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Paladin of Souls

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Paladin of Souls

By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Kate Reading
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Three years have passed since the widowed Dowager Royina Ista found release from the curse of madness that kept her imprisoned in her family's castle of Valenda. Her newfound freedom is costly, bittersweet with memories, regrets, and guilty secrets, for she knows the truth of what brought her land to the brink of destruction. And now the road, escape, beckons...A simple pilgrimage, perhaps. Quite fitting for the Dowager Royina of Chalion.

Yet something else is free, too, something beyond deadly. To the north lies the vital border fortress of Porifors. Memories linger there as well, of wars and invasions and the mighty Golden General of Jokona. And someone, something, watches from across that border: humans, demons, gods.

Ista thinks her little party of pilgrims wanders at will, but whose? When Ista's retinue is unexpectedly set upon not long into its travels, a mysterious ally appears, a warrior nobleman who fights like a berserker. The temporary safety of her enigmatic champion's castle cannot ease Ista's mounting dread, however, when she finds his dark secrets are entangled with hers in a net of the gods' own weaving.

In her dreams, the threads are already drawing her to unforseen chances, fateful meetings, fearsome choices. What the inscrutable gods commanded of her in the past brought her land to the brink of devastation. Now, once again, they have chosen Ista as their instrument. And again, for good or for ill, she must comply.

©2003 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Historical Romance Fiction
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Critic reviews

  • Romantic Times Award Winner - Best Fantasy Novel, 2003
  • Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 2004
  • Nebula Award Winner, Best Novel, 2004

" "Rich in sumptuous detail and speculative theology....This engaging installment of Chalion's mythical history whets the appetite for new marvels yet to come." (Publishers Weekly)
"Bujold couldn't characterize badly if threatened with a firing squad, and what really keeps one turning the pages is the fascinating cast of characters, not that the plot is anything to sneeze at." (Booklist)
All stars
Most relevant

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely - a literate and well written fantasy with a female protagonist. The world-creation, with its very different theology, is immaculate and believable and the characters are well drawn. Ista, the heroine, grows before your eyes (or ears) into a person of real power who can at last be at peace with her past.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paladin of Souls?

When Ista is walking as a hostage to meet the Princess at the head of the Army that has successfully besieged the castle. She realises that she has lost her link to the Gods and has just to rely on herself - her vulnerability is very moving.

What does Kate Reading bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I have read the book, and enjoyed it, but was held spellbound by the audiobook. Kate Reading brings wisdom, warmth and crisp characterisation to the story.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I enjoyed the story and the storytelling. Sometimes laughed at the wit, and other times touched by sadness. Always gripped and had to keep on listening!

Any additional comments?

One of my favourite audiobooks of all time - and I have read a lot!

Fine fantasy, beautifully read

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I loved it and hoped it would never end! Brilliant writing, story, characters, plot, pace. Such a pleasure.

brilliant in every way

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What a beautifully crafted and exquisite fantasy novel, which fully desrerves the awards it has received. I have been hesitating for sometime whether to add it to my collection and I'm so glad I did.

The author did a magnificent job sculpting Ista, the main character, full of knowledge, beautiful emotion and strength within. Ista is no ordinary person and following her story you will lose yourself for hours. There are so many layers to her personality.

On the first thought, a strong heroine might appeal more to female readers, however I would recommend this book to anyone with a little bit of willingness to endulge yourself in a good and captivating story.

Kate Reading did a splendid job. It's a pleasure to listen to her voice, which so easily expressed all humanly possible feelings: happiness, sadness, fear, wisdom, love, excitement and so many others.

Listening to 'Paladin of Soluls' was a simple pleasure.

Just fabulous.

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Building on the world order in the Curse Of Chalion, the evolution of the five gods and how they interact with the world is brilliant. The story has pace but also consideration, and each of the characters are allowed to develop and alter.
Brilliant

Impossibly, but better than The Curse Of Chalion

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istas character echoes the experience of so many real women. the loneliness and heartbreak and misery of being of no esteem to themselves. her struggle and triumph is poingant, a breath of hope to us all.

istas heart

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