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Audiobooks > Fantasy >  General Fantasy > The Curse of Chalion
The Curse of Chalion Audiobook, by Lois McMaster Bujold Play Audiobook Sample

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4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00) - 9,823 customer ratings
The Curse of Chalion Audiobook, by Lois McMaster Bujold Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Lois McMaster Bujold Narrator: Lloyd James Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audio Length: Series:The Curse of Chalion Series Release Date: June 2005 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781483075204
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Publisher Description

Lord Cazaril has been, in turn, courtier, castle-warder, and captain; now he is but a crippled ex-galley slave seeking nothing more than a menial job in the kitchens of the Dowager Provincara, the noble patroness of his youth. But Cazaril finds himself promoted to the exalted and dangerous position of tutor to Iselle, the beautiful, fiery sister of the heir to Chalion’s throne.

Amidst the decaying splendor and poisonous intrigue of Chalion’s ancient capital, Cazaril is forced to confront not only powerful enemies but also the malignant curse that clings to the royal household, trapping him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death for as long as he dares walk the five-fold pathway of the gods.

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Quotes

  • “Nicely detailed and wittily accented…Here’s hoping it launches a series of tales as well told as the Vorkosigan volumes.”

    - Booklist

  • “Bujold weaves a convincing and captivating fantasy world, well researched, with magic that works and gods that live without destroying the balance of this medieval society. Cazaril’s life is rich with detail and plays a part in the conclusion. The villains are believably motivated. The young heroines are deeply sympathetic characters as well. Readers will find themselves rooting for the good guys, while still uncertain that all can end without at least one of them suffering a dire fate. A finely balanced mixture of adventure, swordplay, court intrigue, romance, magic, and religion makes this book a delightful read.”

    - School Library Journal

  • “[Bujold] turns her hand as competently and engagingly to the fantasy genre in a tale of quiet heroism and self-sacrifice. Compelling characters and richly detailed world building make this a strong addition to fantasy collections.”

    - Library Journal

  • “Bujold excels at creating complex characters you care for, and at catching them up in terrific action-adventure stories laced with thoughtful ponderings on ethics and religion. James does an excellent job with this tale…He strikes just the right note throughout all the twists and turns of the plot.”

    - Kliatt

  • “This is one of the great ones.”

    - Science Fiction Chronicle

  • “Lloyd James excels. Subtle tonal shifts distinguish James’ characters, enabling him to voice male and female characters of all ages, of upper and lower castes—with equal acumen.”

    - Amazing Stories 

  • “Chock full of motivated and interesting characters, classic political machinations, two genuine romances, surprising plot twists, and everyone’s favorite theme, betrayal. This is the equivalent of a seven-course meal for any audiobook listener.”

    - SFFAudio.com 

Awards

  • A 2002 World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel
  • Winner of the 2002 Mythopoeic Award
  • A 2002 Hugo Award Nominee
  • A 2002 Locus Award Nominee

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Customer Reviews

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  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I am finding that I love Bujolds fantasy series far better than the science fiction series. Having started with the second book and then reading the first, I had some idea that all would work out in the end but it didn't ruin the story at all. There is a fabulous main character, a gripping storyline, gods you might not want to answer your prayers and lots of action. This series was a great find. "

    - Dawn, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is the first book I have read by this author and I loved it? I was sucked in from the first page on. Wonderful character development and terrific plotting. I can't wait to read the sequel. I hope it is as terrific! "

    - Diane, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a great fantasy with very well rounded characterization. Cazaril is a man in need of solace. Scarred both mentally and physically and aged beyond his years he returns to the House of Chalion where he served as a page in his youth. He is then appointed secretary to the royess and her lady in waiting. Treachery, politics and, of course, the curse of Chalion, all distrupt Cazaril's solitude. At times, the pace is a tad too slow, but the interesting characters kept me hanging on to the very end. "

    - BarkLessWagMore, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Excellent fantasy novel about a man discovering his worth and his willingness to serve. A little more . . . religious? than your average sword-and-sorcery novel. Absolutely love it. "

