A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now … now occupy lofty positions.
But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge — an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous . . . and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.
more
Bujold is one the best writers in the world today, in my opinion, and this is among her 3 best works. Worth reading and re-reading many times.
More than just an excellent fantasy story.
I enjoyed the story very much. The author has created a great place for the imagination to play and for people to consider other ways of thinking. Great read.
beautifully realized world, great characters
First of Bujold’s “five gods” stories. Set in an environment similar to the Spain of the young Isabella. A courtier tries his best to protect his charge.
I’ve read her sci-fi and loved it. Have re-read some of it—the Barrayaran cycle is excellent. This is a departure in that it’s more sword and sorcery, but just as well written. Highly recommend. There’s a second book in this series—not exactly a sequel—that’s also a great read.
Bujold is known more for SF, but produces a well-built fantasy world with characters as memorable as the Vorkosigan Saga’s. Exiled chancellor seeks to prevent his court’s fall through corruption and protect the heirs, while dealing with a well thought out magical system.
Bujold is one of my favorite writers. Her prose is so masterful, I don’t have to work hard to suspend belief and enter into whatever world she has crafted.
Bujold does theology. With swords and sorcery. Beautiful language. Dense character building. Holds up upon multiple re-reading.
Really well conceived and written.
Lois McMaster Bujold starts a series about Chalion that I found irresistible. Read it years ago, just listened to the audiobook and was addicted.
Disclaimer: I got to try this story for free. I download many free e-books for my Kindle in order to try new authors and, well, hey, they’re free. Most are disappointing, but what keeps me trying are the few gems that stand out from the pack. I’m happy to say, “The Curse of Chalion” is one of the gems. I rarely give 5 Stars Reviews any more, but …
Absolutely gorgeous writing, deeply observant and wise depictions of complex relationships. Compelling and sympathetic main characters surrounded by a fabulous cast of secondary characters.
I have been reading SF&F for 50+ years and was a professional (paid) reviewer for ten. There are a few really top writers in the field of SF&F. One of them is Lois McMaster Bujold. Besides this series – The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls and the Hallowed Hunt, Bujold has written the Vorkosigan Saga about squirrely genius Miles Vorkosigan, and …
Easily the best combination of world and character building I’ve seen.