Fool

by Mary Lawrence

From the author of The Alchemist's Daughter comes a tale of survival and deceit...

Kronos is a fool in the court of King Henry VIII. Jeered for his dwarfism, lauded for his juggling...and discreetly desired by noble ladies. One dangerous moment of eavesdropping nearly costs him his life. Brutally maimed and abandoned, he is rescued by an apothecary and nursed back to health. But when his rescuer learns of Kronos's import, he contrives to make himself a rich man. He pits two powerful Tudor families against one another.

However, Kronos is wise to court machinations, and he is ready to outplay anyone who attempts to use him. Dismissed and underestimated, Kronos can overcome any preconceptions about his character and make his foes reconsider which among them is truly...the fool.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction

322 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2026

About the author

The Bianca Goddard Mysteries are set in Tudor London during the final years of King Henry VIII's reign. Bianca is the daughter of an infamous alchemist who uses her 'wits' and some alchemy to solve murders among the commoners. The series consists of THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER, DEATH OF AN ALCHEMIST, DEATH AT ST. VEDAST, THE ALCHEMIST OF LOST SOULS and THE LOST BOYS OF LONDON. All of the titles have reached the top 100 best-selling historical mysteries category on Amazon, with THE ALCHEMIST'S DAUGHTER reaching #1.

I grew up in Indiana and live and farm in Maine. For over 25 years I worked in hospitals and labs as a cytotechnologist. Writing helped me escape my boredom and I became interested in Tudor history. On the side, I wrote indexes for publishers and academics. My articles have been published by the national news blog, The Daily Beast.

The Bianca Goddard mysteries are meant to entertain and to engage readers who might not pick up period historicals as a first choice. The Tudor era is an intriguing period, full of superstition, and the makings for interesting characters. Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/marylawrence... twitter at mel59lawrence.

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. This was a remarkable book that I found difficult to put down. Meticulous historical research immerses the reader in the era of Henry VIII, with its customs, beliefs, religion, and court intrigue. Punishment could be very harsh and might be based on gossip or the rivalry among noble families. Members attached to the royal court, and even Henry's wives, could find their lives in danger at the whim of the King. This is a memorable fictional autobiography told through the thoughts and experiences of Kronas, a dwarf.

Kronos was discarded into a dung heap at birth due to his physical deformity. Disabled people and those noticeably different from the norm were considered the result of God's punishment. His short stature was deemed undesirable. He was rescued and raised by monks, who taught him to read and write. He secretly read profane or ribald books. He had already decided that a life of religion, devotion, and celibacy was not for him. Although well educated, Kronos was assigned to assist in the kitchen or the infirmary. He was considered handsome, and his charm and intelligence appealed to many women. His time in the infirmary gave him knowledge of how to make natural products (plants, etc.) into medicines and administer them to cure various illnesses. He was banished from the religious community when caught in a sexual escapade with a woman. I was interested in the description of poultices prepared from mustard and flour to relieve coughs and lower fevers, as my mother applied the same thing to me as a child. Kronos braced himself to endure insults, and although vulnerable, he was witty, observant and determined to survive in his harsh surroundings.

He wandered, desperate for something to do to help him endure. He met a group of minstrels and entertainers and joined their travels. He taught himself to juggle and became very proficient. This eventually led him to work as a Jester for the entertainment of the King and noblemen of the court. At the time, a Jester was often referred to as a Fool, and Kronos also called himself a fool when he feared he was making a wrong decision. Because of his appearance, he was underestimated in intelligence and cunning.

Besides juggling, he had another skill. He used eavesdropping to stay ahead of court intrigue and dangerous gossip. When caught listening to an important discussion, he was severely punished. His face was disfigured, and his tongue badly burned. Kronos was left at the door of an apothecary's home. The kindly wife was attempting to cure his injuries. Kronos had great difficulty with his speech, which was now mostly unintelligible, but he was still scheming. The apothecary suspected that Kronos had important knowledge about rivalries of noble families and Henry's Queens. Kronos was imprisoned in the home, and the apothecary hoped to sell him for his information when he recovered distinct speech.

The story transported me to Tudor times, with its class distinctions, healthcare, abuse, and violence. Some common words are unfamiliar today, but it was easy to find their meanings or infer them from context.

I highly recommend the book to readers who enjoy historical fiction set in the medieval period. It is well-researched and character-driven. I hope to read more books by the talented Mary Lawrence.

[Junaid Murtuza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Lawrence’s Fool is an immersive blend of historical fiction, mystery, and personal memoir set in the dangerous court of King Henry VIII. The story follows Kronos, a sharp-witted court fool whose accidental discovery of a conspiracy surrounding Queen Katherine Howard changes his life forever. From his childhood in a monastery to the ruthless politics of Tudor England, the novel explores survival, prejudice, loyalty, and the price of truth.

What I enjoyed most was Kronos himself. His intelligence, dark humor, and resilience make him a memorable narrator. The monastery chapters provide emotional depth, while the tense court intrigue and his struggle after being brutally silenced create genuine suspense. Lawrence’s vivid descriptions and authentic Tudor dialogue make the setting feel alive without overwhelming the reader.

The biggest strengths are the rich historical atmosphere, layered characters, and emotional storytelling. The only drawback is that the old-style language and slower pacing in the early chapters may require patience from readers unfamiliar with historical fiction.

Mary Lawrence writes with confidence and compassion, balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction. Her attention to detail reflects extensive research while never losing sight of the human story. Overall, Fool is a gripping, intelligent novel that rewards readers who enjoy character-driven historical dramas with mystery, political intrigue, and emotional depth.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

It’s the chaos of the brutally waning days of King Henry VIII, his court confronting conflict on all sides. It’s a book steeped in era atmospherics—with meticulous historical research, intricately interwoven with the story of the Jester. But is he a Fool?

“Leave not to the imagination what you can make real.”

