12/18/2017
Bujold adds mystery to the wry humor that runs through her Penric and Desdemona fantasy series with this entertaining novella. Set between Penric and the Shaman and Penric’s Mission, this tale sees temple sorcerer Penric and his indwelling demon, Desdemona, once again involved in the affairs of shamans. When another sorcerer, Magal, is murdered in the woods near Easthome, Temple Locator Oswyl prevails on Penric to assist with the investigation, as he has in the past. Penric soon suspects that Magal’s demon did not transfer into another human at her death but is now probably within a fox. As shamans are wielders of animal-based magic, several of them are called in to help find and communicate with the new demon-fox hybrid. Penric is a rather ordinary young man; Desdemona is a vastly experienced demon who finds him a somewhat challenging host. Their unique relationship is full of good-natured banter, all within one physical body. Intriguing secondary characters round out the cast and enliven this unusual fantasy whodunit. Agent: Eleanor Wood, Spectrum Literary. (Mar.)
01/01/2018
After the events of Penric and the Shaman, sorcerer Learned Penric and temple demon Desdemona continue their journey, landing at Easthome, the Weald's capital. There Penric meets old friends Shaman Inglis and Locator Oswyl, who soon calls upon Penric and Inglis to help him investigate the murder of a sorceress whose body was discovered in the woods. With the dead woman's demon missing, Pen also must find where the creature may have landed. Working with Inglis and Oswyl, he gradually begins to uncover the truth that involves old family secrets and the curious cases of temple demons. With each novella adventure, Bujold continues to expand her "Five Gods" world, reviving familiar faces along the way. The fascinating relationship between Penric and Desdemona is especially fun. VERDICT Bujold's many faithful readers will delight in this engaging blend of mystery and magic.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., South Deerfield
