Penric's Demon: A Fantasy Novella in the World of the Five Gods (Curse of Chalion)

Bujold again captivates with rich characterizations, fascinating world-building, and tense conflict. This story is novella length, and the greatest disappointment a reader may have in it is that it is too short and ends a bit abruptly; this by no means detracts from the worthiness of the story. Fans of the Chalion tales will again be drawn in by the intrigue of the religious dynamics, the fantasy aspects of the 'magic, ' and the complexity of character that Bujold is so masterful at creating.

Bujold returns to her World of the Five Gods universe with a novella filled with a satisfying blend of strong characters and wry humor...Bujold creates a goodhearted, if somewhat naive, fellow in Penric and a fascinating, multivoiced character in Desdemona. The banter between the two and the bizarre situation that Penric finds himself in add levity to this fantasy road story.

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 Bujold's work.