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)

Couldn't stop listening

It's surprisingly different from the Miles Vorkosigan series. You could even be forgiven for not realizing it was the same author, but it still has some of the humor & is a real page turner. I got so into the story that I didn't watch any TV while I was home or listen to anything else in the car all weekend & I finished an audio book that should have lasted all week in a couple of days.

Wow!

Great story, great characters, great narration. I picked this up randomly, definitely did not have any expectations and have been wonderfully surprised! This was such an enjoyable listen!

Captivating Story With An Interesting Narrator

This is one of my favourite stories from Lois McMaster Bujold. The characters are well drawn and their motivations are consistent with their characters.The story starts a little slow but it pays off later in the book as we find out more about the paths each character (particularly Cazaril) walked to get to where they are. In Cazaril's case, as his past unfolds within the narrative you'll end up thinking back to where the story began and how it was a cross-roads in more ways than one.

In many ways the story is as much about chance, circumstance and human nature as it is about political intrigue and adventure. It has a particularly unique and interesting take on sainthood and divinity.

Honestly, though, the best part about the audiobook was the Marlon Brando/Godfather accent the narrator puts on for Dondo and Martou dy Jironal. I'm not sure of the intended effect but to me it was hysterical and had me snickering every time Dondo or Martou were talking. I wasn't 100% sure I didn't hate it at first, as an interpretation of the dy Jironal brothers it was somehow both off-putting and appropriate at the same time. I like it now, though, so I guess appropriate won. Your mileage may vary.

Wonderful Story, Beautiful Storytelling

I started this book about 5 times for background before finally finishing it, thinking that I didn't care for the narration. Doing that was a mistake. When I was really able to listen, what I heard was beautiful subtlety in expression that I rarely hear from narrators. He shifts registration, tone, and accents wonderfully, and he develops characters who are as diverse and nuanced as Bujold masterfully writes them. As the plot moved forward I became more and more hooked. Bujold's writing is stunning, and her portrayal of the world, the gods, and magic, and how they interact with humans is otherworldly in nature, while remaining relatable, as she uses familiar terms or similar actions to draw our imaginations into the story. I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful and devious

interesting characters, original magic system, beautiful prose, and a plot with just the right number of twists. I immediately downloaded the second in the series after finishing.

My first Bujold novel, and if her other works are anything like this it is easy to see why she immediately acknowledged a master of SFF.

Good story, some trouble w/narration

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

I own this book in paperback, later bought it on Kindle, and now have it on Audio. I would recommend this (and the sequel _Paladin of Souls_) to any friend who likes Bujold and/or fantasy.

What did you like best about this story?

I was fascinated by the way the theology of the world was reflected in and affected by the daily lives of the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

The negotiation between Caz and the Fox of Ibra.

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

Caz waking in Fonsa's tower and realizing he had to go on.

Any additional comments?

This is a known story to me; I expected to enjoy it in Audible and did. The narrator was quite skillful, and was able to portray different voices quite distinctively.

However, I encountered a bit of unexpected trouble with the narration of male characters who had gruff voices or a tendency to mumble, particularly Orico. Those characteristics were reliably reproduced by the narrator -- but I sure had trouble understanding the mumbles! (I also have a moderate-to-severe hearing loss; those with less/no hearing loss may not have the same problem.) This isn't a problem when reading text, of course, as the text is clear even when the character mumbles. I'm not sure there's any way to fix this, as it makes sense for the narrator to mumble a bit when the character so obviously does so.

Narration was imperfect - story was not!

A wonderful story that I think everyone should read. The narration was just okay; I eventually got used to it, but it was a bit distracting.

Brilliant Novel with top line narration!

I am usually not a fan of big novels, and this is a big novel. However, this novel is worthy of the awards it won and more! It is marvellous in holding on to the reader's attention as the suspense slowly builds up. Lupe Di Cazeril (the main character) is voiced brilliantly, and the hesitation of a broken (but not unwilling) man endears the character to the listener. Rooted with mythical gods, Father, Mother, Son, Daughter and the Bastard, yet, the novel does not preach. It merely tells the story, and I believe, that is what a good novel does! Go buy it, it's worth the patience if you are an avid listener!

A nearly perfect book

This is one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. The plot is subtle and surprizing, the narrator is more of a perfomer than narrator -- I believed he was Caz. I was so emotionally attached to him I needed to listen again once I finished.

The philosphy espoused by the religion central to the story is moving -- through our own free will and choices we make the world a better or worse place but surrendering your will to god allows you to bring their grace and gifts into the world -- beautifully articulated.

And to top it off, there is a occult magic, gentle romance and battle action. Highly reccommended!

However, the second book in this world -- Palladin of souls does not live up to the promise of the first.

Best non-epic fantasy in existence

Cazaril is my homeboy!

Seriously, this book is awesome. I first listened to it about 5 years ago and I still find myself coming back to it every few months for a re-listen.
I've read plenty of epic fantasy and sword and sorcery type stuff. This is neither, but, whatever it is, you should read it.

Everything about this one is a winner. Cool, cool story, super characters, nicely built world and wicked finish. There's something about the maimed, self-effacing hero that Bujold got so right in this book.

This is one to recommend to anyone from 13-93.