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Fool: A Tudor Jester's reckoning-betrayal, revenge and the power of perception
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26From 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
3 people are currently reading
3737 people want to read
About the author
Mary Lawrence
7 books448 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
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.
March 6, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“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.
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.
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 Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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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
You follow Kronos and his eventful life story. The journey through different places, societies and environments in the Tudor era was interesting. Especially from this characters perspective.
The underlying question of this book is who truly embodies the 'fool' character. Is it the likes of Kronos who has dwafism and is seen as disfigured and 'lesser', someone who holds a role in the court as a Jester or actually the nobility who can come across as 'sheep', all mindlessly following societies norms and mission for greatness.
Personally for me I struggled to gel with the MMC for the first 40% of the book. But I can see many others really connected with the character and his storytelling. So it is all about personal opinion.
I really hope others love this book, especially fans of Tudor tales told from different perspectives.
Thank you to Netgallery for this ARC.
The underlying question of this book is who truly embodies the 'fool' character. Is it the likes of Kronos who has dwafism and is seen as disfigured and 'lesser', someone who holds a role in the court as a Jester or actually the nobility who can come across as 'sheep', all mindlessly following societies norms and mission for greatness.
Personally for me I struggled to gel with the MMC for the first 40% of the book. But I can see many others really connected with the character and his storytelling. So it is all about personal opinion.
I really hope others love this book, especially fans of Tudor tales told from different perspectives.
Thank you to Netgallery for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐
Hooked from the start! The novel began with the vibes of a 90s movie freeze frame and the main character narrating, “You’re probably wondering how I got here?!”
Once we get into the story, Kronos’ time at the monastery and recovering in the London apothecary feels a skosh too long for me; almost like the author did not want to info dump all of the current day plot at once, but the memories did not feel entirely relevant while I was in those chapters.
The conclusion felt too quick and a bit of a let down. Overall, the novel read more like a memoir with bits of plot thrown in. I really enjoyed the first part of this book, but I did not enjoy the meandering and mismatched pacing.
I’ve been a lifelong fan of Tudor-era fiction, and the fool’s perspective is a refreshing take on the genre.
Hooked from the start! The novel began with the vibes of a 90s movie freeze frame and the main character narrating, “You’re probably wondering how I got here?!”
Once we get into the story, Kronos’ time at the monastery and recovering in the London apothecary feels a skosh too long for me; almost like the author did not want to info dump all of the current day plot at once, but the memories did not feel entirely relevant while I was in those chapters.
The conclusion felt too quick and a bit of a let down. Overall, the novel read more like a memoir with bits of plot thrown in. I really enjoyed the first part of this book, but I did not enjoy the meandering and mismatched pacing.
I’ve been a lifelong fan of Tudor-era fiction, and the fool’s perspective is a refreshing take on the genre.
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!
Review of advance copy
An enjoyable story with well built characters and a realistic plot set in an interesting past.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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