bethany_t's review
4.0
Another great book in the Fools' Guild mystery series. I really enjoyed this one. The mystery was a bit overly complicated at times and then the secret scheme was resolved quite abruptly, but it was still enjoyable. This author does his research, and I was amused by his Author's Note at the end of the book in which he mentions what was considered humorous in 13th century Europe (such as the use of the Greek words for "salt" and "others" as homophones).
I found that the first book in this series really delved into religion at times, but this one pondered the complicated workings of the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople. It was so interesting, especially for someone like myself who finds that period of history fascinating and bonkers.
This one introduced Feste (also known as Theo) as teaching Viola, a newly appointed apprentice jester for the Fools' Guild and Feste's new wife, as they try to discover why all the fools based in Constantinople have suddenly gone missing. I was a bit disappointed that this one didn't have much connection to the works of Shakespeare beyond Feste and Viola. I'm hoping some of the next books may have more of those Shakespearean links.
This was one of the my favorite parts, a confrontation between a preacher
Verdict
Loved it. Will be looking forward to the next in the series if my library has it.
So, who would enjoy this book?
As with the first in this series, anyone who loves fictional medieval mysteries will really enjoy this. It's a fun read. And because this one doesn't reference Shakespeare's work like the first one, a reader doesn't need to have any knowledge of those works to understand certain details.
I found that the first book in this series really delved into religion at times, but this one pondered the complicated workings of the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople. It was so interesting, especially for someone like myself who finds that period of history fascinating and bonkers.
This one introduced Feste (also known as Theo) as teaching Viola, a newly appointed apprentice jester for the Fools' Guild and Feste's new wife, as they try to discover why all the fools based in Constantinople have suddenly gone missing. I was a bit disappointed that this one didn't have much connection to the works of Shakespeare beyond Feste and Viola. I'm hoping some of the next books may have more of those Shakespearean links.
This was one of the my favorite parts, a confrontation between a preacher
Spoiler
actually a fellow fool, Zintziphitzes and Feste:I stared at him, at the finger still pointing at me at the end of his long arm, and could think of nothing better to do but stick out my tongue in reply.
"I apologize, Fool," he cried. "Mark ye, my brethrens, here is a Holy Fool indeed, for he speaks only in tongues.
Verdict
Loved it. Will be looking forward to the next in the series if my library has it.
So, who would enjoy this book?
As with the first in this series, anyone who loves fictional medieval mysteries will really enjoy this. It's a fun read. And because this one doesn't reference Shakespeare's work like the first one, a reader doesn't need to have any knowledge of those works to understand certain details.
miramanga's review
5.0
I absolutely adore this series. The hardcover versions are so beautiful they are worth tracking down and paying good money for. Looking forward to the next.
elusivity's review
3.0
3 STARS
An entertaining addition to the series, this time less to do with Shakespeare and more in Byzantine politics.
Feste, now married to Viola, gets sent to Constantinople to discover why all the Fools there had been killed.
A feather-light series. Enjoyable, nevertheless.
An entertaining addition to the series, this time less to do with Shakespeare and more in Byzantine politics.
Feste, now married to Viola, gets sent to Constantinople to discover why all the Fools there had been killed.
Spoiler
Once there, after some shenanigans and information seeking and burrowing into the grace of the emperor, he unravels a plot to kill the deposed emperor. I'm still not sure what's the point of assassinating the prior emperor -- is it to cut off all possibility of a faction trying to revolt using him as figurehead? Meanwhile, Viola is now an apprentice fool, learning all the tricks of the trade, defending self and Feste with great skill, killing multiple people, practicing spycraft, all that.A feather-light series. Enjoyable, nevertheless.
iceangel9's review
5.0
The second book in A Fools' Guild Mystery series. Six fools have gone missing in Constantinople and Theo and his wife must travel to the fabled city and find out what has happened to them. This series is packed with traitors, spies, assassins, and thoroughly enjoyable ploy twists and humor. Mystery lovers will not be able to put this down. This is a Reader's Corner highly recommended series. It is full of fun and surprises.
caidyn's review
4.0
I just... I love these books. I'm never disappointed because the humor's great, the mystery is intriguing, and the characters are amazing. So, never disappointed at all by them. And, I honestly have nothing else to say about the series.
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