Penric and the Shaman

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.

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 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].