Penric and the Shaman

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this novella set in the World of the Five Gods and four years after the events in Penric's Demon, Penric is a divine of the Bastard's Order as well as a sorcerer and scholar, living in the palace where the Princess-Archdivine holds court. His scholarly work is interrupted when the Archdivine agrees to send Penric, in his role as sorcerer, to accompany a "Locator" of the Father's Order, assigned to capture Inglis, a runaway shaman charged with the murder of his best friend. However, the situation they discover in the mountains is far more complex than expected. Penric's roles as sorcerer, strategist, and counselor are all called upon before the end.

Bujold delivers an astonishing tale that is not soon forgotten.

©2016 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Another fun Penric adventure

I love Bujold's writing and have very much enjoyed the novella length tales about Penric and Desdemona (the Demon of Chaos with whom Pen is partnered). The audiobook readings by Grover Gardner add another dimension to the story. I understand that the third novella in the series, Penric's Mission will come out on audio in February, and I can hardly wait!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Shamans and sorcerers, may the five gods help us

Lovely short story, a continuation of 'Penric and his demon'. Penric has finished his studies a year ago and is working for the Princess who paid for them. She has a little side job for him, which is not quite going as expected.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Penric Rides again

Very fun and enjoyable read w/ a light feel,deft humor, and a moving plot line... It's lighter fantasy w/ an airy and easy mood... The exploration of life's grief and guilt is touching w/o being corny...This book brings together story elements from the previous and integrates the magical systems from the previous books w/ style... These last two Penric novellas are as good as anything heretofore in the series... As good as the 1st book in this fantasy universe... Penric and Desdamona are as likable as most any fantasy pairing/team... The narration is perfect and the story has a wonderful pace making it a real page turner... Can't wait for the next installment!!

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very well written seeing the side lol

I stumbled along this series and I'm so glad that I did because it is awsome. What I do find a little weird but am very happy about is that this book was under the romance package. Can't wait to read the next book. They are short but very well written and amazing.

short but good

A very good follow-up to Penric's Demon. Light-hearted and explicitive of Shamans & Demons World-of-the-5-Gods-style.

Bujold never disappoints!

As a long time fan of the Miles Vorkosigan series I fell in love with the story of Penric and his demon Desdemona. There is plenty of action adventure and her ability to draw complex endearingly flawed characters I unsurpassed.

More developed characters

The longer length of the second novella allowed for deeper character and plot development. Penric reminds me of the dowager queen in the second book of the Challon series. The same refusal to be awed during extraordinary circumstances.

Penric does something... I kinda forgot

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Yes & no. I am a big LMB (author)'s fan. So, it's always great to listen to her main characters.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect is the back & forth between Penric and Des Demona. The least interesting is the story line. Honestly, I barely gave any attention to it, as I was doing busy work when listening, and it really passed me by without really grabbing my attention. Just a very simple storyline.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Grover Gardner delivers a great voice.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Not really. The plot line is too simple.

Any additional comments?

Only for LMB fans.

A good treat

This is a good novella for those already familiar with this fictional universe. The author gives some orientation, but this story felt like a treat to her fans.

Con: As a fan, the occasional phrase felt recycled.

Penric is the best.

Lois has entered again! I wish this Novella was a full book. I would love to see her writing more about Patrick maybe with Desdemona training other demons.

Another short bite of a tale with the five gods

I am enjoying the development of Penric through these stories, and already looking forward to the next installment.

Penrick grows

I loved it

I particularly like the happy relationships with the gods.
Penrick has developed and likes to mystify the other characters.

A beautiful little gem of a story

Like all the Penric stories this is a perfectly crafted little gem, wonderfully read by Grover Gardner. Perfect to warm oneself by on a snowy February day.