Rating: 
Summary: Modern ideas ancient setting
Review: I liked this book. I could not put it down, there were times my heart was literally pumping to find out what was about to happen. However, I have to agree with some of the negative reviews here regarding the historical research. I seriously doubt they used "modern terms" when cursing and calling names. I can't count how many times the F word is delivered in a totally gratuitous manner. All in all this book WAS a good read, however, I would have been more impressed had the authors spent more time recreating and AUTHENTIC medieval setting. I felt as if they were a couple of gangly pimple faced teenagers throwing the F word in for a grin from their peers. Such attempts were poorly placed, and I was a little embarrassed at the adolescent attempt to curry favor. Such drivel is beyond the level that Patterson has before this time attained. B
Rating: 
Summary: Sex, Violence and a Whole Bunch of Fun
Review: Hugh De Luc hopes to gain his freedom from servitude by joining the Crusades. Pope Urban has promised to protect the families of the Crusaders, so he feels save in leaving his beloved Sophie in their small French village while goes away to fight. The trip to the Holy Land takes months, the travel conditions take their toll and morale is low. Finally they reach Antioch, a heavily fortified walled city controlled by the Turks. Many Crusaders die. Dismemberments, rolling heads, skin burned off by boiling oil and arrows through necks are just a few ways that the brave Crusaders meet their demise. Hugh survives and recognizes the futility of it all. He deserts and returns to his village, only to find more heartache and pain. Sophie may be dead, his home has been destroyed. He suspects who his enemies are, but can do nothing right away, so he becomes a jester and plots his revenge. Sex, violence, humor, dirty words and a whole bunch of fun. Five great big stars from me. Reviewed by Vesta Irene
Rating:
Summary: A Different Genre For Patterson
Review: I have to admit that when I started reading this book, it began like his mysteries/thrillers. Then it jumped back to the time of the Crusades - involving a court jester, his life and how he gets revenge for the death of his wife and son. This was definitely a different change for Patterson, but his writing is so well done that I could stop listening to this (I got the book unabridged on cassette). The reader was excellent and literally brought the story to life. Patterson is wonderful with his research and weaves all the aspects together beautifully. This is a must for any Patterson fan, even if you aren't a fan of "medieval" mysteries.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining
Review: The Jester is pretty entertaining. The storyline is a bit far-fetched. However, the book is well written and the underlying concept is good. A man's wife and child are killed and he seeks vengence by infiltrating the enemy's keep. A good read.
Rating: 
Summary: Should be a textbook in "Writing 101" classes!
Review: Having read this book, whenever anyone describes something as being written "like a bad novel", you will now understand exactly what the expression means. Had I not known the name of the author, I would have thought this to be the work of a singularly ungifted amateur - possibly in their late teens; if I had to read one more time how something had "lanced", "stabbed" or "flashed" through the main protagonist's body or mind, I think I would throw up. The practice of hack writers hiding behind the huge letters of the name of an established author on the cover (Tom Clancy, you have a lot to answer for) may bring in money for the aforementioned author, but it sullies his reputation as surely as if he had written it all himself, instead of just suggesting the outline premise and laughing all the way to the bank. What a shame that his fans are crying all the way to the trash can. Badly done, Mr. Patterson.
Rating:
Summary: Take a pass on this one...
Review: I was really looking forward to reading this book. I've read most of Patterson's novels and this has to be my least favorite. It was completely predictable. There were two reasons I finished the book. One was to find out if my guesses were right, and they were. I was very dissappointed. The other reason was just plain curiosity. I wanted to find out how it ended. Also, I can understand being historically accurate with life during the Middle Ages. However, I had a hard time reading about children being killed and raped. Some parts are even worse. (Did we really need to know what happened to Hugh's son?) If you have kids of your own, be warned this isn't an easy read.
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Summary: Patterson Takes a Stab at Fantasy
Review: A fun read, really engaging. Patterson, known for his suspense thrillers, takes a new stab at the world of fantasy. Based during the time of the Crusades, we follow a man searching for his long lost wife. This book also forces us to realize the strength of the bonds of love, and how we should never let a challenge get the best of us. This is a great read and takes you to a place outside of the real world where you can escape the stresses of your own life.
Rating:
Summary: This story is a work of art
Review: Hugh de Luc may be the first (and only?) French hero. Then again, this is a work of fiction. In all seriousness, this is a fabulous David and Goliath story. The story has rich characters and is wonderfully written. A close second to Crichton's "Timeline."
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic!
Review: I was very reluctant to read this book and left it in the cupboard for around 2 months before I decided to read it. I was very unsure about the fact that Mr P and Mr G were trying something new and was worried that it would be a very weak book. I started reading it on Tuesday morning and by Wednesday night, to my partners delight, I had finished it. It was FANTASTIC. I loved the book so much. They really made the characters leap off the page and become a movie playing in your mind. It was soo amazing. You actually went through the emotions with the characters and once I had finished the book, although I was glad with the outcome, I was also sad that I wouldn't be reading any more about them. 10 / 10. Again I marvel at your genius!
Rating:
Summary: Could Be My Fav Patterson...
Review: ...and that's saying a lot. I can see on the surface where the Jester might turn some people (even Patterson diehards) off. A love story, adventure, mystery all wrapped in the setting of the Crusades? This is definitely a departure for Patterson and if you go into this expecting Alex Cross I can see where you'd be disappointed. That being said, the Jester has slowly become one of my favorite Patterson novels to date. I say slowly because I have found that this story has stayed with me much longer than a Cross novel. This is the type of story that is allowed to stew in your mind and grow with time. I highly recommend the Jester. Hugh De Luc plays the key role in this novel. An innkeeper with adventurous ambition, Hugh leaves his family and home to pursue riches in the Crusades. The Crusade story line does not dominate and should not scare away the casual reader. The setting merely sets the stage for Hugh's acquisition of a relic that's value is unknown to even him. Upon Hugh's return home he finds his village in shambles and his family presumably dead. This sets in motion the key storyline of the Jester as Hugh goes in search of those responsible for ruining his life. A David vs. Goliath revenge story unfolds with Hugh resorting to any means necessary to get close to those responsible for his pain, even resorting to taking up the role of a jester. Here is able to gain the trust of those responsible and devise a plot worthy of the pain he has endured. Along the way Hugh gains allies and uncovers truths beyond his imagination. Patterson's imagery and detail pull you into the story as you root for Hugh in his own personal crusade. Patterson and co-collaberator Andrew Gross tie everything together in a climatic final battle, discovery, and of course a Patterson plot twist. The plot twist can be seen coming and came as little surprise to me. While fault could be found in this fact, I still found The Jester well worth the time. Patterson's trademark rapid pace keeps the pages turning and suspense mounting.
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