Helpful Score: 2
One of my favorites - set in the medival times and the Crusades. Great character development - great plot with twists and turns to keep you on your toes. GREAT.
Helpful Score: 2
I was plesently surprised to find that this was NOT just another cookie cutter book by James Patterson and one of his numerous co-writers. Although not a "great" book, it is a well written story and an easy read.
Taking place in the eleventh century with the dark side of the Crusades as background Hugh de Luc, the Jester, fights for such timely issues of rightness, morality, justice, freedom, and, of course, love. Above all, it is a book of hope. The phrase "That may be, but it will not always be" repeated throughout the story gives hope to what seems impossible then and now.
Taking place in the eleventh century with the dark side of the Crusades as background Hugh de Luc, the Jester, fights for such timely issues of rightness, morality, justice, freedom, and, of course, love. Above all, it is a book of hope. The phrase "That may be, but it will not always be" repeated throughout the story gives hope to what seems impossible then and now.
Helpful Score: 2
Great book about treasure from the Crusades. Time setting goes back and forth between present day France and 1096 France.
Helpful Score: 1
James Patterson's astonishing seventeenth #1 bestseller. I was unaware that this was a medieval historical novel.
Helpful Score: 1
Most thrilling James Patterson novel yet.
Helpful Score: 1
Not what I expected, but fantastic reading!
Helpful Score: 1
You are about to begin the Most thrilling James Patterson novel yet. Hugh De Luc returns from the Crusades to discover the his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped hiswife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is one of the most puls-pounding adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this one! I don't generally make my husband read books, but I made him read this one, and he loved it too. It's not exactly standard Patterson fare - this could be classified more in the realm of historical fiction. Set during the Crusades for Jerusalem, a man whose wife is kidnapped by marauders and his child murdered sets out on a crusade of his own to find her; disguising himself as a court jester along the way. This book is a must-read for Patterson fans, and I believe that fans of historical fiction or adventure stories would really enjoy it also.
Helpful Score: 1
While I have always been a Patterson fan, I was skeptical about him writing a good historical fiction book. No more doubts - this work meets my strict criteria for good hi-fi. This is not the type of book you can truly escape into, but it's fun, quick and worth it. Feel free to email with any questions. ~LeAnn
Helpful Score: 1
The Jester was a great read. A different Patterson style, and it goes to show what a great writer Patterson is. Patterson changes it up by writing a novel that teaches you about the crusades and what villages and individuals went through searching for the relics of Christ. If you want mystery and murder, you will still get it with the added charm of history.
Helpful Score: 1
Not a typical Patterson book. I loved this.
Helpful Score: 1
Very different for Patterson, but still riveting in a historical sort of way.
Helpful Score: 1
Set in the era of the Crusades. The story of murder and mayham brought about by Fudal Lords and one man's journey of revenge. Good reading, short chapters
Helpful Score: 1
Historical fiction. A story about medieval France and the era of the Crusades with a different point of view. I really liked it.
What a cool read, action, violence, education, and some hillarious jokes! "Jester" is like a stand up, ninja comedian!
I couldn't get into this one. I usually like Patterson, but this one, with all the background on the Crusades, didn't pull me in.
I liked having a mystery from a different era.
I read this book in two days--I couldn't put it down! GREAT read!
very good i wish he would visit this time period again
A great story, really brings you back in time! I recommend it!
fun and fast moving adventure. Jonguleur, turned innkeeper, turned Jester, turned rebel is a character to like. A bit bloody, but fitting for the story.
This book was AWSESOME!!!! That's all i have to say!
This book was a bouble treat as I like the time period and it is a very typical James Patterson novel that keeps you interested from page one.
Fascinating and compelling story - a complete surprise, based on the time of the Crusades! Loved it.
I enjoyed this book tremendously!
Very different type of James Patterson book, but if you stick with it, it has a very good ending!
This is a very poorly written book. if you write a book that takes place long ago, you can't use language that wouldn't take place during that time. I can't recommend this book at all.
Kind of out of character for James Patterson but it was a good book. I enjoyed it greatly.
Abridged - 4 cassette tapes - 6 hours - read by Cary Elwes
This is richly drawn historic novel full of action, suspense and romance. I loved the book and I grew to care about the main characters. The writing was good, although without any great literary pretensions.
