Bantam, Jan 2003, 24.95, 528 pp.
ISBN 055380151
It has been many years since FitzChivalry Farseer has been in Buckkeep or had anything to do with his legitimate relatives but when the Piebalds kidnap Prince Dutiful, Fitz mounts a successful rescue operation. Now he is permanently ensconced in the keep, posing as a bodyguard to a man with more personas then fingers, acting as a spy to his former mentor, Chade the Assassin. Fitz uses the alias Tom Badgerlock because if his real name and identity became known, many people will want him executed for crimes and actions he never committed.
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Tom has many difficult tasks to perform including teaching the Prince how to use Wit and Skill (forms of magic) when he is only learning how to use it himself. He must also keep himself and his Prince safe from the Piebalds, open practitioners of magic who think they should be the ones residing in the seats of power. The prince and Fitz must also be prepared for a quest that might cost them their lives if they complete it.
The hero of GOLDEN FOOL is one of the most likable protagonists to grace a fantasy novel. Unlike most heroes, Fitz isn't very heroic but that doesn't stop him from trying to do the right thing even if he occasionally makes errors. His concern for the well being of his Farseer relatives is another reason that readers will gather him into their hearts. The next installment in this exciting trilogy will take place on the island where the Prince must undertake a quest if he is to stay engaged to the girl who he hopes win one day be his wife so stay tuned to this series.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner