This book was number 3 in the series. I found it to be an interesting read. However, it did not really follow the story line of the 2 previous books, The thread it picked up on was not really an important part of either of the 2 previous books. Have to say was disappointed in that because the first 2 book were good and the 2nd book was my favorite. Over all 3.5 rating.

I adore most of Bujold's novels, be they Chalion, Vorkosigan or Sharing Knife. I have both read and listened to most of them multiple times, and intend to listen to them again. The stories are so good that I enjoy listening to them even though I am so familiar with them that sometimes I can recite along with the narrator in my mind.

But sadly, not this one. I don't know why. It's just flat, for some reason. Only the main character made a real impression, and I was let down by the ending. It's not a terrible book, but I can't really recommend it.

Bujold once again excels herself ina great story that has well developed characters in a fantastic cultural setting.
Set in the same world as Curse of Chalion, this book takes a different angle from previous books in this world by looking at a country that has been 'invaded' by the five god religion. It develops the hidden costs of using religion in perverted ways, and the reader soon finds themselves in the depths of a fictional theology. Bujold is excellent at developing this side of a story that other authors fail at, and it is a skill worth reading.
The narration is reasonable, and does not distract from the story. As in past Bujold books her use of long and unusual English words sometimes means the narrator mispronounces one or two, but this once again is not distracting to any degree.
This is a definate listen.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of Lois McMaster Bujold's novels....until now. Apart from the terrible narration, the story was forced and stilted. Descriptive language was repetitive to the point of becoming an irritant. The plot line was so convoluted, it became an unrewarding challenge to try to follow.
This book is a waste of a credit or a waste of money....
I hope McMaster Bujold is able to regain her former excellence as her previous works were engaging and entertaining.

No, the reader distracts from the story. The subtle humor of this author is lost when the reader so carefully rounds out every sound. A succession of things are read in a sing-song voice. The meaning is lost. The reader also mispronounces a few words and hasn't bothered to find out what they mean. Leaded windows do not have "leeds" - those should be pronounced "leds."

This is the third in a trilogy in a world with 5 gods, and all of them examine theology in some way while telling an exciting tale.

Too many sentences sounded just alike. More acting was needed.

Maybe. But I think I will get this title in another format to read again so I find out what I missed.

I had so much trouble following the reader, that it was a chore to follow the story. The reader divided sentences into unconnected phrases and some words were lost without any connection at all. My mind kept trying to put the sentences back together, and follow the disjointed flow. I am always ready to be swept away by a good storyteller - it was a shame to waste this story with this reader. I liked the Curse of Chalion best, and then the Paladin of Souls (after a shaky beginning). I did like this story but I did not enjoy listening to it.

... but although Marguerite Gavin is a very good narrator and I've enjoyed listening to a few of her performances before in the paranormal fantasy section, she and Lord Ingrey, the character from whose perspective this story is told, don't go together very well.

I have no issue with how she did Ingrey's spoken voice, it was actually really good, but the non-speaking parts were narrated in what I think is Ms Gavin's normal tone of voice, and I did find it jarring to hear Ingrey's world view expressed in that tone.

I'm probably being overly critical, but the story and performace were just so good otherwise that this issue sort of stands out.

I recommend this story to any fans of Lois McMaster Bujold, or character-driven fantasy in general. Just be aware that it takes place completely independent of her previous stories in this 'verse so any expectations of cameos from Lady Ista or Lord Cazaril would be disappointed.

I have greatly enjoyed this author's other books. Unfortunately, I cannot rate the writing of this one because the narrator is so irritating that I cannot bear to listen to it.

I love the way Lois McMaster Bujold's tales weave together fantasy, adventure, and speculative theology. :)

I was surprised to find little mention of Chalion in this particular story, but enjoyed learning about the characters and the unpredictable predicaments they found themselves in.

If you have religious views that do not permit imagining alternative theologies, avoid these stories. If you like a good fantasy and don't object to a few bits of the supernatural showing up, listen on!

So far I've like all this authors books but this one while good wasn't as good as the others
I'd still recomend it as a listen if you are a fan of hers. Else go with one of her other books first.