Title: Penric and the Shaman
Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
First published June 24, 2016
160 pages, ebook
Rating: 4.19
Overview
In the thrilling follow-up to Penric’s Demon, Penric has settled into his roles as both a divine of the Bastard’s Order and a scholar. But when the Princess-Archdivine assigns him to accompany a “Locator” of the Father’s Order to capture a dangerous shaman accused of murder, Penric’s scholarly pursuits are put on hold.
As they venture into the mountains, Penric quickly realizes that the situation is much more complicated than he anticipated. With his magical abilities and quick thinking, Penric must navigate the treacherous terrain and work as a strategist and counselor to bring justice to the victims of the shaman’s crimes.
About the Author
Born in 1949, Lois McMaster Bujold inherited her love for science fiction from her father, an engineering professor at Ohio State University. Today, she resides in Minneapolis and is a proud mother of two grown children.
Her published works include the award-winning Chalion series and the Sharing Knife tetralogy in the fantasy genre from HarperCollins, and the highly successful Vorkosigan Saga in science fiction from Baen Books. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and have earned her numerous accolades and nominations.
Fans can find a list of her awards and interviews on her website, and an older fan-created site dedicated to her work, The Bujold Nexus, is also available.
Editoral Review
Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart is a medieval romance tale told by Chrétien de Troyes, a prolific French writer from the 12th century. Penned in 1176, the book is a significant work in the Arthurian literature genre, and this particular tale of Lancelot remains one of the most popular.
De Troyes was a master of the romance craft and, through his stories, introduced the chivalric code to his readers. The story of Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart begins with Queen Guinevere’s abduction and Lancelot’s journey to rescue her.
This quest takes him through numerous obstacles as he is forced to endure humiliation to prove his loyalty to the queen. Along the way, he meets new friends and discovers a newfound passion for the fight of good vs.
evil. De Troyes’ writing is poignantly crafted, evoking the intrigue, romance, and poetic sensibilities of the era.
The strength of his writing is evident in his character development and his portrayal of the Arthurian legend. Interspersed are elements of medieval society, culture, and morality that continue to captivate us today.
The medieval world was quite feudal, and de Troyes’ character portraits create an intimate glimpse into aristocratic life and their relationships. Although Lancelot’s flaws are exposed throughout the book, his passion and resilience to defend his honor remain his most redeeming qualities.
His struggles with honor and loyalty make him a relatable and fascinating protagonist. The story also explores the conflict between love and morals, as Lancelot’s love for the queen is challenged by his code of honor.
However, despite its merits, the book may be less enjoyable for modern readers not accustomed to the medieval style of writing. The language is archaic and the pacing slower than modern writing styles.
The storyline may also feel antiquated and reveal certain stereotypes about women and their roles in society. Overall, Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart is an enjoyable read, both in terms of its historical significance and for the beauty of its story.
It is a classic tale of good vs. evil and the moral and ethical codes that govern the chivalric society.
I highly recommend this book for readers who love historical fiction, medieval romance, or are Arthurian enthusiasts. Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart receives a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
