Mage of Fools

Mage of Fools by Eugen Bacon, published by Meerkat Press in 2022, is a 200-page work of fiction that delves into a dystopian narrative. Set in the oppressive world of Mafinga, the story follows Jasmin as she navigates the challenges posed by a dictator’s sorcerer while striving to cleanse her environment of its deadly pollution. The malevolent king, who harbors a disdain for literature, has devastated the land, leaving it nearly uninhabitable and claiming the lives of many, including Jasmin’s husband, Godi.

Readers will find a tale that intertwines elements of dark fantasy and dystopian fiction, as Jasmin grapples with her possession of a secret story machine that holds the key to a better world. This machine, filled with forbidden literature, places her life at risk, as the consequences of owning it are severe. As she becomes entangled in the machinations of a childless queen who seeks to claim her children, Jasmin uncovers hidden truths about the king and his sorcerer, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of power, survival, and resistance.