Reviews

If you've been looking for an excuse to re-read all of the Penric stories, I think this is a good one. While this is a standalone story, there were obviously a number of call backs and references to previous stories. Bujold writes a great book, and it is nice to have a longer Penric installment, but I think I might have put this at a 5 star instead of 4 star if I'd had the previous events more freshly in my mind.

2022 re-read: it is indeed better with having recently read all the series. 4.5 stars still.

drkappitan's review

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

mjfmjfmjf's review

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4.0

A much longer story. But really it didn't feel that much longer. It is good to hang out with Penric and Desdemona as they wander the world. There is cleverness here, but that is to be expected. And attacks and misdirection. And saints. And a lot of demons in one place. And prisons. Event more twists and turns than usual. But I think it time for Penric to have a quiet book at home. Perhaps the next one. For a book containing murder and mayhem, this was such a pleasant read.

wetdryvac's review

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5.0

Now this, this was finestkind.

gracecrandall's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sylda's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.5

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