Lois McMaster Bujold
New Series, Newest Release: Legacy (The Sharing Knife, Vol. 2) - release date June 26, 2007.
Lois McMaster Bujold has won an unprecedented four Hugo awards for her wonderful sci-fi series, the Vorkosigan Saga. In 2004 she was nominated again, this time for the second book in her Chalion fantasy series, the Paladin of Souls.
Bujold's novels feature unforgettable characters living up to the best within themselves, closely plotted adventures and mysteries, and lovely, heart-warming romance. Whether you are a sci fi or a fantasy fan, we highly recommend her books.
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Sharing Knife Series by Lois McMaster Bujold Beguilement (Book 1) (2006) "Young Fawn Bluefield has fled her family's farm hoping to find work in the city of Glassforge. Uncertain about her future and the troubles she carries, Fawn stops for a drink of water at a roadside inn, where she encounters a patrol of Lakewalkers, enigmatic soldier-sorcerers from the woodland culture to the north. Fawn knows the stories about the Lake-walkers: they are necromancers; they practice black sorcery; they have no permanent homes and own only the clothes they wear and the weapons—mysterious knives made of human bone—they carry. What she does not know is that the Lakewalkers, as a whole, are engaged in a perilous campaign against inhuman and immortal magical entities known as “malices,” creatures that suck the life out of all they encounter, and turn men and animals into their minions. Dag is an older Lakewalker patroller who carries his past sorrows as heavily as his present respon-sibilities. When Fawn is kidnapped by the malice Dag's patrol is tracking, Dag races to rescue her. But in the ensuing struggle, it is not Dag but Fawn who kills the creature—at dire cost—and an uncanny accident befalls Dag's sharing knife, which unex-pectedly binds their two fates together. And so now the misenchanted knife must be returned to the Lakewalkers. Together, Fawn and Dag set out on the long road back to his camp. But on the journey this unlikely pair will encounter danger and delight, prejudice and partnership, and maybe even love. . . " HarperCollins book description.. Legacy (Book 2) (2007) Fawn Bluefield, the clever young farmer girl, and Dag Redwing Hickory, the seasoned Lakewalker soldier-sorcerer, have been married all of two hours when they depart her family's farm for Dag's home at Hickory Lake Camp. Having gained a hesitant acceptance from Fawn's family for their unlikely marriage, the couple hopes to find a similar reception among Dag's Lakewalker kin. But their arrival is met with prejudice and suspicion, setting many in the camp against them, including Dag's own mother and brother. A faction of Hickory Lake Camp, denying the literal bond between Dag and Fawn, woven in blood in the Lakewalker magical way, even goes so far as to threaten permanent exile for Dag. Before their fate as a couple is decided, however, Dag is called away by an unexpected—and viciously magical—malice attack on a neighboring hinterland threatening Lakewalkers and farmers both. What his patrol discovers there will not only change Dag and his new bride, but will call into question the uneasy relationship between their peoples—and may even offer a glimmer of hope for a less divided future. Filled with heroic deeds, wondrous magic, and rich, all-too-human characters, The Sharing Knife: Legacy is at once a gripping adventure and a poignant romance from one of the most imaginative and thoughtful writers in fantasy today. |
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Chalion
Series by Lois McMaster Bujold The Curse of Chalion (Book 1) "A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril has returned to the noble household he once served as page, and is named, to his great surprise, secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is as assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions. but it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion and all who stand in their circle. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark the loyal, damaged servant as a tool of the miraculous ... and trap him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death." Far more than a fantasy story about the efforts of good people to save their kingdom from a curse; far more than a beautifully written fantasy romance: Bujold explores the depths of faith and the very nature of sainthood and self-sacrifice. An extraordinarily thought-provoking and inspiring novel, an unforgettable hero, a remarkable achievement. |
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Paladin of Souls (Chalion, Book 2) by Lois McMaster Bujold "Three years have passed since the widowed Dowager Royina Ista found release from the curse of madness that kept her imprisoned in her family's castle of Valenda. Her newfound freedom is costly, bittersweet with memories, regrets, and guilty secrets -- for she knows the truth of what brought her land to the brink of destruction. And now the road -- escape -- beckons. . . . A simple pilgrimage, perhaps. Quite fitting for the Dowager Royina of all Chalion. Yet something else is free, too -- something beyond deadly. To the north lies the vital border fortress of Porifors. Memories linger there as well, of wars and invasions and the mighty Golden General of Jokona. And someone, something, watches from across that border -- humans, demons, gods. Ista thinks her little party of pilgrims wanders at will. But whose? When Ista's retinue is unexpectedly set upon not long into its travels, a mysterious ally appears -- a warrior nobleman who fights like a berserker. The temporary safety of her enigmatic champion's castle cannot ease Ista's mounting dread, however, when she finds his dark secrets are entangled with hers in a net of the gods' own weaving. In her dreams the threads are already drawing her to unforeseen chances, fateful meetings, fearsome choices. What the inscrutable gods commanded of her in the past brought her land to the brink of devastation. Now, once again, they have chosen Ista as their instrument. And again, for good or for ill, she must comply. " Nominated for the 2004 Hugo Award for best novel, Paladin of Souls lives up to the standard set by Bujold in The Curse of Chalion. |
