Lois McMaster Bujold

A Fantasy Novella in the World of the Five Gods

Penric's Demon

Matthew Royal

I like this universe's idea of uphill and downhill (entropy) magic. Dunno if it's unique to the "Penric and Desdemona" subseries, the "World of the Five Gods" series, or Bujold's works in general, but I'm looking forward to reading more. This novella was an enjoyable entry point into her worlds!

On his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is The Bastard, "master of all disasters out of season", and with her dying breath she bequeaths her mysterious powers to Penric. From that moment on, Penric's life is irreversibly changed, and his life is in danger from those who envy or fear him. Set in the fantasy world of the author's acclaimed novels THE CURSE OF CHALION, PALADIN OF SOULS and THE HALLOWED HUNT, this novella has the depth of characterization and emotional complexity that distinguishes all Bujold's work. Bujold's "work remains among the most enjoyable and rewarding in contemporary SF." - Publishers Weekly "A superb craftsman and stylist, Ms. Bujold is well on her way to becoming one of the great voices of speculative fiction." - Rave Reviews "Bujold is not just a master of plot, she is a master of emotion." - SF Site Lois McMaster Bujold was born in 1949, the daughter of an engineering professor at Ohio State University, from whom she picked up her early interest in science fiction. She now lives in Minneapolis, and has two grown children. She began writing with the aim of professional publication in 1982. She wrote three novels in three years; in October of 1985, all three sold to Baen Books, launching her career. Bujold went on to write many other books for Baen, mostly featuring her popular character Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, his family, friends, and enemies. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages. Her fantasy from Eos includes the award-winning Chalion series and the Sharing Knife series.

Janice Hopper

Lois McMaster Bujold's writing just seems effortless. Her characters are interesting and engaging, and the plots are fine and generally good.

This novella is set in the world of the Five Gods. I happen to like that world, and the stories set in it, so I was primed to like this book. It's a fairly simple story about how one young man came to be possessed by a demon (not NECESSARILY a terrible thing in this world), and what happened to him right after that.

Typical Bujold, in that it's easy to read and fun. It also contains one tiny glimpse of The Ineffable, in a good way. 

Nothing bad to say about this. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in about 24 hours, even though I waited a little so I wouldn't finish it all right away. :)

Danny Engström

Ben Nathan

A great starting point. I really like the character of Penric and Desdemona is fantastic. I'm very very excited to see all the fun that will come out of these novellas.

Penric's Demon A Fantasy Novella in the World of the Five Gods

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