    - Siobhan, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this more than I expected to, because the hero wasn't too conventional, being battle-scarred and weary beyond his age. I liked his voice, his dry observations on life, his ability to enjoy life despite the hardships he'd been through. Then the magic that started to warp the story in ways I wouldn't have expected held my attention. I liked the rules of the gods and the sarcasm of the saints. I found the ending's need to describe every detail of the characters' future happiness a little tedious. Once I knew what had become of the main character and what had become of his major goal in the novel, I'd have been quite happy for the curtain to drop. "

    - Mary-Beth, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not too bad just never really got exciting. "

    - Sa'id, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Really interesting and enjoyable book. I'm not usually a scifi fan, but this closely mirrored medieval Europe. "

    - Lindsay, 12/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I may like the Chalion books better than the Miles books, especially after just rereading them. Just...so good, on all fronts. "

    - Genevieve, 11/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I keep rereading this book, hoping that there will be more at the end. Bujold has created something absolutely spectacular, and I'm only sad to see her leave our valiant (and tired) Cazaril in his chair, forever. "

    - Christine, 10/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is one of the most awesome books I've read in quite a while. Very cool "

    - Shards, 8/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Easily my favorite fantasy themed novel of all time. Highly recommended. "

    - Jonathan, 6/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book. Caz was such a mature character. It was such a spiritual book presented in such a matter of fact way that I will never look at a pebble the same way again. Bujold always makes me happy I picked up and read one of her books. "

    - Brandy, 5/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " first book in this world andi is a nicely built word with sympathetic characters .it was wise of the author to give her sf a rest. "

    - Simeonberesford, 4/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can see why this is Jenna's favorite. This was an excellent fantasy, equal to The Name of the Wind in quality. "

    - Kristen, 2/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It was long and had one harsh scene or memory of torture or pain or some other icky thing after another. I'm told it gets better, but after listening to the audio version for a little over 6 hours, I gave up. YMMV. "

    - Aryn, 2/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I'm not much of a sci fi fan, but I really enjoyed this trilogy. "

    - Angela, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I was hesitant to read this book but once I started reading I couldn't put it down! The main character is likable yet realistic and the magic system is unique. If you are hesitant to read this book, don't be! Pick up this book and you won't regret it! "

    - Emily, 4/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not as much of a fan of her fantasy as her scifi, unfortunately. "

    - Syp, 4/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Listened to first 2 hours and was bored. No action - just long drawn out descriptions. Did not keep my interest. "

    - Kendar88, 3/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " My first Bujold read. She's highly skilled and ambitious. "

    - Dave, 3/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really interesting book that's mostly about theology. The last page always makes me teary-eyed. If everyone knew the gods existed, had proof of it, how holy would we be? "

    - Jocelyn, 3/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Happy to discover this great author and finish the rest of this trilogy. "

    - Breean, 3/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Oh, now I get the fuss over LMB. Charismatic characters in a richly-drawn world. "

    - Emily, 3/18/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my top five all-time favorite fantasies. Maybe top five books, period. "

    - Incandragon, 3/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Of all the fantasy books I've read, and I've read so many I couldn't begin to count them, this is one of my favorites. If you're looking for a great story, political intrigue, religious conflict, and a great love story, look no further. :) "

    - Alison, 3/11/2011

About the Author

Lois McMaster Bujold is one of the most honored writers in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. In 2019 she was named a Damon Knight Grand Master by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, one of science fiction’s highest honors. She has won seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. In 2011 she was awarded the Skylark Award for her significant contribution to science fiction. Hugo awards for Best Series were received by the Vorkosigan Saga in 2017, and the World of the Five Gods in 2018.

About the Narrator

Lloyd James (a.k.a. Sean Pratt) has been narrating since 1996 and has recorded over six hundred audiobooks. He is a seven-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award and has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award. His critically acclaimed performances include Elvis in the Morning by William F. Buckley Jr. and Searching for Bobby Fischer by Fred Waitzkin, among others.