Castles and kangaroos together at last!
Leo is a third-born prince forced onto the throne after the death of his parents and brother. His kingdom and castle are in shambles, his family’s murderers are getting bolder and he is utterly unprepared to be king, but Leo’s biggest problem is definitely the castle fool. It keeps making fun of him.
He just wants to make his dead dad proud. Or maybe to dismantle every shitty policy he ever made, and flip off his grave a whole bunch.
Of course, he might hate his new responsibilities more if there wasn’t a mystery man with a bad habit of appearing every now and then to test Leo’s morality. Leo doesn’t want to be the kind of king who has a secret lover. But his restraint is only so strong…
The assassins are creeping closer and if Leo can’t charm the neighbouring countries, it’ll mean war. He better learn how to juggle, fast.
Set in a fantasy version of Australia, a cult bent on overthrowing the Empire’s regime is targeting Leo and his family. This no spice/low spice, enemies to lovers LGBTQ+ romantasy features a king overwhelmed by trauma and responsibility taking refuge in his close family and the one person who doesn’t expect him to be perfect–his fool.
Put The Fool on your TBR on Goodreads or Storygraph.
Buy from my website, Amazon (AU, US, UK), Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Google Play, Booktopia or pretty much anywhere books are sold. You can also request that your local bookstore or library order it in for you!
Australian bookstores who have it in stock include The Woodland Collection, Swoon Bookstore, Everybody Knows Books and The Ballarat Imaginarium.
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The Fool was a finalist in the 2025 Wishing Shelf Awards, the 2026 Page Turner Awards, and the 2026 Indieverse Awards (Book of the Year, “Best Romance – Not Spicy” and “Our Storytelling: neurodivergent representation” categories). It was a Genre Winner in the 2026 Books Shelf Awards.
“A hilarious, incisive, and socially critical work of speculative fantasy, The Fool (The Austellus Saga Book 1) by Laura J. Fitzwilson is a masterwork of allegorical wit and whimsy. Begrudgingly taking the throne of a fictional kingdom that mirrors Australia in both demographics and oppressive history, Leo is ill-prepared for the burden of leadership, especially since his enemies are multiplying, his family members are dwindling, and the court jester is driving him crazy. Combining elements of fantasy, romance, satire, and LGBT fiction, this is a spectacularly sarcastic adventure from an irrefutably savage writer. Magical hierarchy, double-edged riddles, and royal machinations collide in an inventive and insightful novel that begs a timeless question: in a world gone crazy, is embracing madness the only way to survive?” Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★★
“Laura J. Fitzwilson’s The Fool is a thoughtful and emotionally grounded take on romantasy, blending political tension with deeply personal stakes. The novel follows Leo, a reluctant third-born prince thrust onto the throne, whose struggle to reconcile his father’s legacy with his own values forms the heart of the story. His voice—wry, self-aware, and often darkly humorous—anchors the narrative, making his uncertainty and frustration feel authentic rather than contrived.
A standout element is the castle fool, whose sharp wit provides both levity and insight. What begins as comic relief evolves into something more meaningful, acting as a mirror to Leo’s insecurities and growth. The dynamic between them adds a unique energy to the story, balancing its heavier themes of grief, responsibility, and self-doubt.
The romance is handled with restraint, offering tension and emotional depth without overshadowing the plot. The mysterious figure who challenges Leo’s morality adds intrigue while reinforcing the novel’s focus on character development. Meanwhile, the fantasy setting—subtly inspired by Australia—feels fresh, and the looming threats of assassins, political instability, and rebellion maintain a steady sense of urgency.
Ultimately, The Fool succeeds through its emotional honesty. Leo’s journey is messy and gradual, shaped by trauma, family ties, and the weight of expectation. Fitzwilson resists easy resolutions, instead delivering a character-driven story about leadership, identity, and finding connection in unlikely places—making this a strong and promising start to the series.” The Wishing Shelf ★★★★★
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