Kronos was left on a dung heap as an infant—the result, no doubt, of his obvious physical deformity. Rescued by monks at the Thetford Priory, he was raised in a cloistered environment, taught to read and write, but then relegated to assignments in the kitchen and later the infirmary. Along with a robust native intelligence, wit, and cunning, he also discovered he had a bawdy side. When the monks discovered that of him as well, he was booted.

In the meantime, he taught himself to juggle. How could he fail as the fool, the court jester, if he also had a talent?

Unfortunately, he had another art. He had developed a penchant for spying, eavesdropping, seeing what others did not. And he was—again—caught.

Kronos woke under the care of William and Joan Brugge, who own an apothecary and provide medicinals. Joan attends his wounds at the rising consternation of her husband.

Kronos could alternate between being malevolent or surprisingly mellow philosophically about his dwarfism. There were a number of support characters who were well developed and engaging, while Joan’s husband provided the treacherous and traitorous antagonist.

I was reminded again that the author writes so well in the Tudor language that you are instantly transported back to Tudor London. I always enjoy learning about medicinals and, in this specific case, even deeper into the herbs as divided by their ruling planet.

I would happily recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, specifically medieval, survival in an era of deceit, abuse, violence, and debauched circumstances, as well as a period of upheaval in church and state.

I received this advance review copy from the author with no expectation of a review. The thoughts expressed freely here are my own.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fool by Mary Lawrence
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I went into Fool expecting a clever historical novelty. What I got instead was a thoughtful, character-driven story about survival, identity, and the cost of being underestimated.

Set in the Tudor era during the reign of Henry VIII, the novel follows Kronos, a short-statured man abandoned as a baby and taken in by monks at a monastery. From the very beginning, Lawrence gives him depth beyond his physical difference. Raised among the brothers, Kronos works in the kitchen, learns to read and write, and absorbs far more about the world than anyone realises. But he has no desire to join the religious order. He wants something bigger... a life lived in motion, not silence.

His journey takes him from the monastery to a travelling troupe of performers, where he hones his craft of performing with the ambition of one day entertaining at the royal court. That ambition eventually brings him to Henry VIII’s court, but Tudor politics are as dangerous as they are dazzling. When Kronos overhears something he should not, the consequences are brutal, and the illusion of safety vanishes quickly.

The storytelling works especially well because it’s told entirely from Kronos’s point of view. His voice is observant, dry, intelligent, and edged with vulnerability. As a dwarf in a court built on image and hierarchy, he occupies a liminal space... visible yet dismissed, present yet peripheral. He sees everything. And he understands that survival depends not just on talent, but on perception.

One line in particular stayed with me:

“How well one builds his suit of armour determines his ability to endure the barbs of insult and misfortune.”

This captures the heart of the novel. Kronos survives by building armour, wit, performance, and emotional restraint however Lawrence also shows us the cost of wearing it.

For me, this lands at a solid 4 stars. It’s intelligent historical fiction with a distinctive voice and a protagonist who lingers long after the final page. I do wonder if there will be a sequel?

I received an advance review copy of this book for free from the author Mary Lawrence and BookSirens, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Nicola Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fool is a delicious, dark, intimate and surprisingly tender portrait

Fool is a delicious, dark and surprisingly intimate portrait of life on the margins of Henry VIII’s court. Told through a narrator who is both invisible and indispensable. Kronos, the king’s fool, is the type of character historical fiction rarely gives centre stage to, and that’s exactly what makes this novel so compelling. Mary Lawrence builds the story around a simple but powerful idea ~ that the person everyone overlooks sees everything. Kronos’s voice is the novel’s greatest strength. He is sharp, observant and wounded. His perspective turns the Tudor court into something more claustrophobic and dangerous than the usual descriptions of pretty gowns and shallow conversations often found in historical novels. The plot moves between Kronos’s brutal past and the political crisis he is dragged into when he learns something that could destroy Queen Catherine Howard. The author handles this with restraint, the book never leans on shock value. Instead tension is built through character, Kronos’s fear, his passion and his anger. What stands out is how human the story feels. Kronos’s is not a caricature or a novelty. He is a man shaped by trauma, humour and a lifetime of being underestimated. His resilience is quiet but powerful, and the emotional beats, especially around abandonment, and identity, land with real weight. The Tudor setting is richly textured without ever becoming a history lesson. The court is used as a pressure cooker, not just a glittering backdrop. The result is a novel that feels historically grounded and emotionally immersive. Fool is a thoughtful character driven Tudor novel that succeeds because it dares to centre the person everyone else ignores. It’s tense, humane, and unexpectedly moving. It’s a fresh angle on the Tudor era, and it’s a story that lingers after the last page.

[ecastell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book introduced me to one of the most vibrant characters I’ve encountered in years. Kronos, a dwarf, was abandoned by his mother at birth likely due to his physical deformity. As an infant, he was rescued by monks from a local monastery and raised there until his teenage years when he chose not to join the ministry.

Driven by his strong will to survive and perhaps a touch of cunning, Kronos embarked on a journey that led him to become a jester in the court of King Henry VIII. There, he overheard a conversation that was not meant for his ears. Accused of spying and subjected to torture for his supposed crime, he found himself once again on the streets, fighting for his survival.

The central conflict of the book revolves around the question of who truly embodies the spirit of a fool. Is it the court jester, treated as a mindless buffoon but harboring a deeper intelligence? Or is it the nobility, who blunder through life in pursuit of power?

