Review: Penric’s Mission – Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric’s Missionby Lois McMaster Bujold
Series: Penric and Desdemona #3
Also in this series: Penric's Fox, Mira's Last Dance, The Orphans of Raspay
Publisher: Spectrum Literary Agency, Inc
Publication Date: November 2, 2016
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 145
Source: NetGalley
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My rating:
In his thirtieth year, Penric fell in love with light…
Learned Penric, a sorcerer and divine of the Bastard’s Order, travels across the sea to sunlit Cedonia on his first covert diplomatic mission, to attempt to secure the services of a disaffected Cedonian general for the Duke of Adria. However, nothing is as it seems: Penric is betrayed and thrown into a dungeon, and worse follows for the general and his kin. Penric’s narrow escapes and adventures — including his interest in a young widow — are told with Bujold’s remarkable energy, wit and humor. Once again, Bujold has created unforgettable characters and a wondrous, often dangerous world of intrigue and sorcery. Third novella in the Penric and Desdemona series.
The third novella in the Penric & Desdemona series features a new challenge for Penric – palace intrigue! And, a romantic interest! We’ve now skipped ahead another handful of years, and Penric has been loaned to the Duke of Adria, who has sent him on a secret mission to hire a Cedonian general. Only, of course, Penric (and Desdemona) have barely set foot in Cedonia when he’s arrested as a spy. Soon Penric discovers he’s in an even bigger mess than he imagined, and Penric being Penric, he decides it’s his responsibility to fix it – sometimes in very hilarious ways (like giving a theology lecture to an attacker who Desdemona half-buried in a landslide).
Bujold excels at tightly-wrapped plots and amazing characterization. Penric and his demon have a fascinating relationship – part best friends and part older sister / younger brother. Adelis, the Cedonian general, and his sister, Nikys, are wonderful additions to the series, and provide an opportunity to give a “Sorcerer 101” course to anyone who’s just picking up these books, but, please, don’t short yourself! Read the other ones first!
Half of the fun of these novellas is watching Penric and Desdemona’s relationship evolve, and at discovering the events that have happened between books. However, due to the abrupt end of the story, I certainly hope Ms. Bujold decides to pick up right where she left off!
Reading Ms. Bujold’s work is always a pleasure. Recommended for anyone who loves well-written fantasy with a fully developed world, humor, and amazing characters.
