The Princess and The Fool

by Paul Neafcy

"What are we going to do?"

"Something very foolish."

Princess Katherine of Elderhaime is engaged to be married to a man she's never met. Frankly, she's a bit hacked off about it, but things are about to get a whole lot worse.

Katherine finds herself lost in the wilderness of an ancient, war torn world. With only her court Jester for protection, she races through a not-so-magical kingdom populated by swashbuckling heroes, sinister villains, witches, kings, ninja children and nightmarish creatures.

Nothing in this world is as it seems, including her foolish companion.

Pursued by outlaws and monsters, Katherine will be forced to decide between her hopes of true love and the chance for peace for her troubled land. So, y'know, no pressure...

The Princess and the Fool is a thrilling adventure dealing with duty, destiny, desire, danger and derring-do. A fairy tale with an irreverent sense of humour, a heart full of hope and a talking puppet.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Book Club, Fiction

366 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2015

About the author

Most recently, Paul Neafcy contributed to the CBBC sketch comedy "The Amelia Gething Complex". Prior to this, he created and wrote the silent digital comedy series "SHHH!" for Nickelodeon. He co-created and wrote the eight-episode satirical thriller “PrankMe” for the Fullscreen VOD platform - winning awards for "Excellence in Storytelling" at Toronto's Buffer Festival and "Series of the Year" at London's online video convention Summer in the City.

Paul co-wrote two series of the popular digital sitcom “Jack and Dean of All Trades” - the first series to be renewed by Fullscreen. He scripted two series of the topical comedy “Josh Investigates” for Comedy Central UK and wrote and starred in the ten-part horror comedy webseries “Phillip Human” for Wildseed Studios – a series which garnered half a million YouTube views in total.

He wrote and self-published The Princess and The Fool, an irreverent fantasy adventure novel. He is currently working as Creator and Head Writer on a forthcoming sci-fi family adventure series for Netflix UK, and is developing a supernatural YA thriller for HTM Television. He'll write another book one day.

Reviews

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, romantic, gory, and brilliant.
I fell in love with the characters and the story truly was a journey I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of.
I may have teared up at the ending too (maybe definitely)

There is truth in every tale

[Denae Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

truly amazing

This style is so fun that I stayed up late three nights in a row to finish it. It was so hard to put down, and I resented having to sleep. The book moved so fast with such short chapters.

I loved the different povs, from dreams, to Felix's diary, to dying brigands, to a random tower guard. There were exactly only as many words as the chapter or sentence needed.

The story itself had quite a few neat ideas, too. My interest waned in the middle, but 2 pages later, there was a proposal, a hidden past was revealed, someone was shot, and someone died. The book didn't let go of me again.

I think I'm going to steal the idea of a fool bodyguard. It's brilliant.

The book left out a lot of specifics. I would have liked to know how the one guy was tortured/shot, for instance. If he's close to death (and bleeding profusely and bruised and spent time on a rack after being shot in the back and whipped), how can he jump and fight and climb a few minutes later?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me intrigued through the whole plot and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.
My biggest complaint was the lack of a glossary for the reader. There were so many made-up words, creatures and concepts that I had trouble figuring out what was happening sometimes. It really interrupted the flow of the story. I would have liked a glossary that I could refer to for at least some of the more random words. Additionally, a map would have been an asset as well. It was hard to keep everything straight and I found myself yearning for a map.

That being said, it's a well-written book and was fun to read. I was disappointed that there wasn't more of a resolution in the end - I'd have liked to know more about the Fool than was told.

[Barbara Elin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book.

A mix of The Princess Bride, a Knight's Tale and Monty Python by way of Edgar Wright, but completely it's own wonderfully warm and wacky self, The Princess and the Fool is an affectionate riff on the fantasy genre that boasts dynamic, realistic and fantastic characters, an intriguing mystery, a thrilling quest, and a bravely bittersweet ending that ties the story together gorgeously while hinting at a future sequel I wish for with all my heart.

Because that's what this book's most wonderful feature is: its heart. This is a book that genuinely cares about its characters, invests you in the drama, delights you with its wit, and captivates you with a world you feel you could live in. I especially love the relationship between the titular characters, and their deepening bond is believable and beautiful - you really become attached to them and their stories. I also love that although they initially fit their archetypes of 'princess' and 'fool', the story gradually peels away the layers of mystery and encourages them to grow and change while remaining true to themselves - the intrigue as to who the fool is particularly compelling, and the princess has one of the most rewarding arcs I've had the pleasure of reading.

