams in his head of leaving the care of his uncle to chase adventure in the great wide world. His doe eyed best friend tags along incognito, which adds a touch of romance to the story.
Jek, with the help of many friends along the way, must take his uncle’s magical weapon talis (a coveted magical sword) on the run, because just using the weapon talis is punishable by death.
There is no shortage of characters to fall in love (or to hate) with in the story, but picking a favorite is difficult. What really set this story apart from most fantasies are the rules by which magic functions within the world King has written. The talis items are masterfully depicted in his writing and the concepts are easy to follow.
Jason King, your mind is an endless melting pot for action and suspense. Great book, sir.
Jekaran is seventeen-year-old farm boy with dreams in his head of leaving the care of his uncle to chase adventure in the great wide world. His doe eyed best friend tags along incognito, which adds a touch of romance to the story.
Jek, with the help of many friends along the way, must take his uncle’s magical weapon talis (a coveted magical sword) on the run, because just using the weapon talis is punishable by death.
There is no shortage of characters to fall in love (or to hate) with in the story, but picking a favorite is difficult. What really set this story apart from most fantasies are the rules by which magic functions within the world King has written. The talis items are masterfully depicted in his writing and the concepts are easy to follow.
Jason King, your mind is an endless melting pot for action and suspense. Great book, sir.
May 29, 2021
I brought this book on my tablet as digital form among with other books in the beginning of May.
I thought the book was okay and it felt like a standard Fantasy like we had seen in Eragon and other classic Fantasy like it started with "the orphan farmboy that turned out to be the chosen one to destined to save the world and he even has a kicka** sword that makes him looks cool",but I do love the twist with the uncle was used to be a overlord.
I even can't stand the childhood friend Maely. I found her very selfish and super annoying. I wish she need to die already. I really hate her since she decided to abandoned her disabled brother and let her poor uncle had putted up with it.
I do like Kariah. I think she is way better than Maely. I thought she's a interesting character and I even like how we get known more about the magic work through her. I feels bad for the lizard guy's people.
I feels disappoint that the author killed the main villain at the minute in the 1st book,because I thought he was going to be a big bad in book 2.
Well, I hope book 2 is better.
I thought the book was okay and it felt like a standard Fantasy like we had seen in Eragon and other classic Fantasy like it started with "the orphan farmboy that turned out to be the chosen one to destined to save the world and he even has a kicka** sword that makes him looks cool",but I do love the twist with the uncle was used to be a overlord.
I even can't stand the childhood friend Maely. I found her very selfish and super annoying. I wish she need to die already. I really hate her since she decided to abandoned her disabled brother and let her poor uncle had putted up with it.
I do like Kariah. I think she is way better than Maely. I thought she's a interesting character and I even like how we get known more about the magic work through her. I feels bad for the lizard guy's people.
I feels disappoint that the author killed the main villain at the minute in the 1st book,because I thought he was going to be a big bad in book 2.
Well, I hope book 2 is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2020
Robuster
Not a bad story . It has a good hook with some interesting world building . Love the name Argentus . He isn’t the main protagonist but I like his character. I also like the character Maley . Though I times her actions are concerning .
I will keep saying this till the writers of these stories get it.
The VILLAIN is as important to the storyline as the protagonist. Maybe more important. As the protagonist has his band of side kicks and their loyalty. The reader can bend back and forth with them as they enter and depart the story line. This doesn’t work with a changing cast of villains.
With a revolving door of villains the story washes out and becomes bland and predictable.
The story is only as good as the reader can identify and completely despise the villain.
This takes a good novel to a superior one.
Not a bad story . It has a good hook with some interesting world building . Love the name Argentus . He isn’t the main protagonist but I like his character. I also like the character Maley . Though I times her actions are concerning .
I will keep saying this till the writers of these stories get it.
The VILLAIN is as important to the storyline as the protagonist. Maybe more important. As the protagonist has his band of side kicks and their loyalty. The reader can bend back and forth with them as they enter and depart the story line. This doesn’t work with a changing cast of villains.
With a revolving door of villains the story washes out and becomes bland and predictable.
The story is only as good as the reader can identify and completely despise the villain.
