A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril has returned to the noble household he once served as page, and is named, to his great surprise, secretary...
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reviews
Jan 24, 2012
mark
rated it: 
when i was younger, i was always confused by the moniker of "Adult Fantasy" (less used today, but more common decades ago). i assumed it meant Sexy Sextime and possibly Ultra-Violence, but that was never the case... what it ended up meaning to me was BORING, I Can't Finish This.
well now that i am clearly an adult, i get it. for example, Curse of Chalion. this is definitely an Adult Fantasy. it does not feature SEX - if anything, it is rather pleasingly old-fashioned and dis More...
well now that i am clearly an adult, i get it. for example, Curse of Chalion. this is definitely an Adult Fantasy. it does not feature SEX - if anything, it is rather pleasingly old-fashioned and dis More...
21 comments
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(29 people liked it)
Oct 13, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
I am myself surprised at how much I liked this book. Generally I prefer books that are plot driven. Now and then however a wonderful book comes along built on the characters within.This is definitely a character driven story.
There is about this story (much of the way) a melancholy feel of the inevitable doomed hero moving inexorably toward his fate... to go on here about whether said hero meets said fate and so on would constitute (of course) THE spoiler of all spoilers. Let me say More...
There is about this story (much of the way) a melancholy feel of the inevitable doomed hero moving inexorably toward his fate... to go on here about whether said hero meets said fate and so on would constitute (of course) THE spoiler of all spoilers. Let me say More...
10 comments
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(16 people liked it)
Jan 04, 2012
Carol
rated it:
Really three and a half stars. A slow start for me, but sometimes good stories take a while to build, and by the end, I couldn't put it down.
There is an interesting mix of characters, somewhat archetypical but done well enough that they developed uniqueness. A feudal system, a failing monarch, an unscrupulous chancellor, a strong-minded but elderly female ruler, young heirs running wild, but all with twists that give them individuality. I do appreciate the hero, Cazaril, being devel More...
There is an interesting mix of characters, somewhat archetypical but done well enough that they developed uniqueness. A feudal system, a failing monarch, an unscrupulous chancellor, a strong-minded but elderly female ruler, young heirs running wild, but all with twists that give them individuality. I do appreciate the hero, Cazaril, being devel More...
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(6 people liked it)
Jun 15, 2008
Guy
rated it:
Funny thing: halfway through this book I found myself thinking about what it is that makes Bujold's writing so distinctive in the world of science fiction and fantasy (she's another one of these writers who straddles both worlds), and it suddenly came to me that she was like Jane Austen, interested most of all in people and their relationships in constraint-ridden societies. After finishing the book I glance idly at the "About the Author" blurb on the inside back jacket and it says th
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(27 people liked it)
Jan 25, 2009
Almost halfway through this book, I stopped reading and realized that nothing had actually happened yet. No major conflict had appeared, very little real background had been established, and the "curse of Chalion" still hadn't been mentioned. But I had managed to devour those pages in a few short hours and remained hungry to know what happened next. Why? Because I was completely seduced by the main character - a scrawny, sickly, self-deprecating man approaching middle age. This is the
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Aug 24, 2011
Mackenzi
rated it:
This is the epitome of my personal experiences with "Don't judge a book by its cover."
I must have gotten this book from a relative or something because I would never have bought it on my own. I've had little to no experience in adventure fantasy before, and many of the covers are off-putting to me. But this book somehow found its way into my room years ago and I finally thought, whatever, I might as well read the summary.
To my insane surprise, it sounded very interesting. S More...
I must have gotten this book from a relative or something because I would never have bought it on my own. I've had little to no experience in adventure fantasy before, and many of the covers are off-putting to me. But this book somehow found its way into my room years ago and I finally thought, whatever, I might as well read the summary.
To my insane surprise, it sounded very interesting. S More...
