Reviews

Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold

gillothen's review against another edition

4.0

Another delightful episode in the growing saga of Penric and Desdemona, this one slotted in rather earlier than recent episodes. These are an enjoyable, light read with distinct overtones of paranormal detective stories.

titusfortner's review against another edition

3.0

I love Penric, but this book doesn't do much for me. The plot is rather straightforward and just isn't very compelling.

sharnibee's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition

4.0

A re-read. A murder mystery, with multiple magic systems and hierarchies. This had some flow problems at the beginning. And perhaps some hints of character development that just didn't happen. But very readable, if not always pleasant - again murder. We are starting to develop a rich set of side characters, which is something I generally appreciate in a series. It might be nice to see Penric having some sort of romantic interest or even interactions with family members. 4 of 5.

A better read than the second novella, though not as good as the first. The larger cast helped. As did the slightly different setting, though really we don't see that setting as all that distinct of a place. But the larger cast helps, and the larger world leaks through. As always a simple breezy style. Sure it's a murder mystery but one with interesting magic. 4 of 5.

wetdryvac's review against another edition

5.0

Very nifty.

agathag's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

tjwallace04's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Yet another great entry in the "Penric and Desdemona" series! I am loving this series and world more and more with each novella. While "Penric's Fox" is 5th in publication order, it is actually 3rd in chronological order, and it was fun to return to Penric's relationships with Shaman Inglis and Locator Oswyl, which have matured into friendship. We have three men with different powers and responsibilities, but all are striving to do what is right. In this episode, they are striving to discover a murderer and save a demon which has jumped from its murdered host into a wild fox. As always, Penric is the epitome of compassion and selfless effort, without ever seeming annoying, cloying, or like a martyr. Meanwhile, Desdemona brings the sass.

If you like well-written, immersive fantasy with lovable, realistic characters, I would highly recommend Bujold's books in the World of the Five Gods. (I read one of the full-length novels, "The Curse of Chalion," in February, and it will probably be one of my top books of the year!) 

sylda's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

lowercasenospaces's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

skvllresidve's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5