Reviews of
A Fool's Disciple
by Donald C. Lee

A Fool's Disciple is an absorbing novel of history, mystery and adventure with philosophical overtones. The book is set in England and France in the year 1209 when crusades were taking the lives of a million Catharis, members of a religious sect in the south of France.

Anthony, a 16-year old novice monk, is being pursued by unknown enemies. He sets out to identify those enemies and learn what they want of him. This quest leads him to search for his true identity, his personal nature, and his rightful place in the world.

In the course of his odyssey, the young hero will encounter fortune telling gypsies and a distressed damsel, battle a ferocious beast, duel with jealous and vengeful knights, undergo quasi-supernatural experiences, endure imprisonment in a dungeon, and repel the machinations of a treacherous nobleman.

The evil our protagonist witnesses combined with his exposure to Cathari beliefs cause him to question some of the precepts he learned in the monastery and reconsider age old questions: What is the nature of God? Why is there evil in the world? Which religious doctrine has the truth? Do we have the knowledge to judge the infinite? The philosophical insights laced through the book engage the reader intellectually and provide layers of meaning to the work.

This book will appeal to lovers of historical fiction as well as to students of philosophy. On another level it will resonate with many contemporary readers as a coming of age novel. The story traces the physiological and physical maturing of a naive, idealistic youth and celebrates the virtues of honesty, courage and loyalty. Elements of mystery surround the identity of the protagonist and the reader is treated to a surprise ending. The author also provides us with a convincing depiction of the cadence of thirteenth century life.

An underlying theme of this romantic and entertaining novel is the need to be true to yourself. When Alexander the Great cut the Gordion Knot, he became ruler of world. Young Anthony learns that he must cut his own knot in order to conquer himself.

~ Fran Zimmerman/English teacher and writer

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In A Fool's Disciple, the main character, Anthony has survived virtually every trial of life imaginable. There remains only one unanswered question: will Anthony survive true love? This delightful novel set in medieval times has all the ingredients: romance, adventure, conflict, failure, triumph -- a true hero's journey. Don Lee has provided an example of excellent research as well as a most accurate presentation of philosophy and religion and the symbolism associated with each of these ideas play out in the historic era of the Middle Ages of Europe.

This adventure is stimulating both intellectually and sensually. An engaging read.

~ William Kimbrough

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THE FOOL'S DISCIPLE is a richly detailed and engaging tale for readers tired of predictable fiction. Combining myth, romance, adventure and philosophy, it tells the story of Anthony, the young English monk in search of his identity, pursued by a diabolical enemy across medieval England and France.

The author, Don Lee, has scrupulously researched the life of 13th Century Europe so that his characters and scenes burst with realistic vitality. From Anthony, the frightened boy monk dressed in vines and branches to Anthony the reluctant young knight fighting for the Cathari to Anthony facing down the powers of Hell, this is one of the most engaging heroes a reader is likely to encounter in historical fiction.

Anthony's world is barbed with danger. Whom can he trust? Bernard, the minstrel who perhaps too fortuitously appears just in time to save him from his pursuers? Or the half-heathen Gwendolyn who consorts with an ancient god while claiming to love only Anthony. Or Sir Guy who defies the Roman church and claims to know the truth of Anthony's identity. And then there is Lord Natasa. Should he be trusted? Should Anthony accept his black bargain?

Woven into this intriguing story are the myths and philosophical debates of the time. Poor Anthony must sort his way through it all with only his good sense and pure heart to guide him. How he does it and how it all ends makes for wonderful reading.

~D. Campbell

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