But every character gets their due, and an especially unique aspect of the book is the way in which characters who are about to die are given the spotlight when it's time for them to shuffle off this mortal coil. Characters who would otherwise be viewed as minor/background/insignificant are given their own distinct backstory, narrative voice and personal tragedies so that when the time of death arrives you genuinely feel their loss. And there are diary entries from a particular character that are endlessly entertaining - to say more would be a spoiler. Multiple different POVs are handled with care and finesse, and the story has a great pace throughout - I simply couldn't put it down.

[Steph F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fell in love with the characters early on. There are twists and turns throughout and was overall just a well-written book.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reminds me a bit of a Shakespearean comic drama - humor mixed with tragedy, honor versus evil. Not enjoyable for me.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot of romance lately, so I figured it was time for some more fantasy. The Princess and the Fool does contain elements of romance, but the building tension between Katherine and the Fool wasn’t the main focus. This comedic fantasy is about a princess who is promised in marriage to the king of the neighboring enemy kingdom in hopes of preparing an age-old rift between her kingdom and his. Katherine isn’t pleased about this, of course, but she doesn’t want to let her kingdom down either.

The Fool is a mysterious bodyguard masquerading as a brainless jester, who has been charged with protecting Katherine since she was twelve years old. The two have grown close, but the Fool never lets himself forget the differences in their station. The novel is filled with moments of charged atmosphere between the two of them, even as they’re running for their lives, but the Fool never lets his guard down and reveals his true identity.

In some ways reminding me of Terry Pratchett, Paul Neafcy introduces common fantasy tropes and gives them an unexpected twist. The world-building was both creative and subtly introduced. Instead of the cookie-cutter trolls, goblins, and orcs, the monsters–Finders and Keepers, draca, boga, Fearies, you name it–in Neafcy’s world sprang from a deformed demon prince called Baelic the Bloody, who was imprisoned by his father and “fed” criminals and whores (think the legend of the Minotaur). Neafcy worldbuilds by inserting short excerpts from histories and storybooks within his world, which are straightforward enough to be both informative and entertaining while not bogging the main story down.

The modern writing style, coupled with the Fool’s constant wisecracking, kept the story fun even in the darkest of moments. For example, even when the Fool is being tortured, he can’t help but make a joke:

“He could only measure time in violence. It was three punches past crotch-kick.”

Princess Kathy is no damsel in distress, either. She may not be a combat expert, but she doesn’t shrink from her duty to her kingdom, or the need to fight for her life. At a certain point in the novel, she even comes galloping to the rescue of the man she loves (hint: It’s not the prince to which she’s betrothed). This princess was a force to be reckoned with, and I loved it. She and the Fool–despite his frustratingly obscure past–are perfect together:

“‘I won’t lose you again,’ she said.

‘Nor I you.’

‘No, I mean I can’t be arsed comin’ to rescue you again.'”

Especially in the fantasy genre, villains can be so disappointingly obvious. In The Princess and the Fool, all is not what it seems. The true identity of the villainous mastermind isn’t revealed until the end, and I never would have guessed it.

The romance could have been more developed, but again, this isn’t a romance novel. I just happen to like a nice heaping of romance with my fantasy and adventure. At the risk of spoiling everything, I’ll be vague about the ending, but I really wish it had been wrapped up more cleanly. Not only did the lack of closure break my heart, the plot could have ended on a more effective cliffhanger. I definitely want to read the next book in the series, but I felt deprived by the disappointing ending.

The Princess and the Fool was a fast-paced, entertaining romp that I couldn’t put down. It was an unconventional fantasy in the best of ways. I hope to see more of Neafcy’s world in the future, and more of the loveable characters introduced in this book.

Check out this review and more on my book blog here.

[Lotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book on holiday two years ago, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Imagine my surprise when I read in the acknowledgments that no-one had wanted to publish it, and that Paul Neafcy had self-published it on Amazon! I hadn't realized that when I bought it, and I think self-publishing is great, but I just don't get how a publisher would not grab this book with both hands, because it's just so amazing. So I wanted to reread it and talk about it, hopefully giving it a bit of the hype it deserves.

