Rating: 
Summary: "Braveheart" or "Romeo & Juliet"
Review: Definitely a surprise! I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. All I could picture in my mind when the main character "Hugh De Luc," came to be, was Mel Gibson leading his army of common folk in the movie "Braveheart." That in conjunction with a "Romeo & Juliet" love story, brings you, "The Jester". It was a let down for me, especially after Andrew Gross and James Patterson co-authored "2nd Chance." In a positive note, the book was very easy reading and the story was easy to follow. In my opinion, this does not fall into the top 5 for James Patterson novels. I love his novels and have read every one of them. This was just a total surprise, kind of like "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas," a book which I thouroughly enjoyed. I guess I'm just to used to the Mystery and suspense that Mr. Patterson is known for and when a book like this shows up, it is as I stated above, a surprise!
Rating: 
Summary: Just Terrible!!
Review: I read the first 150 pages of THE JESTER and, deciding that I'd already wasted more than enough of my time, put it down. This is an awful and absurd novel that no reputable publisher would have touched were it not being shoved down their throats by a best-selling author. I was taken in by the attractive book jacket and the misguided Publishers Weekly blurb featured in the NY Times ad. It's been many years since I've read a James Patterson book. His earlier work was fairly interesting. Though marred by terribly misogynistic scenes (e.g. in KISS THE GIRLS the villian sticks a snake into a woman he's torturing and in POP GOES THE WEASEL a couple of female corpses are found in an apartment, one with her tongue glued to the other's private parts)and silly plotting, the books had a pretty high energy level that kept me reading to the end. But, although he's still employing his short chapters, which are wholly unsuited to historical fiction, Mr. Patterson -- with the assistance of Mr. Gross -- manages to be both inauthentic and dull this time out. For outstanding historical fiction written by a thriller writer one should turn to Ken Follett's masterful PILLARS OF THE EARTH and steer way, way clear of Mr. Patterson's latest effort.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Awful and That's No Jest!
Review: I am a big James Patterson fan and I knew this book was going to be something different, but I never expected it to be so unreadable. I read 50 pages before concluding I had better things to do with my time (luckily, it was a library book!). The book was boring and very violent. I wish that Patterson had given us another Alex Cross book instead.
Rating:
Summary: Tried something new.... didn't work.
Review: I had high hopes when I saw that James Patterson had tried to branch out and try something new. I expected something along the line of Michael Crichton's "Timeline" . I was very disappointed. While it was a quick read, I found it to be beneath Patterson's usual quality of writing. The plot definately had potential but I don't think Patterson did it justice. My advice.... skip this one or just borrow it from the library.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome!
Review: I loved this book. I am not a huge Patterson fan per se. Oddly, I prefer his non-Alex Cross novels (i.e., When the Wind Blows), so I had reserved hopes for The Jester. Others have already given a synopsis, so I won't go into detail; however, I must admit that I could not put this book down. I read it over three nights. Each day I couldn't wait to get home from work so I could start reading again. I read about 2 books a week, and I don't often come across a book that does that for me. If you're hesitant because of the book's subject matter, don't be. While some research was obviously done, this is a "thriller," not a historical. Highly recommended!
Rating: 
Summary: A different James Patterson
Review: I am a great Patterson fan. As soon as he latest book is published I buy it. So The Jester is now sitting on my night table.
It is a very different James Patterson book. Set in the 11th Century in France. I am a history buff so I find the book interesting. I must agree with the other readers in that the Patterson short chapters leaves something to be desired in this type of historical novel. It is not a fast paced read. If you are looking for Alec Cross in a Knights Suit this book is not for you.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent - Braveheart, Gladiator, and Robin Hood in One!
Review: I'll admit it - I was skeptical when I picked up James Patterson's latest novel. Set in 1098? A jester for a hero? The Crusades? Religious relics? Nevertheless, it was a Patterson book, which are usually entertaining, so I picked it up and started reading. Let me tell you something - This is a book you will not want to miss. This book is not a historically precise dialog on the events of the times. It is a thriller, and on that premise, it succeeds. This novel reads exactly like any of Patterson's other thrillers. The chapters are short, the action is fast, the battles are bloody. It is the kind of book that you sit down with the intention of reading 20 pages, and when you next check, you're halfway through it. I was constantly reminded of the movies Braveheart, Gladiator, and Robin Hood, Prince of Theives while I was reading. Serfs are rising against their noble lords, and an army of peasents storms forts manned with soldiers (Braveheart). A man seeks revenge for the killing of his son and wife (Gladiator). Our hero falls in love with a noble woman against the traditions of the times (Robin Hood). If you've seen these movies and you read this book, you'll see what I mean. Make no mistake about it - this book is by no means purely romantic. There is gory violence, dismemberment, and torture. There is love, but there is also sex. There's vulgarity, humor, suffering, and hope. It really does have it all. Some people will not like this book. If you're expecting historical fiction, this is not it. If you want to learn about the Crusades, look elsewhere. Read this book only if you want to be entertained. Patterson's book are akin to watching an action film. You might not learn anything, but you will surely enjoy reading for its own sake. Some people will complain about certain aspects of this book. Is the romance sappy? Absolutely. Is it at times contrived? Sure. Are there some plot jumps that strain credibilty? Probably. Is this one of the more entertaining novels I've read lately? Without question. When you pick this book up, relax, and let yourself be entertained. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: What a fantastic book
Review: I cant believe it i have never read a book like it.From start to end it was like a rollercoaster ride of pain and laughter.Maybe its me, or the fact that I love books like this, but buy buy buy!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: An opportunity wasted.
Review: This book's subject matter had so much potential. Instead, it has been totally wasted. It had a chance to go into detail about the Crusades, relics, siege warfare, French village life, and life in the Courts of France. It seems like it has been dumbed down for eighth graders. Wait for it in paperback.
Rating:
Summary: VERY disappointing!
Review: Hugh De Luc is an adventurous man so it does not come as a surprise to his wife when he goes off to fight in the First Crusade. Hugh, discouraged from his experience in the Crusade, returns home to find villages torched, dozens of towns people slaughtered, his home ransacked and his wife missing all by knights in search of a precious relic. Refusing to believe his wife is dead, Hugh sets out to find her and the only way to do that is to infiltrate the castle where he believes her to be by pretending to be a jester. How do I describe 'The Jester'...well, let's start by saying it's unlike anything James Patterson has written before; it's a historical action/adventure. I will list the good parts first; the pacing of 'The Jester' is fast, the action scenes are exciting and filled with brutal violence, and as always in a Patterson novel the chapters are short and punchy. Now, the bad things; the short and punchy chapters get in the way of the story developing in certain parts, the fast pace makes the story feel rushed at times, there is romance that gets in the way and parts of the book are laughable when meant to be serious. All this mixed together makes for an unsatisfyting read, one that is very disappointing considering James Patterson's previous novels. Readers of this type of fiction might enjoy 'The Jester' for Mr. Patterson's easy to read style of writing, but fans of his previous novels should think long and hard before picking up this one. Nick Gonnella
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