This takes a good novel to a superior one.
July 1, 2020
Peril Upon Peril Upon Peril
Jakeran wants to trade his quiet farm life for one of adventure. He gets his wish and more. Dangerous men from his Uncle's past show up and cause the family to leave their home to escape. As a ploy to protect Jek, his Uncle sends him to join a quest with his magic sword to keep them from being captured. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will Jek avoid execution for possessing an enchanted weapon? Will Kairah live and warn the King of war? Will Maely get to confess her feelings for Jek? I look forward to the next book.
Jakeran wants to trade his quiet farm life for one of adventure. He gets his wish and more. Dangerous men from his Uncle's past show up and cause the family to leave their home to escape. As a ploy to protect Jek, his Uncle sends him to join a quest with his magic sword to keep them from being captured. I like the action, humor, and romance. Will Jek avoid execution for possessing an enchanted weapon? Will Kairah live and warn the King of war? Will Maely get to confess her feelings for Jek? I look forward to the next book.
June 29, 2020
Ok
Decent story, good writing, everything is pretty well done except the characters, they're all pretty flat, none really more than a caricature of a real person, which takes away from the story. I'll read the sequel as it is somewhat entertaining, and could be much improved with a more fully developed cast of characters.
Decent story, good writing, everything is pretty well done except the characters, they're all pretty flat, none really more than a caricature of a real person, which takes away from the story. I'll read the sequel as it is somewhat entertaining, and could be much improved with a more fully developed cast of characters.
August 17, 2020
We get a glimpse of an interesting world in the background of this runaway fantasy story, but a lot of the promises of the early chapters don’t really come to fruition. It skates between really delving deeper into either the action or the characters relationships.. unsure if this is purposefully given it is the first of a trilogy but the culmination of it all leaves things feeling a bit average.
August 8, 2020
Not for Me
Made it to chapter 7 but was bored to death, this is more of a youngster type book, so off to hunt for something more engaging. On the plus side, didn’t notice any typos or mixed up sentences.
Made it to chapter 7 but was bored to death, this is more of a youngster type book, so off to hunt for something more engaging. On the plus side, didn’t notice any typos or mixed up sentences.
August 9, 2020
Great read
Not a lot of character building. But a fast read. And while a mini boss was defeated. I don’t feel that fight was given proper justice and audience.
Not a lot of character building. But a fast read. And while a mini boss was defeated. I don’t feel that fight was given proper justice and audience.
August 18, 2025
Entertaining
A good read, kept me wanting to read more. Really liked the characters and the flow of the story. Will read the next one.
A good read, kept me wanting to read more. Really liked the characters and the flow of the story. Will read the next one.
August 18, 2013
Stop me if you’ve heard this one — a teenage boy of uncertain, mysterious parentage grows up in an isolated frontier town, longing for adventure. Contact with a dangerous force reveals the hidden identity of a nearby elderly man and sends the youth down a dangerous path, where he gathers unique allies, deals with a ruthlessly evil foe and ends up with the fate of the world in his hands. You can almost hear the lightsabers switching on, right? Or how about this one — a naive youngster in an isolated village comes in contact with a dangerous and ancient artifact that will give its user untold power, but corrupts and addicts him. Sounds like One Ring to Rule Them All, doesn’t it? Well, Jason King’s new book, Lure of Fools, has both of these elements — and plenty more that are familiar to fantasy and sci-fi fans — but it manages to overcome the sometimes derivative plot and some other issues with cool characters, a unique setting and a good use of cliffhangers to create a very engaging fantasy story.
The teenager in question is Jekaran who ends up discovering that his uncle (and adopted dad) was once the member of a feared band of thieves called the Rikujo — and has a super-powered magic sword hidden away. Some of the Rikujo, led by the brutal Kaul, show up looking for the sword and before you can say “Uncle Owen? Aunt Beru?” Jekaran has snatched up the magic sword and is off on his adventure, sneaking along the annual expedition to find a magic well. Complications ensue as his childhood friend Maely goes with him, disguised as a boy and Kaul closes in. I found the set-up more than a little familiar and King’s writing style didn’t particularly help. His use of modern words and phrases felt wrong in a fantasy setting, his action scenes were a little clunky, moved too fast and lacked impact and his character’s interior monologues often overpowered the main story. Thankfully, the complexities of the plot and the side characters won me over.
