Book Review: Penric's Progress by Lois McMaster Bujold

I dropped this book in mud and waited several months to make sure the pages stayed flat.


SPOILERS

Penric is the new rider for a demon he names Desdemona. She's had several riders before, some doctors, a courtesan, a hunter. Penric is a young man about to marry into money when this derails his family's plans. So, the Temple of the Bastard, God of demons and disasters, decide not to kill Desdemona by feeding her to the Bastard because Penric prays for her. That's the first novella.

The second novella introduces Oswyl and Inglis. I like Oswyl better from Penric's perspective than his own. Inglis is a Shaman with a secret. The three men become friends which I like.

The third novella is my favorite in the book. I like the intertwining of politics with the murder mystery. It's also nice to have characters react in ways that are natural for them over manufacturing drama. Bujold is really good at that.

I like this book. Penric is an interesting protagonist. I love the world building.

I'm trying to make this year a year of finishing books