The Tower of Fools

Starred review from August 10, 2020
Sapkowski, author of the bestselling Witcher saga, sets a sharply detailed fantasy of magic, lust, and mayhem, the first in a new series, against the backdrop of the religious wars of the Renaissance as Czech Hussite reformers battle Catholic Inquisitors across Central Europe. Caught up in the cross-crusades, Reinmar of Bielawa, a scholar of medicine and magic, unwisely woos a married noblewoman, Adèle of Stercza, and must flee her husband’s kin when their tryst is discovered. When his pursuers realize they cannot catch him, they murder his brother instead and Reinmar swears vengeance. To the constant dismay of his companions—stoic Scharley, a paroled rebel, and hulking Samson, a supernatural creature trapped in a human body—Reinmar is impulsive, loyal to the point of foolishness, and frequently smitten (moving on from his infatuation with Adèle to an obsession with “the fair Nicolette”), making their plans to escape to Hungary less and less likely to succeed. 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. Agent: Patricia Pasqualini, Patricia Pasqualini Literary Agency.

May 1, 2020

Polish author Sapkowski, celebrated for his "Witcher" novels--the basis of what was Netflix's second most watched series in 2019--returns with more fantasy. Set during the Hussite wars, this first in a trilogy features Reinmar of Bielau, forced to flee his home and then to shelter in the Narrenturm, the Tower of Fools. With a 30,000-copy paperback first printing.

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2020
This newly translated novel by the author of the popular Witcher series presents a series of picaresque adventures set in Silesia in 1425, a relatively peaceful place simmering with tension from the ongoing crusades against the Hussites in neighboring Bohemia. Reinmar of Bielawa, a skilled physician, amateur mage, and lover of the very much married Ad�le of Stercza, is discovered by Ad�le's brothers-in-law (one of whom accidentally dies) and launched into a series of misadventures. Eventually aided by the cynical and mysterious "penitent" Scharley, Reinmar will, through his own hapless naivete, end up in several jails, a witches' sabbath, a robber lord's castle, and a madhouse. All the while, Reinmar must try and escape the vengeful Sterczas, a mysterious shape-shifting knight, and the inquisitors of the Holy Office. While the sheer amounts of characters, historical names, and untranslated Latin may daunt some readers, Sapkowski's energetic and satirical prose as well as the unconventional setting makes this a highly enjoyable historical fantasy. Recommended for Sapkowksi's many existing fans and for fans of historical fantasy in general.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)