The book is written in period voice, which I initially found delightful but eventually became cumbersome. As a result, the narrative became somewhat lost in the weeds. Despite this, Kronos’s wit and wisdom as he navigates life’s challenges make him a character that I will not soon forget.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[Martine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fool follows Kronos as he recounts the events of his life, from his difficult beginnings to his rise through the royal court. I absolutely loved the cover of this book—it's mesmerizing and was one of the reasons I picked it up. And while I can understand why so many readers gave it 5 stars, I unfortunately fall on the lower end. Mary Lawrence's writing is excellent, and there's no denying her talent as a storyteller. But despite the beautiful prose, the story never fully drew me in. It ended up feeling like a chore to get through rather than a book I couldn't put down. My biggest issue was the focus of the story. I was much more interested in Kronos' time at court, but too much of the book centered on his life journey leading up to it. Combined with the slow pacing, it made the plot feel like it took a long time to get where I wanted it to go. A well-written book, but ultimately one that didn't keep me engaged.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fabulous historical fiction novel takes place in the heart of the Tudor court! While this like the most exciting place to be at the same place it is the most dangerous. Fall out of favor with King Henry VIII of England and not only will you lose your titles but your head as well. Witness this facinating story through the eyes of someone whose only job was to make people laugh.

We are introduced to Kronos a dwarf who was abandoned at birth at a monastery. Through a twist of fate he manages to rise above and win a place as a royal fool in the court of Henry VIII. But when a careless act of eavesdropping causes him to get caught he is on the verge of losing his life. Will he manage to overcome and save his own life?

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a great tale of conspiracy, deceit and preconceptions in the court of Henry VIII. Kronos is a fool in court, a juggler of great talent. However he a dwarf, physically deformed of short stature. Checkered start in life discarded by his family. Raised in a monastery, joins a group of travelling entertainers , which leads his to Whitehall and court. However a moment of eavesdropping leads to his being brutally maimed and abandoned again, since he has learned of information that pits the two most important and powerful families against one another. Mary Lawrence weaves a brilliant tale of how Kronos overcomes all preconceived notions about someone of such defects can overcome the dire situation that he finds himself placed.

[Brian Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fool Who Sees Everything
Mary Lawrence’s Fool is a richly imagined Tudor novel that understands its period at a granular level. It is set in 1541, during the volatile reign of Henry VIII, and it presents a world where power, fear, and ambition shape every corridor of Whitehall and every cloister of Thetford Priory. The book is historical fiction, but it is clear that the author researched the era with care. The result is a narrative that feels lived rather than merely described.
The story follows a court fool whose life has been marked by abandonment, physical deformity, and the brutalities of Tudor society. Lawrence uses this outsider’s perspective to explore the political and religious tensions of the time. The fool moves between monastic life, noble households, and the royal court, and each environment is rendered with convincing detail. The novel captures the grime, the danger, and the constant negotiation of status that defined the period. Two lines from the text illustrate this atmosphere well: “The story begins in Whitehall during King Henry VIII’s reign, highlighting the court’s political and social atmosphere,” and “The protagonist endures torture, including having his tongue burned out, which leads to his life as a mute and a court fool.”
One of the book’s strengths is its attention to medical practice. The protagonist learns herbal remedies, observes emergency procedures, and assists in the infirmary. These scenes are grounded in period knowledge and give the novel a sense of authenticity. The use of hyssop syrup, beardtonge powder, and valerian for fever, along with the depiction of tracheotomy and botanical study, shows that Lawrence understands the intersection of medicine and superstition that defined Tudor healing.
The novel also excels in its portrayal of monastic life. Lawrence does not romanticize the priory. She presents its moral failings, its internal conflicts, and its hidden sins with clarity. The monks are human, flawed, and often fearful. Their world is one of duty, secrecy, and spiritual struggle, and the protagonist’s experiences there shape his understanding of suffering and resilience.
The fool’s journey beyond the priory introduces themes of aspiration and identity. He dreams of performing for nobles and kings, and he discovers talents that allow him to navigate the wider world. His encounters with nobility, performers, and common folk reveal the social hierarchy of Tudor England and the precarious nature of reputation. The novel shows how performance, wit, and visibility can become tools for survival.
Throughout the book, Lawrence maintains a strong sense of psychological realism. The protagonist’s longing, shame, hope, and determination are presented with nuance. His physical limitations and emotional conflicts create a compelling portrait of a man who seeks meaning in a world that often rejects him. The narrative explores the tension between spiritual duty and personal desire, between social boundaries and individual ambition.
Fool is not simply a story about Tudor politics or monastic corruption. It is a story about a man who sees everything because he stands at the margins. Lawrence uses the fool’s position to illuminate the dangers of court intrigue, the fragility of power, and the human cost of ambition. The novel is immersive, intelligent, and emotionally resonant. It offers a vivid portrait of a time period that continues to fascinate, and it does so through the eyes of a character who embodies both suffering and resilience.

[Andrea Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lawrence pulls back the curtain to reveal the dusty fringes of Henry VIII’s London…

“Perhaps to find the true essence of anything, it must first be placed in fire.”

Such is a lesson learned by Kronos, entertainer of crowns, the diminutive but daring protagonist of Mary Lawrence’s newest must-read, Fool.

A base-born dwarf, Kronos is lusty and low. In the language of Lawrence’s own style, though, the reader learns that Kronos is no worse and no better that his “superiors,” the nobility who orbit King Henry VIII. As Lawrence reveals Kronos’ story, she builds the suspense and raises the stakes, so that the reader clings to the hope that this entertainer can survive by juggling his only resources: his luck, his intelligence, and his talent. How is it that this “fool” inspires fear in the highest ranks— the two families of Seymour and Howard, who have the farthest to fall?

Kronos is little, the bodily opposite of Henry VIII. The King in his physical being, his works, and his history is, to this day, larger than life. Likewise, Henry’s effect upon his people was disproportionately profound. In contrast, Lawrence cleverly portrays Kronos as a symbol of the “low” segment of the time’s society. He is small in stature, small in significance. He is a disfigured figure reflecting how the less fortunate are victimized by not only the King, but the richer characters of the era as well.

While an abundance of Tudor-Era fiction takes place within the court of Henry VIII to dramatize the plight of the privileged, Lawrence’s novels are uncommon in her portrayals of the troubles of the common people of the time. Much is already written about the turmoil suffered by Henry’s wives, and Lawrence brings a fresh perspective for readers: how the lower classes— the poor, the clergy, the merchants— suffered under the rule of the mighty, who, ironically, were themselves insecure. Where Henry reigned, Lawrence warns us, no friend or foe, high or low, was safe from his perversity.

