Decent Fantasy

Entertaining fantasy - with Mark Lawrence own brand of unrighteous narrative. I enjoy the characters - though some can be a bit simple. I really like the reasoning around bravery being another form of cowardice.

Yet, as with his first trilogy in this universe - his story does not manage to grip me. I fall off the plot...

(This is not a problem in the author's new series "Red Sisters". No doubt his best work so far - highly recommended)

I will continue with the story though.

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Great narrator

I have read the books but really enjoyed the audiobook. The narrator brings the world to life.

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Broken empire,but fromadifferent view.

What did you like most about Prince of Fools?

You recognize bits of it,it is the same world. But two very different perspectives, from very different characters. It has much more humor, The story is as good and well written, drawing you in and leaving you wanting more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prince of Fools?

if you want to make a clean escape getting stuck in a toilet windows not good.

Which character – as performed by Sean Ohlendorf – was your favourite?

It has to be Jalan or Snorri, but I can not choose which.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did, it just keeps pulling you along.

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A Double Trouble Team! Voiced by One Man!

Not only is this a hugely entertaining story full of fun, mayhem and magic and the best character duo ever!
Both the main protagonists Prince Jarlan and Snorri the Viking (and the rest of the varied cast) are voiced by the truly amazingly talented Sean!!! I seriously can't get across how perfect the pitch and tone and accent was for each character... If this ever got into TV or Film I'm afraid I would have to insist on Sean dubbing over the actors.

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Great listen

A great start to the second trilogy of stories set in The Broken Empire. Taking place in the same world and timeframe of the Prince of Thorns series, this book was an exciting and well performed audiobook. The narrator quite easily took on the mantle of Jalen Kendeth and did a fantastic job overal. Jalen and Snorri are very easy to like and the adventure rattles along at a good pace. I enjoyed it a lot. If you liked the first series I would think you would enjoy this as well.

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what can I say ? !!! I love books by Mark Lawrence

I loved listening to this the story is smart funny and dark. Sean You are a fantastic story teller !!! Thank you Mark and Thank you Sean!

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Loved this book!

Didn't want this book to end, completely immersive. Narration was excellent also. Buying the next book now.

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terribly flat & boring narration, which grows on u

terribly flat and boring narration. his accents are all over the place. nothing like the guy who narrated the last series. shame

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Hits the right spot - More please!

A great follow-up to the broken empire trilogy

Story – 4.5/5

I enjoyed the entire novel, which got better as it moved through the plot. The last 2 hours were superb, and reminded me a little of the film “The 13th Warrior” with the Viking element and the quest to banish evil lurking and getting stronger somewhere.

The story lost the depth provided by the different time frames that ML’s other trilogy had, but it did give the story a lot more focus, so I would say it puts them even. Jalan wasn’t as interesting as Jorg was, but being cowardly and self centered is never a great protagonist choice in a story. Once again though, it was evened out by Snorri the viking, who is the complete opposite in character and much more likeable. The conversations between these two characters and the prose that Mark Lawrence uses are quite witty and clever at times, and had me laughing out loud here and there. Each of the characters develop in their own way, and Jalan becomes much more likeable as the story progresses.

As well as the ending, one of my favourite aspects of the entire book has to be the overlap with the “Prince of Thorns” storyline. This helped to join the dots up in the world, and gain more perspective for how large and wide it is. It was also a very amusing crossover that I hope is done more with future stories in this world.

Performance – 4.5/5

Sean Ohlendorf was excellent – not too dissimilar to Joe Jameson actually. There were no changes in character voices to be concerned about, as apart from one or two small cameos, none of the characters were the same. His voice suited the age and maturity level of the main character perfectly.

All voice acting was distinct, and there was never any confusion between characters. Actions were performed where possible, rather than read out of the book (like sighs and coughs etc), making the story flow more naturally. Sean Ohlendorf was able to sweep us along with the atmosphere, speeding up reading to raise more excitement during the action scenes. All in all, a first rate narrator who I will look out for.


Overall – 4.5/5

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Good Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Prince of Fools to be better than the print version?

Yes I really enjoy listening to this story. A good narrator hooks you in and you just can't stop listening.

What other book might you compare Prince of Fools to, and why?

Mix between Age of Iron, Joe Abercrombie and Lies of Lock Lamora

What does Sean Ohlendorf bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Brings the characters more to life whilst still allowing your imagination to run free.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Snorri relating the death of his children

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2 people found this helpful