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Penric’s Demon
- A Fantasy Novella in the World of the Five Gods
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Series: World of the Five Gods: Chalion, Book 1.5, World of the Five Gods: Penric & Desdemona, Book 1
- Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy
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Publisher's Summary
On his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is the Bastard, "master of all disasters out of season", and with her dying breath she bequeaths her mysterious powers to Penric. From that moment on, Penric's life is irreversibly changed, and his life is in danger from those who envy or fear him.
Set in the fantasy world of the author's acclaimed novels The Curse of Chalion, Paladin of Souls, and The Hallowed Hunt, this novella has the depth of characterization and emotional complexity that distinguishes Bujold's work.
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What listeners say about Penric’s Demon
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Carol
- 01-10-16
A Kinder, Gentler Demon
This brief tale is an enjoyable listen if you're a fan of Lois McMaster Bujold's wonderful character-driven fantasy, and if you've already read her magnificent "Curse of Chalion."
"Penric's Demon" takes place in the same world as "Chalion"--the World of the Five Gods--although it's set 100 years earlier and in a different country. And in this time and place, the world seems less dark, the gods more benevolent, and the demons less destructive than in "Chalion." Penric, the rather naive younger son of a minor noble family in the sheep-herding, cheese-producing hinterlands, is on his way to his betrothal ceremony when he stops to help a dying old woman. But no good deed goes unpunished. The dying woman is a "learned divine" (priestess) and (oops!) a sorceress, so instead of becoming betrothed, Penric winds up hosting the dead divine's demon, "Desdemona." Grover Gardner, is, as always, a terrific narrator.
To sneak in a review of another book, I strongly suggest reading "The Curse of Chalion" before "Penric" (or any other Five Gods tale). The spellbinding magic and theology of this world is much better served by the slow, subtle, and magnificent unfolding of its mysteries in "Chalion" (and its sequel, "Paladin of Souls") than by the balder and more straightforward presentation in this prequel novella. In fact, Penric inspired me to listen to "Curse of Chalion" again--I first read it two years ago--and I've been even more impressed the second time around. That's saying something, since I was blown away the first time. "Chalion" recently made both Amazon's and Goodreads' "Top 100 SF/Fantasy Reads," and deservedly so; I'd put it in the top 25. It's a superb, beautiful tale of heartbreak and courage, suffering and magic, betrayal and redemption.
I'm not sure whether I heard correctly, and I don't have the printed books to check, but to me Penric's family name sounded suspiciously similar to the family name of two of the major characters in "Curse of Chalion." Makes me wonder if Bujold might have a "bridge" book in the works. Anything she publishes is cause for celebration, so that or any other book from her would be good news!
17 people found this helpful
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- Debbie Winn
- 02-22-16
Great story telling
Since I'd read/listened to the other books in LMB's World of the Five Gods, I looked forward to this new book. It did not disappoint. It stands alone, in that the characters and events are wholly set apart from the others. That being said, having been introduced to this system of gods in prior books, I think it was easier to fall into the pace of the tale. I think the God called the Bastard might be LMB's favorite to work with, since that is the god over disasters, catastrophes, and events that happen out of time. More scope for the imagination, as Anne Shirley might say.
Penric is a young man on his way to his betrothal ceremony. Obviously things happen to change his course, and his life. While he is a country bumpkin of sorts, he isn't stupid, and learns quickly that there are benefits to his changed circumstances, and dangers as well. The events take place pretty quickly, making this tale a perfect length to read between other books.
Grover Gardner narrates the story with the mastery he has shown in LMB's Vorkorsigan books. He is the perfect voice for Penric.
9 people found this helpful
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- Teri
- 07-19-16
Sweet New Hero
I love this book. I've listened to the audio twice. I surely hope that Ms. McMaster Bujold will consider sequels. There are lots of opportunities for growth, adventure and fun!
5 people found this helpful
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- ChibiSpring
- 10-22-16
Hope there's more from Pen and his Ladies
I can see is turning into an absolutely amazing series. all the awesome story elements that I have come to expect. I'll be so sad if I don't hear more.
3 people found this helpful
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- Angela Knight
- 02-09-17
I love this series!
Lois McMaster Bujold is my favorite author goddess, and Grover Gardener has a fine crisp delivery I enjoy. Penric and Desdemona's adventures are always good fun, and the world of the Five Gods is a fascinating place I never tire of.
2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 06-09-16
wonderful
I'm hoping this turns into a teaser taste of a new full novel. great characters with the possibility of so many adventures. But still wonderful on its own.
2 people found this helpful
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- Kent
- 05-26-16
Another exciting and captivating story from Bujold
Enjoyable read for all ages! I hope to see an exciting sequel to this story soon.
2 people found this helpful
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- thimgo
- 04-18-16
Lois where have you been?
She can't write them fast enough. Always a treat! Waiting for the next with great eagerness.
5 people found this helpful
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- Kindle Customer
- 02-19-17
McMaster-Bujold and Gardner make a great team<br />
I always look forward to Ms. McMaster-Bujold's often thought-provoking ideas . Loved it!
1 person found this helpful
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- NoLongerValid
- 12-03-16
very fun voices and narration
The first 30 minutes were slow, but it was great once the demon began speaking.
1 person found this helpful
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- Diane Severson
- 05-24-20
More wonderful World of the 5 gods
This is a lovely little novella about how young Penric comes by a demon and learns to work with “her”. Plenty of strange otherworldly occurrences and even peril. A typical young man with an ancient guide makes for great entertainment.
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- THEO
- 12-14-17
great story
great story but a bit short loved the characters bought all three as love Lois bujold great setting
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- Keith K
- 09-08-17
a pity it wasn't just a novella
This was simply too short It could esily have been a little longer story .