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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I re-read the whole thing in one sitting on a trans-Pacific flight and started the sequel as soon as I was done -- I'd remembered liking this world a lot as a teen, but I'd forgotten just how well Bujold's mastery of character sings in the context of fantasy. It was surprising to realise that the event in the novel which I remembered as its opening premise doesn't occur until 40% of the way through the novel, and the main character doesn't fully grasp the details that I found most memorable until 55% -- rediscovering that entire first half of the novel was lovely. (Especially since I'd also totally forgotten the ending.)
—
2022 reread: another enjoyable revisit. How funny that j noticed the same thing this time too (eg that the story doesn’t really start til 1/3 in). This time I went straight on to Paladin of Souls rather than Hallowed Hunt which is a much smoother narrative transition.
—
2023 reread: I think I am getting faster at rereading this, but it was still a comfort. I’m realising that I read Bujold the way I read my go-to comfort fanfic authors. In this case I was reading partly “for” an event that happened in the last few chapters, and all the bits leading up to it were just there for pleasant anticipation. Frankly, that fits with the theme of the novel itself, on reflection— the thing that needs to happen, also needs the whole book’s worth of events to get there.
—
2022 reread: another enjoyable revisit. How funny that j noticed the same thing this time too (eg that the story doesn’t really start til 1/3 in). This time I went straight on to Paladin of Souls rather than Hallowed Hunt which is a much smoother narrative transition.
—
2023 reread: I think I am getting faster at rereading this, but it was still a comfort. I’m realising that I read Bujold the way I read my go-to comfort fanfic authors. In this case I was reading partly “for” an event that happened in the last few chapters, and all the bits leading up to it were just there for pleasant anticipation. Frankly, that fits with the theme of the novel itself, on reflection— the thing that needs to happen, also needs the whole book’s worth of events to get there.
4.5 stars would be more accurate for this one. Wonderful!
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this book speaks to me because I struggle with PTSD.
I didn't expect to have such a personal connection to the protagonist (what he goes through is obviously very fantastical). And there is nothing wrong with plucky or angry young protagonists; I used to really identify with them. But there is something very satisfying having a protagonist who is working more on survival than anything.
And as cheesy as some may find the ending, which ensures much happily ever after for a lot of the characters... it felt nice to me. Looking forward to reading the next one when I have time.
I didn't expect to have such a personal connection to the protagonist (what he goes through is obviously very fantastical). And there is nothing wrong with plucky or angry young protagonists; I used to really identify with them. But there is something very satisfying having a protagonist who is working more on survival than anything.
And as cheesy as some may find the ending, which ensures much happily ever after for a lot of the characters... it felt nice to me. Looking forward to reading the next one when I have time.
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Terminal illness, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cancer, Chronic illness, Gore, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Excrement, Vomit
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, War
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
Fair warning: this book is slow, dense, and crammed with detail. It does not come with a map, glossary, or family tree, and I was hurting for all three. There is significant time spent on in-universe theological discussions and multilayered, multigenerational court intrigues.
All that said, it is incredibly rewarding. All the little pieces the first three-quarters of the book so painstakingly puts in place come together beautifully in the last act.
Lois McMaster Bujold is brilliant at exploring power structures in a fantasy setting and making them feel historically grounded and morally grey. Cazaril is a masterfully written hero(antihero?), and the book subtly and intricately subverts fantasy tropes of courtly love and heroic quests. There is nightmarish body horror, clever politicking, slow burn romance that plays with power dynamics and gender roles in interesting ways, and a fascinating magic system.
Sophisticated and compelling dark fantasy with a totally satisfying ending (though it really takes its time getting there!).
All that said, it is incredibly rewarding. All the little pieces the first three-quarters of the book so painstakingly puts in place come together beautifully in the last act.
Lois McMaster Bujold is brilliant at exploring power structures in a fantasy setting and making them feel historically grounded and morally grey. Cazaril is a masterfully written hero(antihero?), and the book subtly and intricately subverts fantasy tropes of courtly love and heroic quests. There is nightmarish body horror, clever politicking, slow burn romance that plays with power dynamics and gender roles in interesting ways, and a fascinating magic system.
Sophisticated and compelling dark fantasy with a totally satisfying ending (though it really takes its time getting there!).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Self harm, Slavery, Suicide, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was a really great book. I loved the world of Chalion and can't wait to return to it. Listened on Audible - it was nice to listen to a book but I had to keep rewinding to remember what happened, so Audible is only good for audio learners. But back to the book - it was super interesting hearing about their "Five Gods" theology - making up a religion is tough so my hat is off to Ms. Bujold. The characters were the good old fashioned fairy-tale good/bad, which was great.
Incredibly gorgeous world, characters, and prose. I cannot wait to read the next book! Top ten fantasy for me
Something about this reminded me of the Chronicles of Brother Cadfael! (which is a good thing to me)