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.
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In a chance discussion with a few other authors about favorite books, The Curse of Chalion, was mentioned and with my curiosity roused, I read it. And loved it. So take this chance to read a wonderful exploration of characters and world building by as master writer. This story blossoms and grows with every page. This will not be my last book by …
Cazaril is returning home, after three years of suffering as a slave on a Roknari war galley. He is a shadow of the man he once was, worn and sick and hoping for scraps from the Provincara’s table, as he has no-where else to go. He has lost everything, from his titles to his name to his self-respect.
We join Cazaril on a journey as is he thrown …
This book was one of my role models for how to make a world deep and broad and real. Also for how to make a plot both world-spanning and intimately personal.
The first of the five Gods series, this high fantasy story by Lois McMaster Bujold sets the stage for the later books. If you like well-designed worlds with a logical and interesting religious structure, you’ll love this book.
The worn hero back from the wars is a fantastic character and is the beginning of her unconventional heroes and heroines …
This novel may be a low-key, thoughtful, soul-reaching read, but my goodness, I couldn’t expect it to be so wholly engaging in the subtle – yet beautiful – way it was penned! I am glad I read this!
Fantastic characters, not only Cazaril, a man who has suffered much and only wish for a new life for himself; but also the others, not in the least …
Like all of her books, this is extremely well-written, with full-fledged, well-rounded and appealing characters. Great world building, great plot, a wonderful read I can’t recommend highly enough.
This was funny and well-written.
A masterpiece.
Medieval Spain is the inspiration for the setting of this fantasy of intrigue and divine judgment and retribution. The protagonist is an embittered veteran, survivor of a betrayal that made him a galley slave. On being freed, he finds employment with the noble family he once served as a page. In their service, he discovers not only political …
Cazaril, the main character and narrator, opens the story appearing to be an impoverished, seriously injured, witless, old man. In truth he is a thirty-five year old former military commander who was sold into slavery as an oarsman after negotiating a pact to end a siege. Cazaril is one of the most interesting and complex characters I’ve …
I like most of Bujold’s books and this is no exception. Great world-building, witty characters, strong plots.
I have re-read it several times for the pleasure of the tail. From the lead character’s humble beginnings to the dramatic end, it holds the interest. Do not start reading it unless you have enough time to finish as you will not want to put it down.
Love this entire series.
I reread this book regularly. The story is mesmerizing, characters are rich and complex and the world building is superb.
The Curse of Chalion is my all time favorite novel. Lois’s writing is superlative, her characters well drawn out and original, and her world very interesting. The protagonist, Cazaril, is easy to like, makes no stupid mistakes, but finds himself in an awful predicament. Lois made me really care about what would happen in the story, and very much …
Great read
Very interesting and imaginative. I enjoyed the entire series.
Lois McMaster Bujold is one of my favorite writers. All of her work is well worth reading if you enjoy fantasy. The stories are heavily character-driven.
So well written. Such depth of character. I loved getting to know each character. Didn’t want it to end.
Quite nice. Interesting story line, well developed characters. Not quite up to the best of the Vorkosigan sagas, but still good. Better than some of her other fantasy books.