(I didn't find it especially credible, by the way, that someone should have such a very heavy accent who, although originally from a remote mountain area, had grown up mostly not in that area.

One of the characters even gets his heavy accent into the free indirect speech in which his viewpoint is depicted. This is one of those books - I've seen a few lately, so I assume it's a new trend - that brings back an older narratorial approach of an omniscient implied narrator with an ironic tone, moving freely between the viewpoints of a number of hapless characters, who may or may not be protagonists. If this is Eva Sandor's first venture into this genre, then I personally can't wait for the next one. The biggest compliment I can give it is that it smacks of good, British style humour. There will obviously be the comparisons to Terry Pratchett (in the UK), but I'm leaning more towards Tom Holt.

The author should be praised for her style, humour and intelligence. He became my anti-hero by the end of the book.Īll the characters in the book were colourful, but I also thought having the talking magpie, Corvinalias, was a masterstroke. But as the chapters went by, I did keep adding to it. Also, there is much to be admired about how the characters developed as the novel progressed.įred's resume was quite long. I think that is why the book and writing were so enjoyable. But you have to remember the period the book is set in, so wordy and flowery writing is allowed.

The writing is Shakespearean at times, and a touch of Blackadder thrown in. The author is a talented individual, and if this is her first novel, then it's an absolute pearler. Seriously though, Fool's proof is a terrific read. I thought this novel was imaginative, inventive and impressive.

Fool's Proof by Eva Sandor