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Summary: One of the best-described religions in fantasy
Review: I'm a bit startled at all the comparisons between this book and George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. While both are excellent fantasy, and both have court machinations, they're really two different beasts altogether. _Curse of Chalion_ is a wonderful exploration into the interactions between gods and man, and does a wonderful take on sainthood and how the gods can help you and also profoundly muck up your life at the same time. The hero of the book, Cazaril, is a wonderfully drawn character, who has been wounded both physically and mentally by the world but isn't quite ready to give up entirely. Dogged determination gets him a long way.I wasn't disturbed by what some have considered a deus ex machina ending, because given what we learn about the way Cazaril is interacting with the gods of this place, the ending fits snugly as it stands. As one of the last few non-Vorsokian readers (although I'll get around to them eventually), I enjoyed this book thoroughly on its own merits. Miles had nothing to do with it *g*
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Summary: First Bujold book I've ever read...not disappointed
Review: I am an avid fan of fantasy fiction and was a bit apprehensive, given that Bujold's primary genre is science fiction. I read the first few page at the bookstore and was hooked. The storyline was crisp and clear. The story had everything a fantasy fiction reader could want. Not too evil in certain places....pretty dark evil in other places. I can hardly wait for a sequel...and I'm going to start reading her other series!!!
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Summary: Slow start, but a very good showing overall
Review: Summary: excellent original fantasy (a rare commodity these days), good writing, and highly worthwhile. I like L.McM-B's writing, partly for her effective use of humor in serious stories, her characters, etc. This book is very different from the Miles V. books in some ways, similar in others. The hero is operating from a position of incredible disadvantage, but does well by being a decent and thoughtful fellow. And there are lots of serious "important" goings-on. But the gentle humor of the Vorkosigan books is missing, this is somewhat heavier in tone. And it is really slow to start; I nearly put it down. But, once it gets going, this is an outstanding example of the fantasy genre. The theology/philosophy assumptions are detailed, critical to the story, and thought provoking. Caz, the main character, is as memorable as Miles although less easy to relate to (for reasons I won't share for fear of spoiling the story).
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Summary: She got it right this time.
Review: Bujold is usually a science fiction writer. Last time she ventured into fantasy, with The Spirit Ring, I didn't care for it. But The Curse of Chalion is absolutely splendid
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Summary: Very readable non-Miles book
Review: I tried two of Bujold's non-Miles books in succession. THE SPIRIT RING was frankly a disappointment (a decent yarn, but nothing more). This book on the other hand was amazing, and I rushed through it on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Instead of having a romantic young hero, we have a tired, physically and spiritually damaged hero who has walked to his old employer's house. Instead of a beautiful princess who falls for this hero, we have - well, there is a beautiful princess, but there is nothing romantic going on between her and Cazaril. This story combines something of the atmosphere of feudal court intrigues, the pathos of a doomed house, the quest of the hero Cazaril, and a damsel in distress (from the old fairy tales). There is even some action - when Cazaril must journey forth on a mission to save his lady from unspoken evils. Add to this some wit, no loose hanging plot threads (everything that has happened to Cazaril makes sense by the end), well-fleshed-out characters, and you have a great read. My only problems were that some of the real or seeming insanity and attendant court intrigues in the Royal House seemed a trifle overdone (and made me feel rather queasy). I am looking forward to the sequel, even as I continue to read forward in the Miles Vorkosigan series. Grade = A- [Written September 30, 2002]
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Summary: Simply Fabulous
Review: I read a LOT of Fantasy/SF (say 3 books a week for 25 years). This is the best book I have read in at least 10 years. I thought her Vorkosigan books were good, but this one is a true treasure. The reader gradually learns about Cazaril, indeed as he learns about himself. The other characters are nearly as well done - their interactions even better. It is rare to see a single volume story that feels as complete as this one dies. I SO much wish I could read it again for the first time.
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Summary: More Chalion, please
Review: I was doubtfull, at first. After all, it's not Miles Vorkosigan... but then I read it, and my doubts are gone. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd read a grocery list if Lois wrote it... but it would be a close thing. I love this book, I'm very glad I bought it, and I'll probably read it again someday. Once again we have a character who prevails not because of his mighty thews and sweaty bulging muscles, or any tremendous inate ability for sparkly magic. Oh, drat, I won't say anymore. You'll just have to read it yourself. And I have to hope there's more stuff taking place in Chalion sometime in the future... not necessarily a sequil, but something in the same world.
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Summary: Bujold handles Fantasy as well as she handles SF
Review: I was a little surprised to see Bujold had written a Fantasy novel so I didn't know what to expect from this effort , well let me tell you she has put together a darn good and very enjoyable work.The medievel setting and the trappings of this novel are nothing new but are deftly handled and the characters are well rounded and for the most part seem to have justification for their motives including the villians.The main character, Cazaril is very likable and the fact that he is older and war-scared and not portrayed as a the greatest warrior in the land is a nice touch.
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Summary: Intriguing start, pat ending.
Review: I have never read this author before. I bought this book on the strength of the free chapters offered on-line, somthing I have never done before. Those first few chapters pulled me right into Cazaril's story like only a five-star work can do. I liked the original traumatized hero, and the two young not-too-wise heroines. Cazaril's horrible past made me believe that the author was willing to actually do Bad Things To Good People, so that the conventional happy ending seemed in question. Exciting stuff. Unfortunately, the book did not, for me, live up to its promise. About half-way through all the heroes and heroines became more or less flawless, infallible even. I could see everything heading for a perfect, happy ending, compelete with wedding bliss for everyone of worth. Ugh. I kept reading because I still liked the writing style and the hero. (Although Caz's modesty quickly went from endearing to annoying when it became apparent that everyone with any taste admired him to an enormous degree.) So, on the whole, while enjoyable, the book was, ultimately, a disappointment...
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Summary: A jewel of a book
Review: This story is a wonderful fantasy which takes several chapters to really get going. It's necessary to lay a lot of ground work before the story can really pick up. Once it starts, it's very difficult to put down. I found that I was holding my breath for the first few chapters, waiting for something Really Nasty to happen, but the nastiness didn't appear until later, when you're better prepared for it. It has nothing to do with the Vorkosigan universe at all. This is not science fiction. It's also not High Fantasy. No fairies or elves or hobbits (or wizards or Ents or...) here. What is here is very sufficient and is quite worth your time, in my opinion.
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