Books: Paladin of Souls

Paladin of Souls
by Lois McMaster Bujold
Copyright 2003
470 pages

This book won the Hugo, Locus, and Nebula Awards for Best Novel in 2004.

It is a sequel, sort of, to The Curse of Chalion, which I have not read.

However, you do not need to have read the first book to enjoy this one.

Ista is a 40-year-old woman of royalty who has spent years in madness, courtesy of the gods. She has been released from that and, after the death of her mother, most of her other duties. Her children now rule the land.

The dowager was a minor character in The Curse of Chalion and the author does a splendid job of painting the land and offering up back story. The book really stands on its own.

Ista sets out on a pilgrimage, mostly to get away from the castle where she has spent most of her life, and her keepers who are intent on keeping her safe and watching her.

The pilgrimage quickly goes sour when she is taken captive and then rescued by a loyal fellow who owns part of the lands in the borderlands.

Once safe in his castle, she discovers that nothing is at it seems, the Bastard God has determined she will do his bidding and make things right.

I really enjoyed reading about a heroine who was an older character. Ista is a wonderful heroine, full of spunk and curiosity, yet wise because of her years. She is soft from too much castle living, but she soon overcomes that. I appreciated the details of her inner life, which were very well done.

If you like fantasy with strong characterization, this book is highly recommended.