Reviews

The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold

neglet's review against another edition

The third of Bujold's novels set in her wonderfully inventive fantasy world with five gods. This doesn't really use any characters from the first two novels, but it's still a very entertaining story, with deep mystical secrets, romance, intrigue, and wonderful characters. What I love about these fantasies is that Bujold has created a system of magical power that is consistent and meaningful.

adru's review against another edition

Ebaõiglaselt igav, teised kaks olid ju kõige paremat sorti raamatud.

albernikolauras's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

This book in the series takes place in a completely different realm - which made me miss the other characters quite a bit. It covers the magic behind shamans (which might add context to a couple Penric books). This entire series has been a much different, slightly more somber series than her others. It was a fun departure.

chloefrizzle's review against another edition

2.0

"I am at the stage of things…I don’t yet…I am still driving around in circles waiting for something to happen.”
- Chapter 20
- Also, the whole book.

shane_tiernan's review against another edition

3.0

Would give this 3.5 stars if it was an option. I would say this is pretty standard Bujold. Deeply plotted fantasy kept to a manageable scale as far as scope and number of characters. I almost would suggest NOT doing it on audio since things do get pretty complicated, I sometimes felt like I had missed something critical. I believe this is listed as "book 1" of a series but it seemed to have concluded well without anything critical left hanging, which puts it in the rare "one-shot" category with more available if you really enjoyed the setting/characters.

batesbarb's review

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is definitely my least favorite of the Challion novels. I'm getting a little tired of the POV male character who is in love with a much younger woman over whom he has power, but somehow, it's fine (seriously 2/3 in this series). Also, given when I'm reading this (late 2023), the way the book approaches colonialism, indigenous religious traditions and resistance to colonizing powers felt... outdated and clumsy to say the least. Even with that, the story is well-constructed with really compelling twists and a steady, propulsive momentum. I do wish I had completed my tour through the world of the Five Gods on a different book, but I'm glad to have taken the trip. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Religious bigotry, Colonisation, and Animal death

Moderate: Pregnancy, Rape, and Sexual assault

ksenia_'s review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

3.75

guybrushtmp's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious 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

4.5

I have gone very fond of this series over the past year and Bujold's writing is the most deeply satisfying. Among the best I have read, captivating and every word seems chosen with care. 

This book did not exceed the first two but still provided an amazing time. 

These books make me think and inspire me greatly for D&D. I like to think that how the saint touched MCs in these books interact with gods is how clerics do. With trepidation, exsperation, and general incredulity. Changes how one views a cleric and how they react to being vaguely swept up but still of free will. I highly recommend for this insight alone.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts

accidentalspaceexplorer's review against another edition

4.25

I really liked the beast spirit concept but I don't think it reached the heights of Bujold's other books for me.

eososray's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this trilogy. The third book had even less than in common with the first two, the only connection was geography and the gods actually. I thought the characters were fabulous, and the gods with a warped sense of humour were inspired. The dramatic but happy ending was also great. Now that I've read all three I definitely recommend the entire series.