Jekaran encounters a kooky band of friends who end up traveling with him and helping him in his quest to protect the sword. There’s Karak, a friendly but still savage Lizard-Man shaman who insists that Jekaran is a chosen one meant to battle an incoming evil called The Eater. Irvis is a former member of the Rikujo turned monk, who tends to give in to his base urges and enjoys being a voyeur. Kariah is a purple-haired elf lady who Jekaran inadvertently saves. Her brother wants to wipe out humanity and Kariah is trying to stop him. She’s also in constant communication with her Spirit Lilly, a telepathic plant growing back in her home. Lizard-Men, voyeur priests and elf women with plant pals are certainly unique and King does a great job making them well-developed and fun characters. The multitude of plots — Kariah’s brother, Kaul’s pursuit, the Eater, and trying to protect the sword — creates a story that could have been a confusing jumble but King is able to keep them separate and clear until they clash in a bang-up climax that involves several awesome and magical machines and weapons coming together. When the book ends, some plot threads have been tied up, but it still concludes on a bit of a cliff-hanger. I’d certainly be up to reading the sequel.
King also does neat work with the enchanted sword. It chats telepathically with Jekaran and urges to be drawn and to kill people. It’s a nasty weapon and a good manifestation of the power and corrupting influence of violence. Evil enchanted swords are nothing new in fantasy — just have a look at Elric’s Stormbringer for an example — but King handled it well. It made me worried whenever Jekaran reached for the blade and in a genre where grabbing a sword and hacking apart foemen is usually a given, the non-violence subtext of Lure of Fools was a nice touch.
I ended up liking Lure of Fools quite a bit and — as I mentioned earlier — it seems that this is Book 1 of a series. I’ll wait for Book 2 where it will hopefully go from a story with a derivative beginning to a truly original fantasy tale.
The teenager in question is Jekaran who ends up discovering that his uncle (and adopted dad) was once the member of a feared band of thieves called the Rikujo — and has a super-powered magic sword hidden away. Some of the Rikujo, led by the brutal Kaul, show up looking for the sword and before you can say “Uncle Owen? Aunt Beru?” Jekaran has snatched up the magic sword and is off on his adventure, sneaking along the annual expedition to find a magic well. Complications ensue as his childhood friend Maely goes with him, disguised as a boy and Kaul closes in. I found the set-up more than a little familiar and King’s writing style didn’t particularly help. His use of modern words and phrases felt wrong in a fantasy setting, his action scenes were a little clunky, moved too fast and lacked impact and his character’s interior monologues often overpowered the main story. Thankfully, the complexities of the plot and the side characters won me over.
Jekaran encounters a kooky band of friends who end up traveling with him and helping him in his quest to protect the sword. There’s Karak, a friendly but still savage Lizard-Man shaman who insists that Jekaran is a chosen one meant to battle an incoming evil called The Eater. Irvis is a former member of the Rikujo turned monk, who tends to give in to his base urges and enjoys being a voyeur. Kariah is a purple-haired elf lady who Jekaran inadvertently saves. Her brother wants to wipe out humanity and Kariah is trying to stop him. She’s also in constant communication with her Spirit Lilly, a telepathic plant growing back in her home. Lizard-Men, voyeur priests and elf women with plant pals are certainly unique and King does a great job making them well-developed and fun characters. The multitude of plots — Kariah’s brother, Kaul’s pursuit, the Eater, and trying to protect the sword — creates a story that could have been a confusing jumble but King is able to keep them separate and clear until they clash in a bang-up climax that involves several awesome and magical machines and weapons coming together. When the book ends, some plot threads have been tied up, but it still concludes on a bit of a cliff-hanger. I’d certainly be up to reading the sequel.
King also does neat work with the enchanted sword. It chats telepathically with Jekaran and urges to be drawn and to kill people. It’s a nasty weapon and a good manifestation of the power and corrupting influence of violence. Evil enchanted swords are nothing new in fantasy — just have a look at Elric’s Stormbringer for an example — but King handled it well. It made me worried whenever Jekaran reached for the blade and in a genre where grabbing a sword and hacking apart foemen is usually a given, the non-violence subtext of Lure of Fools was a nice touch.