There are so many things I loved about this book. The realistic characters who are legendary but also just people. The world in which it takes place (this is some stellar world building, complete with its own legends and histories). The way it's told through several POV's, old stories and diary entries. The action scenes, which had me on the edge of my seat. The way the plot builds up slowly, giving you more and more information, till the twist you still did not see coming. How nothing felt at all predictable. The way we never get the whole story, but just enough. The way it feels that there are so, so many layers to this story. The jokes! God, this book had me laughing out loud several times.

And, oh! the characters! The wonderful, silly, stupid, flawed, lovable, clever, brave, courageous characters. I feel like they all need a hug. I especially loved the Fool, because he seemed to have thousands of layers, too deep for anyone to ever see the bottom. Both slapstick comedian and lethal killer. An amazing combination.

This book is based on fairytales, but not in the way it's usually done. It takes the archetypical idea of what we have of fairytales - pretty princess marries handsome prince, meets some difficulty, but everything turns out all right and the kind is saved - and pulls it apart only to put it together again, just a little differently. The story seems self-aware, not too much to be irritating, but enough to make fun of its own genre conventions!

At some places this story is so, so dark. Especially the description of how the monsters came to be in this world. The book switches to and from lighthearted and funny, to really, truly dark and back again masterfully and completely seamlessly. The top layer is more romantic and comedic, but once you delve deeper, it's full of twisted things, but the story never dwells too long on these things. The balance is exactly right.

This story captured me in a way most fantasy books won't, because of its unconventional take on the fairytale-remix genre, with its almost self-aware clever humor, and realistic yet still fantastical characters. It's quirky and unique, but also takes the best of its genre and uses it well.

[Nick Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Princess and The Fool is the story of, well... a Princess and her Fool. On the road to an arranged marriage they are ambushed and attacked, and what follows is a heroic fantasy in the tradition of David Gemmell as a small but rich cast of characters fight their way across a varied and exciting landscape pleasingly free from clichés and Tolkien-clones.

It's written in a fairly modern style where setting, internal monologue, action and speech sit fairly smoothly side by side , which helps the pacing and means that the wider story doesn't get in the way- and there is a fair amount of wider story, a steady source of intrigue throughout.

There are some great and rare metaphors like "went down like a bucket in a well" and the language is strong and engaging, but there is also a fair amount of telling after showing, which sometimes feels unnecessary. There is no need to signpost a social comment as clearly as "Royal taxes weren't stealing, were they?" when the story and subtext are doing such a fantastic job of quietly raising the question anyway.

Occasionally this made me unsure of who the active voice was, for example, the line "There is nothing more infuriating than nonchalance in battle." is an opinion, not a fact, but without proper framing it sounded more like Paul Neafcy himself talking to the reader, than any of the characters.

It's a little bit like this is a book that doesn't realise how good it is, and feels the need to explain and qualify things that are more than substantial in their own right.
It's funny, it's smart, it's sometimes a little gross, and sometimes suddenly very moving. It's strong enough for a follow-up or direct sequel without telegraphing one. It's like Kurt Vonnegut wrote Discworld, which can only be a good thing.

Nick
xx

[Phoebe WildeWoolfOrWells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story sets out with the vague premise of a Princess and a Fool lost in the wilderness, well that's all I knew going in. There is a lot of magic and monsters and adventure, I didn't know that was coming, It was a wonderful surprise and I just love it all so much.
It's so fast paced, it is written wonderfully considering the changing narratives, in the third person so that it doesn't get confusing. The plot is so compelling and quick that I (a very slow reader) stormed through it.
A STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONIST, thank you Paul, I have been waiting for an adventure story where the women are just as strong and capable as the men. It is usually told as 'Damsel in Distress' must be saved by a hulking man while she's waits patiently (my only problem with The Princess Bride), but no, we get an ass-kicking, going to save the day and rescue the man, type wonder.
In general I love everything about this book wholeheartedly. EXCEPT THE ENDING!!!
The ending that crushes the soul of every reader, yes I know 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' but sometimes you want them to ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after, screw everyone else, they'll be fine.
Yet there is hope for 'The Princess and the Fool will return', I will wait as long as I must to see how this story continues. I know that in real life things don't work out perfectly, and not everyone's happy, but that isn't doing to stop me hoping for a happy ending.

