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The Curse of Chalion | [Lois McMaster Bujold]
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  • LENGTH
    18 hrs and 27 mins
  • AUDIBLE RELEASE DATE
    07-15-04
  • AUDIO FORMATS
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    2 3 4 Enhanced Audio

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    Three years have passed since the widowed Dowager Royina Ista found release from the curse of madness that kept her imprisoned in her family's castle of Valenda. Her newfound freedom is costly, bittersweet with memories, regrets, and guilty secrets, for she knows the truth of what brought her land to the brink of destruction. And now the road, escape, beckons...A simple pilgrimage, perhaps. Quite fitting for the Dowager Royina of Chalion.
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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

What the Critics Say

"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)

Customer Reviews

Showing: 1-10 of 91 results PREVIOUS12…10NEXT
  • 21 of 24 people found this review helpful.
    "Excellent Fantasy... Epic in feel, finite in pace"
    By Pete (Forest Hills, NY, USA) Aug 17, 2004
    Although "Paladin of Souls" ties to this book and thereby engenders the label "series", the satisfaction of completing this well told tale with an actual ending cannot be denied. In the genre of Epic Fantasy with it's continuing storylines and characters, "The Curse of Chalion" encapsulates that flowing grandness into a single volume and deservedly leaves us wanting more. Not needing it, wanting it. That being said, Bujold's mastery of her craft is evident here with an intruiging deep portrayal of her protagonist, Caz. His journey is profound and heartfelt as it winds it's way along it's surprising path. The reading is excellent and kept me immersed throughout.

    Well done by all.
  • 14 of 16 people found this review helpful.
    "An imperfect hero captures your heart."
    By Stephanie (Honolulu, HI, USA) Aug 2, 2004
    Though somewhat lacking in action, this tale of court intrigue and death magic held me in thrall. As in real life, the main characters were neither purely good nor evil. And most are far from perfect. The main protagonist is a case in point, he is an embittered, semi-crippled man, who is neither young nor handsome, yet his plight grabs the reader and the portrayal of his every action rings true-to-life.. This is a solid story unlike any other fantasy I?ve yet read, and well worth the book credit.
  • 10 of 11 people found this review helpful.
    "Good, solid read"
    By Eric (minneapolis, MN, United States) May 10, 2008
    This book hasn't changed fantasy fiction forever, but I definitely enjoyed reading it and would read another book by this author. The world-building isn't amazingly cutting edge, but it's solid and internally consistent. The protagonist isn't utterly unique in the genre, but he's sympathetic, and the supporting characters serve their intended purposes. The plot is relatively straightforward, though there are a few delightful little twists. The writing style relies on a lot of internal monologue and narrative exposition, but this is hardly the only book in the genre to do so, and I've seen many books that did it less successfully. The narrator does a good job distinguishing the voices of the fairly large cast of characters.

    In all, I was completely satisfied with this book and its presentation.
  • 10 of 11 people found this review helpful.
    "Perfect storytelling"
    By Christopher (Sunrise, FL, USA) Dec 17, 2004
    The Curse of Chalion by Louise McMaster Bujold

    This was my most recent Audible listen, and is most definitely one of the best single (non series) audiobooks I have ever had the pleasure of hearing.

    This book is not epic fantasy, high fantasy, or dark fantasy, it falls somewhere in what I would call middle fantasy.

    It has a low-magic feel, and is more character driven than any other fantasy piece I can remember. It would definitely appeal to mainstream fiction fans. I don't have any negative comments on this book, it was a fine example of what a fantasy novel should be.

    This book gets a perfect 5 from me, and that's saying something, because I don't think I've ever given a perfect score to a fantasy novel before, not even to Tolkien, sorry.
  • 7 of 7 people found this review helpful.
    "The end is worth the flaws in the journey"
    By Brittany (Provo, UT, USA) Apr 27, 2009
    Great book. There are flaws: I felt the narrator was ill-suited to the story's world, perhaps the genre in general - his tone was too plain and I didn't like the accents he gave several of the characters. I didn't like the way the main character stuttered, but it turned out to be part of the text itself, and purposely done.

    In fact, this book turned out to be masterfully crafted. Every word in the story is deliberate, and if you keep with it through the dubious twists and developments, you'll see the grander scheme of the plot take shape. Cazaril's character does start as an extremely non-heroic protagonist, but his unimpressiveness serves well to contrast the growth he undergoes through the story.

    At the end of the book, I was not disappointed. The quality of the story pulled me through the shortcomings of the narration so that I hardly noticed it. I recommend it, and I intend to read the next one.
  • 5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
    "green with envy"
    By Lesley () May 12, 2009
    So Rich in detail that it made me feel apart of this brillant work. My review is a humble one not flowery or really discriptive at all but it was one of only a few that I did not want to end. Hung on every word and loved it all. Hope that this helps. Enjoy I am green with envy that you get to experience her work for the first time.
  • 4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
    "A nearly perfect book"
    By Dianna (mason, OH, USA) Jul 31, 2009
    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.
  • 4 of 11 people found this review helpful.
    "Oh Vapid is thy name"
    By Michael (Glenwood Springs, CO, USA) Jun 5, 2009
    First this is not Science Fiction, it is Fantasy. And even here in the truest tradition of Harlequin Romance Series.

    Young heroine of good family is helped by attractive slightly older matron and returning war hero through series of intrigues (so very much of the book is sheltered conversations in dark rooms and corners) until she eventually prevails and marries prince charming (truly a prince and if not charming, at least prepubescent affable). Guiding matron and hero then marry. End of story. Nothing more to accomplish or tell. About time.
  • 4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
    "Couldn't stop listening --- great fantasy novel"
    By Tamara (Dublin, CA, United States) Jul 4, 2008
    This book was extremely refreshing for me, especially after some so-so books. The narrator did an excellent job. And the story itself is wonderful. It starts off at a nice pace at the beginning. But towards the end, I found myself sitting in my car not wanting to stop listening. I think I listened to the last 6 hours in just two days. I kind of hated to finish it, though. I'm sure this is a book I'll return to in the future.
  • 4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
    "Brilliant Novel with top line narration!"
    By Sumit (Hampton, Australia) May 9, 2008
    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!

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