I ended up liking Lure of Fools quite a bit and — as I mentioned earlier — it seems that this is Book 1 of a series. I’ll wait for Book 2 where it will hopefully go from a story with a derivative beginning to a truly original fantasy tale.
March 22, 2016
Over the past few decades the fantasy landscape has been flooded with stories; stories inspired by their author’s youthful times spend reading the likes of Tolkien, Le Guin, or Weis and Hickman. The levels have risen so far it is not often you find an author, a story, which is above the waves. Recently, I was given the opportunity to listen to an early release of the audio book version of The Lure of Fools by Jason King. So, ever hopeful, I jumped at the chance to give it a listen.
Upon first glance the familiar tropes of a farm boy longing for more and a love struck girl who follows him on an adventure (the lure of fools) seem so much like the been there read this, that dominates the genre today. However, what King has done is given us a story with enough of the old to feel familiar while making the old his own. The story takes what you expect and ads, diverts, and sometimes throws your expectations on it’s head.
The story begins with a farm boy, Jekaran, longing for something more. Before long he gets it when an old guild of thieves come looking for one of their own. Forced to flee with a powerful magical sword that must not fall into the hands of the guild master, Jekaran travels with a small group on an expedition for magical wells. To “keep him safe” a young girl enamored with Jekaran passes herself off as a boy to come with him. The story of his escape coincides with the story of a fairy lady named Kairah who must choose between stopping her brother, intent on starting a war between the races, and staying safe in her studies at home.
As these two groups come to cross paths a third focus is inexorably converging on all of them. A mad being, once mortal now possessed of something dark… and green, travels toward the world that one side would save and the other control only to see it all dead; every living thing from plant to man to be devoured of it’s life.
This is a fantastic ride of danger and discovery, a pervert monk and a jealously mean girl, humor and tenacity, and of a rise above the tides of other stories to something epic. This is an audio book and the reader does a great job of creating voice and pageantry to go along with King’s words. From the young and sometimes winey voices of our heroes to the gravel of the aged the reader grows on you as he moves through the story. I can’t wait to read or listen the remainder of this story to see where it goes.
Upon first glance the familiar tropes of a farm boy longing for more and a love struck girl who follows him on an adventure (the lure of fools) seem so much like the been there read this, that dominates the genre today. However, what King has done is given us a story with enough of the old to feel familiar while making the old his own. The story takes what you expect and ads, diverts, and sometimes throws your expectations on it’s head.
The story begins with a farm boy, Jekaran, longing for something more. Before long he gets it when an old guild of thieves come looking for one of their own. Forced to flee with a powerful magical sword that must not fall into the hands of the guild master, Jekaran travels with a small group on an expedition for magical wells. To “keep him safe” a young girl enamored with Jekaran passes herself off as a boy to come with him. The story of his escape coincides with the story of a fairy lady named Kairah who must choose between stopping her brother, intent on starting a war between the races, and staying safe in her studies at home.
As these two groups come to cross paths a third focus is inexorably converging on all of them. A mad being, once mortal now possessed of something dark… and green, travels toward the world that one side would save and the other control only to see it all dead; every living thing from plant to man to be devoured of it’s life.
This is a fantastic ride of danger and discovery, a pervert monk and a jealously mean girl, humor and tenacity, and of a rise above the tides of other stories to something epic. This is an audio book and the reader does a great job of creating voice and pageantry to go along with King’s words. From the young and sometimes winey voices of our heroes to the gravel of the aged the reader grows on you as he moves through the story. I can’t wait to read or listen the remainder of this story to see where it goes.
July 29, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first part of this book didn't exactly start off with a very sympathetic character. I felt a bit sorry for Jove at first... and then that was quickly derailed when I realised what he was like even before he became possessed; or whatever it was.
