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rosiecockshutt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
samwescott's review
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
Totally did not check the length when I started this and was shocked that it wasn't a novella! But honestly, I thought it held up really well to the change in length. There wasn't really any drag in pace and I was obsessed with some of our new characters (the saint was an absolute joy) and was so gratified to see some previous characters return (especially one delightfully surly bodyguard).
My only complaint is that Nikos has been in these last few books so little! I love her so much and I hope she isn't going to be relegated to the welcoming wife/mom/hug provider at the end of every adventure. Even if not wanting to be constantly adventuring is an aspect of her character, there's gotta be a way to get her more page time because I miss her and I want to see more of Penric's domestic life (although, the less time with the kids, the better - I know! I'm picky!).
I do also think that seeing Penric have the opportunity to teach really highlighted how far he's come since the first novella and where his talents and creativity have evolved. I do really adore this character so much.
My only complaint is that Nikos has been in these last few books so little! I love her so much and I hope she isn't going to be relegated to the welcoming wife/mom/hug provider at the end of every adventure. Even if not wanting to be constantly adventuring is an aspect of her character, there's gotta be a way to get her more page time because I miss her and I want to see more of Penric's domestic life (although, the less time with the kids, the better - I know! I'm picky!).
I do also think that seeing Penric have the opportunity to teach really highlighted how far he's come since the first novella and where his talents and creativity have evolved. I do really adore this character so much.
hwesta's review
adventurous
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really enjoyed this! It introduces a new sorceress and a Saint we haven't seen before, and all the fun conversations and dynamics that implies. Several of the recent novellas have felt very slow - despite being much longer this felt like the story kept moving at a good pace and was enjoyable and engaging the whole time. I appreciated the cameos from various characters we haven't seen lately. The finale was suitably epic and I loved it. Overall, a very good entry in this series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Murder
Minor: Animal death, Death, Pregnancy, and Deportation
kimu's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Not my favorite Penric & Des book, but a really excellent entry into the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
bibliophilicwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
To get a full length novel with Pen and Des is an absolute treat! As with all of the Penric and Desdemona books, the story was intriguing, held lovely characters - both old and new, and this time around, wrapped up a few loose ends from previous adventures. I look forward to how the changes from the end of the book will effect Pen and his family.
ndxmedina's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
badmc's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Another adventure for our sorcerer and demoness, dealing with some theological problems, scheming ministers, and my favourite eunuch from previous books. Enjoyable and a fast read.
maeve_spry's review
3.0
Desdemona light
Saw a review that suggested the characters are overpowered... think it’s more that the combination of characters was seriously unbalanced. All in all it’s a good story, and a welcome addition to the Penric universe.
Saw a review that suggested the characters are overpowered... think it’s more that the combination of characters was seriously unbalanced. All in all it’s a good story, and a welcome addition to the Penric universe.