Cazaril returns from war and slavery, broken in body and spirit. He becomes tutor to a princess — and discovers that a divine curse is destroying the royal family. To lift it, he must make a sacrifice that only a broken man can make. Bujold's masterpiece — intelligent, warm, and quietly devastating.
Clean — political and spiritual themes.
Skip if you dislike:
Moods: Intelligent Warm Political Spiritual
Tropes: Broken Warrior Court Politics Divine Intervention Mentor Role
Works perfectly standalone — Paladin of Souls is a companion in the same world.
One of fantasy's most beloved — humble, intelligent, deeply human.
Central — the five gods of Chalion are beautifully imagined.