A review by sapphicsoilscientist
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It's a little predictable, but in the way that good writing leads to clear plotting. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Mental illness, and Religious bigotry

Moderate: Slavery and Violence

Minor: Rape, Vomit, Torture, and Body horror

the rape is implied as something that happens on enemy ships and once in a castle keep but it does not happen 'on screen.' There is mention of some infidelity, but it turns out that everyone involved was apparently on the same page about it? The slavery is not like the trans-atlantic trade. tl;dr- fantasy writers will never not use fantasy men threatening rape as a way to get fantasy ladies to do what they want.