The World of the Five Gods Series - Book 3.1
Penric’s Demon
“Bujold again captivates with rich characterizations, fascinating world-building, and tense conflict. This story is novella length, and the greatest disappointment a reader may have in it is that it is too short and ends a bit abruptly; this by no means detracts from the worthiness of the story. Fans of the Chalion tales will again be drawn in by the intrigue of the religious dynamics, the fantasy aspects of the ‘magic,’ and the complexity of character that Bujold is so masterful at creating.”
RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
Finalist for the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novella
A BookRiot Pick of Must-Read Audiobooks
On his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is the Bastard, “master of all disasters out of season,” and with her dying breath she bequeaths her mysterious powers to Penric. From that moment on, Penric’s life is irreversibly changed, and his life is in danger from those who envy or fear him.
Set in the fantasy world of the author’s acclaimed novels The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, and The Hallowed Hunt, this novella has the depth of characterization and emotional complexity that distinguishes Bujold’s work.
Praise