Penric’s Labors (World of the Five Gods)

An engaging revisitation of the world of the Five Gods. Another felicitous combination of formerly told tales, again meshing masterfully (mistressfully?)

Centered herein, ‘twixt two other tales of the bright-haired sorcerer and his multiple demonesses Desdemona is The Orphans of Raspay which we read before under singular cover. It is as delightful to reread. Penric’s capture by maritime slavers and his resultant semi-adoption of two daughters of a deceased courtesan/other wife mother is in keeping with his Bastard White God’s mundane benevolence regarding other bastards’ welfare.||This is in keeping as well with Penric’s essentially good and gentle nature. However, he does find himself resenting his god’s use of HIMSELF as an answer to prayers. We witness what happens when Penric, whose powers are much developed, becomes well and truly ticked off.

Masquerade in Lodi wherein a demon pursuit becomes quite complicated, and The Physicians of Vilnoc, involving coping with a horridly mysterious plague, are worthy “bookends.”

There is presented an Outroduction (this Lois lady is linguistically inventive!) And of great value to all who are become addicted to her wondrous and humor-laden universes, there is a Bujold Reading Order Guide. Another collection to treasure!!