The Jester

The Jester King #2

by K.C. Herbel

Billy is entertaining jubilant nobles in the king’s court at Castle Orgulous. It’s the pinnacle of his life! Even the melancholy king is happy. Then tragedy strikes … The death of a friend forces Billy to choose between leaving Orgulous and staying on as the royal musician. While he weighs his choices, he receives a vision from his magic ring – a dark vision of murder. Is someone trying to kill the princess? Billy must stay. He must stop the assassin! To do so, he will risk his life and the lives of his friends, and confront powerful enemies that have hunted him since he was born. In the midst of this turmoil, the mystery of the magic ring deepens and draws Billy closer to the revelation of his place in the world. But will it come in time to save him or only further endanger his life? The Jester is the second of four novels in The Jester King Fantasy Series.

Genres: Fantasy

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 4, 2017

About the author

I have been in love with storytelling since I was a child, listening to Grandpa tell fantastic, true-life yarns of his boyhood in Germany, and his life as an immigrant to the United States. His tales were filled with steam-locomotive mishaps and biplane crashes, cowboys and outlaws, and always lots of wonder and gratitude. It didn't hurt that my Irish mother was also a theatrical storyteller and writer. Mom and Grandpa had a strong influence on my life, and gave me an appreciation for the spoken and written word.

This was all well and good, but could only go so far in a kid who wanted very little to do with the three R's (Reading, writing and 'rithmatic). Not if they interfered with playing soldier or football. Sure, there were times I enjoyed a good read (despite slight dyslexia) or, at the encouragement of Mom, wrote a short story, but I wanted to be in motion. Heck, I wanted to strap a rocket to my back and go into space, not write about it! The only time I wanted to tell a story was when my scientist father caught me doing something "unauthorized." And so, storytelling laid dormant for many years; just bubbling beneath the surface - peaking out for the occasional English assignment or bout of Fantasy RPGs.

My feelings about storytelling changed significantly in the summer I turned 14. I remember, because I hadn't learned to drive yet and had wrecked my cousin's truck driving around the family ranch the previous summer. As they tell it, (I) "was doing fine comin' up from the highway to the house, when suddenly the lights were up in the trees!"

At any rate, that summer I got a hold of my sister's copy of the Hobbit. Without warning, that, which had been denied the light of day, erupted from its prison and began to harass me. For a long time, I kept it at bay by feeding it fantasy and science fiction novels and RPGs, which cost me a high grade in college more than once.

Then it happened. I wrote a stage play. And it got produced. And it was well received. That, and a nudge from one of my professors, was enough for me to pack up my Firebird, skip my graduation ceremony and head out to California to attend UCLA.

Despite my best intentions, as it often does, life happened. I landed a very interesting robotics job, while waiting to get my CA residency. (I couldn't afford to attend UCLA on out-of-state tuition.) One thing lead to another, and before I knew it, years had passed. I had a wife, kids, mortgage payment, special effects career in Hollywood (IMDB), and I had never been to the UCLA enrollment office. However, that did not mean that I didn't write. I wrote stage plays, screenplays, short stories, all in the evenings and on weekends and eventually finished a book: With a Jester of Kindness. Perhaps you've read it.

So now I write fantasy and sci-fi and love every minute of it. I hope you will give my stories a try. If you'd like to know more about me and my work, check out my website: www.TheOtherWorlds.net or click on one of the buttons above.

Best wishes and better adventures,
KC Herbel

  available!   coming soon!

Reviews

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book which had to be read in one straight sitting as I could not put it down. I would class this series with some of the greatest sagas based on fantasy, magic, chivalry, honour and love, placing it side by side with other greats such as Jordan's Wheel of Time, Sanderson's books, George R.R. Martin and so many other gripping sagas. The lightness which the first book was written in was not present at all in this exciting read where Billy ends up fighting for his very life whilst unravelling bit by bit his true beginnings and who he really is. The evil sorcery fuelled by greed for power are what brought about death and war to the country. Will Billy be able to win out against such incredible odds? Where does he really belong? Will this fight be his fight? Just have to go on reading this captivating tale and following Billy's destiny wherever it may lead him be it back to Orgulous or to Tirn Aill. Well done K. C. Herbel.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd part of this story. This story takes up where the last story left off. Billy, Lad Merredyth and Sir Hugh had made it the Royal city and are waiting for the wedding of the century to happen. BUT a lot of strange things are happening. Word that Lady Merredyth's husband had died from injuries, Billy decides to stay at the castle a little longer. When he learns of an evil plan by the magister, he does everything in his power to stop it.
Again a very sweet story for any Young Adult (But us old timers liked it to). There is mystery, sword fighting and strange magical beasts.
I wish I could only downgrade 1/2 a star this time. The story kind of ended in a cliffhanger but at least the present story was over and it left us at the beginning of the next story. Although, I hope that Mr. Herbel adds a good prologue in the next story. If I had been waiting for this book to come out after The Innkeeper's Son, I would have been lost in the story. As I read A LOT, It could 2-3 months until I have a chance to read the next book. Just a little refresher would be nice.

[Shane Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Classic tale of a simpleton

I read the first book in the series and showed some promise, albeit a little too simple. I saw so many positive reviews for this one, but I took a chance and bought it… I now realize that the positive reviews must be friends and family. To say the main character is simple beyond believe, with the mental maturity of an 11-year-old, would be accurate… This book reads like it was designed for the 8-12 crowd. The main character is crazy annoying, and good-naturedly simple beyond rational thought, not to give you a spoiler… As an example (details changed so as not to spoil it but you will get the idea)..imagine he sees the evil wizard slaughtering villagers and burning the orphanage, but then the evil wizard is about to fall to his death so he saves him so as not to have to se another death...allowing the evil wizard to kill those he loves. That kind of thing makes it crazy hard to read

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series The Jester King, follows book one with equal story weaving and character building by the very talented author, K. C. Herbal. I loved the first book and was a bit concerned that the momentum could not be sustained. My concern was a total waste of time! Book 2 might actually be even better. Hard to believe, but true. If you have not begun this series yet, treat yourself to an action-packed epic that will keep you up late into the night.

I can hardly wait to begin book 3. I sincerely hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Charles Rosenau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much like life, in thar we don't understand who this or that until it all comes to light at once!

I loved all the strong characters that made this story so intreaging !The staggering realizations of finding out who you really are can be like looking at yourself as a stranger !

Life can be a real trip - especially when you are not who you thought you were !

Each book, 1 and 2, have been very entertaining and adventuresome! But now, the story as been reset as book 2 closes !

Looking eagerly to find out how a new king will take on the greater meaning of leading and directing a fractured country on the brink of a new war !

Charles R.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat most of the story. I could not put it down. There were plot twists that surprised me as well as several of the characters. Sir Hugh did not act as I expected. I loved the ending and cannot wait until the next story is out.

[Georganne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful land of mystery, intrigue and adventure. Billy's adventure into the city leaned him breathless. All the things that he has dreamed of are coming true. He meets the King and neice soon to be wed and his new friendships. Yet there are dark shadows that lurk in the background. Why? You have to keep reading long into the night to find the answers. Another winner for K.C. Herbel.

[Odessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed books 1 and 2 if of this series and am looking forward to October of 2017 for book 3!

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast Adventure

A good combination of coming to age, fantasy, drama, and action that sweeps you along until the very end. Recommended.