Working with the warp and woof of the era, Lawrence weaves a fine tapestry for her readers, an image saturated in the hues of history. She dares to indulge in the filth as well as the glory of the time. Unusual words and phrasing, quirks of humor, and excellent execution of period terms make Lawrence’s works in this oft-visited age fresh and satisfying. In this novel as well as in her Bianca Goddard Mysteries, Lawrence’s readers grasp the depth of her research with her knowledge of alchemy, herbology, medicine, and the city of London itself. As in her Mysteries, Lawrence presents a treasure trove of vocabulary for our delight. Nay, ye need not behave like a flapdoodle, nor gape like a doddypol; the terms she employs are clear in context. Lawrence’s distinctive style, voice, and use of metaphor are both traditional and unique. And Kronos’ philosophy on God is worthy of deliberation. It also pertains to the King: “Why God allowed me to be placed on top of a pile of filth said more about Him that it did me.” Who, who is burned by the fires of our history, could disagree?

I award five stars to adorn the crown of this “Fool.”

[Gregory Van Den Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Lawrence has written a historical mystery titled "Fool." The author explores the dark side of Henry VIII's Tudor court in the late 1500's. The back story is the downfall of Katherine Howard the queen because she hid her sexual affairs before marrying Henry. The story reveals the final years of Henry's reign and the political struggles he encountered with the aristocratic families like the Howards and Seymours.
The reader is permitted to see the decay within the Tudor Court. The outsiders' view of the court may be perceived as glamourous but when the light is shone upon the inner workings of the court it is anything near glamourous. The person who reveals to the reader how dangerous and shadowy the court actually is the court jester, named Kronos.
Kronos is a dwarf. He was maimed and abandoned at the doorstep of the apothecary owned by man by Burgee. Burgee and his wife care for Kronos until he becomes the court jester. In the story, Burgee becomes the foil. A foil is a contrasting character usually the antagonist to the protagonist who is Kronos. The foil is created to highlight the specific skills of the main character.
Kronos overhears the discussion of Katherine Howard's sexual affairs before her marriage to Henry. Once Kronos over hears the conversation he plans retribution against those who maimed and left him for died. Unfortunately, Kronos tells Burgee who wants to use the information to blackmail the queen. The conflict in the story occurs Kronos desiring retribution versus Burgee who wants to blackmail the queen for money. Ironically, the person who is considered the fool in the story is the wisest man in the court.
This leads us to a question raised by Ms. Lawrence in her story. Who are true fools in the story. Is it Kronos who is simple or the aristocrats who are blinded by their quest for power and riches. Their arrogance blinds them and constantly attempting to cover up secrets in order to remain wealthy and powerful. The simple character, Kronos, now holds the power to destroy the aristocratic families in Henry's court. Who is the person that is in control of his own destiny, Kronos. While the aristocrats completely depend on others for their own fate.
The author allows to become part of history in this story. The fall of Katherine Howard was a fact. She was eventually beheaded by Henry. As readers, we are permitted to see the darker side of the powerful. Historical fiction is an avenue used, expertly accomplished by this author, to understand the behind the scenes actions of the rich and powerful. It is not as glamourous as we believe. Ms. Lawrence transports us to the late 16th century and comprehend the downfall of the queen of England, Katherine Howard.

[Helen O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been fascinated by the archetype of the Fool. The one who is open, starts repeatedly rather than falling into the snare of rigid assumptions, the embracing of both an innocence and an insightful wisdom, but also an ability to engage with life in all its forms with a jesters outlook. ‘The Fool’ succeeds in all these areas, but is a more dark immersion in the life of a man disadvantaged in numerous ways. Rejected by his family, with dwarfism, raised by monks, in an era where physical difference was seen as a punishment from God, somehow self inflicted and not quite human. This is masterfully portrayed by the author. From his beginnings on a midden heap to the Kings court, and back down again. We see life from his perspective, his guile and intelligence, his ability to manage life with all the prejudices against him, the suffering imposed upon him, his fundamental humanity, that he is a sexual being like everyone else. How his appearance disadvantages him, how cruel humans can be.

The author clearly has a deep understanding of Tudor England, the language used, the ways of life and how people treated each other, the harshness and stupidity of the class system, how power corrupted, and the disadvantaged had to scrabble to survive. Yet while I was reading I was reminded of how life is now and how little has really changed. It can be hard to step outside your reality and see the injustices and prejudices that exist, but I have seen ground gained in supporting the disabled and disadvantaged change from a largely caring one, to pretty close to how they were perceived in Tudor times, which is depressing to say the least. That those who are different in some way or in need of a little help are considered to be the architects of their own difficulty, and treated as malingerers. To almost be reviled. So there is much value in this novel for current readers in more than a historical way.

We see life through the eyes of Kronos, the main character, which is well crafted and believable. Other characters inevitably vary in depth, some seem more three dimensional than others. There is a little something missing, but I can’t quite define what. Some of it is slow and not much happens, which may be true to life (though being shackled in a cupboard hopefully not), and seemed to drag. Perhaps it is that. I give it 4.5 stars, marked up to 5 because it is beautifully written, insightful and historically accurate, with a great multifaceted characterisation of the main character.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fool in any royal court can be dangerous, but being a fool in the court in King Henry VIII’s court could be deadly. While you could enjoy performing for royalty, you could also learn secrets about those close to the throne, secrets that have deadly consequences. Kronos knows this all too well. Born disabled, Kronos must navigate his way through prejudice to find his place in society. How did Kronos become the fool to King Henry VIII, and what secret threatens his life? Mary Lawrence explores what life must have been like for a fool in the tumultuous court of Henry VIII in her novel, “Fool.”