I liked the opportunity to see the beginnings of the characters that I'd seen in The Soulless Grave. It was good to be able to see more of Kairah in this book, since I only saw her at the end of the second. I have to say, though, I really didn't like Maely at all in this. I did like Mull and I felt a lot of empathy for him... but his sister didn't really seem that nice; especially with her keeping on hurting Jekaran. That kind of reads more like anime heroines who hit the guys they're romantically interested in...
Although I didn't really like Jenoc in this book, it was good to have the opportunity to see a bit more detail about why he was acting in the way he was. He was one of the more interesting villains; one who actually sees himself as doing the right thing.
Speaking of villains... Gymal (I think that's the right spelling of his name) is a thoroughly nasty piece of work. Given what's revealed about him in book two, I thought I might be able to see something redeeming in him in this book... but no. I find it very difficult to reconcile the two books; they just seem completely different characters.
I did think that Ezra's reasoning for not allowing Jekaran to leave was... shoddy at best. And the prophecy about him that caused Karak to appear was... well, if the only aspect about someone is 'green eyes', and that colour exists on more than one person, there needs to be more than that for why Karak would automatically assume Jerakan is the one.
I did find this book really easy to read. It was nice to have the opportunity to see more of this world and the different races that populate it. I have read book two... and I'm hoping to read book three in the near future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
The first part of this book didn't exactly start off with a very sympathetic character. I felt a bit sorry for Jove at first... and then that was quickly derailed when I realised what he was like even before he became possessed; or whatever it was.
I liked the opportunity to see the beginnings of the characters that I'd seen in The Soulless Grave. It was good to be able to see more of Kairah in this book, since I only saw her at the end of the second. I have to say, though, I really didn't like Maely at all in this. I did like Mull and I felt a lot of empathy for him... but his sister didn't really seem that nice; especially with her keeping on hurting Jekaran. That kind of reads more like anime heroines who hit the guys they're romantically interested in...
Although I didn't really like Jenoc in this book, it was good to have the opportunity to see a bit more detail about why he was acting in the way he was. He was one of the more interesting villains; one who actually sees himself as doing the right thing.
Speaking of villains... Gymal (I think that's the right spelling of his name) is a thoroughly nasty piece of work. Given what's revealed about him in book two, I thought I might be able to see something redeeming in him in this book... but no. I find it very difficult to reconcile the two books; they just seem completely different characters.
I did think that Ezra's reasoning for not allowing Jekaran to leave was... shoddy at best. And the prophecy about him that caused Karak to appear was... well, if the only aspect about someone is 'green eyes', and that colour exists on more than one person, there needs to be more than that for why Karak would automatically assume Jerakan is the one.
I did find this book really easy to read. It was nice to have the opportunity to see more of this world and the different races that populate it. I have read book two... and I'm hoping to read book three in the near future.
December 6, 2020
A sword with a mind of its own
Lets see if I can explain this without giving to much away. Cause you really should give this a read. Now Ezra use to belong to a really bad Shadow gang. He has a sword that the new leader wants. So he sends his nephew Jekaran on a quest to find his old partner in crime Irvis that became a priest. Now Jak can't find him an he gets himself thrown in jail. There is someone in their with him. We all know who it is so Jak tells Irvis all that has happened. The guards have taken the sword. Irvis says oh well Jak said that's it? Why is a priest in jail. Irvis says he was looking at a necked woman. Jak finds this funny an calls him a pervert. So now a Karak creature gets them out of jail. Cause he needs Jak to kill the eater ,but they need the sword an Jaks Lord Gymal who is a smart ass of his town took it to give to the king. After some ups an downs they get the sword.
But know a girl Maely from his town that loves him has a woman Kairah thats call a fae also needs Jaks help. The sword is very powerful an can kill the holder Jak has to learn to control it an not taking over his mind.
So now they need to get Kairah on a ship to tell the king that her brother Jenoc wants to start a war with humans fighting humans so that Jenoc can take back his lands for the fae. So all that is not what happens. They get to the docks an Lord Gymal takes the sword away from Jak while he is out cold an the take Kairah an get on ship. They leave Maely on the docks. In the Mean time Jove the eater kills or eats everything he can. People trees all life.
So there you have it in a nut shell. The story is very interesting moves along at a fast pace. I have read alot of Jason James Kings books an have not been disappointed.
