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The Assassins of Thasalon
- A Penric & Desdemona Novella in the World of the Five Gods
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
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Publisher's Summary
An unholy attack upon his brother-in-law, General Arisaydia, pitches sorcerer Learned Penric and his Temple demon, Desdemona, headlong into the snake pit of Cedonian imperial politics. But they will not travel alone. The mission from his god brings Penric some of his strangest new allies yet and the return of some of his most valued old ones.
This novel-length story takes place two years after the events of The Physicians of Vilnoc.
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What listeners say about The Assassins of Thasalon
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Peter
- 08-11-21
Another excellent addition to the series!
I've loved every entry in this series. The writing is excellent, the reader is perfect.
I definitely wouldn't recommend this to someone as the first title in the series to listen to - while it isn't a direct continuation of previous stories, you really would benefit from knowing the characters from other stories before getting to this one. But it is a complete adventure in itself, and the author does make sure new readers would catch up if they did read/listen to this one first.
It's also one of those stories where it's all about the journey and not about the destination. Anyone hoping to have it end in some completely unforeseen and unexpected way is likely to be disappointed. But oh, the path to getting there! Enough plot twists and surprise detours, and some wonderful new characters who turn out to be "not what you first expected" as well as the surprising and fun returns of some previous characters (both significant to the plot and not), make the whole thing a joy. And while it all wraps up satisfyingly, it also opens up a lot of new potential for future adventures.
And like all the others in this series (and most of her other writing), Bujold injects a lot of delightful humor into it, without any of it being forced or unearned. And she makes it look easy.
If you liked any of the previous entries in this series, I'd be surprised if you didn't love this one. If you've tried any of the others and didn't care for them, well, you'll feel the same way about this one.
One of the things I absolutely love about this series is the extremely clever way that Bujold manages to subvert the extremely common "our hero, the magician, somehow manages to know every possible magic spell for every possible situation, and just waves their hands and it all comes easily" trope. The combination of a relatively inexperienced hero - though by this time in his life, Penric certainly has earned his expertise - and having a dozen other "voices in his head" with 200 collective years of experience (though Desdemona also has her own quirks and failings), make it all work in a unique, refreshing, and ultimately satisfying way.
Another home run from Bujold. And from the reader, Grover Gardner, who never disappoints.
6 people found this helpful
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- Amazons Customer
- 08-02-21
excellemt addition to the penric and desdemona bks
really good medical mystery with lots of appearances with series favorites, including a stellar cameo by the white god himself.
2 people found this helpful
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- Still Blooming
- 08-02-21
Another great story
Nice to see Penric and Desdomona. story full of interesting and unexpected haracters and growing family.
2 people found this helpful
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- Jasper
- 09-28-21
Fantastic!
I loved the references to previous works. Like the best books of tales, this story weaves together with previous happenings.
1 person found this helpful
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- Shauna St.Clair
- 08-29-21
Wonderful addition to a cherished series
For lovers of Penric and Desdemona, this newest installment doesn’t disappoint. With her signature wisdom, humor, and insight Bujold unspools this delightful tale with all our beloved favorite characters, as well as a few interesting new ones. Grover Gardner, as usual, creates his magic, bringing warmth, depth and exactly the right balance of heartfelt pleasure and poignancy. Altogether satisfying and enjoyable!
1 person found this helpful
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- Jeanne T.
- 08-05-21
Wonderful addition to the series
This is a lovely addition to the world of the five gods and the Penric series. The narrator was wonderful as always.
1 person found this helpful
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- We Fam
- 08-04-21
A solid entry
A delightful romp with Penric and Desdemona, told by a master writer and narrator.
Other people have mentioned that this book feels like an ending. The book doesn’t have that vibe at all, more that some plot threads were picked back up and left in less tenuous spot.
Bujold repeatedly brings up the time Penric burned a warf and boats. This tale is much less nail biting. Penric feels more middle aged now, and goes on a more sedate adventure.
I hope we get to see Penric at his last, when Des goes to her next adventure. This was a nice benchmark in their lives.
1 person found this helpful
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- L. Brevig
- 06-12-22
Great story!
I am enjoying this series tremendously. I do hope the author will be willing to continue it for some time. I also adore Grover Gardner's reading and would gladly listen to him read a phone book. His voice and the way he reads each character seems very true to each one. I especially like how he gets across Desdemona's dry and very sly humor. Many thanks!
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- Lonnie-The GreatNorthernTroll-Moore
- 03-09-22
Penric and Desdemona at their finest!
This is Penric and Desdemona at their finest! Now for the first time Bujold released a full sized novel! The book starts out with a bang, a failed assassination attempt. Since the target had been Penric brother-in-law and a Demon was involved Penric and Desdemona really couldn't help but get involved! Especially after their God, the God of Chaos, gives the command! Of course there's plenty of political intrigue too. It wouldn't be a Penric novel without that!
The nice thing about a novel length book is that it gives Lois Mcmaster Bujold room to stretch! And because they went back to Thasalon, a place they had to escape from earlier in the stories timeline. That gave Bujold the opportunity to reunight Penric and Desdemona with a few characters and tie-up some story threads nicely!
The audiobook, at least a Lois Mcmaster Bujold audiobook wouldn't be complete without Grover Gardner's wonderful narration!
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- Brian T. MacInnes
- 01-24-22
Another great tale from an old, never met, friend.
Love this author and the world of the 5 gods. I feel like I'm hearing a story from and old friend sitting by the fire with some tea or mulled wine on a winter's eve.