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2022: Other Books
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(WPF) McMaster Bujold - Curse of Chalion
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So glad you liked this. This book, which I just recently read, was my first taste of Bujold and I agree with all you said. High fantasy is one of my go to reads and this one hit the mark for me. I loved how the Royesse developed into a strong woman, I loved everything about the book and will read more by this author. Great review!
The second book is just as good! Books 1 & 2 got 5 stars from me. The third one not so much but still a very good read, just 4 instead of 5 stars.
I agree with Anna. I gave the first two 5 stars and the third 4.
I loved this one too - I’m vastly fond of her Vorkosigan series, but this was my first venture into her fantasy books. So refreshing
by Lois McMaster Bujold
4 stars
From this novel it was right to nominate McMaster Bujold as a favortie author, this was very well-written.
The novel dives right in to complex fantasy world following ex-soldier, ex-prisoner Cazaril's desperate last grab at a normal life. A series of lucky breaks gets him a position as secretary and tutor to the teenage royesse in the household he served in as a boy. This simple life turns more dangerous when the royesse is called back to the palace, for her younger brother is now formally heir to the throne. The palace where the people who sold Cazaril reside and where a dark curse hangs over the royal line, including his young charge.
It started slow but everything (everything!) tied in very neatly, with more or less obvious foreshadowing. And the story ended, fully and completely, without having to read another book in the series! So rare ;)
I have difficulty getting into high fantasy: the slightly medieval European (but not) topography, royalty, weaponry, etc. Related, the tendency to marry off and/or rape teen girls is a particular aspect I feel should be changed but so frequently is not. In fairness, that was more typical in the past and maybe I should try a few new novels. This book was published 2001 and the royesse (view spoiler)[ took charge of her own marriage alliance (hide spoiler)], believably as she was partly raised by her grandmother, the provincara of the household Cazaril joins.
Also a bit new, despite several countries being at war there is only a little fighting, in favor of extensive political maneuvering and a bit of theological wrangling with the titular curse. This might be a perfect way for non-fantasy readers to get a taste of high fantasy.