Prince of Fools

Hmm! I feel like an outlier here as everyone seems to adore the book. I found it only so so. Maybe Its because I have a hard time not giggling over a hero who is named “Jalan”, which means road in Malay. But maybe because I found the plot very simple and wanted more of a challenge. I didn't really like Jalan. A charming rogue, yes, but insufferably immature and obstinate in his ways. Again, I am spoiled by my usual hardened, bitter and gloomy fantasy heroes. Also, the world seemed vague and the magical system even more so.

And some plot points seemed rushed aside. Like, why was Jalan chosen to bear the magic? Why did he agree to be dragged to the north? Why can he see the silent sister?

Still, Lawrence kept me turning the pages - which surprised me since I had these negatives about the tale. I suppose, in the end, I was a tad charmed by Jalan and the Viking Snorrin. But how I wished the story had more depth...