Three years have transpired since the dowager widow Royina Ista escaped the curse of insanity that held her in her family's castle. Freedom may cost her much; however, as memory, regret, and guilt hover over her, she sets on a quest, to find a different kind of freedom.
What else has been released besides Royina? The demons and gods beyond the border fortress of Porifors. Though Royina wants to think that she and her wandering entourage move about of their own accord, something more sinister on that side could be guiding their path.
Encountering a warrior noble, Royina becomes uncertain of how long their alliance will last, for their secrets seem woven together by a fate beyond their control. Will the gods ask again for Royina to set her country on the brink of destruction? Find out in this second book of the Chalion series: Paladin of Souls.
Lois McMaster Bujold was born in 1949 in Ohio. She is a science fiction and fantasy writer, one of the most renowned in her genres, winning the Hugo Award four times, once for Paladin of Souls. She attributes her love of science fiction to her father, a world famous engineer, and has often felt she had to grow out from under the shadow of his prestige. Overcoming rejection of her writing, she eventually found success. She now lives in Minnesota and is divorced, with two children.
"Okay, reading the Curse of Chalion helps to understand references in this book, such as the world in which the characters move and introductions to the characters, but I enjoyed this book WAY more than COC and so highly recommend it. It features an older woman who realizes that she has a second chance for a new life and how she battles herself and heals her wounds and generally comes to understand herself and her past choices, reconciling her past with her future, and finally embracing her value as a whole person. It's spiritual and profound and an epic journey with demons and battle."
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Korynn (5 out of 5 stars)