The Curse of Chalion

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Lord Cazaril has been, in turn, courtier, castle-warder, and captain; now he is but a crippled ex-galley slave seeking nothing more than a menial job in the kitchens of the Dowager Provincara, the noble patroness of his youth. But Cazaril finds himself promoted to the exalted and dangerous position of tutor to Iselle, the beautiful, fiery sister of the heir to Chalion's throne.

Amidst the decaying splendor and poisonous intrigue of Chalion's ancient capital, Cazaril is forced to confront not only powerful enemies but also the malignant curse that clings to the royal household, trapping him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death for as long as he dares walk the five-fold pathway of the gods.

©2004 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Bujold weaves a convincing and captivating fantasy world, well researched, with magic that works and gods that live without destroying the balance of this medieval society....A finely balanced mixture of adventure, swordplay, court intrigue, romance, magic, and religion makes this book a delightful read." (School Library Journal)

Exceptional

This is an excellent story made exceptional by Lloyd James' reading. For the first time ever, I am searching a narrator's catalogue rather than an author's to find more of the same. Similarly, this a very rare instance where I actually prefer the audio version of a book over the printed version. Well done, Mr. James.

Multiple listening pleasure for sure!

Love this profoundly wonderful story. I have forgotten how many times I have listened to this work. The author and performer are Very well matched. I never tire of revisiting Chalion.

AWESOME! BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN AND SO WELL PERFORMED.

This is what a hero is. Absolutely fantastic. Lloyd James performed excellently. He brought the characters to life. His performance of Lord Caz is so beautiful and touched me so much. Lord Caz is what I would expect a nobleman and gentleman to behave. A man of honour and integrity. His sufferings and humility is to be admired. Lois Bujold is a brilliant and talented writer. T his a complete book even though it is book 2 in the Chalion series. It would be nice if there is more on Lord Caz and his adventures in future books.

Worth the effort - if you like to think

Would you listen to The Curse of Chalion again? Why?

Yes, this is one of my go-to books when I don't feel up to a new book - although I do admit to skipping two internal chunks most of the time. I am a person who has a deep fascination with not just when, but also how and why - a person will change behavioral traits - and this book shows a very clear progression as to what makes a person act the way they do . . . with (in this case) a little prompting from the supernatural realm.

What other book might you compare The Curse of Chalion to and why?

Well, two of the other Series that come to mind as my Always Synced List are Nora Roberts Key Series (Key Of Light/Key Of Knowledge/Key Of Valor) and Lois McMaster Bujold's Sharing Knife Series. Both are as much taking place inside the protagonists' head as out of it - (Note to the people who love a constant action story - this one is not going to be your thing - BECAUSE much of the book IS internal - If that's your bag, try LMB's Vorkosigan Series instead.)

Which scene was your favorite?

I would have to say two scenes stand out equally in my mind 1-The court scene in Brajar - where Cazaril - the hero - finds out just WHO he saved a year ago on a slave ship - and the Fight Scene with Martou De Jironal - where Cazaril finally lifts the curse that the land has been under for 50-odd years.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I both cried AND laughed - in different spots. And I cheered out loud at others.

Any additional comments?

This is a Title that I literally loved so much that I WORE OUT the CD version before I picked it up through Ausible - I also have Paladin of Souls - Which Is Book 2 - Ista's Story - As well as the Hollow Hills - Which I am not sure if that one is a prequel or a sequel - but which definately belongs in the same world. I would recommend all three - if you are the type who likes to think!

What a pleasant surprise!

Where does The Curse of Chalion rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a great listen. I worried about the characters, cringed for them, felt the blows they received. I loved it.
This is a book that I could not 'put down'. I have fallen asleep at 3 am more than once as I listened to the book, only to frantically try to find out where in the story I dropped off. I love the author's unique view of the world

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Curse of Chalion?

The protaganist as a selfless hero in countless moments - listen and learn about yourself.

What about Lloyd James’s performance did you like?

Lloyd brought all the characters to life, made me lov Caz. What an artist Lloyd is!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Dont get me started 'cause I will spoil the book for you. Unrequited love which is actually returned, Longing looks, sweet dreams, aghh i loved it all.

One of my favorite books of all time.

I re read this book, or re listen to the audio at least once a year. The world that Ms Bujold creates so vividly draws you in from the first couple sentences.

Lupe dy Cazaril - an unlikely hero

Lupe dy Cazaril is a soldier and noble lord of Chalion, but a hard past and bitter betrayal has stripped him of his titles and left him a broken and timid man. Having miraculously escaped the life of a galley slave he hopes to live the rest of his days in peace by finding service with one of Chalion’s ruling ladies, the Provincara of Baocia. His new position unexpectedly places him as the instructor of the Royesse Iselle, an heir of Chalion and half-sister to the king. Cazaril is soon thrown thick into Chalion politics and is forced to face his past. In trying to protect his own neck and that of his royal charge, Iselle, Cazaril learns of an enemy without shape or substance: a curse going back a 100 years meant to end the line of Chalion. Though his enemies are numerous and more powerful, Cazaril’s honor demands nothing less from him than freeing Chalion’s royal lineage of its curse, even if it means sacrificing his life. Thrice over.

Cazaril, or Caz as his friends call him, is the story’s winning quality. His only strengths are his mind, humility and sense of honour. This is not the showy honour of a knight in shining armour with a ten-foot claymore who can cut down a hundred bandits with a flick of the wrist, but the honour of a man who holds to simple truths and takes honest pride in his duties, no matter how small. Though he appears timid, even complacent at times, do not let his humility fool you. Inside him still lies the once formidable soldier and military commander. And if you are patient, dear reader, you’ll see his soul catch fire again and burn in your own eyes as you read of his deeds and duties.

The Curse of Chalion has a slow start – perhaps its one and major shortcoming – but if Lois McMaster Bujold’s excellent prose can pull you through the first quarter, the political intrigue and unpredictable chain of events will yank you by your feet the rest of the way.

T'is overall great

was suggested this after Lord of The Rings, was not disappointed. good stuff down load

Absolutely awesome

Loved this books rich writing. I wouldn’t have thought I’d enjoy a fantasy based on theological magic but this one brought out wonder and awe. It also filled my need for a heroic hero without the trope of physical heroics.

Caz is the best

I now know who is my favorite hero in all of literature, Lupe dy Cazaril.