[Fiona Ahern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book thinking with an open mind because usually i like this type of book but i find it hard to keep concentration the whole way through.But i want to say i am really pleased with how it turned out.If i did have the time i would of read this the whole way through the day i got it.

From the title i thought it sounded like a typical love story and yes it was that, but it was not as simple as just that.Each character had a story to tell and they each contributed to the story in a necessary way.

I felt neafcy came across in this book in some of the language spoken but just enough so you could still imagine the characters and there own people.I liked that we didn't get an in depth description of the characters look because that kept some of the story personal to your imagination.

I personally felt this self published book was a lot better than some of the stuff you find out there.

Well done neafcy on this well thought out twist on a fantasy story.

[J. Daniel Layfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast and fun read. There was enough action that I had a hard time putting it down and I can't recall times where it dragged. It certainly delivered on the promise of humor as well, with several actual laugh out loud moments (one of which earned a scowl from my wife who was watching a movie).

Instead of using traditional chapters, the author uses scene breaks headed with the character whose PoV from which it will be told. This kept the story interesting and allowed the reader to see the same event from several different angles. I found only one or two instances where it seemed to create a strange verb tense scenario that tripped me up. Overall though, I enjoyed the effect.

The author does a good job of worldbuilding using excerpts from stories within his world, providing something much more interesting to read than the dreaded "infodump".

The author suggests more to come from this dynamic duo and I am looking forward to seeing more adventures from them.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun fairy tale. Has kings a princess a court jester, and an army of children. The jester has tended the princess since childhood if only a few more years older than her. He is a mystery. Begins with Princess being betrothed to a an enemy king in order to bring peace to the territory in a united front. On the way to wedding the Princess Father, the other king, is killed and so begins the race of the jester and the princess to save their lives as she is now Queen. The journey is arduous as they are joined by a witch and the king the princess is betrothed to. Had fun with this novel and laughed a lot. One interesting point is the author, Paul Neafcy, publixhed this book on his own. Found so entertaining but not a real ending so assume another book is coming. You publishing cos. out there need to pick up on this author.

[Ona Salvat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. It captured me in a way that books I've read lately haven't, in the sense that I really wanted to keep reading when I was reading. I would describe it as a simple story told complexely but still made incredibly easy to read. Like an incredibly self-aware and brilliantly current fairy tale... I legitimetely wanted to know more about so many things and characters(I feel like Paul has the world and backstories very clear in all their intricacies but, repectably, made the choice to keep some things untold) and sometimes it felt a little bit unconsistent in speed and density of action/interesting emotional stuff that was happening.
All in all I really did enjoy this book profusely and would recommend it to any fantasy enthusiasts who want a quick but excellent read.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. If I hadn't have had to spend the week socialising I think I would have had it finished 6 days ago! It's part of a genre I live but with a refreshing taste of informality and slang that isn't normally attributed to a medieval society. The only thing that really annoyed me was the unanswered question of who the fool really was! Although I am hoping a second book in this realm will give the answers to this.

[Jess Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of The Princess and the Fool. It is a fast-paced adventure with a distinctive sense of humour. The book has fantasy, adventure, romance and laughs mixed up in memorable characters and great writing. Give it a try!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Exciting, funny, poignant debut fantasy novel that kept me turning pages far longer
into the night than I should have. Well- written with some unexpected twists in the plot --eg, people popping up that I wasn't expecting. Looking forward to next book in a planned series.

[Henrietta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts I liked and parts I didn't. I loved the general idea of this book, but unfortunately there are too many little things that annoyed me throughout to actually allow me to relax and enjoy the story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of how the Baelic-Spawn came into being will haunt my nightmares til death do I part but apart from that. Funny, fresh and cosy.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game of Thrones in a quirky way...enjoyed it very much & looking forward to the hinted at sequel!

[Jasmine Rowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fantasy story, with interesting characters. Well worth a read!

[Sue Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rollicking good adventure, written with humour, pathos and more than the odd twist. Definitely left me wanting to revisit the very credible characters in an incredible world.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fairy tale of magic and mystery, great characters and humour. Fun for all.