The Jester cover

The Jester

The Riyria Chronicles #2.5

3.89 ABR Score (21.9K ratings)
★ 3.94 Goodreads (6.7K) ★ 4.24 Audible (15.2K)

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Seven thousand words and Tim Gerard Reynolds still manages to make a dwarf outwitting a pair of professional thieves feel like the most satisfying con you've heard all year.

  • Great if you want: a clever, self-contained heist with genuine wit
  • Listening experience: breezy and tight — done in a single commute
  • Narration: Reynolds gives every character a distinct, memorable voice
  • Skip if: short stories feel unsatisfying no matter how good

Listen to The Jester on Audible →

About This Audiobook

In the world of Riyria, master thief Royce and his partner Hadrian find themselves entangled in what appears to be a simple treasure hunt, but quickly proves to be anything but straightforward. When the notorious duo accepts a contract to recover a jester's hidden fortune, they discover their target is a cunning dwarf whose reputation for foolishness masks a razor-sharp intellect. What begins as a routine job transforms into a deadly game of wits where survival depends on separating truth from deception, and where the traditional roles of hunter and hunted become dangerously blurred.

Tim Gerard Reynolds delivers a masterful narration that brings Sullivan's intricate character dynamics to vivid life. His vocal range seamlessly distinguishes between the sardonic Royce and the more earnest Hadrian, while his portrayal of the enigmatic dwarf jester crackles with both humor and menace. Reynolds maintains perfect pacing throughout this taut short story, allowing tension to build naturally while ensuring that each revelation lands with maximum impact. The intimate audio format amplifies the story's psychological elements, making listeners feel as though they are eavesdropping on a high-stakes conversation where every word carries weight and consequence.