The Assassins of Thasalon
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4.5 • 154 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
An unholy attack upon his brother-in-law General Arisaydia pitches sorcerer Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona headlong into the snake-pit of Cedonian imperial politics. But they will not travel alone. The mission from his god brings Penric some of his strangest new allies yet, and the return of some of his most valued old ones.
This novel-length story takes place two years after the events of “The Physicians of Vilnoc”.
The internal chronological order of the Penric & Desdemona tales is presently:
“Penric’s Demon”
“Penric and the Shaman”
“Penric’s Fox”
“Masquerade in Lodi”
“Penric’s Mission”
“Mira’s Last Dance”
“The Prisoner of Limnos”
“The Orphans of Raspay”
“The Physicians of Vilnoc”
The Assassins of Thasalon
“Demon”, “Shaman”, and “Fox” are collected in the paper volume Penric’s Progress, and “Mission”, “Mira” and “Limnos” are collected in the paper volume Penric’s Travels.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The clever 10th outing in Bujold's Penric and Desdemona series (after Masquerade in Lodi) has Temple sorcerer Pen and the demon who shares his body, Des, facing a sorcerous assassin sent by the rival realm of Cedonia to kill Pen's brother-in-law, General Adelis Arisaydia. Pen and Des manage to capture the assassin, Alixtra, who has been coerced into her role by Minister Methani of Cedonia and his sorcerer partner, Tronio, who hold her son, Kittio, captive. Now Pen, Des, Alixtra, and Blessed Iroki, a saint of the Bastard's order, journey overland to rescue Kittio and bring Tronio to Temple justice. They make their base at the estate of Lady Tanar Xarre, Adelis's beloved, and with the help of Tanar and Bosha, her secretary, begin their mission by infiltrating a reception at Methani's palace. This is Bujold's first novel-length work in the series, allowing her to further develop both her fascinating side characters and the inventive theology that underpins Pen's magic. Meanwhile, Pen and Des's usual witty repartee adds a dash of humor to the intricate plot. Penric and Desdemona are two of the more unusual characters in modern fantasy, and Bujold continues to find new and exciting challenges to throw at them. Readers will be eager to see where this series goes next.
Customer Reviews
The White God has a Special Task for Penric & Desdemona
Established in Vilnoc as a respected Sorcerer, Divine, Healer, and Scholar, Penric with the aid of his demon Desdemona, is enjoying married life and his career. However, as servants of the Fifth and White God, they never know what chance may throw their way.
Penric’s brother in law is a formidable general. The empire of Thasalon that betrayed him and nearly did in Penric as well is in chaos with the death of the emperor. Old enemies see the general as a potential threat even though he is now serving the Duke of neighboring Orbas.
A particular kind of assassin nearly takes out the general; only Desdemona’s quick reflexes and Penric’s skills save him. And thus the two of them find themselves caught up in the deadly politics of Thasalon mixed with a nasty form of sacrilege that has the White God wroth.
Penric and Desdemona find themselves tasked with a mission that will take them into the heart of the empire, aided by two unlikely allies and some old friends - and the White God’s special brand of justice.
A good read with many twists and turns. Bujold’s world of the Five Gods provides yet another engrossing tale.
As always, Bujold
And poor Pendric doesn't have as bad a time as he might, physically. Emotionally, well... Understatedly, but yes; traveling when your family is elsewhere suuuucks. A very enjoyable book!