Beyond Reality discussion

For those who have read or are reading Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold, let's comment here. ***PLEASE MARK SPOILERS***

I have a few other books to read this month, but this is one of them. I thought I'd give those of us who are continuing the series a place to talk about book 2, and later, we can add a folder for book 3.

Always interesting to see a series progress from the heroine of one book to her mother as the heroine of the next.

I am halfway through and the book has taken an entirely unexpected turn. Or, I should say, unexpected by me. And I am reminded again of how wonderfully rich Lois McMaster Bujold's characters are, especially her women. Ista is a complex and fascinating woman.

At first I didn't like Ista, but as the book went on, I liked her more and more. Made the second reading more enjoyable as I wasn't starting with a bias against her.

I really enjoy Bujold's characters.

I finished this book tonight and I happy to say that I really liked it. Several times Bujold managed to surprise me with the direction of the plot as it took a few sharp turns. (view spoiler)[ Ista must be a special soul indeed, to have met three of the five gods face to face. I really liked the way Bujold kept peeling back the layers of who this woman really was. We also got to see quite a bit of the gods, especially the Bastard. And swallowing demons after carding out the soul stuff from the demon stuff? Ingenious! (hide spoiler)]

This was a book to savor. I will be reading The Hallowed Hunt, although not right away.

The Hallowed Hunt is a different kind of book. I believe it takes place earlier (as in a few hundred years). Its a bit of a shift and might actually work better with a break between it and the first two.

Random wrote: "The Hallowed Hunt is a different kind of book. I believe it takes place earlier (as in a few hundred years). Its a bit of a shift and might actually work better with a break between it and the firs..."

Yes, I was aware that it happens before the events in The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls. I have been breaking up all my series reads, alternating with stand-alones or book from other series.

It's always interesting to wonder how writers make their choices. After reading Challion, I would not have selected Ista to lead the cast in book two. Turns out she was an excellent choice.