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(2 people liked it)
Nov 14, 2008
Lori
rated it:
I had previously tried to read this, but as it was right after a marathon of reading almost all the Miles books, I was gravely disappointed. I missed Miles, and this wasn't space opera either. Since many of my friends here have given it 4 or 5 stars, I figured it was time to try again. And I'm so very gladly I did!
This starts out at a slower pace, and it is a light read - nothing deep or complicated. And at once you can tell where this is going with the main tortured character - he w More...
This starts out at a slower pace, and it is a light read - nothing deep or complicated. And at once you can tell where this is going with the main tortured character - he w More...
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(3 people liked it)
Dec 04, 2011
Andreea
rated it:
I loved this book so much and for so many reasons that I wish there was a 6-star rating. I happened to listen to an audio version of this novel, but I am considering reading it too just to take it apart and analyze under the microscope the writing style. Why? Because Ms. Lois McMaster Bujold's technique is probably as close to artistry as modern writing gets!
Let me start by saying that I read several reviews (possible some of them were from Amazon) stating that the novel is too long More...
Let me start by saying that I read several reviews (possible some of them were from Amazon) stating that the novel is too long More...
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(2 people liked it)
Feb 11, 2009
Jon
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 29, 2012
Jen
rated it:
Whoa. So, I don't know if it's because of the character or the guy reading the book, but Cazaril is played by Russell Crowe in my mind, which made this SO MUCH BETTER. Other than that, I loved this book because it was never what I thought it was. I'm sure that makes no sense, but I mean that the focus kept shifting. Is it a well-worn epic of a soldier trying to make it in court society? Yes, but only partially. Is it a novel of court intrigue? Yes, but go deeper. Does it have a really in
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 14, 2008
Ryan
rated it: 
As I read this book, I couldn't help but draw parallels with it to a non-fiction book I read recently called "Dogs of God," about the Spanish Reconquista in the 1490s.
There exists a young, pious but pragmatic princess of a landlocked high-medieval Hispanic nation, living in a remote countryside retreat. Her younger brother desperately wants to become King, but his immaturity and impatience leads him to make disastrous decisions and eventually take his life. The princess's o More...
There exists a young, pious but pragmatic princess of a landlocked high-medieval Hispanic nation, living in a remote countryside retreat. Her younger brother desperately wants to become King, but his immaturity and impatience leads him to make disastrous decisions and eventually take his life. The princess's o More...
Nov 18, 2007
Tina
rated it:
I must admit I am guilty of typecasting Ms. Bujold. I am a hardcore and dedicated fan of her Vorkosigan series so I was a bit skeptical about this new, non-Miles book. I had a weird sense of displacement as I began to read it. It took a chapter or two to stop it, but I couldn't help trying to find Miles somewhere in there.
Miles isn't there but the elegant writing and exquisite prose that are a hallmark of Ms. Bujold most certainly are. While the plot of this book is not groundbreakin More...
Miles isn't there but the elegant writing and exquisite prose that are a hallmark of Ms. Bujold most certainly are. While the plot of this book is not groundbreakin More...
Oct 22, 2007
Irfon-kim
rated it:
The strength of this story is in is characters, who are incredibly well fleshed-out, strikingly human, very believable, and more often than not quite likeable. Also a huge plus are that despite a standard patriarchal fantasy world, the novel contains a number of intelligent, active, well-portrayed female characters who exist and work of their own right rather than acting as props or foils for the male characters.
The story itself is interesting and has good momentum and a few interestin More...
The story itself is interesting and has good momentum and a few interestin More...
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(2 people liked it)
Mar 30, 2010
Eh?Eh!
rated it:
This is a book I can pick up over and over again. It never gets old...how did she do it? Reasons I love this series:
1. The religion has 5 deities: Daughter, Mother, Son, Father, and Bastard. The Bastard! How great is that? They each have their special areas of godliness but the Bastard is like the thumb, able to touch and balance all the others. In a way, the Bastard is the most powerful. Yeah! (Note: Me being tickled by there being a Bastard god does not mean I am a bastard More...