I would like to thank Red Puddle Print and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I have read a few novels that have featured Henry VIII’s most famous fool, Will Somers, so when I saw the premise for this novel, it intrigued me. I like looking at the court of Henry VIII through the eyes of those who might have worked behind the scenes.

Kronos was not an actual fool of Henry VIII’s court, but his story reflects how real fools like Will Somers, Patch, and Jane the Fool must have felt dealing with prejudices at court. Kronos was born with dwarfism and was dropped off at Thetford Priory, where the brothers raised him. At the Priory, he learns medicine from Brother Ulric. Kronos also picks up the skill of juggling, which will become his skill when he becomes a fool. He is satisfied with not becoming a novice for a while, and then he meets Bess Holland, a young noblewoman whom he helps heal from an illness. Kronos becomes infatuated with the young noblewoman, which was a little weird to read at times.

After an incident at the Priory with a maid, Kronos leaves the Priory and begins to look for his own place in the world. He joins a travelling circus troupe, where he becomes a better juggler. He gains a reputation that lands him in the court of Henry VIII, but it is not all glitz and glam. Kronos soon learns that keeping a secret will have deadly consequences. Kronos is maimed, on the brink of death, but although he is brought to an apothecary, he soon learns that his rescuers may have darker plans for the fool.

Overall, I thought this was a decent novel. There was something about Kronos that made it hard for me to connect with him. I think the novel was well written and understood the Tudor world pretty well. If you want a darker look at what life was like for a fool in the court of King Henry VIII, I think you should check out “Fool” by Mary Lawrence.

[Tiffany Seward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction | Jester | Dwarf

Thank you to Mary Lawrence for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

•Plot: Fool follows a dwarf named Kronos. He was abandoned by his original family and adopted by monks. At the priory, he learns to become a medic and is somewhat shielded from discrimination. Not wanting to accept that as his life after being introduced to juggling, he sets out on a journey to become a jester and find his own way. Although he's a dwarf, he’s still a ladies' man. The story unfolds after he stumbles upon a secret that makes his life even rougher than it already was. Kronos uses his wits to survive.
•What I liked: I liked Bess’s assistant; she is very protective and caring about Bess. Learning about Kronos ' backstory and his journey to becoming a jester was intriguing. It’s very interesting that he was a monk, and how it reveals that those in the brotherhood are not as saintly as you’d expect them to be.
•What didn’t work for me: That young women are touched in inappropriate areas and were considered for childbearing despite being almost a child themselves, but that comes with the time period. Women were as easily abused as were those with disabilities.
•Themes / Ideas: Enduring abuse, finding your purpose & survival.
•Who I’d recommend it to: If you love Jesters, empathize with those who have disabilities, interested in learning about the Tudor period.

Overall/Thoughts: I’m a fan of Jesters. I found Mary’s Jester Kronos to be interesting; despite all the constant conflicts he went through, especially his dwarfism, he continues to strive to live life as best he can. Although he was a monk at one point, he’s no saint; he has sinful thoughts just as any other person might occasionally, but he doesn’t act on them or want to be immoral, unlike many of the other people who held power during this time period. Court life is not pleasant. Being a jester, you have to stay a step ahead and survive with your wit. This is actually my first introduction to the Tudor period aside from Jesters and court ruling, and I have to say, young women dealing with physical & sexual abuse, bearing children when they're almost a child themselves in nobility, along with executions based on hearsay, big yikes! I like the scripture mentioned at the beginning of the book, along with the references to Christianity throughout the story.

[Irvin Rodhe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a fan of period pieces, and this author has a reputation that precedes them, so I had high hopes for this book. The premise about a dwarf jester using his wits to survive the cutthroat court of Henry VIII was right up my alley. Unfortunately, while I managed to see it through to the end, this one was a real struggle.

The first chapters were fantastic. They set up Kronos’s backstory beautifully: abandoned, raised by monks who weren’t as saintly as they appeared, and finding his calling in juggling. That journey to becoming a jester was the most intriguing part of the book for me. I also appreciated the small, humane moments as these gave a glimpse of decency in a world that offered very little of it.

But my main issue is that the book became a chore to get through, largely because of the protagonist. I know I’m in the minority, but I simply didn’t like Kronos. He’s meant to be this clever, underestimated survivor, but the more I read, the less invested I became in his fate. The pacing, which started so strong, seemed to lose steam, and by the final act, I found my interest waning entirely. I finished it, but it was a hard-won battle.

I also took issue with the language. I have no problem with period-appropriate dialogue, but the use of modern profanity jolted me right out of the Tudor court. It felt out of place and didn’t add any grit or authenticity; it just came across as gratuitous vulgarity that undermined the setting.

To the book’s credit, it doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of the time. The way it portrayed the abuse of young women and the casual cruelty toward those with disabilities was historically accurate. The themes of enduring abuse and surviving by your wits are strong, and Kronos does embody that scrappy, morally grey survivor.

But at the end of the day, if I’m struggling to pick up a book and the main character grates on me, it’s hard to give it a glowing recommendation. There’s a solid story in here somewhere, and the author’s talent is evident in flashes, but the execution felt uneven.

