The Curse of Chalion [Hardcover]

Lois McMaster Bujold (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 31, 2001

In a dazzling display of invention and storytelling, the incomparable Lois McMaster Bujold offers us the razor-keen edge of a very different sword...

The Curse of Chalion

On the eve of the Daughter's Day -- the grand celebration that will honor the Lady of Spring, one of the five reigning deities -- a man broken in body and spirit makes his way slowly down the road to Valenda. A former courtier and soldier, Cazaril has survived indignity and horrific torture as a slave aboard an enemy galley. Now he seeks nothing more than a menial job in the kitchens of the Dowager Provincara, in the noble household where he served as page in his youth.

But the gods have greater plans for this humbled man. Welcomed warmly, clothed and fed, he is named, to his great surprise, secretary tutor to the Royesse Iselle -- the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is destined to be the next ruler of the land. But the assignment must ultimately carry Cazaril to the one place he fears even more than the sea: to the royal court of Cardegoss, rife with intrigues and lethal treacheries.

In Cardegoss, the powerful enemies who once placed Cozoril in chains and bound him to a Roknori oar now occupy the most lofty positions in the realm, beneath only the Roya himself. Yet something for more sinister than their scheming hangs like a sword over the royal family: a curse of the blood that taints not only those who would rule, but those who stand in their circle. The life and future of both Iselle and her entire blighted House of Cholion lie in dire peril. The only recourse left to her loyal, damaged servant is the employment of the darkest and most forbidden of magics -- a choice that Will indelibly mark Cazaril as a tool of the miraculous ... and trap 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.

Only Robert A. Heinlein has won more Hugo Awards for Best Novel than Lois McMaster Bujold, a singularly lauded author whose work has been compared to Jane Austen's. Now channeling her remarkable storytelling genius in an exciting new direction, she creates a riveting tale rich in atmosphere, magic, character, and consequence that twists and turns in unanticipated ways. Much more than simply the next eagerly awaited tour de force by Lois McMaster Bujold, The Curse of Chalion is a stunning masterwork of fantastic invention that demonstrates the vast range of her astonishing tolents -- and elevates her into the pantheon of premier contemporary fantasists.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-Iselle, the royesse (princess) of Chalion, and her lady-in-waiting, Bertriz, need a new tutor. Cazaril, the man chosen for the job, has been scarred, physically and mentally, from secret betrayals by the very people who now rule Chalion through Iselle's uncle, and who seek to control her younger brother, the heir, as well. To rescue the royesse, and save Chalion, Cazaril must play matchmaker between Iselle and the prince of another realm, fight off assassins, lift a century-old curse, and risk everything-learning not to run from his own love for Bertriz-along the way. 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.

Paul Brink, Fairfax County Public Library System, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Betrayed by an unknown enemy into slavery, former soldier and courtier Lupe dy Cazaril escapes his bondage and returns to the royal household he once served. Entrusted with the teaching of the sister to the heir to the throne of Chalion, Cazaril finds himself drawn into a tangled web of politics and dark magic as he battles a curse that threatens the lives and souls of a family he has come to love. The author of the "Vorkosigan" series of dynastic sf 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.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager; First Edition edition (July 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380979012
• ISBN-13: 978-0380979011
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (205 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #485,723 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

163 of 171 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Her best book in years, August 17, 2001

By 

Mike Signor - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curse of Chalion (Hardcover)

If you are wondering about whether to buy it because it isn't SF and it isn't Miles, stop wondering--buy it now. The Curse of Challion is head and shoulders above Bujold's other fantasy novel, Spirit Ring. The Curse of Challion is well worth the price in hardcover. This is the best book Lois McMaster Bujold has written in several years. Unlike some SF/fantasy authors (Anthony, Norton, McCaffrey), her writing continues to improve with experience.

The Curse of Challion is more realistic than most fantasies. Her world-building has matured greatly since she started the Vorkosian series. And Bujold did a much better job of including a god as a character than David Weber did in his most recent fantasy, The War God's Own.

