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Reader Reviews:

A fairytale that is both traditional and unusual (5 out of 5 stars)

The major arcana of the tarot deck are often said to represent different stages of life's journey, beginning with the naive, innocent Fool (Arcanum 0) and ending with the all-encompassing wisdom of the World (Arcanum 21). The symbols of the major arcana were chosen as they represent the life journeys of so many people, but to people with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), life tends to feel even more like the relentless series of challenges depicted in the tarot, and it is on the framework of the major arcana that Rudy Simone, AS author of a number of non-fiction books on the syndrome, has chosen to build the plot of The Fool, the first in her series of YA fantasy novels.

The Fool of the book's title is the protagonist, Orsath, and it is revealing that traditional illustrations of Fool tarot cards tend to feature a slightly eccentric, unkempt individual who does not seem to be fully aware of the world around him. Like his creator, Orsath displays AS personality traits that influence his journey and his perception of it, and while The Fool is in many ways firmly rooted in the traditional fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm, with the same wonderful sense of language and storytelling tradition, Orsath's AS personality gives the story a refreshing twist, and one that should appeal to anyone (AS or otherwise) seeking an alternative to the almost-too-perfect fantasy heroes one tends to find in this genre.-- from Amazon UK, Kindle edition Feb. 20, 2011

A Brilliant Book by a Brilliant Author (5 out of 5 stars)

This is a brilliant book by a brilliant author. I've read all Rudy's books and she provides real and down to earth descriptions of Asperger Syndrome in her factual/non fiction books. The Fool is fiction - it is a Fantasy Story and is written with the most active of imaginations. It is suitable for both children and adults, but especially for people who enjoy the fantasy world and for people who are different. If I was still working with teenagers with Asperger Syndrome, I would definitely be reading this to them. But as an adult with AS I thoroughly enjoyed it myself and I'm looking forward to parts 2 and 3. Hurry up Rudy! -- from Amazon UK, Kindle edition Feb. 18, 2011

The FOOL - Part I: Orsath the Singer

Orsath is a young man who doesn't fit in to his small-minded little town of Bamburgh. His dream is to become a singer like his hero, Coist Montpelier, but along the way, he is sidetracked by Tumulty Fix, the Magician who promises him power; Hassania, the fortunetelling wyvern who offers safety and security; while Tuhramet, City of Dreams offers him his first real chance of success. A host of unforgettable characters, including mother Abalone and stepfather Winch Limberger, Stifu the evil monk, Cirrus the charioteer of souls, the beautiful Sulahain and more, will aid and thwart him in his dreams of fulfillment and belonging.

Orsath the Singer is part one of three. Loosely based on the tarot, you don't have to be a tarot lover to love this book. It is a classic YA fantasy in every sense. If you have ever felt different from the rest, or if you have dreams beyond the confines of your current existence, this book is for you.

The Fool Part I is 155 pages of adventure, magic, music and musings from a hero that is no Harry Potter. Orsath often gets things wrong and he often goes it alone, except for the steadfast companionship of his Dog. You will relate to him, you will root for him, and you will ultimately love, Orsath the Fool.

Chapters:
0 - The Fool 1 - The Magician
2 - The Fortuneteller 3 - The Mother
4 - The Emperor 5 - The Herufan
6 - The Lovers 7 - The Charioteer

The Fool draws on all the author's vivid imagination, dreams, experiences and early influences: CS Lewis, Tolkien, Monty Python (particularly Terry Jones), Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, and a life-long fascination with the beautiful images of the many thousands of tarot decks in existence.

This is one of the BEST books I have read! Rudy Simone is an AWESOME writer. She was able to incorporate real life examples of how people who are different are thought of and treated, into a world of magic. This is a wonderful book and I can't wait for the next one! ---Lindsey, from Amazon reviews

Written by Rudy Simone, winner of the
2010 Independent Publishers Gold Medal Award

and

ForeWord Review's Book of the Year 2010

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