That is not to say it was without faults. If anything, it leaned too heavily on the romance angle and I half expected to hear some over-baked "Harlequin" type hyberbole along with the sometimes graphic (though never vulgar) sex scenes. And the protagonist was SO good and SO lucky (I mean, would anyone really be able to survive everything from the Crusades to a wild boar attack????) that I thought he should be addressed as Saint Hugh.
In the audio version, there were two additional weaknesses. One was the use of strong Welsh and British accents for the main characters who are, after all, French. I am glad they didn't opt for phoney French accents, but it was disconcerting nonetheless.
The other, albeit even more minor, distraction was that the narractor called off each chapter number and, given that there were more than 140-something chapters (some very very short) this quickly became annoying.
Still, when the only faults you can find in a book are such minor ones, that says a great deal about the book!
That is not to say it was without faults. If anything, it leaned too heavily on the romance angle and I half expected to hear some over-baked "Harlequin" type hyberbole along with the sometimes graphic (though never vulgar) sex scenes. And the protagonist was SO good and SO lucky (I mean, would anyone really be able to survive everything from the Crusades to a wild boar attack????) that I thought he should be addressed as Saint Hugh.
In the audio version, there were two additional weaknesses. One was the use of strong Welsh and British accents for the main characters who are, after all, French. I am glad they didn't opt for phoney French accents, but it was disconcerting nonetheless.
The other, albeit even more minor, distraction was that the narractor called off each chapter number and, given that there were more than 140-something chapters (some very very short) this quickly became annoying.
Still, when the only faults you can find in a book are such minor ones, that says a great deal about the book!
Tale of good and evil set in the time of the first crusade. Similar to Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet.The story is character driven. You can guess most of the plot before itis handed to you. I put it in the car and listened to it from Greenville, SC to Salina, Ks. It suited my purposes in that regard very well.
I was into the story but it was kinda graphic.
I love this audio book. I bought it on audio book because I found the pronunciation of so much of the written book was difficult, hearing it read by a professional allowed me to enjoy the story much more.
For those of you not familiar with audio books, the are read by talented actors and so well directed they have really come a long way since being read into a tape recorder by some basement dweller. I find them great to listen to at my desk while I am doing something monotonous, it really makes those boring jobs fly by.
For those of you not familiar with audio books, the are read by talented actors and so well directed they have really come a long way since being read into a tape recorder by some basement dweller. I find them great to listen to at my desk while I am doing something monotonous, it really makes those boring jobs fly by.
I couldn't get into this one. This one was too different for me, seemed more historical like. Unabridged - 8 tapes
Historical tone, vivid crusade violence and intrigue.
Very good story. A little different than the usual James Patterson but I really enjoyed it.
interesting storyline, different from patterson's usual ones.
This book started out kind of slow but once I continued I was totally into it and couldn't wait to read more.
This is a "midevil times" type of story which I didn't think I would get into, but I did. A little far-fetched in some spots, but a good story over all.
Well-told story, lots of action & intrigue. An innkeeper returns home from the first Crusade to find that his son has been killed and his wife abducted. He poses as a jester to infiltrate the court where she's being held. The reader's voice and diction are a good match for the setting of this novel.
I haven't listened to this abridgement of the novel, but the novel itself was very good. I wish Patterson were to write more in this vein.
Different for Patterson, okay.
This book was quite different from normal books by James Patterson. I truly enjoyed it :-)
I always enjoy anything written my Patterson. Jester seemed a little out of character for him. It was well written and a book you hate to lay down.
This is an unusual Patterson book and I think it's his best. Set back in the Crusades -- full of suspense, and just a wonderful story. A real favorite of mine!
i am normally not into this type of book its set back in the AGES lol but this was actually really good I didnt want it to end
Well...I have to say this is the worst book that I have read out of about 25 James Patterson books. I had to force myself to continue on and on with this book, but I just could not get into it. If you like Midevil type reading then this may interest you, but for me it was a bad choice on my part for chosing to read this type of book.
If you're a fan of Mr. Patterson's Alex Cross, Lindsay Boxer, Michael Bennett and others of the same genre, be prepared to forget that type of story!
Written with author Andrew Gross, I can't help but wonder if most, if not all, of the book was written by Mr. Gross & Mr. Patterson just put his name on it!
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story at first, due to being used to Mr. Patterson's crime thrillers. However, once I figured out this wasn't one of them, it didn't take long to get interested.
This is a really good story, urging the reader to just keep reading to find out what will happen!
