Penric and the Shaman

Lois McMaster Bujold
Penric and the Shaman Cover

Penric and the Shaman

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1/18/2017
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A really nice contrast to the all-too-common over-the-top superhero protagonist

Synopsis: This sequel picks up 4 years after Penric's Demon left off: with Penric gradually adjusting to the 12-personality demon which inhabits his psyche (and with the demon adjusting to him). There's the mystery of a murder and a missing man--and Penric is tasked to solve both.

What I thought: It's a testament to Bujold's supreme skill that this story, like its predecessor, is just so quietly awesome. The conflicts are, for the most part, subdued--but no less impactful for that. Penric is a flawed but wonderful character who is easy to care about--and his quiet, thoughtful approach, tempered with a wry humor, makes a really nice contrast to the all-too-common over-the-top superhero protagonist.