Fiametta Beneforte dreamed of making beautiful and enchanted objets d’art, but alas her magician-goldsmith father was more likely to have her scrub the kiln than study magic. After all, it was a waste to train a mere daughter beyond the needs of the moment. Thur Ochs dreamed of escaping the icy mines of Bruinwald. But the letter from his brother, Uri, arranging his apprenticeship to Master Beneforte was not the only force that drew him over the mountains to the Duchy of Montefoglia…. A betrayal at a banquet plunges Thur and Fiametta into a struggle against men who would use vile magic for vile ends. The needs of this desperate moment will require all their wits, all their talents, and all their courage, if they are to rescue both Montefoglia and the souls of those they most love.
Fun and satisfying When I first read this book, my reaction was negative – it wasn’t Miles and co. But I re-read the book after several years and find that it stands on its own merits. Bujold is trying something different, and her readers need to let her. The beginning of the book is a bit tentative but by the second chapter, the plot is coming together and Bujold is writing as well as she ever did. This book has good characters, interesting situations, and a swashbuckling, satisfying plot resolution…
Good Read Nice medical novel set in her existing environment. Kind of a stadium alone from over Charon books, but not by much.
Delightful Bujold is a stunningly good storyteller; I’m an avid reader and have been for 30 years and her skill leaves me wordless. There is not much to say but that you know you are in the presence of a master artist.