Book Review: The Curse of Chalion

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Curse of Chalion     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Lois McMaster Bujold
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Eos, August 2001, $25.00, 448 pp.

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

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner