In 'The Curse of Chalion,' Lois McMaster Bujold presents a fantasy world where five gods influence the lives of its inhabitants, creating a religious system based on the seasons with a wildcard god, The Bastard, for those who do not fit into the others. The story follows protagonist Cazaril, who is empathetic and charming, navigating political machinations and a complex society while trying to break a curse that plagues the royal family. Bujold weaves a tale of action, intrigue, and a touch of romance, set in a richly developed world that feels real and immersive.
The book delves into themes of religion, political intrigue, redemption, and character growth, with a focus on a hero who does not seek to be a hero but fulfills his responsibilities with intelligence and empathy. Bujold's writing style is praised for its deep character development, intricate world-building, and clever plot intricacies that keep readers engaged and invested in the story till the satisfying end.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of trauma, death, betrayal, and references to slavery.
Has Romance?
There is a medium presence of romance, primarily focused on the relationship dynamics between Cazaril and the younger characters.
From The Publisher:
Publishers Weekly Best Book
Minnesota Book Award
Hugo Award
World Fantasy Award
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 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.
Ratings (56)
Incredible (20) | |
Loved It (20) | |
Liked It (9) | |
It Was OK (3) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (151):
Read It (55) | |
Want To Read (76) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (18) |
3 comment(s)
I'll admit that I had a hard time sticking with this for long stretches. I think that the pacing is just a little slow, but that's not unexpected in the setup of a large-scale epic fantasy. Once you get on the other side of the halfway point, though, the pace picks up a hell of a lot. But, for me at least, the setup was a bit of a slog.
I loved the main characters though - Cazaril was wonderful, with moments of beautiful lyricism in his narrative. I also really loved Palli, Iselle and Bergon ... and I'm really hoping we see a lot more of Bergon and Iselle going forward, because I feel like they will mature into truly amazing people.
This book was an absolute delight to read. I usually become bored with court-intrigue, but this book had a way of evening it out with enough wit and action to keep me hooked.
Our main character, Cazaril, is an unlikely hero, Older than most protagonists, down on his luck and seemingly insignificant, but that is what makes him such a compelling character. His honor, kindness, and loyalty endear him to the reader.
I enjoyed this book very much, but probably will not read the next. I've grown too attached to the characters of this book to make myself read a book without them being central.
It's like taking a mythology tale, and adding modern tropes, and fun relatable characters
What can you read after
The Curse of Chalion?
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