Reviews

Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

shalini_gunnasan's review against another edition

4.0

Captivating! This story is a direct sequel of The Curse of Chalion, and though our lead characters in that book were only heard of in this, we follow the exploits of another very interesting character. Ista was a bit cardboardy at first, but maybe it was because the life she led was also a shallow cutout. The early parts of her daily routine were so suffocating as to be horrifying, and I could see very easily how it could lead to madness. More than that, I can see how such a life of coddling, no matter how luxurious, can easily lead to derangement. We all need a purpose to our lives. It was great how Ista broke free and became a hero. This is a woman's power fantasy, and so satisfying to be the avenging angel, sword ablaze (actually, theologically the reverse, but the analogy serves) to save the day.

ruthorfiction's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.75

lasikukka's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

5.0

zngzag's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

dasnet's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious slow-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? Yes

5.0

The Paladin of Souls is a worth successor to the Curse of Chalion. 

I loved the way the author interwove the story within the world from the previous book - separating it in a way that was organic while simultaneously giving Ista her own story in its' own right. 

The characters are a strong point here. The God system here is also a strong point. This time, focusing on

The Saint of the Bastard

The best part of the book of this for me is Ista's progression and journey

Who is she now that she is not a daughter, wife, or mother? an identity in our 30's

Our 30s-40s are beguiling in it feels like it is time to put us out to pasture - but we have so much life to live. The author does an excellent job intertwining this theme with an engaging, fun, fantasy plot. 

welkinvault's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

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

4.25

kathflynn's review

adventurous funny mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.75

kittywizard's review against another edition

adventurous reflective slow-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

3.5

thero159's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

karinlib's review against another edition

4.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in a series. I loved the characters, although I missed Caz, Iselle and Betriz from [b:The Curse of Chalion|61886|The Curse of Chalion (World of the Five Gods, #1)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1322571773l/61886._SY75_.jpg|1129349], the first book.

As always Bujold comes up with interesting premises and executes them so well.