JESTER follows Tazio, a brooding street performer on the tumultuous, recently settled continent of Novra. When his life is ruined by a king on a fresh conquest, Tazio is lit with fiery resolve. On his quest for vengeance, Tazio is thrown into a world of mind-bending magic, ancient feuds, and dark society.

JESTER could appeal to readers of series like The Gentlemen Bastards, The Kingkiller Chronicles, and The Alchemist. I wrote it with commercial appeal in mind, as I’m attracted to accessible fantasy. It is full of adventure, romance, and gray, complex characters. Inspired by the Fool's proximity to power in King Lear, the story explores how a jester might look as the hero.

—R.C. ALLAN