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Fool: A Tudor Jester's reckoning-betrayal, revenge and the power of perception
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Expected 14 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
5 days and 13:20:51
4 copies available
U.S. only
From the author of The Alchemist's Daughter comes a tale of obsession 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.
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.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
322 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 14, 2026
4 people are currently reading
2202 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lawrence
7 books442 followersThe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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:
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
Read
February 13, 2026Q
The book takes place in 1541 London. It is during the Tudor period of Henry VIII. The book is about Kronos, a juggler at court. However, the book starts at his being. He is a dwarf and was dumped at a monastry. The monks find him and teach him. It is a harsh period of time and he is made fun of and people were cruel.
During his time at court, he easedropped and was caught and beaten. He was rescued by an àparthacary and with wife Jane took care of him. However, realizing he is from court thought he was worth money.
I enjoyed this book you sense the life of someone who is deformed during a time of hardship. The author gave a good historical background of the Tudor period. Give it a read it is interesting and moves quickly. You want to know now what happens.
I hope the author is planning on writing a squeal to this story.
The book takes place in 1541 London. It is during the Tudor period of Henry VIII. The book is about Kronos, a juggler at court. However, the book starts at his being. He is a dwarf and was dumped at a monastry. The monks find him and teach him. It is a harsh period of time and he is made fun of and people were cruel.
During his time at court, he easedropped and was caught and beaten. He was rescued by an àparthacary and with wife Jane took care of him. However, realizing he is from court thought he was worth money.
I enjoyed this book you sense the life of someone who is deformed during a time of hardship. The author gave a good historical background of the Tudor period. Give it a read it is interesting and moves quickly. You want to know now what happens.
I hope the author is planning on writing a squeal to this story.
Review of advance copy
Fool - story of a Tudor jester
The main character of the novel, which is set in the Tudor era during the reign of Henry VIII, is the short-statured Kronos.
He tells his eventful life story, from his beginnings in a monastery, through his time with a travelling troupe of performers, to his appointment as court jester to Henry VIII.
One day, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy and suffers serious injuries. As a result, he finds himself in the home of an apothecary and his wife. He quickly discovers that the apothecary has his own plans for him. But Kronos is quite capable of defending himself.
The novel is gripping right to the end. I enjoyed following Kronos through the story and always wondered what would happen next. I recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character of the novel, which is set in the Tudor era during the reign of Henry VIII, is the short-statured Kronos.
He tells his eventful life story, from his beginnings in a monastery, through his time with a travelling troupe of performers, to his appointment as court jester to Henry VIII.
One day, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy and suffers serious injuries. As a result, he finds himself in the home of an apothecary and his wife. He quickly discovers that the apothecary has his own plans for him. But Kronos is quite capable of defending himself.
The novel is gripping right to the end. I enjoyed following Kronos through the story and always wondered what would happen next. I recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is great storytelling! Kronos is a dwarf during the time of Henry VIII. He is abandoned as a baby and taken in by the brothers at a monastery. He works in the kitchen, learns to read and write, and ultimately has no interest in joining the religious order.
He learns to juggle as ultimately he wants to entertain in the royal court. He joins a traveling group and does end up in the court, but hears something he should not and is severely harmed as punishment.
This is well-written and really drew me in!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
He learns to juggle as ultimately he wants to entertain in the royal court. He joins a traveling group and does end up in the court, but hears something he should not and is severely harmed as punishment.
This is well-written and really drew me in!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.
Review of advance copy
I loved this book.
The narrative of Kronos’s life so far is tense and suspenseful. From his early days as an unhappy acolyte and novice learning from the monastery healer to the last hints and reveals, I was glued to the page. Kronos is intelligent, wry, and sensitive. He constantly questions why he is perceived as less than human, even evil, by his fellow humans, as he suffers from achondroplasia, or Dwarfism.
The story spent a lot less time within the Tudor court than I expected, though the assault on Kronos and his being left for dead has its roots in court intrigue. But the assault also frames the story, as Kronos, believing himself dying, returns in memory to his early life and loves and to how he became a fool. This is smoothly and masterfully done, an easy now/then transition to the present. I’d love to go on and on, but I’d give away the story’s secrets, and I don’t want to do that. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers, well written, well researched, and very well imagined. This author also writes the Bianca Goddard series, which is now sitting in my kindle waiting for me :D.
Thank you BookSirens and Mary Lawrence for a copy of this book to review.
The narrative of Kronos’s life so far is tense and suspenseful. From his early days as an unhappy acolyte and novice learning from the monastery healer to the last hints and reveals, I was glued to the page. Kronos is intelligent, wry, and sensitive. He constantly questions why he is perceived as less than human, even evil, by his fellow humans, as he suffers from achondroplasia, or Dwarfism.
The story spent a lot less time within the Tudor court than I expected, though the assault on Kronos and his being left for dead has its roots in court intrigue. But the assault also frames the story, as Kronos, believing himself dying, returns in memory to his early life and loves and to how he became a fool. This is smoothly and masterfully done, an easy now/then transition to the present. I’d love to go on and on, but I’d give away the story’s secrets, and I don’t want to do that. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers, well written, well researched, and very well imagined. This author also writes the Bianca Goddard series, which is now sitting in my kindle waiting for me :D.
Thank you BookSirens and Mary Lawrence for a copy of this book to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5 ⭐️ A fool at the court of Henry VIII learns that in a kingdom built on power and pride, even laughter can cost you your life.
Will be posting my full review on release day!
Will be posting my full review on release day!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews