Mimus by Lilli Thal (1550379240) is not a book that I normally would have picked up and read, but I am very glad I did. It is the story of Prince Florian who travels to meet his father the King at a peace ceremony with a neighboring kingdom. The prince is thrilled to be attending such an important event and intrigued to meet the princess who may become his betrothed. But the entire ceremony is a trap. Florian’s father is imprisoned in chains and tortured in the dungeons. Florian is forced to become the apprentice of Mimus, the court jester, or his father will be killed. Can Florian escape and keep his father alive?
Thal is a medieval historian from Germany, so through her book we learn a lot about medieval life and the societies that kings were able to create. The book is fast moving and fascinating. I enjoyed the historical details as well as the lack of magic. Florian’s struggles with anger and depression ring very true, and the characterization of Mimus is complex and well rendered. Florian is trapped within the walls of the castle, and that setting is brought to life wtih amazing detail. From the Monkey Tower where the jesters live to the bustling kitchens to the royal wing to the darkness and fear of the dungeons, the castle is a society of its very own.
Unfortunately, the cover of this book will not get kids to pick it up. It is the perfect book for teens and good reading late elementary children who enjoyed Avi’s Crispin. Recommend this to kids interested in history, especially the medieval period. It is also good for those who enjoy fantasy, because the setting is so similar and readers will enjoy a book with knights, kings and jesters that does not have magic. Highly recommended.