batesbarb's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
chirson's review against another edition
3.0
Some hilarious and adorable moments, but overall, despite the greater (I think?) length, this one was a little more slight, compared to previous Penric novellas. The protagonist is off having an adventure with pirates and orphans away from his family, and the orphans don't get that much of a story. Still a pleasure to read, but not as special as Bujold can do.
gjharm's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
cmbohn's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lowercasenospaces's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
shomarq's review
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
ulrikedg's review against another edition
5.0
A nice addition to this series of novellas. I wish we didn't have to wait so long for the audio editions.
ielerol's review against another edition
4.0
Penric and Desdemona are as delightful as ever. What I liked best about this story was getting a little more of a glimpse of what ordinary Roknari/Quadrene life is like, and the way the religious tension plays out in border areas.
My biggest question about the original Chalion books was why the gods, at least the Bastard and maybe also the Mother, don’t try to do something about the Quadrene heresy. There are some hints towards an answer here, and I like it.
My biggest question about the original Chalion books was why the gods, at least the Bastard and maybe also the Mother, don’t try to do something about the Quadrene heresy. There are some hints towards an answer here, and I like it.
titusfortner's review against another edition
5.0
I love this world and all of the things Bujold does within it. I admit, though, that I'm sad about the lack of resolution with