Rating: 
Summary: Another masterpiece
Review: Lois McMaster Bujold has created another masterpiece that will provide enjoyment to her readers (both old and new) for years to come. Also, this book like all others by her is seriously habit-forming. I mean there I was doing something else when something I read made me go reread a certain passage and I wound rereading the entire book twice!!
Rating: 
Summary: Shattered Hopes
Review: Although interesting and unusual, The Curse of Chalion does not match up to Bujold's Vorkosigan seris. The new character, Cazaril, is not in the same universe with Miles Vorkosigan; but I was hoping for another miracle.
Rating:
Summary: A brilliant new direction for a beloved author
Review: Award-winning science-fiction author Lois McMaster Bujold turns her pen to the fantasy genre, with breathtaking results. Lord Cazaril has been in turn courier, courtier, castle-warder, and captain; now he is but a crippled ex-galley slave making his way across a countryside reminiscent of Renaissance Spain, hoping to beg a warm hearth and a scullion's position from the noble patroness of his youth. But Fortune's wheel continues to turn for Cazaril, and he finds himself in short order promoted to the exalted-and dangerous-position of secretary-tutor to the Iselle, the beautiful, fiery sister of the heir to Chalion's throne. Amidst the decaying splendor and poisonous intrigue of Chalion's ancient fortress capital, Cazaril encounters both old enemies and surprising allies, as he seeks to lift the curse of misfortune that clings to the royal family of Chalion, and to all who come too close to them. While the novel can - and should - be appreciated as a rousing tale of romance and adventure, Bujold deftly weaves sophisticated speculation on the nature of free will and destiny in the guise of an intriguing mythology, underpinned by a constant subtle evocation of potent symbolic archetypes. Chalion is a beautifully constructed world, both warmly familiar and achingly distant; it breaths hints of shores yet unseen, stories yet to be told, without burdening the reader with a weary litany of exotic names and historical background. Supernatural power and events are carefully derived from the intrinsic nature of the world, displaying the simple inevitability of a chemical reaction - with consequences just as devastating. Bujold, justly celebrated for her complex characterization, excels in her portrayal of the observant, sardonic, devoted Cazaril, and provides him with a rich and appealing cast of supporting characters. She avoids the twin temptations of making her heroes too nobly pure or her villains too blackly malevolent, allowing even the smallest character to emerge as recognizably human. For, with all the her grand canvas of nations and gods and fates, it is humanity - in all its shame and glory - that Bujold celebrates, and readers will be swept along to rejoice in their own. Very possibly a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: A reasonable fantasy effort
Review: I think Bujold should stick to SF more. The forays out of it sometimes work--like into romance with A Civil Csmpaign--but fantasy is not her bag. I felt like I was reading a mishmash of every other fantasy author out there, some improved upon, some not done as well. It was not awful. I don't think she could ever be awful. But it wasn't really exceptional, either. I recommend reading it, but from the library or in paperback only.
Rating:
Summary: A heart-warming multi-dimensional tale
Review: In the Curse of Chalion, we find adventure, romance, struggle for individual and societal survival against daunting odds. The story overflows with hilarious contrasts between men and women, youth and old age, human and animal, strength and weakness, blindness and vision. Through the life and voice of Cazaril, Lois McMaster Bujold penetrates far beyond normal human character preoccupations into the realm of the spiritual mysteries. This "fantasy" is a masterpiece of truth in the highest of story-telling traditions.
Rating: 
Summary: One Small Quibble
Review: On the whole, I love this book. I'd definitely recommend it. I was especially impressed by the wonderful development of an invented religion.My one reservation: Despite the different genre, Bujold's literary style is exactly the same as in the Vorkosigan Saga. Especially in lighter moments and during the denouement, I found the voice of her hero Cazaril too much like that of Miles Vorkosigan, the character interactions and dialogue too similar to those on good old Barrayar. I was so forcefully reminded of Miles and Friends that it took me out of the story.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Waiting For
Review: Having enjoyed Bujold's novels for years, reading the first eight chapters as they came out one by one -- and devouring the balance in two days when my copy arrived. Most fantasy seems to start with the callow youth and to follow him on some contrived quest for swords, rings, or lost patrimonies, whereas in this novel, we start with the tired veteran who has already lost all and wants nothing. Even as we're carried along by a strong narrative of political intrigue, it's this veteran's spiritual awakening that is the plot's mainspring. I found myself caring very much about Cazarril, fearing for him, and sharing his odd bemusement. And that makes for a very satisfying read -- whether savored chapter by chapter or gobbled down whole.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I've been reading Lois' Vorkosigan series just this side of forever. So, it didn't take much to get me to buy Curse of Chalion. And once again she delivered on an excellent, exciting, thinking novel. I loved the Spanish influenced background, which after a surfeit of celtic influenced fantasy was a breath of sweet exotic air. And plenty of interesting intrigue to go around. The main character, Cazaril, is a witty and fully fleshed person. Even the villains are fully developed. The central mystery of the story draws you in and won't let you put the book down.
Rating:
Summary: Curse of Chalion, a predictably wonderful fantasy from LMB
Review: As always, it is Lois McMaster Bujold's mastery of characters and situations that makes her books so addictive. Within the framework of the story (as others mention), everything is so believable, the emotions are so clear, heartbreaking sometimes, but clear. While it is a dark story, there is humor too, I was laughing through my tears in several places. There are no cute kitties or wishful thinking spells in this fantasy, Chalion is very much "hard" fantasy, grounded in real history and threaded with a theology that is both sensible and self-consistent. In a way, I would hate for a newcomer to be introduced to fantasy by this book, since it stands so far above the average in the field, they would be in for a great deal of disappointment. For everyone else, BUY IT, Read It, and then decide for yourself just how hard you are going to push it to your friends, neighbors, strangers and enemies.
Rating:
Summary: This is the start of a wonderful fantasy career....
Review: Lois McMaster Bujold has been my absolute favorite sci-fi author since I found her first book way back in 1986. With the publication of 'Curse of Chalion' she has also become my favorite fantasy writer. She's created a character in Cazaril who is more than 'everyman' and even more than 'Hero'. Bujold has basically created a fantasy wrapped in a mystery peopled by conundrums. It twists, it turns, it mystifies! Heck, in the end, it even makes sense! But best of all...it satisfies the soul, even while you still mull over some of the actions of the characters even after the cover snaps shut. The world of Chalion is a wonderful land created less out of fairy tale and more from Spanish-influenced history. Bloody, yes, but also bloody brilliant. The best I've read all year, without any doubt. For many of the same reasons I love her Miles Vorkosigan series (humor, heart, action & adventure, etc..) I also love 'Curse of Chalion'. But there are other reasons to love this novel all on its own. Her characters breathe; her world is whole unto itself; and this story can stand alone and be great even if the author chooses never to visit here again. But I'm really hoping that she will, sometimes at least. :)
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