Penric and the Bandit

This story is similar in some ways to [b:The Orphans of Raspay 51193044 The Orphans of Raspay (Penric and Desdemona, #7) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562951434l/51193044.SX50_SY75.jpg 71836769], in that Penric and Desdemona are travelling abroad without other company; they meet someone in need of help; and they also meet people who are armed and hostile. However, the two stories differ in many details.This one makes a good story, I enjoy it. But it's rather lacking in congenial characters, apart from Penric and Desdemona. There are none of the characters we know from previous stories, and most of the new characters that appear in it are either unpleasant or unmemorable.Penric is glad to get home after his travels. I wonder what adventure awaits him next.