I was excited to read a book about an older women on a fantasy adventure because older characters tend to be cunning to make up for their lack of youth.

They typically aren't princesses that run away from home only to find they are the chosen one and turn into the most powerful person without a clue how to wield it. That is exactly what happens. If you took away the first few chapters and a few lines of self deprecation the reader would never know it was an elderly women. There is also no ill effects from her past beyond her own bitterness.

Still an ok YA novel.

The writing rythem was unique and fun. (Until the romance then it was clunky.)

This is the book I pick up to re-read when everything else in my life is a disaster.

Winner of Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel. Fantasy novel sequel to *The Curse of Chalion* and one of Bujold’s best 3-4 novels. It can be read separately but gains a lot from being read after “Curse.” It takes place three years later.

The family of Ista, Dowager Royina (“queen”) of Chalion and mother of the new Royina, has been freed from their curse. Ista was thought to be mad but the lifting of the curse has given her a sort of freedom. Now 40 years old and following the death of her mother, Ista is desperate to get away from the suffocation of her royal life. Influenced by gods, she sets out on a pilgrimage, but is kidnapped by invading warriors from a nearby princedom. She is rescued by a handsome, dynamic man. She is attracted but unfortunately he is the son of a man whose death Ista feels personally responsible for. Most unfortunately, he himself appears to have died some time ago but hasn’t noticed. And it turns out that the invasion is only beginning.

The plot is complex with plenty of adventure and medieval conflict; but it is Bujold’s ability to write deep characters that makes the novel memorable. It is a joy to read her words. Ista is the center, of course. How often do we see the main character of a fantasy novel be a middle-aged former madwoman? A great, great book.

A middle-aged widowed ex-saint/accidental murderess goes on a road trip to find herself and ends up helping to fight off a demon invasion. Everyone who likes fantasy should read this book immediately -- Lois McMaster Bujold is a wizard with words and a fresh breath of air in the dudebro landscape of high fantasy.

This character-based adventure shares the well-realized medieval world of "The Curse of Chalion" but works as a standalone. Bujold builds a detailed plot involving political intrigue and a surprisingly interesting theology of gods and demons around her likeable characters. There's some action and a good dose of romance, weaving into a very satisfying whole.

Really enjoyed this fantastical story of Ista's battle with the darkness that surrounds her. A lovely follow up from "The Curse of Chalion" but can be read as a stand alone.

One of my favorite books in the whole world. Whenever a friend wants a book recommendation, this is the one I hand them. One of Bujold's best works, deep and entertaining at the same time.

This book gives a lot to think about in terms of divine intervention, fate, damnation and redemption. It's also nice to see a story with an older protagonist. It helps if you've read "Curse of Challion" first, but it's not necessary.

This follows after the curse of
challion. AgIN CHARACTER is very important.

finally, a fantasy book about an older female character. The queen mother goes on a pilgrimage, spirits and magic ensue. A dark story with demons and battles.