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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book grabbed me from the very start and didn't let me go until I finished the last word on the last page. I've loved Bujold's Miles Vorkosigan books, so had high expectations for her fantasy, and was not disappointed. I'd previously read one of her earlier fantasies, [b:The Spirit Ring|28677|The Spirit Ring|Lois McMaster Bujold|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167954889s/28677.jpg|1401031], and liked but didn't love it - that one was set in medieval Italy, so perhaps Bujold is stronger when she can invent her own world. Because the world-building was one of my favorite aspects here. I loved the religions she invented; the Roknari worship of the Father, Mother, Son, and Daughter, with the Quintarian version also including the Bastard, who takes care of the souls that none of the others want. A world where there is no magic as it's generally presented in fantasy, but instead is entirely powered by prayers which DO get answered.
Bujold is also capable of creating strong, fully fleshed-out, unique characters, both on the side of the "good guys" and the "bad guys". The villains here are no cardboard cutout evildoers, but men who have been corrupted by some of the magic central to the plot. The story is told entirely from Cazaril's point of view, and the more I learned about him the more I came to admire him; none of the characters were static, they all matured and changed and grew with time and events.
And finally, the plot -- what a storyteller Bujold is! All of the varying threads of the story tied together satisfyingly at the end. Political intrigue and action woven together with historical events whose repercussions are still echoing through the present.
In short, I loved it. The book absolutely stands alone, but I've already purchased the sequel and can't wait to read it.
Bujold is also capable of creating strong, fully fleshed-out, unique characters, both on the side of the "good guys" and the "bad guys". The villains here are no cardboard cutout evildoers, but men who have been corrupted by some of the magic central to the plot. The story is told entirely from Cazaril's point of view, and the more I learned about him the more I came to admire him; none of the characters were static, they all matured and changed and grew with time and events.
And finally, the plot -- what a storyteller Bujold is! All of the varying threads of the story tied together satisfyingly at the end. Political intrigue and action woven together with historical events whose repercussions are still echoing through the present.
In short, I loved it. The book absolutely stands alone, but I've already purchased the sequel and can't wait to read it.
I love this series. Fabulous writing, wonderful characters, great plots - Bujold's just a master.
(This is a re-read for me - I read the series a few years ago, and it is just as great now as it was then.)
Edit (03/2019): Another re-read. This time around, I continue to love the series, but the romance between Caz and Beatriz was off-putting to me. It's a large age and experience gap, and I dislike both of those. Apart from that, the series is wonderful.
(This is a re-read for me - I read the series a few years ago, and it is just as great now as it was then.)
Edit (03/2019): Another re-read. This time around, I continue to love the series, but the romance between Caz and Beatriz was off-putting to me. It's a large age and experience gap, and I dislike both of those. Apart from that, the series is wonderful.
adventurous
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
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of my favourites - a great comfort read. Really intriguing worldbuilding with the magic and theology system just "working" and posing some really interesting questions about the nature of belief and God/s.
As always Bujold's character development is wonderful, with a compelling lead in Cazaril and a fleshed out supporting cast. One of her tightest novels plot-wise, too.
I always read it as a pair with a Paladin of Souls, which is a sequel focused on Ista. The switch in perspectives from a middle aged man to a middle aged woman adds an extra layer of depth to both novels, and makes Bujold's world feel incredibly real.
As always Bujold's character development is wonderful, with a compelling lead in Cazaril and a fleshed out supporting cast. One of her tightest novels plot-wise, too.
I always read it as a pair with a Paladin of Souls, which is a sequel focused on Ista. The switch in perspectives from a middle aged man to a middle aged woman adds an extra layer of depth to both novels, and makes Bujold's world feel incredibly real.