thinde's review against another edition
3.0
These short books are becoming a sort of comfort food for me. There are relatable characters, a minor mystery, and nothing too confronting. It's not great literature, but nor is it pulp fiction. Put simply, it goes down easily.
kiiouex's review against another edition
3.0
these are. very readable. (though the numbering here on goodreads is a bit misleading, I'm trying to do internal chronology thank you (I have already messed it up but it doesn't matter very much))
anyway they're all short and interesting and Penric and Desdemona are intensely likeable and I am enjoying all their adventures, though again, they feel kinda like chapters in a big fantasy omnibus and Penric doesn't reaaally have an arc when solving other people's problems
but they're great I did not intend to read this many
anyway they're all short and interesting and Penric and Desdemona are intensely likeable and I am enjoying all their adventures, though again, they feel kinda like chapters in a big fantasy omnibus and Penric doesn't reaaally have an arc when solving other people's problems
but they're great I did not intend to read this many
hanamarma's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
nipomuki's review against another edition
4.0
I so enjoy revisiting this world. The magic and theology are endlessly fascinating to me.
This novella was a satisfying murder mystery solved with the aid of demons and shamans.
Pendric is, like Conn from the Magic Thief, genuinely good people, and apparently I like it when genuinely good people learn to deal with power without losing their innate kindness, and show us how to use said power in a joyful, generous way.
The audio version is excellent, and available in the Audible plus catalogue.
This novella was a satisfying murder mystery solved with the aid of demons and shamans.
Pendric is, like Conn from the Magic Thief, genuinely good people, and apparently I like it when genuinely good people learn to deal with power without losing their innate kindness, and show us how to use said power in a joyful, generous way.
The audio version is excellent, and available in the Audible plus catalogue.
assaphmehr's review against another edition
5.0
I've read the first two novellas in this series before, and was looking forward to spending some more time in Penric's unique world.
What to Expect
Penric's Fox is set soon after the event's of Penric and the Shaman. The setting is Easthome, capital city and close to the previous novels, and many of the same characters appear as well. In tone, it is a detective story: starting with the discovery of a murdered sorceress, Penric and Inglis are recruited by the Template locator (investigator) to assist. Since all sorcerers get their power from hosting demons, the big question isn't just who (and how!) did someone kill a sorceress, but where did her demon go?
What I liked
I love Bujold's writing style. She can spin stories and mysteries, characters and world that feel truly immersive and real. It is clean, clear prose that is evocative and engaging, without the need for high angst or thriller-paced drama.
Her world-building is also top notch, from the magic system and theology (the interesting philosophical implication of the gods and associated religion), to the every-day technology and lifestyles of rich and poor alike.
What to be aware of
These are short novellas, not grand epics. Enjoyable reads, but over quickly. Note that the novellas were published in a different order to the internal chronology: this is book 3 of the series, but some lists may reflect the publication order. This is one instance where it's better to read as per the internal chronology.
Felix's Review
Felix is continually perplexed and intrigued by the concept of spirits that can be possessed and harnessed. For him, that borders of sacrilege, though his can see some similarities in his world. Still, he admits that Penric does a credible job at upholding justice (and, mostly, the law as well), and using his gifts for the general good (he's seen far too many people in power use it for personal gain). He'd also like to point out that Penric's powers are growing rather impressively, as he predicted.
Summary
Very enjoyable fantasy series, which, as it's novellas, I read as a sort of palate cleanser between other works. Whether you sample it sporadically or tear through it, I'm sure you'd enjoy them.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of paranormal detective on a background of ancient Rome.
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1596954987p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061l/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Penric's Fox is set soon after the event's of Penric and the Shaman. The setting is Easthome, capital city and close to the previous novels, and many of the same characters appear as well. In tone, it is a detective story: starting with the discovery of a murdered sorceress, Penric and Inglis are recruited by the Template locator (investigator) to assist. Since all sorcerers get their power from hosting demons, the big question isn't just who (and how!) did someone kill a sorceress, but where did her demon go?
What I liked
I love Bujold's writing style. She can spin stories and mysteries, characters and world that feel truly immersive and real. It is clean, clear prose that is evocative and engaging, without the need for high angst or thriller-paced drama.
Her world-building is also top notch, from the magic system and theology (the interesting philosophical implication of the gods and associated religion), to the every-day technology and lifestyles of rich and poor alike.
What to be aware of
These are short novellas, not grand epics. Enjoyable reads, but over quickly. Note that the novellas were published in a different order to the internal chronology: this is book 3 of the series, but some lists may reflect the publication order. This is one instance where it's better to read as per the internal chronology.
Felix's Review
Felix is continually perplexed and intrigued by the concept of spirits that can be possessed and harnessed. For him, that borders of sacrilege, though his can see some similarities in his world. Still, he admits that Penric does a credible job at upholding justice (and, mostly, the law as well), and using his gifts for the general good (he's seen far too many people in power use it for personal gain). He'd also like to point out that Penric's powers are growing rather impressively, as he predicted.
Summary
Very enjoyable fantasy series, which, as it's novellas, I read as a sort of palate cleanser between other works. Whether you sample it sporadically or tear through it, I'm sure you'd enjoy them.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Toags, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of paranormal detective on a background of ancient Rome.
[a:Assaph Mehr|14422472|Assaph Mehr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1596954987p2/14422472.jpg], author of [b:Murder In Absentia|29500700|Murder In Absentia (Felix the Fox, #1)|Assaph Mehr|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1457914061l/29500700._SY75_.jpg|46845657]: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
liacooper's review against another edition
4.0
I love the world building in this series as well as the characters. this sees Pen back in Eastholme with the guys from the previous book and solving another murder mystery. i'll definitely continue listening to this series in 2020 and picking up the Curse of Chalion when it comes in for me at the library :)
daria_nedelcu19's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyment ★★★★☆
Concept ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★★☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Plot/Pacing ★★★☆☆
Ending ★★★☆☆
World Building ★★★☆☆
Concept ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★★☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Plot/Pacing ★★★☆☆
Ending ★★★☆☆
World Building ★★★☆☆
samwescott's review against another edition
5.0
A fun little mystery. It's really cool to see Penric's circle expanding and to learn more about the magic in this world, especially seeing the sorcerers and the shamans still working side by side. Trying to read them in internal chronological order, but they do seem to stand alone fairly well. (less) [edit]