Mage of Fools [Paperback]

A dictator's sorcerer. A world of forbidden knowledge. One woman's fight for freedom.

In the dystopian world of Mafinga, Jasmin must contend with a dictators sorcerer to cleanse the socialist state of its deadly pollution. Mafinga's malevolent king dislikes literature and, together with his sorcerer Atari, has collapsed the environment to almost uninhabitable. The sun has killed all the able men, including Jasmins husband Godi.

But Jasmin has Godis secret story machine that tells of a better world, far different from the wastelands of Mafinga. Jasmins crime for possessing the machine and its subversive text is punishable by death. Fate grants a cruel reprieve in the service of a childless queen who claims Jasmins children as her own. Jasmin is powerlessuntil she discovers secrets behind the king and his sorcerer.

For readers of dystopian fiction, African literature, and stories of resistance against oppression."Eugen Bacon’s unique vision,Mage of Fools, is a wonderfully imagined dystopia; a techno/folklore blend with a resourceful mother at its heart"  —Jeffrey Ford, multi-award winning author"Armed with her all-conquering sword for carving unforgettable, lyrical and magical prose, Dr. Eugen Bacon has, yet again, delivered in her latest book,Mage of Fools... A brilliant and powerful work of mind-blowing dystopian novel."  —Nuzo Onoh, Queen of African Horror"Mage of Fools' enchanting imagery and worldbuilding is richly woven in dark, delicious prose. This beautiful story reads like a dream trapped in a dystopian world with the texture of a fairytale. A poignant tale that has its characters dancing to its song with spirit, strength and some humour. I drank every achingly beautiful word."  —Tlotlo Tsamaase, author,The Silence of the Wilting Skin, Nommo Award finalist and Lambda Literary Award finalist"A brutal dystopia elegantlsW