I was a bit cautious after reading the poor reviews but I thought to myself it seemed very unlikely Lois could write a ho hum book. I really enjoyed it and had no problems with the narration. The Hallowed Hunt contains all the twists and turns I expect from this wonderful story teller.

I really enjoy this author. The fickle gods are fantastic. This particular book is disconnected from the previous two, but you are dealing with your strongest protagonist of the three. In a way, this is very enjoyable. The story ambles a bit, but don't worry, it finishes with a flourish.

I can't understand why have a female narrator do a male main character? Spoils the whole listen.

Top notch Bujold

Ingrey is one of my favorite Bujold characters. I love the ice bear side story.

I missed some fine nuances. Side characters were more real and interesting this way.

When Ingrey considers denying the influence of the Gods, and when Ingrey and Ijada connect on the steps (it's not what you think).

I don't think it's possible to be dissatisfied with a Bujold story, even if you don't agree with some of the characterization by the reader.

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.

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.