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)

Good storytelling, awkard narration

I'm a big fan of Lois McMaster Bujold and of the World of the Five Gods, especially Penric and Desdemona! But this book and The Hallowed Hunt suffer from irritating narration. This book's narration is better than The Hallowed Hunt, but both narrators have a bizarre tendency to do dialogue in lowered whispers and full of awkward pauses and with very bad "acting."

In this book especially, I don't understand it because the narrator is able to narrate the non-dialogue parts at a good pace and expressiveness. Some of the narration comes out okay, but the main character's manner of speaking in dialogue is especially whispered, halting and awkward. The narrator might have intended to convey something of Cazaril's wounded state, but it only succeeds at being frustrating and painfully awkward. Narrator also has a bit too much saliva swallowing in the audio for my taste. But it's mainly when he tries to "act" while reading dialogue that I wish he would just get on with the narration and stop trying to add to the dialogue.

In the end, Lois McMaster Bujold's wonderful storytelling suffers from substandard narration. Grover Gardner narrates most of her stories, and these books would come alive in his hands. I can only wish... I see Kate Reading narrates the last one, which will be a joy.

A captivating tale...

I thoroughly enjoyed the world building created by Lois McMaster Bujold in this captivating story, which produced a memorable protagonist, Cazaril...
And Lloyd James, you did a fantastic performance as Cazaril!
Bravo sir!

So refreshingly wonderful

Granted, I'm coming off of several terrible books, awful reads, and generally lazy format writings. And also, I have enjoyed everything written by Madame McMaster Bujold. But this. This is like liquid poetry. The story is a delight. The dialogue ebbs on a modern Shakespeare flavor. And the narrator's voice is that of cream. Perfect pronunciation, meter, and pause. I find the words floating past my brain during the course of the day. What a treat. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you a thousand times for this pure joy of a book.

I got lost in this book.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have already recommended this audiobook to friends; I was pulled so completely into this world that I want other to visit it too.

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

This book reminds me of the Wizardborn series.

What does Lloyd James bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lloyd James does a fantastic job of bringing the main character to life; at first I thought his voice to be somewhat unpleasant, but as I listened to him read dialogue, my opinion changed for the better. He didn't so much read as he did portray.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Who would lay down his life for you?

Very good story

I liked the book a lot - it took me a little bit to get used to the reader, but after a while I thought he fit the part. Well developed characters - I was pulled into the story and it was just right for my long comute to work. Everything about the book seemed new and different. I enjoyed the listen very much. I hoped the series would go on with Caz, but Paladin of Souls has a different lead character - each book stands as a complete story. I am enjoying the series very much.

I think I might be addicted. :-)

I have read almost every book Bujold has written and this is one of my favorite. Once again she has perfected the art of the unlikely hero.

Hard to imagine how it could get any better

Just listened to this all the way through for the third time in as many years, and it he experience is only getting richer. The book is a quiet masterpiece, and the narration does it full justice.

a book to make you fall in love with books

if this was the first book i ever read it would make me go out and find more. it does not have fights with dragons or magic that blows things away, but it truly is what fantasy is ment to be, in the sense that it took me to new places and offered up new ways to look at things and gave me a chance to live in a new world while i was between the pages. pick up this book and find out how good man who is broken becouse a hero.

Good story, annoying narrator.

I ended up buying the kindle version of the book. At first the narration wasn't bad, but then anyone with an accent sounded like a racist cartoon. I couldn't make it passed chapter 9.

Excellent story

There is so much packed into this tale that it bears hearing several times. for a work of fiction and fantasy - it has some remarkably apt theology to impart for those with an ear to hear it.