The Curse of Chalion author: Lois McMaster Bujold asin: 0380818604 binding: Mass Market Paperback list price: $7.99 USD amazon price: $7.99 USD

This book seems to start off a little slow — however, there's a lot of background information on not only the main character, Cazaril, but also on the world this series is set in, and it's information necessary to get the reader into the world. Unlike some other dreadful titles I've read in the past, Lois actually does a decent job of spreading the infodumps amongst useful bits of story that help carry it along.

Most of the characters in this book are well-rounded and multi-dimensional, which is a big plus. As this is the first I've read of her writing, I can't yet compare it with her forays into science fiction, but if the characterization and storytelling are anything like this book, I'm sure I will enjoy reading those, too.

I'm normally not one for fantasy, but I would recommend this book to anyone just starting down that path.