3 Stars. It wasn’t a complete loss, but it’s not one I’d eagerly hand to a friend. I’d only recommend it to someone who is deeply fascinated by Tudor court life and can overlook a protagonist that’s hard to root for.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicola Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fool is a delicious, dark, intimate and surprisingly tender portrait of life on the margins of Henry VIII’s court.
Told through a narrator who is both invisible and indispensable. Kronos is the type of character that historical fiction rarely gives centre stage to, and that’s what makes it so compelling. Kronos is found on a midden heap, literally thrown out with the excrement at birth because of his disabilities. He is taken in by the monks at Thetford Priory and taught the basics of healing the sick in the infirmary.
Mary Lawrence builds the story around a simple but clever idea that the person who everyone overlooks can see everything.
Kronos’s voice is the novel's greatest strength. He is sharp, observant and deeply wounded in a superstitious age when a disability is seen as bad luck or as a sign of sin. His perspective turns the Tudor court into something more claustrophobic and dangerous than the usual descriptions of pretty gowns and shallow conversations often found in Tudor novels.
The plot moves between Krono’s brutal past and the political crisis he is dragged into when he learns a secret that could destroy Queen Katherine Howard. The author handles this with restraint, never leaning on shock value. Instead, tension is built through character, Krono’s fear, his passion and his anger. What stands out is how human the story feels. Kronos is not a caricature or a novelty despite being a person with dwarfism.
He is a man shaped by trauma, humour and a lifetime of being underestimated. His resilience is quiet but powerful, and the emotional beats especially around abandonment and identity land with real weight.
The Tudor setting is richly textured without ever becoming a history lesson. The royal court is used as a pressure cooker and not just a glittering backdrop. The result is a novel that feels historically grounded and emotionally immersive.
Fool is a thoughtful, character-driven Tudor novel that succeeds because it dares to centre the person everyone else ignores. It’s tense, humane and unexpectedly moving. It’s a fresh angle on the Tudor era, and it’s a story that lingers long after the last page.

[Yusuf Bhatti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up because the premise grabbed me. A dwarf court jester in 1500s England telling his own story. And honestly? I'm glad I did.

Kronos is one of those characters that just sticks with you. He's witty, he's scheming, he's got this dark sense of humor that somehow makes even the grimmest situations bearable. The guy gets his tongue burned out early on and even then his voice comes through so clearly. You really feel for him even when he's being a bit of a scoundrel.

The historical stuff is clearly well researched. All the political backstabbing, the royal marriages, the religious upheaval - it's woven in there pretty naturally without feeling like a lecture. I actually learned a few things along the way without it feeling like homework.

The story jumps around a bit between Kronos's childhood at a monastery, his time traveling with performers, and his years at court. Took me a minute to get used to it but once I did I appreciated how it all came together. The parts where he's imprisoned and can barely talk were honestly some of the most gripping.

If I'm being totally honest some of the women are written felt a little like they exist just for Kronos to interact with. But maybe that's the point given who he is?

What I really appreciated was how the book handles prejudice. Kronos never stops being aware of how people see him because of his size, how it makes others suspicious or dismissive. But he also uses it to his advantage when he can. There's real complexity there.

The writing feels like Kronos is actually sitting there telling you his story. It's clever and sometimes genuinely funny despite all the terrible things happening.

Overall I'd say this is a solid 5 stars. It's creative, it's got heart, and it's definitely not your typical historical fiction. If you want something a bit different with a narrator who's genuinely memorable, give it a shot. Just be prepared for some dark moments - this isn't a lighthearted romp despite the jester being the main character.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fool by Mary Lawrence is a well-crafted work of historical fiction set in the dangerous and politically charged world of Tudor England. The novel follows Kronos, a court fool whose sharp mind and unusual position allow him to observe—and become entangled in—the intrigue surrounding the court of Henry VIII, particularly during the time of Queen Katherine Howard.

One of the novel’s defining features is its strong sense of place. The Tudor setting is vividly realised, with careful attention to the social hierarchy, tensions, and ever-present risks of court life. Alongside this, the story incorporates a clear element of mystery, as Kronos becomes involved in uncovering secrets that carry real and often deadly consequences.

Kronos himself is a distinctive and engaging central character. His background—found and brought up in a religious house—adds depth to his perspective. His role as a fool allows him a certain freedom to speak and observe, yet it also places him in a precarious position. The narrative does not shy away from the harsher aspects of the period, and there are moments of violence and cruelty that reflect the instability of the time.

At points, the pacing slows during sections that explore Kronos’s earlier life in detail. While these passages contribute to character development, they can feel extended in comparison to the more immediate tension of the central plot. Additionally, the shifts between humour and darker subject matter may feel abrupt, though they align with the realities of the setting.

Final thoughts: Fool is an engaging and immersive novel that combines historical detail with elements of mystery and character-driven storytelling. While not without its slower moments, it remains a strong an

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC through LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.

I'll be frank; I was really torn when it comes to rating this book. The book itself is very good, but it doesn't match the summary. That is, it doesn't match it WELL. We get very little of the intrigue that it alludes to and other than a chapter or so in the beginning, it doesn't come into play again, until the last third of the book or so and, in the end, doesn't really matter. Thus, I couldn't give it full marks. Truly, it fell flat on that part, but that's not to say that the story itself isn't good!

Kronos is a very interesting character. A dwarf found in the trash heap at a monastery as a baby, he was raised by the monks and later finds his way to court as the king's fool. The vast majority of the book is his backstory. It includes much of his inner monologue, particularly how he feels about how the brothers treat him and, later, his fellow entertainers in addition to his affection for, essentially, his neighbor. We get to see many sides of him as well, from the vindictive schemer to the soft-hearted dreamer and just about everything in between. As I said though, it is predominantly back story, then right into his current predicament, which has him temporarily mute and maimed and in the care of an apothecary and his wife, Joan. She is a lovely woman, though her husband is rather short tempered and detestable, particularly towards her and Kronos. He gets what's coming to him though, and that's all I'll say on the matter.

As I said. The story is very much a page turner, but definitely not as intrigue-filled as the summary leads one to believe. Definitely worth the read though!

