Penric's mission A fantasy novella in the world of the five gods

Best-selling author Bujold follows her Hugo-nominated Penric and the Shaman (2017) with another adventure featuring the sorcerer Penric and his resident 200-year-old chaos demon, Desdemona. After 10 years, Pen and Des have a comfortable working relationship and many new skills. At the behest of the Duke of Adria, Penric has traveled in disguise across the sea carrying letters and an offer of employment for the Cedonian general Adelis. No sooner have they landed than Pen is labeled a spy, arrested, and thrown into prison. He and Desdemona escape, only to learn Adelis has been accused of treason and blinded as a traitor, and is now in the care of his widowed sister, Nikys. With Des' assistance, Penric believes he can help the disabled general although he had not counted on the protective nature of the lovely widow nor on the determination of their opponents. With a band of soldiers hot on their heels, can he get all of them out of Cedonia? Series fans will be delighted with this tale, which begs for continuation.--Lockley, Lucy Copyright 2017 Booklist

Bujold pushes series protagonist Penric in new directions in his third adventure in her World of the Five Gods (after Penric and the Shaman). In this tale, rather than working directly for the Bastard's Order, Penric has been seconded to the Duke of Adria and sent in secret to Cedonia to recruit Gen. Adelis Arisaydia to the duke's service. He is discovered almost immediately upon landing in Patos and consigned to a dungeon that's designed to be escape-proof. Adelis is also apprehended, blinded by the Cedonian forces, and left in the care of his sister, Nikys Khatai. Penric must make innovative use of the chaotic magic conferred upon him by his demon, Desdemona, in order to escape his cell, heal Adelis, and assist the trio in its flight. Even in combat, he finds ways to use his destructive powers that cause no permanent harm. As the story continues, Bujold also introduces the potential for romance between Penric and Nikys, albeit under the disapproving eye of Adelis. Penric is an unusual hero facing unique dilemmas and his third tale is a pleasure to read. Agent: Eleanor Wood, Spectrum Literary Agency. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.