This book will earn Bujold a Hugo nomination, and she just might win. I read dozens of books a year, mostly Fantasy and Science Fiction. This is the best book I've read this year. Heinlein was my favorite author and this book is as good as anything he ever wrote. Plot, characterization, pace, dialog--all are terrific. Although dark in places, The Curse of Challion is ultimately uplifting.

Cazaril is a much different hero than Miles Vorkosian. Where Miles is young and incredibly irrepressible, Cazaril is old and more cautious. The mapcap early adventures of Vorkosian/Naismith, while vastly entertaining, are much less realistic than the plot in this book.

Although the first in a series, the book ends happily without any significant loose ends. The entire book is deftly woven together--all the threads come together very satisfyingly at the end. My only complaint about the Curse of Challion is that the promised sequel is not yet in print.

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The start of another beloved series, I trust!, January 24, 2004

By 

A. Ryan "Merribelle" (Westminster, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Curse of Chalion (Mass Market Paperback)

There are a few things I have come to expect from Lois McMaster Bujold:
1. Intelligent and atypical main characters
2. Excellent world-building
3. Da*n good storytelling
4. Original ideas
The Curse of the Chalion did not disappoint me one iota on any count.

Since the Editorial review does such a good job of summing up the plot, I'll forego that part in my review here. Fans of the author's SF series may be a little apprehensive about Bujold's foray into Fantasy; let me reassure them right now that they shouldn't be. Although her only previous Fantasy effort, The Spirit Ring, was a little below her usual level of excellence, TCOTC shows none of TSR's hesitant plotting. The story forges ahead fully confident and daring.

In keeping with what you might expect from an author who earned her stripes for @ 20 years in SF, the fantasy world of TCOTC has underpinnings of logic and a natural order to stabilize the magical flourishes. This is a universe in which magic is a power much like gunpowder: the common folk may know about it, could theoretically get their hands on it and use it, but rarely have the desire to considering the well-known risks and consequences. Rather than being used as a device to solve plot problems or dazzle the reader, magic is left to the Gods...except by the foolish who just insist on making life a little too interesting for everybody else.

The central character, Cazaril, is far and away the scene stealer in this book however. A brilliant minor nobleman who was betrayed four years ago into foreign slavery, he returns destitute to his birth land looking for a place to belong. It becomes obvious to everybody that his honor and wisdom are not to be underestimated, particularly when a few political enemies make that very mistake. Underdogs that rise and outshine the proud are a particular specialty of Bujold's; if Cazaril seems a little familiar to us longtime readers, remember that we wouldn't have our heroes any other way.

Curse of the Chalion is a marvelous introduction to this new fantasy universe; it had that gripping, can't-put-down quality somewhere after the first few chapters. I now look forward to the next outing into this fascinating landscape of swordsmanship, intrigue and theological musings. In all, a brilliant read.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the start of a wonderful fantasy career...., August 2, 2001

By 

Nancy of the Book (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curse of Chalion (Hardcover)

Lois McMaster Bujold has been my absolute favorite sci-fi author since I found her first book way back in 1986. With the publication of 'Curse of Chalion' she has also become my favorite fantasy writer. She's created a character in Cazaril who is more than 'everyman' and even more than 'Hero'. Bujold has basically created a fantasy wrapped in a mystery peopled by conundrums. It twists, it turns, it mystifies! Heck, in the end, it even makes sense! But best of all...it satisfies the soul, even while you still mull over some of the actions of the characters even after the cover snaps shut.

The world of Chalion is a wonderful land created less out of fairy tale and more from Spanish-influenced history. Bloody, yes, but also bloody brilliant. The best I've read all year, without any doubt. For many of the same reasons I love her Miles Vorkosigan series (humor, heart, action & adventure, etc..) I also love 'Curse of Chalion'. But there are other reasons to love this novel all on its own. Her characters breathe; her world is whole unto itself; and this story can stand alone and be great even if the author chooses never to visit here again. But I'm really hoping that she will, sometimes at least. :)