From School Library Journal
Grade 7–9—Conrad, a court jester by birth, attempts to escape the whims of Otto, an unjust lord. Set in Germany in 1365, the novel portrays the teen's search for a new master. In the guise of a boy, Christa, a "serving wench," demands to follow her beloved Conrad, and they tromp around Germany entertaining priests, burghers, and lords. They pick up strays—a boy they cut down from the gallows and another jester. Conrad immerses himself in trouble by defending the downtrodden, usually at the expense of his own hide. Bargaining the construction of a giant clock for the Fortress of Rosenberg in exchange for their freedom from their new master, Conrad and his companions achieve some independence and a home. After a stiff beginning, the story warms up with enchanting characters who keep the pages turning. It is hard to deny Conrad's Robin Hood charm or the gallows cheat's wit. The romance between Conrad and Christa balances plenty of fighting and details of medieval society, giving appeal to both genders. Beyond the story, readers will find food for thought in the religious practices described—jesters could not be baptized or marry. The novel has minor flaws, however. The conclusion lacks Karr's usual focus. Given the generally realistic treatment of medieval times, Conrad's newfound Seigneur seems improbably democratic; and the final jollity is a tad chaotic, with numerous characters and merging story lines. Nonetheless, for readers who like medieval fiction, this title is consistently entertaining.—Caitlin Augusta, The Darien Library, CT
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Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Conrad, court jester to Otto the Witless, has fled his former ill-tempered master in search of a more enlightened ruler. It being fourteenth-century Germany, the 15-year-old’s prospects are not exactly promising. But he has the company of Christa, his lady love (who, for safety’s sake, is disguised as a boy), his noble steed, Blackspur, and his considerable wit. Aside from her hero’s possibly anachronistic lust for personal liberty, Karr does a splendid job of recreating the medieval milieu, especially the life of a professional entertainer with all of its challenges and hardships. Some readers may find the book’s slow pace and sometimes ornate language a bit off-putting, but others will be captivated by Conrad’s cleverness, charmed by his relationship with Christa, and intrigued by the several hints of magic at work in the real world. An open ending suggests the possibility of a sequel. Grades 7-12. --Michael Cart