Lets see if I can explain this without giving to much away. Cause you really should give this a read. Now Ezra use to belong to a really bad Shadow gang. He has a sword that the new leader wants. So he sends his nephew Jekaran on a quest to find his old partner in crime Irvis that became a priest. Now Jak can't find him an he gets himself thrown in jail. There is someone in their with him. We all know who it is so Jak tells Irvis all that has happened. The guards have taken the sword. Irvis says oh well Jak said that's it? Why is a priest in jail. Irvis says he was looking at a necked woman. Jak finds this funny an calls him a pervert. So now a Karak creature gets them out of jail. Cause he needs Jak to kill the eater ,but they need the sword an Jaks Lord Gymal who is a smart ass of his town took it to give to the king. After some ups an downs they get the sword.
But know a girl Maely from his town that loves him has a woman Kairah thats call a fae also needs Jaks help. The sword is very powerful an can kill the holder Jak has to learn to control it an not taking over his mind.
So now they need to get Kairah on a ship to tell the king that her brother Jenoc wants to start a war with humans fighting humans so that Jenoc can take back his lands for the fae. So all that is not what happens. They get to the docks an Lord Gymal takes the sword away from Jak while he is out cold an the take Kairah an get on ship. They leave Maely on the docks. In the Mean time Jove the eater kills or eats everything he can. People trees all life.
So there you have it in a nut shell. The story is very interesting moves along at a fast pace. I have read alot of Jason James Kings books an have not been disappointed.
March 21, 2016
*I was given an audio recording of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In The Lure of Fools, the young farm boy, Jekaran, is charged with taking his uncle’s sword, a powerful “weapon talis” away on a common well-find to keep it from falling into the hands of the Rikujo, an infamous gang of thieves who’s leader will stop at nothing to acquire the magical weapon for himself. A young girl named Maely, who has grown up with Jekaran and is oblivious to his dangerous charge, disguises herself as a boy so she can follow him on what appears to be the usual annual work opportunity away from the farm. Their paths converge with an unholy monk, a Vorakk shaman (the Voraak are a race of lizard-men), and a fey woman with violet hair named Kairah who has made it her mission to warn the rulers of the human kingdoms about her brother’s plot to set each against the other until the human race annihilates itself.
There is a lot going on in this story that fantasy readers will enjoy, from semi-sentient magical objects, to layered conflicts between the main group of characters and many other individuals, to action-pact chases and fight scenes. The internal bonds, communications, and compulsions that the characters experience when they interact with the magic in various talises is intriguing, and the fantastical details of King’s world is entertaining. (I loved the crystal golem chase scenes…you’ll have to read for yourself to see why).
In The Lure of Fools, the young farm boy, Jekaran, is charged with taking his uncle’s sword, a powerful “weapon talis” away on a common well-find to keep it from falling into the hands of the Rikujo, an infamous gang of thieves who’s leader will stop at nothing to acquire the magical weapon for himself. A young girl named Maely, who has grown up with Jekaran and is oblivious to his dangerous charge, disguises herself as a boy so she can follow him on what appears to be the usual annual work opportunity away from the farm. Their paths converge with an unholy monk, a Vorakk shaman (the Voraak are a race of lizard-men), and a fey woman with violet hair named Kairah who has made it her mission to warn the rulers of the human kingdoms about her brother’s plot to set each against the other until the human race annihilates itself.
There is a lot going on in this story that fantasy readers will enjoy, from semi-sentient magical objects, to layered conflicts between the main group of characters and many other individuals, to action-pact chases and fight scenes. The internal bonds, communications, and compulsions that the characters experience when they interact with the magic in various talises is intriguing, and the fantastical details of King’s world is entertaining. (I loved the crystal golem chase scenes…you’ll have to read for yourself to see why).
April 27, 2016
I started reading this awhile ago, but couldn't get through it. Mostly, it was just too violent and graphic for me. I was also not able to relate very well to the characters, and for some reason I found their names impossibly hard to remember. I won a signed copy of this book for free, after signing up for the author's email list at the Medieval Sensory Faire. Thus, I had briefly met the author, and I wanted to like his book, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
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