Penric's Mission: A Novella in the World of the Five Gods

Penric & Desdemona, Book 3

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

In his 30th year, Penric fell in love with light.

Learned Penric, a sorcerer and divine of the Bastard's Order, travels across the sea to sunlit Cedonia on his first covert diplomatic mission, to attempt to secure the services of a disaffected Cedonian general for the Duke of Adria. However, nothing is as it seems. Penric is betrayed and thrown into a dungeon, and worse follows for the general and his kin.

Penric's narrow escapes and adventures - including his interest in a young widow - are told with Bujold's remarkable energy, wit, and humor. Once again, Bujold has created unforgettable characters and a wondrous, often dangerous world of intrigue and sorcery.

©2016 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Relaxing

Yet interesting
Character was laid back and wasn’t a superhero
Different outlooks from everyone
Basically this is a good read

These just get better!!

So happy I stumbled in these novellas. They are filled with very interesting characters and entertaining imaginative stories

Amazing! Funny and Touching.

Tremendously fun while being light hearted story a must hear book. Penric stories are fun and enjoyable.

very fun story. reorder is a bit confusing

the premise behind all the stories in the series is very interesting. I have definitely gotten confused on which books are in which order. in saying this every story that I've read in whatever order has been very enjoyable

Good book

Very emotional book i loved it like all of Luise McMaster Bujold's books, i recommended them dearly, and Grover Gardner is a fine narrator.

Too short

I started reading Ms. Bujold nearly 17 years ago with her first Vorkosigan novel, Shards of Honor. When she wrote her first 5 God's novel, I read it and had mixed feelings. This is just such a great change over from her superb Space Opera that I had to absorb the new direction before truly appreciating her excellent creation of some of the most elegantly entertaining main characters in this world, also.

I do appreciate Ms. Bujold's artistry in the World of the 5 God's series and this story did not disappoint sage it was far too short and took far too long to get to market.

I understand we are all getting into the retirement age generation and many of my favorite authors are slowing down but I have to beg here. Please Ms. Bujold, more stories? I hate the waiting to see if you will continue writing and when I can get my hands on the next book.

As always, Mr. Gardener is a most excellent narrator for this one of my favorite authors. Having met the author and spoken with her on numerous occasions, I have to believe she will continue to be consistent (unlike many other "suddenly successful" authors) and insist on the continued narration that has made her books a pleasure to listen to. I dislike when a great narrator is replaced by the powers that be!

ok, but...

I really like this series, but this is my least fave of the first 4 because it has little connection to the previous 3. It’s almost as if Penric is yanked out of context. Then the story ends with the 3 up on the mountain, with no clear resolution. For me, it’s as if the story and ending are both left dangling.
Lois McMaster Bujold is still one of my very favorite authors - top 5 - and I will always recommend her work. She earned all those awards.
Love Gardner’s work.

Bujold and Gardner Always Deliver

Thanks to these audio friends of tens of years! I wish there was more, but I will patiently wait for the next, knowing the story will be ripe for the picking when it comes.

Penric and Desdemona continue

I have been a fan of Bujold's work for years. Now that she is semi-retired, she seems to be focusing on telling novella length tales about Penric and the demon (who he named DesDEMONa) who changed his life forever. These tales have a wonderful mixture of humor and philosophy and character building. I recommend reading (or listening to) the three tales in order, to watch how Penric and Desdemona develop and the way they learn to work together. I don't want to go into details about the plot, but this novella has Penric traveling to a place new to him, but a country where Desdemona started her demon life hundreds of years earlier. I especially love the visual impact, as Penric sees this sunny land for the first time. The ending may be a bit abrupt for some, but I find it hopeful, as Bujold is obviously leaving an excellent jumping off place for further adventures.

The Penric novella's are richer if readers/listeners also know the three full length novels set in the World of the Five Gods. If you move on to them, I recommend starting with The Curse of Chalion. But I feel that the novella's can stand alone.

Bujold is great

Great story, too short. Penric is a great character, he needs to kick a little more @ss.