lagobond's review against another edition
4.0
OK, honestly, the first half was tedious reading. Nothing much happened, but I suppose that was appropriate to the story, when it comes right down to it.
But the second half! Oh my, the second half rewarded me richly for my patience. Rare is the book that manages to give me actual goosebumps for page after page, and I'm not talking the horror kind of goosebumps. So moving. I continue to adore the author's sense of humor, and her portrayal of religion.
But the second half! Oh my, the second half rewarded me richly for my patience. Rare is the book that manages to give me actual goosebumps for page after page, and I'm not talking the horror kind of goosebumps. So moving. I continue to adore the author's sense of humor, and her portrayal of religion.
snazel's review against another edition
5.0
Please excuse me while I roll on the floor clutching this book to my chest in delight.
thinde's review against another edition
3.0
An easy read with little drama. Penric is evincing just a hint of arogance, which I hope fails to emerge fully.
tjwallace04's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded up
I didn't enjoy "Penric and the Shaman" quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still a solid, fun read. I am really liking the fantasy world of Chalion and what I am learning about its religion, society, and politics. While these novellas are short, the world has that feeling of lurking depth and detail that make me want to just snuggle down into it....and delve into the Chalion wiki to learn more.
"Penric and the Shaman" follows three different viewpoints (Penric, Oswyl, and Inglis), which was a change from the first book that focused exclusively on Penric. I cling to familiar things, so Penric was my favorite of the three narrators, but he had grown and matured so much from the first book that he almost didn't feel like the same character. I missed his hapless naivete, but at least he was still delightfully sweet. And his symbiotic demon, Desdemona, also featured less prominently due to the narrative division, and I missed hearing her tart sassyness throughout. Cranky Oswyl and forlorn Inglis were not great substitutes.
Still, overall, it was a pleasant, quick, clean audiobook...perfect for a couple of days of chores and commuting with a toddler!
I didn't enjoy "Penric and the Shaman" quite as much as the first book in the series, but it was still a solid, fun read. I am really liking the fantasy world of Chalion and what I am learning about its religion, society, and politics. While these novellas are short, the world has that feeling of lurking depth and detail that make me want to just snuggle down into it....and delve into the Chalion wiki to learn more.
"Penric and the Shaman" follows three different viewpoints (Penric, Oswyl, and Inglis), which was a change from the first book that focused exclusively on Penric. I cling to familiar things, so Penric was my favorite of the three narrators, but he had grown and matured so much from the first book that he almost didn't feel like the same character. I missed his hapless naivete, but at least he was still delightfully sweet. And his symbiotic demon, Desdemona, also featured less prominently due to the narrative division, and I missed hearing her tart sassyness throughout. Cranky Oswyl and forlorn Inglis were not great substitutes.
Still, overall, it was a pleasant, quick, clean audiobook...perfect for a couple of days of chores and commuting with a toddler!
kiiouex's review against another edition
3.0
If you liked the last one, this is More! It also feels very much like these books could fit in the same 'kind fantasy' kind of bucket the Goblin Emperor occupies
nipomuki's review
4.0
This was great. At first I was a bit confused by the similar name of the shaman in this book and the one in The Hallowed Hunt. Maybe this is a descendent??? But then I got caught up in the action. There is traveling, and a man hunt, and a theological mystery, and animals that are more than they seem... I enjoy being back in this world. I loved how the travel companions were changed - in a good way - because of the things they experienced together. And I am glad there are more novellas about Penric and his demon.
Very good audio.
Very good audio.
lizbusby's review
4.0
Fun little book. Feels pretty similar to Miles Vorkosigan, but I don't mind cause I love him as well. :D
curtb's review
4.0
Build lark...
Always nice to see an old friend....and Bujold is on the list of the very best creators of books that become old friends...
Always nice to see an old friend....and Bujold is on the list of the very best creators of books that become old friends...