The Physicians of Vilnoc

A Penric & Desdemona Novella in the World of the Five Gods

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

When a mysterious plague breaks out in the army fort guarding Vilnoc, the port capital of the duchy of Orbas, Temple sorcerer Penric and his demon Desdemona are called upon by General Arisaydia to resurrect Penric’s medical skills and solve its lethal riddle. In the grueling days that follow, Pen will find that even his magic is not enough to meet the challenges without help from dedicated new colleagues - and the god of mischance.

©2020 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Another perfect escape into intelligent fiction

One of the things I like most about Lois’ books is the mind-expanding effect they have on my understanding of the world around me. I loved every word of this story. Thank you Lois!!

Good - but read this after the first books

I enjoyed this book as an addition to the story, but it is not the story to begin on if you haven't enjoyed the others. There is much more depth to the characters if one starts this series at the beginning . If it isn't classified as YA, this series could be. I really enjoy Bujold's fantasy writing!

What can be causing a rash of illnesses?

I love these 5 gods stories! I sympathize with Penric trying to save those that are ill, take on an apprentice, deal with military rules, solve the mystery of the disease vector . . . all while wishing so much to be home with his new baby.

Excellent

Great fun. Penric and Des keep growing.

I appreciate how hard LMB works on getting medical stuff right and making it believable.

I'm not Grover Gardner's biggest fan, but he has gotten much better over the years! I can distinguish who's speaking by his tone much of the time. So, this is the first time I haven't had to take a break from an LMB audiobook just to get away from the grating boominess & lack of inflection. Entirely listen-able.

Always subtle, understated, yet engrossing

Lois McMaster Bujold is a master of her craft.
I did not like her style of writing at 1st ( Vorkosigan Saga). I put it down and restarted several times. Now I enjoy it.
I still have to fill my blood 🩸 lust with Martha Wells (Murderbot) tho.