Penric and the Shaman
Ratings26
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings26
Average rating3.8
In this novella set in the World of the Five Gods and four years after the events in Penric's Demon, Penric is a divine of the Bastard's Order as well as a sorcerer and scholar, living in the palace where the Princess-Archdivine holds court. His scholarly work is interrupted when the Archdivine agrees to send Penric, in his role as sorcerer, to accompany a "Locator" of the Father's Order, assigned to capture Inglis, a runaway shaman charged with the murder of his best friend. However, the situation they discover in the mountains is far more complex than expected. Penric's roles as sorcerer, strategist, and counselor are all called upon before the end. Bujold delivers an astonishing tale that is not soon forgotten.--Provided by Publisher
Reviews with the most likes.
Four years have passed since [b:Penric's Demon 25791216 Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436108514l/25791216.SX50.jpg 45642232], and Penric is now a trained sorcerer and divine, significantly more confident and mature by now, and sent out on a difficult case involving two deaths and a fugitive shaman. If you've read [b:The Hallowed Hunt 61887 The Hallowed Hunt (World of the Five Gods, #3) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431214831l/61887.SY75.jpg 3036421], you're already familiar with shamans; otherwise, this is your introduction to them, as they function in this world.I've given this four stars because I like the characters and their interactions, and because it shows us a significant stage in Penric's life and career. I'm not quite as keen on the story, although it's more complex and interesting than [b:Penric's Demon 25791216 Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436108514l/25791216.SX50.jpg 45642232].
A pleasure to hang out in the World of the Five Gods, as usual. This one was an excellent combination of the theological elements in the world. Although it would have been nicer to spend some more time with Desdemona, I'm still giving it heart-eyes emojis.
The epitome of “okay.” It's not that this is worse than the first book; it's perfectly competent. In fact, I assumed we were going to get Bujold Hogwarts, and I'm pleased that she chose to skip that particular trope.
I thought the first book was thin but maybe setting up some really good stories. But the second has no more luster than the first. It's adequate, but life's too short to read adequate books.
Series
4 primary books12 released booksWorld of the Five Gods (Publication) is a 12-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2001 with contributions by Lois McMaster Bujold.
Series
11 primary booksPenric and Desdemona (Publication order) is a 11-book series with 11 primary works first released in 2015 with contributions by Lois McMaster Bujold.
Series
10 primary booksPenric and Desdemona (Chronological) is a 10-book series with 10 primary works first released in 2015 with contributions by Lois McMaster Bujold.
Series
4 primary books11 released booksWorld of the Five Gods (Chronological) is a 11-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2001 with contributions by Lois McMaster Bujold.