I highly recommend this book. If for no other reason, because it is quite a ride, and very different from all the other Patterson books I've read.
Written with author Andrew Gross, I can't help but wonder if most, if not all, of the book was written by Mr. Gross & Mr. Patterson just put his name on it!
I had a bit of trouble getting into the story at first, due to being used to Mr. Patterson's crime thrillers. However, once I figured out this wasn't one of them, it didn't take long to get interested.
This is a really good story, urging the reader to just keep reading to find out what will happen!
I highly recommend this book. If for no other reason, because it is quite a ride, and very different from all the other Patterson books I've read.
Very different from his series novels, enjoyed it so much. I love his writing but the "bird kids" aren't my thing.
James Patterson and Andrew Gross
4 cassettes/6 hours Read by Cary Elwes
Classic tale of good against evil and the search for love
great adventure set during the times of kings and jesters
Even my husband enjoyed listening to this one.
4 cassettes/6 hours Read by Cary Elwes
Classic tale of good against evil and the search for love
great adventure set during the times of kings and jesters
Even my husband enjoyed listening to this one.
A very different thing to read. Medieval history, with a pretty good story to go with it.
Very differant Patterson but a great story anyway
Not one of my favorite James Patterson Books.
Pleasantly surprised! Not the usual Patterson-must be Andrew Gross!
This is a great read. It completely takes you do a time and place⦠I loved this book.
Excellent book; I could not put it down. Much different than James Patterson novels that I am used to, and well worth the read! Engrossing characters because of their integrity, love and core-strength. I'm rethinking posting this one!
This was a really fun read. I could not put it down and finished it in less than a full day. By far his best book.
I found this book quite entertaining. The jokes that the Jester comes up were quite entertaining. If you want a book that is historically correct and fact ridden this is not the book for you, but if you are reading to be entertained this is not a bad read. The characters are well developed and believable which mad the book a pleasure to read.
An interesting departure in genre for Patterson. Good story.
Another incredible James Patterson book! Very fast read! A little more of an espinage type book than Patterson's norm! Loved it!
This was a very good book. Hugh De Luc is unlucky, but yet luck is with him wherever he travels.
Best Author is the WORLD
This has got to be one of my favorite Patterson books! I love it!
Excellent, engrossing story. Fast paced reading.
Another excellent book by James Patterson! It kept me enthralled to the end.
I was not able to "get into it".
This was the first James Patterson book I read. It is a great read.
Interesting historical read about the crusades and some very different characters.
Patterson has put me on the egde of my seat again--pulse-pounding
I am not a big 'historical' reader, but I am glad I bought this one. Really makes you appreciate what you have in these times.
Like every other book of Patterson's I couldn't put this one down.
If you like historic fiction and mysteries...this is for you!
Awesome read!! Loved, loved loved it!!!
Not your usual Patterson but return to the times of the Crusades and follow Hugh De Luc through a terrifying nightmare. Very good book
WOW! Totally different book from Patterson - but it kept me reading page after page!
A great Mystery. Hugh DeLuc returns from the Crusades to discover that his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. His quest to find Sophie is one of the most pulse-pounding adventures, mysteries and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction.
Love James Patterson, did not love this book.
Different kind of Patterson. I still enjoyed it though. Here is the exerpt from the back cover. "You are about to begin the most thrilling James Patterson novel yet. Hugh De Luc returns from the Crusades to discover that his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is one of the most pulse-pounding adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction."
A different type of yarn for Patterson but very well done and well-researched. I liked it a lot. Gruesome in some parts.
Patterson has basically patented a method of using ghost writers to increase his already excessive output. Here he has handed an outline to Andrew Gross, who did the day-to-day writing of the book. But unlike traditional ghost writing, here Gross gets a full cover credit. He has since gone on to develop his own series.
I only skimmed through this story. It is written at a fifth grade reading level, with extremely short chapters, convenient for the bathroom reader. It is set in the "Middle Ages" but the style is utterly modern, full of 20th century idioms that constantly poke through the scenery, particularly in the dialogue.
Yes, I thought this book was trash. I am only reviewing it because PBS shoved it in my face for some reason.
I only skimmed through this story. It is written at a fifth grade reading level, with extremely short chapters, convenient for the bathroom reader. It is set in the "Middle Ages" but the style is utterly modern, full of 20th century idioms that constantly poke through the scenery, particularly in the dialogue.
