The novel gets off to a rather slow start, introducing new characters a bit too quickly without fully outlining what Malfred’s goals are from the beginning. This joyful adventure tale overall does well to balance the colorful cast of characters with exciting action sequences and interpersonal drama. Multiple narrators throughout the story add tension and complexity to the fantasy tale, while also acting as a gentle way to world build within the narrative.
The characters shine in Fool’s Proof, from goofy Malfred to the stunning Ox-Train Queen, each tale standing independently until the very end. Sandor crafts the hero not as someone out of a fairy tale, but rather as a flawed yet enduring friend. His humor, ingenuity and silver tongue aid in his survival and keep the reader interested along the journey. As our protagonist, he exudes a relatable and comedic amount of bravado compared his fleet footed companions. The story of Malfred’s journey from disgraced, penniless exile to swashbuckling adventurer is more of a winding path than a forward uphill climb. At that point, Fred can only hope his improvisational skills will see him through in one piece.
Soon Fred is wrapped up in a dangerous rescue mission, the stakes of which he doesn’t comprehend until it’s much too late to back out. A case of mistaken identity and good timing see Fred into the favor of Dame Elsebet de Whellen, proud ruler of a technologically advanced neighboring country. A smooth talker and an even better backflipper, Fred and his bird companion Corvinalias can’t seem to stay out of trouble after being banished from the King’s Court. This charming comedy-of-errors follows the whimsical odyssey of former Royal Fool Malfred Murd. Fool’s Proof is at times fantastical, occasionally ominous, but always witty.
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