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Paladin of Souls

Book 2 in the series:World of the Five Gods

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'Paladin of Souls' by Lois McMaster Bujold is the second novel in the Chalion series following Royina Ista's journey. Ista, a middle-aged widow, sets off on a pilgrimage to escape her past and finds herself entangled in spiritual growth and unexpected adventures. The book delves into themes of spiritual awakening, unique theology, and the intricate relationships between characters and gods in the world of Chalion. Bujold weaves a complex plot involving demons, love, and self-discovery, showcasing her talent for creating engaging characters and thought-provoking narratives.

The story in 'Paladin of Souls' is engaging and well-crafted, with a focus on character development and intriguing plot twists. Bujold's writing style is praised for its depth and originality, offering a refreshing take on fantasy storytelling. The book introduces readers to a strong female protagonist, Ista dy Chalion, who embarks on a journey of personal growth and redemption, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and divine intervention. Overall, 'Paladin of Souls' is a compelling tale of self-discovery, adventure, and the complexities of faith and destiny.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, especially Ista, who represents a strong, complex middle-aged female protagonist navigating her own challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by clarity and humor, focusing on character introspection with a strong sense of vivid world-building.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on Ista's journey of self-discovery after years of oppression, as the plot explores themes of godly influence and personal redemption.

Setting:

The setting is a vividly detailed medieval-inspired world filled with complex religious and magical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing is methodical, focusing on character development and deep themes, which can be viewed as slow initially but rewarding.
I STA LEANED FORWARD BETWEEN THE CRENELLATIONS ATOP THE gate tower, the stone gritty beneath her pale hands, and watched in numb exhaustion as the final mourning party cleared the castle gate below. T...

Notes:

Paladin of Souls is the second book in the World of the Five Gods series, following The Curse of Chalion.
The story centers on Ista dy Chalion, a middle-aged widow who was previously considered mad due to her divine encounters.
Ista seeks freedom from her oppressive life after the death of her mother and embarks on a pilgrimage.
The novel explores themes of isolation, reconciliation, and redemption with a complex theological backdrop.
The gods in Chalion are real, can influence dreams, and sometimes possess humans and animals.
Ista's character represents personal growth as she transitions from bitterness and guilt to reclaiming her agency.
The Bastard, one of the five gods, is portrayed humorously and as a figure who embodies both purity and sin.
The book addresses serious topics, including trauma and self-discovery, through the lens of fantasy.
It won the Hugo, Nebula, and Locus awards, marking it as a significant work in the fantasy genre.
The narrative blends character-driven plots with action and moral dilemmas, providing depth beyond typical fantasy tropes.

Has Romance?

While the romance aspect is not the main focus, there are romantic elements in the story.

From The Publisher:

Nebula Award

Hugo Award Finalist

Follow Lois McMaster Bujold, one of the most honored authors in the field of fantasy and science fiction, to a land threatened by treacherous war and beset by demons - as a royal dowager, released from the curse of madness and manipulated by an untrustworthy god, is plunged into a desperate struggle to preserve the endangered souls of a realm.

Ratings (28)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (47):

Read It (28)
Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (8)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
8 months

I love how character focused this is. Surprised and delighted me.

 
 
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