[CdnMom35 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the very beginning, I felt an immediate pull toward the character Kronos. There’s something electric about the way he moves through Henry VIII’s court. He may be small in stature, but he is incredibly sharp, quick, and impossible to underestimate. I loved how he used humor and quiet observation as both shield and weapon. Every time he slipped through the halls or caught some small detail others had missed, I felt a spark of delight that I had not felt in years while reading. Kronos isn’t just a fool, he IS the beating heart of the story, and I found myself enthralled every moment he was on the page.
I was just as drawn to Ambrose, the apothecary who rescues Kronos. He’s ambitious, morally complicated, and strangely fascinating. His mix of knowledge, calculation, and quiet intensity made every interaction with Kronos feel charged, dynamic, and incredibly real. I loved learning how their lives twisted together. One man surviving by wit, the other by skill, and how their uneasy alliance adds depth to the entire plot. Ambrose brings a grounded, human tension that balances Kronos’s sharp, lively energy.
By the end, I have to say that the characters were what made the book unforgettable for me. Kronos’s resilience and cleverness, Ambrose’s layered motives, and the dangerous swirl of Tudor nobles around them created a world I didn’t want to leave. It felt vivid, textured, and full of life. If you enjoy character driven historical fiction or Tudor era intrigue, this story delivers exactly the kind of rich, character centered experience I love. This was a breath of fresh air that renewed my enjoyment of books!

[Maya Ch · Rating 4 out of 5]

::Book review: “Fool” by Mary Lawrence::

Thank you NetGalley and Mary Lawrence for an opportunity of an advance reading of the book.

In every culture and every kingdom and each monarch would in medieval times would have an entertainment at court. It would come in different forms and ways , but one in particular role was reserved for a fool of the court. The title might vary, though underlying sense is the same - the fool is entitled to a free speech, when it’s expressed in a funny way. And, as a benefit, most of the times a fool, a jester, a holy fool, Plaisante (for women in France), Balatro (Roman buffoon), Butterbumps, Moon Boy, Lord Toad, or Tom Turnip is not punished for it.
But not in this case, because there was no humor in the upcoming revelations.

The story starts from the end, in 1541, and then falls back to the life story of Kronos, dwarf fool at the court.

The narrative from the first person grips the reader’s attention right away.

Henry VIII is with his 5th wife and he has ~6 years more to live.
The fall of Katherine Howard takes lives and wellbeing of the unfortunates, willingly, unwillingly or accidentally mixed in court politics.
Kronos is one being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His life story is the one of survival and what can a person allow himself to do to survive?

Author definitely put a lot of research into life in a priory and an apothecary craft.
This is entertaining for anyone interested in a life of ordinary people during Tudors reign.

[Mike Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing, Dark & Masterful!
Mary Lawrence's Fool is a gripping historical tale of ambition, survival, and palace intrigue. The story follows Kronos, a dwarf and a fool at the court of King Henry VIII, whose perceived invisibility becomes his greatest weapon. Mocked for his stature but prized for his juggling, Kronos overhears a devastating secret that could destroy Queen Katherine Howard. Consequently, he is brutally silenced, mutilated, and left for dead.
The narrative beautifully explores Kronos's origins, tracing his life from being abandoned in a midden heap and raised by monks at Thetford Priory, to navigating the dangerous, paranoid world of Tudor nobility. Saved by an ambitious apothecary, Kronos quickly learns that he has only traded one master for another, as powerful men are willing to kill to control the fortune his secret commands. However, having spent his entire life being overlooked and underestimated by everyone who matters, he is finally ready to use that exact trait to his advantage.
Lawrence brilliantly captures Kronos's perspective, making him a complex and resilient protagonist who schemes to rewrite his own fate and topple the mighty factions circling him. I highly recommend this vibrant novel to any historical fiction fan looking for a unique tale where the enemies are forced to reconsider who the true fool really is.

[Indie Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, October 1541: Kronos, a court dwarf and titled fool at Whitehall, hides behind a tapestry to escape being caught with a chambermaid and accidentally overhears Archbishop Cranmer and his confederates plotting to use Katherine Howard's pre-marital history to bring down the queen — a secret that costs him his tongue. What follows is part historical thriller, part picaresque memoir, tracing Kronos from his origins in a Thetford Priory dung heap, through a traveling performance troupe and an unrequited love for the Duke of Norfolk's governess, to his captivity in an apothecary's hidden room.

“Fool”, Mary Lawrence's departure from her Bianca Goddard series is assured and frequently delightful. Her Kronos is a truly original voice: bawdy, self-aware, quick with a proverb when a truth needs softening. Lawrence weaves the Howard-Seymour power struggle into his personal story with practiced ease. The middle section with the performance troupe runs somewhat episodic, but the novel recovers its momentum for a third act whose epilogue reframes everything that came before: Kronos is revealed to be not merely the story's victim but its most deliberate schemer, and Lawrence earns the ambiguity. By the final page, the Proverbs epigraph is more than fitting.

[Rita Sebbata · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has been given to me as an arc through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review
Alright so this story follows Kronos a dwarf that was born in England and raised by priests in Thetford Priory.
He then leaves that place and goes to work at a tavern and then with a troupe of travellers and performs with them around england
He then finds himself serving king henry the VIII as his personal fool. He indulges himself in the courts politics and the maids there. However he makes a mistake of eavesdropping on a conversation that would flip the courts politics
He gets maimed and thrown out the door under an apothecary's door.
We see him struggling to integrate with other people given his stature, and people treat him differently as something less than.
This is the story of a dwarf named Kronos using all of his knowledge to weave through life in 16th century england as he strives to stay alive in different environment and simply never gives up. I could really feel his wits and how he actually never loses any of his knowledge. So this was quite a fun read. The chapters were quite long however but as the story progressed I didn't feel the time pass.

[Huey Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sharp-Witted and Atmospheric Glimpse into Tudor Intrigue

An intellectually dense and pulsating historical narrative, Fool carries an incredible atmospheric weight from its very first pages. The story subverts the usual glamorous tropes of King Henry VIII’s court, dragging the reader instead into the murky, dangerous reality of Tudor survival.

At the center of this world is Kronos, a protagonist whose sharp-witted but bitterly defensive nature entirely drives the story’s impact. Marked by a lifetime of societal rejection due to his dwarfism, his internal struggle between a deeply buried desire for genuine human connection and a cynical instinct for self-preservation makes him a fascinating, flawed guide through the narrative's treacherous turning points.

