The Tower of Fools - The Hussite Trilogy (Paperback)
Andrzej Sapkowski (author), David French (translator)Published: 08/07/2021
Opening a dazzling new fantasy epic from the author of the Witcher stories, Tower of Fools sees doctor-magician Reynevan fight injustice in an old Europe ravaged by religious wars and hostility to new ideas.
A brand-new historical fantasy from a legend of the genre
Reinmar of Bielawa, sometimes known as Reynevan, is a doctor, a magician and, according to some, a charlatan.
Discovered in bed with the wife of a high-born knight, he must flee his normal life. But his journeys will lead him into a part of Europe which will be overtaken by chaos. Religious tension between Hussite and Catholic countries is threatening to turn into war.
Pursued not only by the affronted Stercza brothers, bent on vengeance, but also by the Holy Inquisition, and with strange, mystical forces gathering in the shadows, Reynevan finds himself in the Narrenturm, the Tower of Fools. The Tower is an asylum for the mad, or for those who dare to think differently and challenge the prevailing order. The 'patients' of this institution form a gallery of colourful types including the young Copernicus, proclaiming the truth of his heliocentric solar system.
But can Reynevan escape the Tower, and avoid being drawn in to the conflict around him, without losing his own mind?
The first in an epic new trilogy set during the vibrantly depicted Hussite Wars by Andrzej Sapkowski, author of the bestselling Witcher series that has become an international phenomenon and inspired a bestselling videogame and Netflix show.
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
ISBN: 9781473226142
Number of pages: 576
Weight: 400 g
Dimensions: 198 x 130 x 38 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
Sapkowski's love for the period is clear as he touches on notorious historical events and figures, including the Defenestration of Prague and printing press inventor Johannes Gutenberg. The carefully painted landscapes and intricate politics, meanwhile, effortlessly draw readers into Reinmar's life and times. This is historical fantasy done right - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A ripping yarn delivered with world-weary wit, bursting at the seams with sex, death, magic and madness - Joe Abercrombie
A well-crafted mix of historical fiction and fantasy with engaging characters, a tight plot and a unique setting - Grimdark Magazine
A bloody but satisfying picaresque - Guardian
You may also be interested in...
“A penitential cross”
The author is well known for his Witcher series and many readers will be attracted to this novel for that reason. Be aware that this historical fantasy is very different. Ye gods, there is a tremendous amount going on... More
“Whilst it's not The Witcher...”
... The Tower of Fools is still a decently-paced, enjoyable read.
With less magic and monsters but more history and intrigue, this book is a solid start to a series I anticipate eagerly. The story opens in a mess of...
More
“Historical fantasy set in Central Europe - entertaining enough”
Firstly I had to realise that I didn’t need to remember the countless local names of places and people which, as written for a probably Polish readership, I certainly don’t know how to pronounce. The author throws a... More
Please sign in to write a review
Sign In / Register
Sign In
Download the Waterstones App
Would you like to proceed to the App store to download the Waterstones App?