1. The religion has 5 deities: Daughter, Mother, Son, Father, and Bastard. The Bastard! How great is that? They each have their special areas of godliness but the Bastard is like the thumb, able to touch and balance all the others. In a way, the Bastard is the most powerful. Yeah! (Note: Me being tickled by there being a Bastard god does not mean I am a bastard More...
4 comments
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(11 people liked it)
Jan 01, 2008
Jenne
rated it:
A nice way to start off the new year--the first book I finished in 2008 turns out to be, I think, a perfect genre novel.
And it's not as easy to write one of those as you might think. You have to give your readers some of the conventions of the genre, because that's usually why they're reading it in the first place. You also have to make it seem fresh, not just a tired rehash of whatever came before.
This book has all the stuff you look for in a political-intrigue-type fa More...
And it's not as easy to write one of those as you might think. You have to give your readers some of the conventions of the genre, because that's usually why they're reading it in the first place. You also have to make it seem fresh, not just a tired rehash of whatever came before.
This book has all the stuff you look for in a political-intrigue-type fa More...
Dec 17, 2009
Dashifen
rated it:
This was a pretty solid book. My wife and I mistakenly picked up book two of this three-book (so far) set and it was some time before we got this one. I was pleasantly surprised, not having read a book by Lois McMaster Bujold in the past.
The main character, Cazaril, is delightfully sarcastic and, in some ways, reminded me of John Falstaff of Shakespearian fame. His disdain for his own station and the true exposition and exploration of his emotions surrounding the ordeals of his l More...
The main character, Cazaril, is delightfully sarcastic and, in some ways, reminded me of John Falstaff of Shakespearian fame. His disdain for his own station and the true exposition and exploration of his emotions surrounding the ordeals of his l More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jun 13, 2011
Sandra aka Sleo
rated it: 
Revised from 3 down to 2. I really like her scifi a LOT better. I found the hero too good to be true - I mean almost a parody of a hero at times. The world is the tired old medieval-cum-fantasy world, the story fairy tale like with what you know is going to be a happy ending - therefore no suspense, of COURSE Cazarel is not going to die for Pete's sake. Fortunately all threads are tied up so I do not feel any compulsion to continue.
In fairness, it may have had a lot to do with More...
In fairness, it may have had a lot to do with More...
3 comments
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(3 people liked it)
Feb 11, 2008
Radical
rated it:
There are few books labeled "fantasy" that I enjoy: too many smug elves that live off of the ether and never have to take the garbage out or pull thorns out of their little green-tinged feet. However, since Lois McMaster Bujold is such an all-around fabulous writer, I figured I'd try this one even though there are no space ships involved.
It's good. Trust me.
Bujold manages the common problems of invented worlds with impressive grace: her world is unmistakab More...
It's good. Trust me.
Bujold manages the common problems of invented worlds with impressive grace: her world is unmistakab More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 11, 2008
Donna
rated it:
QUOTES [both from p. 339]:
“To paraphrase an old Chinese saying, mystics understand the roots of the Tao but not its branches; scientists understand its branches but not its roots. Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science; but men and women need both.”
“In mysticism, knowledge cannot be separated from a certain way of life which becomes its living manifestation. To acquire mystical knowledge means to undergo a transformation; one could even sa More...
“To paraphrase an old Chinese saying, mystics understand the roots of the Tao but not its branches; scientists understand its branches but not its roots. Science does not need mysticism and mysticism does not need science; but men and women need both.”
“In mysticism, knowledge cannot be separated from a certain way of life which becomes its living manifestation. To acquire mystical knowledge means to undergo a transformation; one could even sa More...
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(1 person liked it)
Feb 06, 2009
Ellen
rated it:
Fantasy novels are my literary junk food. I love them when they are well written and not just rehashes of Tolkien. This one is excellent. Very well drawn characters, many of them women.
