The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little more disjointed and less intimate than the second book, but it is to be expected, as the cast and scope of this story is far wider, going from bildungsroman to political intrigue, diplomacy, travel and adventure… and applied theology, of course, this being the book of the Daughter.
If there is a fault I can find is that, with so many things happening in the plot, there is little time to explore all of the characters, some of which remain little more than cardboard cut-outs. It goes to Bujold’s favour, though, that some of those characters, like the dy Gura brothers, will find more space and growth in the following book.
In any case, The Curse of Chalion is a good gripping book and a thoroughly enjoyable read.