CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL is an urban fantasy novel about a character who dies and comes back to life with a range of unique gifts. He lives in the same world, but with a new understanding. Author Hal Emerson reintroduces our narrator, James, who has just recovered from defeat by Mallory Shrike and is mourning the death of his mentor Marlowe. At Marlowe’s funeral, all hell breaks loose. James does battle with a malignant social force called The Havocks, who insist on maintaining social destruction through institutional power. Now he has to bond with wisdom and fight for his inheritance. To do this, he has to challenge his preconceptions and face his fears.
CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL is the second book in a series, but it can be read alone, and James helps readers new to the series catch up. It’s a "show, don't tell" book; there is enough subtext and humor to keep readers smiling even through the tense moments. Take this charming start to a conversation: “'Hi,' I said, shaking the proffered hand. 'James. Uh, Cicero. James.' 'Usually that’s 'Bond,' isn’t it?' the man asked with a handsome smile. He had a dimple in his right cheek. I hated him immediately.”
Full of self-reflection and a compelling backstory, James is a compelling narrator who makes sure that the text moves rapidly through the plot. Readers get to know him well, and his rich inner life makes him further appealing. James is depicted in a range of scenes, each one bringing opportunities to make readers feel, question, and become completely immersed in this imaginative world. Nothing feels wasted, and the ending satisfactorily shows what he needed to do to prove himself. There are a few repetitive moments, but most of these are at the beginning—before the scenes really get going and the story takes over.
All in all, CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL is a fast-moving story that demonstrates how justice is always complicated and how easy it is to make the wrong decisions. For readers who want to save the world, James entertainingly hammers home the best way to do it: confront yourself.
Hal Emerson’s CICERO JAMES, ARDENT FOOL is witty, fast-paced. and philosophically deep.
~ Nicci Attfield for IndieReader