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eafm's review against another edition
5.0
Utterly satisfying. We get to see so many of Pen's recent allies, and even a touch of his sweet home life.
cedardleland's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? No
5.0
olegx's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
shadyeglenn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
fivemack's review against another edition
4.0
This feels like a conclusion to the story of Penric and Desdemona; it's novel-length after the succession of novellas, and we get to see the Bastard as near to actually intervening in the world as they can. Also an assassination weapon which, after the nine volumes of demonology you've gone through to get here, is truly horrifying.
sashas_books's review against another edition
5.0
Even a novel-length Penric story is way too short! I’m very thankful to Lois McMaster Bujold for creating characters full of humanity, compassion, humour and wisdom and letting us readers follow their lives and adventures. Every new book in this series is a delight. This is just like sitting down with old friends to exchange tall tales. Please keep them coming :-)
thaxllssillyia's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-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
4.5
archergal's review against another edition
3.0
Lois McMaster Bujold is always readable and enjoyable to read. She handles plotting deftly, and there's a lot going on here, so that's good.
Example:
An assassin who fails to kill her target (twice!), captured and spared by the White God. Congrats, you're a sorceror now!
The assassin's target being implored to return to his home country and help them out.
Something bad happening in that home country, which means that Penric and a saint of the White God and the assassin have to return and, you know, DO SOMETHING.
Penric and his demon Desdemona are a tiny bit in the background here, in a way. Iroki, the saint of the White God, is an interesting character. You may say all you want to do is be a fisherman, but when a God can speak and act through you, people tend to pay a little more attention.
All these books set in the world of the Five Gods interest me strangely. Most days now I think of myself as a godless heathen, but certain ways of looking at theology and humanity's relation to the divine make sense to me. I get this feeling with these Bujold books. Also with C.S. Lewis sometimes.
Good writing. You should read.
Example:
An assassin who fails to kill her target (twice!), captured and spared by the White God. Congrats, you're a sorceror now!
The assassin's target being implored to return to his home country and help them out.
Something bad happening in that home country, which means that Penric and a saint of the White God and the assassin have to return and, you know, DO SOMETHING.
Penric and his demon Desdemona are a tiny bit in the background here, in a way. Iroki, the saint of the White God, is an interesting character. You may say all you want to do is be a fisherman, but when a God can speak and act through you, people tend to pay a little more attention.
All these books set in the world of the Five Gods interest me strangely. Most days now I think of myself as a godless heathen, but certain ways of looking at theology and humanity's relation to the divine make sense to me. I get this feeling with these Bujold books. Also with C.S. Lewis sometimes.
Good writing. You should read.