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Review Summaries
"Cazaril, a physically and psychologically ravaged prisoner of war returning to his native country, accepts a position as tutor to a young noblewoman, which his well-wishers mistakenly believe will be a safe job. Instead he finds himself involved in dangerous intrigues against a pair of corrupt noblemen with designs on the young lady he protects, leading him to attempt the most dangerous magic of all: death magic that invokes the mysterious fifth god of the pantheon, the Bastard. He discovers that the court corruption he had set himself against is only one symptom of a curse that has overtaken the royal family of Chalion, and finds himself headed for a terrifying confrontation with the gods themselves."
Pauline J. Alama, Resident Lois McMaster Bujold Scholar
"In an easily-identifiable almost-parallel world where five bickering kingdoms of Quintarians fight each other and the Quadrene infidels, impoverished Lord Cazaril returns much changed from hideous captivity to seek a lowly position at his old patroness's provincial castle. Instead, recognized by friends and enemies both, he is swept into big-time intrigue at the court of the cursed royal family of Chalion. Here he deals with two surpassingly evil brother nobles, a weak king and abused queen, a beautiful lady-in-waiting, and a zookeeper with the most extreme wild talent I've ever encountered in a fantasy novel. Magic, intrigue, and self-sacrifice play central roles in Cazaril's desperate attempt to free the princess, her family, and the Quintarian world from the curse, while trying to keep his mind off the lady-in-waiting and come to terms with his own probable death from magical side-effects and/or intestinal cancer. More than any other Bujold book "Chalion" reveals the writer's deep and far-ranging understanding of both everyday and extreme reality and their unexpectedly intimate connection."
TCC, Resident Lois McMaster Bujold Scholar
"
Eos, August 2001, 25.00, 448 pp.
ISBN 038097901
Once he was a lord with his own title and estates until they were lost when his allies refused to ransom him. For many months, he was a slave on a galley ship until he found the opportunity to make a daring escape. Now Cazaril is walking back to Valenda, an estate where he began his military career as a page. He is given the job as tutorsecretary of the royal Iselle and her sister lady Betriz.
When the sisters and their brother Teidez are called to the court of Chalion, Cazarel accompanies them to try and keep them uncorrupted from the excesses at the royal residence. What they find is a weak king, an old enemy of Cazaril, and a curse that is put upon every member of the royal family. Although he is no saint, Cazaril is looked upon by the Gods to be the savior of Chalion if he lives long enough
Award winning author Lois McMaster Bujold writes a stand alone fantasy novel that is nothing less than fantastic. She creates a colorful imaginary world resembling medieval Europe, but makes that world and the people in it real. THE CURSE OF CHALION stars Cazaril, but a more reluctant champion this reviewer has yet to see. Ms Bujold has imbued her novel with a bit of tongue and cheek humor to lighten this taut thriller.
Harriet Klausner
"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Lois McMaster Bujold Scholar
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Overall Review
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Plot
Composition of Book Descript. of chases or violence - 20% planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30% Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20% Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30%
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- fantasy world/fantasy past
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
Inner Struggle
Yes
Plotlet:
- fighting a personal illness/handicap
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 20's-30's
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- physically sick
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- Prince/Nobleman/King
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- an average amount
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Earth setting:
- general past
- during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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