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A review by assaphmehr
Penric's Fox by Lois McMaster Bujold
5.0
I've read the first two novellas in this series before, and was looking forward to spending some more time in Penric's unique world.
What to Expect
Penric's Fox is set soon after the event's of Penric and the Shaman. The setting is Easthome, capital city and close to the previous novels, and many of the same characters appear as well. In tone, it is a detective story: starting with the discovery of a murdered sorceress, Penric and Inglis are recruited by the Template locator (investigator) to assist. Since all sorcerers get their power from hosting demons, the big question isn't just who (and how!) did someone kill a sorceress, but where did her demon go?
What I liked
I love Bujold's writing style. She can spin stories and mysteries, characters and world that feel truly immersive and real. It is clean, clear prose that is evocative and engaging, without the need for high angst or thriller-paced drama.
Her world-building is also top notch, from the magic system and theology (the interesting philosophical implication of the gods and associated religion), to the every-day technology and lifestyles of rich and poor alike.
What to be aware of
These are short novellas, not grand epics. Enjoyable reads, but over quickly. Note that the novellas were published in a different order to the internal chronology: this is book 3 of the series, but some lists may reflect the publication order. This is one instance where it's better to read as per the internal chronology.
Felix's Review
Felix is continually perplexed and intrigued by the concept of spirits that can be possessed and harnessed. For him, that borders of sacrilege, though his can see some similarities in his world. Still, he admits that Penric does a credible job at upholding justice (and, mostly, the law as well), and using his gifts for the general good (he's seen far too many people in power use it for personal gain). He'd also like to point out that Penric's powers are growing rather impressively, as he predicted.
Summary
Very enjoyable fantasy series, which, as it's novellas, I read as a sort of palate cleanser between other works. Whether you sample it sporadically or tear through it, I'm sure you'd enjoy them.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of paranormal detective on a background of ancient Rome.
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1596954987p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061l/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Penric's Fox is set soon after the event's of Penric and the Shaman. The setting is Easthome, capital city and close to the previous novels, and many of the same characters appear as well. In tone, it is a detective story: starting with the discovery of a murdered sorceress, Penric and Inglis are recruited by the Template locator (investigator) to assist. Since all sorcerers get their power from hosting demons, the big question isn't just who (and how!) did someone kill a sorceress, but where did her demon go?
What I liked
I love Bujold's writing style. She can spin stories and mysteries, characters and world that feel truly immersive and real. It is clean, clear prose that is evocative and engaging, without the need for high angst or thriller-paced drama.
Her world-building is also top notch, from the magic system and theology (the interesting philosophical implication of the gods and associated religion), to the every-day technology and lifestyles of rich and poor alike.
What to be aware of
These are short novellas, not grand epics. Enjoyable reads, but over quickly. Note that the novellas were published in a different order to the internal chronology: this is book 3 of the series, but some lists may reflect the publication order. This is one instance where it's better to read as per the internal chronology.
Felix's Review
Felix is continually perplexed and intrigued by the concept of spirits that can be possessed and harnessed. For him, that borders of sacrilege, though his can see some similarities in his world. Still, he admits that Penric does a credible job at upholding justice (and, mostly, the law as well), and using his gifts for the general good (he's seen far too many people in power use it for personal gain). He'd also like to point out that Penric's powers are growing rather impressively, as he predicted.
Summary
Very enjoyable fantasy series, which, as it's novellas, I read as a sort of palate cleanser between other works. Whether you sample it sporadically or tear through it, I'm sure you'd enjoy them.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of paranormal detective on a background of ancient Rome.
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1596954987p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061l/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.