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 09, 2008
Melissa
rated it:
I loved Curse of Chalion. Once I got sucked into the story I couldn't put the book down. I would love to write a true review but I don't want to spoil the story for anyone else.
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 27, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
If I fail my French test this week, I'll know who to hold responsible, LOIS!*
(At certain moments, I'm on a first name basis with everyone.)
(At certain moments, I'm on a first name basis with everyone.)
7 comments
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(6 people liked it)
Oct 27, 2007
Roberta
rated it:
As usual, her writing is superior. Her main character isn't perfect, he has flaws, but not flaws that make you dislike him. Her religion is fascinating, and her world is interesting. Rather than borrowing from real life, she creates her own titles (Royse for prince, Royesse for princess, etc.). Her story is gripping, and you aren't sure of the outcome until very near the end. The main character is likeable as are the supporting characters. The villain is despicable, and very easy to hate.
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(1 person liked it)
Nov 28, 2011
Kay
rated it:
Over all this book gets an A. I'm not sure it's something I want to reread, but it was solid, kept me guessing, left me satisfied. There's a religious aspect of the book, which is....interesting. It's a fairly well developed religion, which manages to be fresh but not hard to swallow. It even has sects that disagree with each other. Part of it echos Christianity very well, even to the point of being insightful, but then it dramatically divulges...which as a fantasy is good but as a metaphor
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Oct 30, 2011
Elf
rated it:
The Curse of Chalion is, understandably, not Lois McMaster Bujold's most popular work. The book is certainly not her best work; she is far too habituated to science fiction, and phrases from that genre keep creeping into her language. The one that leapt out at me most was "emotionally toxic," which while apt for the scene seemed out of place in Extruded Fantasy Product.
It is undoubtably some of the best Extruded Fantasy Product I've read in a while. And I have been refamil More...
It is undoubtably some of the best Extruded Fantasy Product I've read in a while. And I have been refamil More...
Oct 15, 2011
Yvonne
rated it:
Although this was in the sci-fi section in the local book store it has nothing to do with science and everything to do with fantasy. It depends heavily of magic and miracles and other kinds of supernatural events. The main character changes a great deal over the course of the story. The ending is satisfying.
I sometimes grew impatient with the slow pace of the book and the often contradictory actions of the characters. The protagonist has a dark secret that should have cost him his lif More...
I sometimes grew impatient with the slow pace of the book and the often contradictory actions of the characters. The protagonist has a dark secret that should have cost him his lif More...
Oct 13, 2011
Brenda
rated it:
A truly superb fantasy novel! To a world vaguely similar to 15th century Spain, Bujold has added a totally original religious system, a complete theology, a teeming cast of gripping characters, and some of the finest set pieces you could ever wish for. The depth of the world and story is just a pleasure to see -- she is a writer's writer.
The story follows Cazaril, a minor official in the kingdom of Chalion, as he rises from street-vagrancy to responsibility and love. Hairpin turns o More...
The story follows Cazaril, a minor official in the kingdom of Chalion, as he rises from street-vagrancy to responsibility and love. Hairpin turns o More...
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 18, 2011
Tim
rated it:
The first half of the book was incredibly boring. There were maybe 5 pages there were interesting. Normally I would have given up on book by page 100 if it wasn't grabbing me, but this book came so highly recommended and I have loved other books by this author. It wasn't just that nothing happened, it was also poor writing. I will paraphrase one little bit because I don't want to go look up the exact quote: "I spent a year gathering evidence of the crimes and tomorrow I present it to ev
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Sep 10, 2011
John
rated it:
The Curse of Chalion
by Lois McMaster Bujold
Eos, 442 pages, hardback, 2001
Bujold is of course extremely well known for her science
fiction: her mantelpiece must groan under the weight of all those
Hugos. Yet this particular reader — and it's perhaps an
embarrassing confession — has always had deep reservations
about her sf novels. They have seemed to be no more than
enjoyable light entertainment: books to be picked up and read
quickly, mildly enjoy More...
