The Curse of Chalion

"A must for Fantasy fans that appreciate good literature like a fine wine or a beautiful vista." according to slt. Over 10 years ago I was looking for a new book in a Book Store (GASP!) when I stumbled upon this book and The Paladin of Souls. I didn't discern that they were truly a 1st and 2nd in series pair of books and purchased PoS first and began reading. By the first dozen pages, I'd decided two things: that I really liked the writing and that I was obviously not "starting at the beginning". I immediately went out and grabbed The Curse of Chalion and it, along with The Paladin of Souls, quickly bec. "Most readers of Duncan, McCaffery, Brooks, Jordan, Hobb etc will enjoy this one" according to JC. If you have read a lot of mainstream major fantasy over the last ten years, the work of people like Duncan, Jordan, Hobb, Brooks, you will likely enjoy this one very much. I have read two other books by this author, and this one is the best I have read so far.The tale begins with a grimy old man making his way along the road. Eventually, you realize he is neither an old man nor the average person. The story takes the "special person who does not know he is special" trope and gives it a bit . Refreshing morality in a well-realized fantasy world! JB1976 A fine fantasy tale! This is a book of the older and, in my estimation, better fantasy fiction writing style. There is no graphic violence, no detailed sex scenes. There is both, but done properly - no torture porn or porn porn. There are villains, and they are villainous - but they are of the more common, believable kind. Some are even slightly sympathetic. The protagonists display virtues - certainly a refreshing change from too much 'modern' fiction that may give us casual murderers as o

But Cazaril finds himself promoted to the exalted and dangerous position of tutor to Iselle, the beautiful, fiery sister of the heir to Chalion's throne. Amidst the decaying splendor and poisonous intrigue of Chalion's ancient capital, Cazaril is forced to confront not only powerful enemies but also the malignant curse that clings to the royal household, trapping him, flesh and soul, in a maze of demonic paradox, damnation, and death for as long as he dares walk the five-fold pathway of the gods.. Lord Cazaril has been, in turn, courtier, castle-warder, and captain; now he is but a crippled ex-galley slave seeking nothing more than a menial job in the kitchens of the Dowager Provincara, the noble patroness of his youth

To rescue the royesse, and save Chalion, Cazaril must play matchmaker between Iselle and the prince of another realm, fight off assassins, lift a century-old curse, and risk everything-learning not to run from his own love for Bertriz-along the way. Readers will find themselves rooting for the good guys, while still uncertain that all can end without at least one of them suffering a dire fate. The young heroines are deeply sympathetic characters as well. The villains are believably motivated. From School Library Journal Adult/High School-Iselle, the royesse (prin