Fantasy

A Delightful Journey of Surprises: Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

I absolutely loved Paladin of Souls! This book was a delightful and unexpected journey that kept me hooked from start to finish.

An Original and Creative Story

What I really appreciated about this book was how it surprised me. I honestly had no idea where the story was going, and I loved that! Sometimes, it feels like the plot is so predictable, but Paladin of Souls kept me on my toes. The main character, Ista, embarks on an adventure with no idea where it will lead, and the reader gets to go on that journey with her. It’s always a joy when a book allows you to discover things as the characters do.

A Mature Heroine

One of my favorite aspects of this book is the protagonist, Ista. She’s a more mature woman who believes her best years are behind her. In fact, she’s rather cynical about her life and her abilities. But then—without giving away too much—she gets a second chance. I love that this book takes a woman of a certain age and shows her stepping into a new chapter of life. Ista’s journey is one of self-discovery, and it’s a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t stop at a certain age.

The Ragtag Group

Ista’s journey is made even more fun by the ragtag group she forms along the way. This diverse cast of characters adds so much to the story, each one bringing their own strengths, quirks, and complexities. Their relationships evolve throughout the book, and I couldn’t help but enjoy the dynamics as they worked together to solve the central mystery. The group was just as much a part of the adventure as the plot itself, and that made the book even more engaging.

Twists and Turns

Now, I’m not going to give away any spoilers (you’ll just have to read it yourself!), but I will say there were moments in the book when I genuinely said, “What?!” There were a couple of surprising twists that really caught me off guard. I love when a book can do that, and Bujold excels at keeping the reader engaged by throwing in unexpected developments.

Bujold’s Mastery Continues

I’m familiar with Lois McMaster Bujold’s work from her sci-fi series (which I own several volumes of), and I wasn’t surprised to find that her talent for weaving an engrossing story shines in this fantasy series as well. She’s a master at creating vivid worlds, complex characters, and plots that twist in ways you don’t expect. Her writing is just as sharp and engaging in Paladin of Souls as it is in her sci-fi works, and I’ll definitely be seeking out more books in this series.

No Need to Read the First Book

Although this is part of a series, I didn’t read the first book, and I don’t think it’s a requirement to enjoy this one. The story stands on its own, and I had no trouble following along or getting invested in the characters and world. Of course, now I’m curious about the first book and may go back to read it, but Paladin of Souls works perfectly well as a standalone.

Final Thoughts

Paladin of Souls was a fantastic read full of surprises, strong characters, and an original story. I loved the twists, the ragtag crew, and most of all, the way the book took a mature woman and gave her a second chance at life in a way that felt empowering and heartwarming.

If you’re looking for a creative and thought-provoking fantasy with unexpected turns, Paladin of Souls is definitely worth checking out.