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Hallowed Hunt (Chalion, Book 3) by Lois McMaster Bujold "Prince Boleso is dead -- slain by a noblewoman he had intended to defile. Lord Ingrey kin Wolfcliff has been dispatched to the remote castle of the late, exiled, half-mad royal to transport the body to its burial place and the accused killer, the Lady Ijada, to judgment. Ingrey's mission is an ugly and delicate one, for the imminent death of the old Hallow King has placed the crown in play, and the murder of his youngest son threatens to further roil already treacherous political waters. But there is more here than a prince's degenerate lusts and the fatal retribution it engendered. Boleso's dark act, though unfinished, inadvertently bestowed an unwanted mystical "gift" upon proud, brave Ijada that must ultimately mean her doom -- a curse similar to one with which Ingrey himself has been burdened since boyhood. A forbidden spirit now inhabits the soul of Ijada, giving her senses she never wished for and an obligation no one sane would desire. At once psychically linked to the remarkable lady and repelled by what she carries within, Ingrey fears the havoc his own inner beast could wreak while on their journey, as he fights a powerful growing attraction ... and an equally powerful compulsion to kill. The road they travel together is beset with dangers -- and though duty-bound to deliver Ijada to an almost certain execution, Ingrey soon realizes that she is the only one he dares trust. For a malevolent enemy with designs on a troubled kingdom holds Ingrey in his sway -- and without Ijada's aid and love, the haunted lord will never be able to break free and realize the great and terrible destiny bestowed upon him by the gods, the damned, and the dead." |
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Miles Vorkosigan Series by Lois McMaster Bujold Lord Miles Vorkosigan makes up in brains, guts and character what he lacks in physical stature. Son of one of Barrayar's most noble families, and foster-brother to Emperor Gregor, Miles' mother was exposed to a toxin while pregnant that resulted in Miles being born with extremely brittle bones. At adulthood, Miles stands well under five feet tall, hunchbacked and dwarfish, but his arresting face and undeniable personality endear him to family and friends, while foes learn quickly not to underestimate his considerable abilities. A wonderful blend of adventure, mystery, humor and romance, the Miles Vorkosigan series is the perfect way to while away a cold winter's evening or a sunny summer's afternoon. Highly recommended. The following Vorkosigan bibliography is in chronological order, rather than order of publication. Books in the Vorkosigan Saga: Falling Free - stand alone novel taking place 200 years prior to Miles' birth Shards of Honor - the romance of Miles' parents during the Beta-Barrayaran War Barrayar - Adventures of Miles' parents, with Miles himself in utero The Warrior's Apprentice - At 17, Miles finds adventure with the Free Dendarii Mercenaries The Vor Game - At 20, Miles graduates from the Academy and is at once plunged into mystery, murder and political kidnapping Cetaganda - At 22, Miles and Ivan become embroiled in a Cetagandan treason plot while on a diplomatic mission Ethan of Athos - Features Miles' comrade, Elli Quinn, on a solo undercover mission Brothers in Arms - Miles infiltrates a Cetagandan prison camp to free the prisoners and a great many adventures result Borders of Infinity - Hospitalized for more bone replacements, Miles uses his brain to foil yet another plot against his father Mirror Dance - Miles runs up against his clone, Mark, on Jackson's Whole Memory - At age 30, Miles life turns upside down Komarr - Miles investigates a space accident on Komarr and finds much more than he bargained for A Civil Campaign - Emperor Gregor takes a bride and Miles aims to follow suit Diplomatic Immunity - Miles and Ekaterin make a formidable team on an intriguing mission to Quaddiespace |
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Spirit Ring by Lois McMaster Bujold "Fiametta Beneforte dreamed of making beautiful and enchanted objets d'art, but alas her magician-goldsmith father was more likely to have her scrub the kiln than study magic. After all, it was a waste to train a mere daughter beyond the needs of the moment. Thur Ochs dreamed of escaping the icy mines of Bruinwald. But the letter from his brother Uri arranging his apprenticeship to Master Beneforte was not the only force that drew him over the mountains to the Duchy of Montefoglia... A betrayal at a banquet plunges Thur and Fiametta into a struggle against men who would use vile magic for vile ends. Needs of this desperate moment will require all their wits, all their talents, and all their courage, if they are to rescue both Montefoglia and the souls of those they most love. " Magical fantasy novel set in an alternate Renaissance Italy. |