The Curse of Chalion (World of the Five Gods, #1) in Beyond Reality

Mar 25, 2013 Bradley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, 2016-shelf, worldbuilding-sf

The first time I read this, I was torn between my respect for Bujold and the slow burning plot of this first fantasy I had ever read by her. It didn't hurt that it was nominated for the Hugo, as she had been nominated over and over, winning several for her classic SF series, but I was like, "What? Fantasy? But she's so excellent with SF, why switch?" And then when I started reading it, there were none of the fast-paced elements or larger than life characters that I expected.

In fact, other than t The first time I read this, I was torn between my respect for Bujold and the slow burning plot of this first fantasy I had ever read by her. It didn't hurt that it was nominated for the Hugo, as she had been nominated over and over, winning several for her classic SF series, but I was like, "What? Fantasy? But she's so excellent with SF, why switch?" And then when I started reading it, there were none of the fast-paced elements or larger than life characters that I expected.

In fact, other than the fact that Cazaril was a broken man like Miles, he was pretty much Miles's opposite. Steadfast, principled, not attention seeking, reflective, Cazaril is the definition of Loyalty To Another, self-effacing willing to sacrifice himself for a much greater good.

The house of Chalion is under a curse, after all, and even after Noble Cazaril's capture and having been turned into a slave, his subsequent escape, and reinsertion into his natural household, he's still a conflicted and broken man in body and in spirit. All he really has to hope for is supporting his liege-woman.

This is NOT an action fantasy. Indeed, it's nearly spiritual in all the divine revelations. There isn't much magic, but don't worry, the true delight is in the messes that the Five Gods make of the world. The Bastard's death magic is particularly harrowing, and it happens to have the largest role and plot significance in the novel.

The other fantastically creative part of this novel is it's devotion to characterization. Bujold has always been a master at this, and while this particular novel seems to be a large departure from what we have known, we get through it feeling as if every character is as real as our own loved ones, we handle and are horrified by all the political intrigues and machinations, doing our absolute and not-quite-sufficient best.

I feel a lot of sympathetic love for Cazaril and the characters that he loves. Being broken is not the end. It's difficult and painful and horrible, but even in his darkest despair, he still managed to keep being wise, even in his (several) self-sacrifices?

How many main characters can you say that about? That the plot wasn't driven by a main character's stupidity? Exactly. This is SUBVERSION OF THE FANTASY TROPE. :) lol

This is a methodical and expertly-paced fantasy, but don't expect it to be flying. It's very careful.

But... the rewards are truly awesome. :) ...more

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May 18, 2011 carol. rated it really liked it

Shelves: epic-fantasy, fantasy

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 developed more al ...more

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Sep 13, 2018 Anthony rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, series, world-fantasy-award-nominees, hugo-nominees

A lovely, intimately told story of court intrigue and of the good people who are sorely tested to remain good in the midst of peril coming at them from all sides. There are moments of beauty and lots of quiet, good humor, that are brought to vivid life by a sharply-drawn and entirely believably human cast of characters. This was my first Bujold novel and it most certainly won’t be my last.

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Jun 09, 2010 Althea Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

What a great book!
It reminded me to put everything by Bujold that I haven't read on my wishlist!
Engaging characters meet an action-filled plot with tons of plotting and intrigue. I have to admit that this kind of "castle intrigue" is definitely one of my favorite genres of novels. I'd very much recommend this to fans of George R.R. Martin and Guy Gavriel Kay.

My edition came with blurbs from Robert Jordan & Dennis McKiernan, and an ad for the latest Weis & Hickman - all of which, I must admit, I ...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Richelle added it

Shelves: bookclub

Writing more fleshed out than some of the SF I've read by the same author. Nice having a fantasy protagonist who isn't the typical coming of age, destined to be a hero, hidden power, etc type. Some may find it difficult to get into because the main conflict doesn't really show up until halfway through the book. ...more

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Aug 18, 2012 ♥ Unaeve ♥ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Not enough magic and a little bit to much court drama ,the main protagonist is mail and so not my thing-acting like he is 60 not 35,allays tired,slow and sick,not your usual hero...
romance is almost none existing and yet..i likeeeeeeeed it!
And I am reading the next part.Right now.So bye :D.

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Aug 13, 2010 Kara rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, audiobook

Audio book, with an excellent narrator. I really liked his lilt and voice for Cazaril. Also, he was able to narrate rather wordy and eloquently written sequences with ease and grace, making this a truly enjoyable listen.

This was the first novel I've "read" by Lois McMaster Bujold. Her writing and descriptions flow, and she builds substantial characters which pull at your heartstrings. The world is fantasy, but there is very little magic - occurrences of, being miracles of the gods. The plot was ...more

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