Beguilement discussion

Once again, Lois McMaster Bujold has created a believable fantasy world; one that's interesting and fun to read about to boot.

The fantasy of this book is mostly of the 'low fantasy' type. There are no fireballs or flying spells, instead there is groundwork. Someone who is skilled may make leather that will turn arrows, or knives that don't rust; simple useful magics.

The characters are flawed and human, not two-dimensional caricatures. They make mistakes, they apologize and they go on with their lives.

I was simply amazed at how deep the characters thought and acted. They weren't perfect, for example Dag has a hand missing, he agonies over his wife death, he was described a handsome, but in a rugggad way. There is a build up of tension in the books, not just between the villian and the heroes, but between characters. I loved this book and highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy.

I'm actually utterly shocked this book has gotten so many negative reviews. I just finished the series - my first of Bujold's work - and was completely engrossed. I loved it so much. The heavy emphasis on character interaction and development was super great. Dang it I will miss the Bluefield clan!

Guess I'll have to check out her other stuff.. still, not the same.

This is, by far, the best fantasy romance series I've ever come across. It's not just an astonishingly original and immersive fantasy world, it's also among the better relationship stories I've come across. Samantha says it has gotten many negative reviews; I wish I could flag those reviewers as "let me know what they like, so I can avoid it".