Yes, I thought this book was trash. I am only reviewing it because PBS shoved it in my face for some reason.
apoor innkeeper returns from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the holy land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.
A different kind of story from Patterson, but I could not put it down. Patterson doesn't disappoint!
Hugh De Luc, a poor innkeeper, returns home from the First Crusade wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage. After journeying from the Holy Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning.
In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abjucted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life.
In his absence, Hugh's son has been killed and his beloved wife, Sophie, abjucted by a ruthless duke in search of a priceless relic dating back to the Crucifixion. Taking on the role of a jester, Hugh infiltrates the court where he believes Sophie is held captive. There he confronts men more evil than he ever imagined and embarks on an epic battle to restore his broken life.
Hugh DeLuc,a poor innkeeper,returns home from the First Crusade
wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage.After journeying from the Holey Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning
wearied from battle and disillusioned by carnage.After journeying from the Holey Land back to his own small village, he finds his nightmare is just beginning
FROM OUR EDITORS
A disillusioned warrior returning home from the Crusades discovers to his horror that the peaceful village he left has been ransacked and plundered, and his beloved wife is missing, abducted by knights in pursuit of a great treasure. To retrieve his mate, the warrior must infiltrate the enemy's castle. To do so, he dons the cap and bells of a jester. Once again, plot master James Patterson proves that a radical departure need not be a wrong turn. Readers will find plenty of Patterson's trademark suspense, in addition to a healthy dose of wit.
A disillusioned warrior returning home from the Crusades discovers to his horror that the peaceful village he left has been ransacked and plundered, and his beloved wife is missing, abducted by knights in pursuit of a great treasure. To retrieve his mate, the warrior must infiltrate the enemy's castle. To do so, he dons the cap and bells of a jester. Once again, plot master James Patterson proves that a radical departure need not be a wrong turn. Readers will find plenty of Patterson's trademark suspense, in addition to a healthy dose of wit.
JAMES PATTERSON'S ONE OF THE BEST MYSTERY AUTHORS AROUND
One of Patterson's best! Easy to read; hard to stop!
Loved, loved, loved this book!!!!!!!!! Very different from the usual JP. I could not put it down and when I shared with my husband he finished it in a day as well. I wish he would write another!
Good book
Interesting medieval story about the Crusades, and relationships between nobles and commoners. Hugh is searching for his wife. What is the mysterious relic he has that the nobles want and are willing to do anything to get? Some violence.
You are about to begin the most thrilling James Patterson novel yet. Hugh De Luc returns from the Crusades to discover that his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is one of the most pulse pounding adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable lvoe stories in all of thriller fiction.
IT'S JAMES PATTERSON!!!
Not your normal James Patterson, but an excellent book.
A GREAT READ ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE WHO LOVES HISTORY.
This was the first and only James Patterson book I have read. At first, I was put off by the very short, simple sentence structure. It almost seemed like a grade school book. After I got used to the writing style, the story turned out to be pretty good.
Hugh De Luc reutrns from the Crusades to discover that his terrifying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is one of the most pulse-pounding adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction.
You are about to begin the most thrilling James Patterson novel yet. Hugh De Luc returns from the Crusades to discover that his trrigying nightmare has just begun. Merciless killers have slain his young son, kidnapped his wife, Sophie, and destroyed his town in their search for a priceless relic from the Crucifixion. Hugh's quest to find Sophie is on of the mose pulse-pounding adventures, musteries and unforgettable love stories in all of thriller fiction.
Arriving home disillusioned from the Crusades, Hugh discovers that his village has been ransacked and his wife abducted by knights in search of a relic worth more than any throne in Europe. Only by taking on the role of a jester is he able to infiltrate his enemy's castle, where he thinks his wife is captive.
With the unstoppable pace and plot of a page-turning Alex Cross novel, THE JESTER is a breathtakingly romantic, pulse-pounding adventure-one that could only be conjured by the mind of James Patterson. Everyone who has ever hoped for good to defeat evil or for love to conquer all will not be able to stop turning the pages of this masterful novel of virtue, laughter-yes, laughter-and suspense.
With the unstoppable pace and plot of a page-turning Alex Cross novel, THE JESTER is a breathtakingly romantic, pulse-pounding adventure-one that could only be conjured by the mind of James Patterson. Everyone who has ever hoped for good to defeat evil or for love to conquer all will not be able to stop turning the pages of this masterful novel of virtue, laughter-yes, laughter-and suspense.
