Jester Leaps In is the second installment of Alan Gordon’s medieval series involving the mysterious Fool’s Guild. This concept of jesters and fools belonging to a secret organization that infiltrates and manipulates European politics in the early thirteen century is both ingenious and intriguing. The fools in Gordon’s world are very well-educated in different languages, know all manners of songs and physically adept for tumbling, juggling and many other acrobatic feats. They must maintain their abilities while subtly influencing the minds and opinions of the powers that be to keep the rules of Europe from assassinating each other or plunging the continent into war.
Feste is now married to the Duchess Viola, whose ducal responsibilities have ended. She is more than happy to be with him and learn the trade. Feste is recovering from the wound he received when an arrow pierced him through the thigh in Thirteenth Night, the previous and first novel in the series.
Feste and Viola are sent to Constantinople to investigate the disappearance of six fools, who haven’t been heard from in months. Political intrigue surrounds the Byzantine throne. The current Emperor has imprisoned and blinded his brother, the previous emperor. His nephew has escaped his clutches and fled to the protection of his sister in Germany.
Feste is reluctant to bring Viola into such potential danger, but she is adamant to stay with him. However as a safety precaution, Feste insists she disguise as a man and continue her training. Viola is not happy with those conditions but understands the needs for the ruse, since it allows her to do some prying while Feste entertains the masses.
Gordon’s choice of a fool for a sleuth/spy is interesting but it makes sense. As he portrays in this story, emperors and empresses enjoy the company of fools or jesters because of their entertainment. During these happy moments, rules let their guard down, voicing plans and opinions that otherwise would not be so freely given. A fool can influence decisions with jokes or quips, or hear about plots that others would pay dearly to learn.
The Guild in this series is intent upon keeping the peace and in Jester Leaps In, Feste and Viola prevent an assassination that could spark a vicious war for control of the Byzantine throne.
The plot is intriguing and very easy to follow with Gordon’s ability to help the reader visualize the environs of Constantinople in the year 1202.
Jester Leaps In has some good surprises if not many twists but it is an exciting page turner for all medieval mystery enthusiasts.
Feste is now married to the Duchess Viola, whose ducal responsibilities have ended. She is more than happy to be with him and learn the trade. Feste is recovering from the wound he received when an arrow pierced him through the thigh in Thirteenth Night, the previous and first novel in the series.
Feste and Viola are sent to Constantinople to investigate the disappearance of six fools, who haven’t been heard from in months. Political intrigue surrounds the Byzantine throne. The current Emperor has imprisoned and blinded his brother, the previous emperor. His nephew has escaped his clutches and fled to the protection of his sister in Germany.
Feste is reluctant to bring Viola into such potential danger, but she is adamant to stay with him. However as a safety precaution, Feste insists she disguise as a man and continue her training. Viola is not happy with those conditions but understands the needs for the ruse, since it allows her to do some prying while Feste entertains the masses.
Gordon’s choice of a fool for a sleuth/spy is interesting but it makes sense. As he portrays in this story, emperors and empresses enjoy the company of fools or jesters because of their entertainment. During these happy moments, rules let their guard down, voicing plans and opinions that otherwise would not be so freely given. A fool can influence decisions with jokes or quips, or hear about plots that others would pay dearly to learn.
The Guild in this series is intent upon keeping the peace and in Jester Leaps In, Feste and Viola prevent an assassination that could spark a vicious war for control of the Byzantine throne.
The plot is intriguing and very easy to follow with Gordon’s ability to help the reader visualize the environs of Constantinople in the year 1202.
Jester Leaps In has some good surprises if not many twists but it is an exciting page turner for all medieval mystery enthusiasts.
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