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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
Sometimes when things connect, they really connect. I picked this up because I was ready for another Bujold, and this is what the library had, and what is right there when I open it up? Renaissance Italy! Borgias, Florentines; Sforzas, Medicis; Guelphs and Ghibellines.
Three true things: it’s a gem in the rough; Thur is my boy; every Bujold, even vintage Bujold, is the best Bujold.
Three true things: it’s a gem in the rough; Thur is my boy; every Bujold, even vintage Bujold, is the best Bujold.
Managed to listen to the entire audiobook without realizing I had already read this book. I'm not sure what it says about me that I was delighted to find that I could entirely forget a book by one of my favourite writers in under 7 years, suggesting that if I just wait long enough, I could re-read many of her other books for the first time again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
This is a solid and workmanlike piece of fantasy, which suffers mainly in comparison to Bujold's other works. Bujold usually builds clever and original worlds: this story is set in a medieval Italy where the catholic church regulates all magic. i think I've read that one before. Bujold excels at bitter, wounded, world weary protagonists (Miles, Cordelia, Ekatrin, Ista, etc.). These two are mere innocents, and the books consequently lacks the quirky charm which is her trademark. it also suffers from the inevitable romance problem. "Hmm, it seems we're the only two people the author is really paying attention to. do you think we ought to fall in love?" This is particularly disappointing since Bujold has never done this to me before. i rate it sturdy and serviceable, but not exceptional. Worth rereading once.
I've been saving this book, because it's Bujold, so I knew it would be good. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It was enjoyable enough to read, solid one-off fantasy, but not what I've come to expect from Bujold. I did really enjoy how she handled the church in this story though. It wasn't preachy, but it didn't vilify the church either. All the clergymen were good guys - actually good, not just convinced they were good. Refreshing.