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)

It's like chewing nails

I think I've been spoiled by Grover Gardner and the vorkosigan saga.

Lloyd James grates. His breathing patterns, loud swallowing, and general mumbling make this book impossible to enjoy. I've been told over and over it's a great story. And I've pushed myself to listen to it but he makes me want to throw my phone across the room to make him stop talking.

It's probably just me, and I know Bujold is amazing. But I can't focus, and because he so annoys me nothing he says is sinking in.

So character names, etc, because of the mumbling, I can't connect them. And a lot of the names sound similar. I couldn't even make it half way before I gave up.

I know he's done a lot of narration work, but I seriously can't stand listening to him talk. He did a few good accents, that sounded pretty authentic at times, but in general his narration was flat, indecipherable, and completely aggravating.

Moving on to the main part of the series with Grover Gardner. Maybe that will save it for me.

good story, did not care for the narration

I think this was a very good story. I did not like the narration at all. I thought the weird voices were just too harsh I didn't like it. the man has a nice voice, but I don't really like it sometimes when the narrator tries to make a lot of weird voices. It kind of spoils it for me.

great story

Wonderful story , great storytelling, can't wait to dive into the next book . loved the main character

great adventure story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Curse of Chalion to be better than the print version?

No - I love to read, but the audio version is very good

What did you like best about this story?

The way the characters are developed and the way the story holds together. You find yourself almost part of the story

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

I think the choice of voices used for each character.

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

I liked the miracle of Caz and the mules

Any additional comments?

I recommend reading Paladin of Souls after reading the Curse of Chailion

Fabulous! Great Narration

I enjoyed this immensely. The narrator is first-rate.

Must Read

Love it! Great characters and good flow with storytelling. I am highly recommending this book!

Great storytelling!

This is my first fantasy novel and I enjoyed it immensely. James really brings the different characters to life with the various voices. I enjoyed it so much that I'm listening to some parts over again.

Bujold perfection!

What made the experience of listening to The Curse of Chalion the most enjoyable?

Bujold's incredible characters in a fully realized fantasy world with a strong narrator all came together in this audio book. I've listened to it several times and enjoyed it thoroughly each time. It's got just the right balance of struggle, tension, triumph, and romance.

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

I'm tempted to call it "Game of Thrones lite" but that would really be selling it short. It's a very unique approach to a fantasy world where the deities involvement is more concrete than many other books.

Which character – as performed by Lloyd James – was your favorite?

Of course, Cazaril is my a big standout but the consistently strong supporting characters add so much.

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

I definitely chuckled at many scenes in the book, probably came close to crying. There were also great "oh yes!" and "ooooh" moments.

Any additional comments?

I really can't say enough good about this book, and the series that follows it. I really came to care about the whole cast of characters and felt very invested in the story.

Great book made irritating unfortunate narration

An irritating, smirky, jerky, cliched narration, complete with the occasional egregious mispronunciation, spoiled a really good book. I would be delighted if this book were re-recorded with a competent narrator.

an intelligent protagonist is a relief.

the world building, especially the religion of the land, is one of the best. a very engaging read