Penric and the Shaman: The Penric & Desdemona Series, Book 2

Very fun and enjoyable read w/ a light feel,deft humor, and a moving plot line... It's lighter fantasy w/ an airy and easy mood... The exploration of life's grief and guilt is touching w/o being corny...This book brings together story elements from the previous and integrates the magical systems from the previous books w/ style... These last two Penric novellas are as good as anything heretofore in the series... As good as the 1st book in this fantasy universe... Penric and Desdamona are as likable as most any fantasy pairing/team... The narration is perfect and the story has a wonderful pace making it a real page turner... Can't wait for the next installment!!

I love Bujold's writing and have very much enjoyed the novella length tales about Penric and Desdemona (the Demon of Chaos with whom Pen is partnered). The audiobook readings by Grover Gardner add another dimension to the story. I understand that the third novella in the series, Penric's Mission will come out on audio in February, and I can hardly wait!

Lovely short story, a continuation of 'Penric and his demon'. Penric has finished his studies a year ago and is working for the Princess who paid for them. She has a little side job for him, which is not quite going as expected.

A very good follow-up to Penric's Demon. Light-hearted and explicitive of Shamans & Demons World-of-the-5-Gods-style.

As a long time fan of the Miles Vorkosigan series I fell in love with the story of Penric and his demon Desdemona. There is plenty of action adventure and her ability to draw complex endearingly flawed characters I unsurpassed.

The longer length of the second novella allowed for deeper character and plot development. Penric reminds me of the dowager queen in the second book of the Challon series. The same refusal to be awed during extraordinary circumstances.

Yes & no. I am a big LMB (author)'s fan. So, it's always great to listen to her main characters.

The most interesting aspect is the back & forth between Penric and Des Demona. The least interesting is the story line. Honestly, I barely gave any attention to it, as I was doing busy work when listening, and it really passed me by without really grabbing my attention. Just a very simple storyline.

Grover Gardner delivers a great voice.

Not really. The plot line is too simple.

Only for LMB fans.

This is a good novella for those already familiar with this fictional universe. The author gives some orientation, but this story felt like a treat to her fans.

Con: As a fan, the occasional phrase felt recycled.

Lois has entered again! I wish this Novella was a full book. I would love to see her writing more about Patrick maybe with Desdemona training other demons.

The story line is alright although I feel the book is too short in length. It would nicer to have a full length book. Grover Gardner as usual excel in his narration and performance.