Writing Forum

Mr. Wild,

My familiarity with Bujold is a bit backward I fear. I think she first came to prominence with her Vorkosikan series, but I first read/listened to "The Curse of Chalion" more of a historical/fantasy where the window dressing is clearly set in an inverted Iberian Penisula but its tie to medieval Europe's window dressing is belied by the fantastical element of the religion and the effects of the curse. The fantasy element is central to the plot... despite this description I have to say that after reading it I came to the conclusion that Bujold is "relentlessly entertaining."

See if you don't think so.

Then I read a stand-alone book in the Vorkosikan series centered around a minor side character. It has skewed my whole view of the series and I have some loyalty to the world I came to through Captain Vorpatril. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance, I should point out that Bujold intends to write stand alone books (cheering) This is a bias I hold and she does a great job.

Now I'm read/listening to an actual four book series called the Sharing Knife. This might be a bit too romancy for some, it's like Little House on the Prairie meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer only in all the best possible ways. No, really. Again, relentlessly entertaining in a way that I haven't felt since 12-year-old me reading Edgar Rice Burroughs under the blankets with a flashlight.

If my praise seems a bit over-the-top I might plead guilty, but I've got her 6 Hugo and Nebula awards to wave at you so if you don't like her it might be you, not me.

Warm regards and well wishes. Happy reading.

LSO