Lawrence’s prose is exceptionally precise and deliberate, rendering the sights, sounds, and stenches of 16th-century London with vivid accuracy. The pacing functions as a masterful slow burn, steadily building tension as political whispers escalate into a relentless, high-stakes threat.

I would recommend this book if you prefer rich, psychologically complex character growth over formulaic historical romances.

[Melanie Coombes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book thinking it would focus and take place mainly in the court of King Henry VIII. However, that is only a backdrop of the entire story. The book centers on Kronos, a dwarf who was abandoned on the grounds of a monastery and raised by the monks there. We learn about Kronos's early life, his yearnings and desires to see the world beyond the monastary walls. His life changes when he is summoned to the house of Thomas Howard to treat Lady Bess, the governess for an illness. This meeting will eventually change the trajectory of his life. We follow him on his journey with a group of entertainers and his eventual job as the fool in the court of King Henry. When he accidentally overhears a private conversation involving Queen Catherine Howard inside the palace, Kronos is brutally assaulted and left gravely injured outside an apothecary where he is nursed back to health.
The story was so captivating. It was a great character study of Kronos and his fascinating life. It was a book I was so eager to get back to and continue reading. I received a complimentary copy from LibraryThing Early Reviewer in exchange for a review.

[Fran (on semi- hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Publication Date**

“My shortcomings have merely coloured the cards of fate that I have been dealt. And while others may have folded, I have played on.”

Kronos, abandoned at birth, was discovered at the stone wall outside the Thetford Priory. The Benedictine monks nurtured him, taught him to read and write with the hope that he would eventually work in the scriptorium. When this proved unworkable, Kronos was assigned to work with Brother Trelli in the kitchen. What drudgery chopping vegetables, scrubbing pots and trenchers. In his free time, Kronos read lewd verse and bawdy poems while seated in the recesses of the priory library. “I never questioned that another life was possible for me.” The monks raised me with the expectation that I would become a novice.

A travelling caravan passing through was given the authorization to rest overnight on monastery land. One caravan dweller was noticed tossing wooden balls in the air and then completing a turn without dropping them. “Juggling is a skill you should learn…you might entertain kings and queens someday,” he told Kronos. Could Kronos’ physicality be his gift? Although protected in the priory, he was dazzled by the prospect of freedom and adventure. Lifting three apples from the kitchen he practiced tossing. When reprimanded for bruising apples and the “frivolous amusement with fruit”, he tossed turnips instead. What a relief! Kronos thought he would be called out for the sin of reading lewd material not the theft of produce to juggle.

When presented with the opportunity to work alongside brother Ulric in the infirmary, he learned about the herbs used to make poultices and treat illness. Brother Ulric recognized that stature was not a measure of Kronos’ intellectual capacity. Treating elderly Brother Giles would be his undoing. Brother Giles harbored the supposition that “If I was physically afflicted…I was morally afflicted as well.” But wait, news of a debilitating illness at the Royal Estate at Kenninghall. Brother Ulric, with his apprentice Kronos, are dispatched to care for Lady Bess. Bess’ recurrent fevers created more opportunities for him to gaze upon her beauty and aura of kindness. Along with “my admiration and the desire to just be in her presence” it was suggested that perhaps a recommendation could be made for Kronos to juggle for royalty. Would this ever come to pass? With Brother Giles’ health scare and the unfair blame placed upon him, he went to join the travelling troupe as their closing act. “Instead of feeling limited by my dwarfism and vulnerable to people’s first impression, I felt, in that moment, that I was a titan. My confidence and mastery had melded into perfection.”

Raised within the cloistered world, he wanted to embrace a different path having his diminutive size work in his favor. “I was always astounded when people seemed to think that I had a choice in the matter…God does have a peculiar wit. Every now and again, he must tire of putting out the same product over and over…”

Working in the 16th Century Court of King Henry VIII, jester/juggler Kronos witnessed intrigue as well as back stabbing between two powerful families as they tried to undermine each other. Always popular with the noble courtesans, perhaps Kronos experienced one rendez-vous too many. Court life was filled with many despicable characters. Even unintentional eavesdropping could cost one their life. With touches of dark wit, author Mary Lawrence creates a tapestry of a man with “shortcomings” who is destined to overcome obstacles in his path. Kronos would partake of a culture that “flaunted infidelity”. Who would be any the wiser? This read of historical fiction demonstrates that “the fool” is no fool at all!

Highly recommended.

Thank you Mary Lawrence for a print copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Netty’s Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will definitely be one of my top recommended novels this year.
Fool is not your typical Tudor-romp. It is a calculated, atmospheric mystery that leans heavily into the "reckoning" promised in its title.

The story follows Kronos, a dwarf whose life is defined by the harsh realities of his environment and his refusal to be broken by them. The character work here is exceptional. Following Kronos' life felt deeply personal. Mary Lawrence successfully balances the "adventure" of the plot with a poignant exploration of how perception can be both a weapon and a shield. His resilience in the face of betrayal and the raw and real moments he undergoes, makes him a protagonist you can't help but root for.

From the very first chapter all the way until the very end, the novel will capture your attention. Very detailed and simply well written.

Thank you Mary Lawrence and Victory Editing Net Galley Co-op for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

NetGalley ARC Review-

I have always found Court Jesters very fascinating figures. The way they juggled the façade of a fool and the wit of a brainless comedian all the while being privy to the machinations of court (even used as spies sometimes) is very intriguing.

But I liked the fact that this story is not like that- it is a story of survival. Kronos has all the odds stacked against him, but he makes it to the King's court through sheer determination and wit. And he is struck down for that very wit and slyness, but even that fails to hold him back. He crawls through anything, survives what would have killed most, and I feel that is not a aspect that is explored in many Court Jester characters currently in media- Kronos has no supernatural powers that make him some sort of big player; he is completely human like us. Caught in his hubris and discarded, but he never once losses his determination to live as he pleases.

Overall, an interesting read.