Book description
March 12
Dear Clara,
I just finished the newest little adventure in the Penric & Desdemona series, and I had to write to you right away. Picture a bustling canal city, Lodi, alive with the music of the night, a place that usually turns into a glittering celebration on Bastard's Eve. But for our hero, the sorcerer Learned Penric, and his companion, the Temple demon Desdemona, it's anything but merry.
March 13
It starts with the hum of boats, the scent of fresh bread, and the sharp, metallic tang of fear. Penric and Desdemona find themselves tangled in a plot that would make a seasoned detective shake their head. A shiplost madman-yes, a man who lost his ship and now his sanity-throws chaos into the already volatile mix. Their path becomes a maze of strange characters and dangerous bargains.
March 14
The writing feels like a dance between light and shadow. Bujold pulls us into the heart of the city's pulse while layering the supernatural threads of the ascendant demon that threatens to turn the tide. I found myself gripping the edge of my seat whenever Desdemona's sly grin came into play-she's a trickster and a loyal friend all at once, and that balance is a constant source of tension and delight.
March 15
What made this one stand out for me was how Bujold turns a simple night of revelry into an arena for moral questioning. There's a very unexpected saint of the fifth god, a figure that defies expectations and pushes our protagonists to look beyond the obvious. The stakes feel real, because in this world, a single misstep could mean the end of Lodi's beloved festival.
March 16
I listened to the audiobook version and was delighted by the narration. The voice captures Penric's witty sarcasm and Desdemona's mischievous tone with perfect timing. The ambient sounds-water lapping against the docks, the clinking of glass, the distant horns-transport you to the canal city as if you were right there in the crowd. Each scene feels alive, each character's voice distinct.
March 17
The pacing is just right. The story leans into mystery and then swings into action before you can even notice the shift. And in between the high moments, the banter between Penric and Desdemona reminds me why these two make such a compelling duo. Their chemistry feels earned, and the stakes never feel overplayed.
March 18
I also appreciated how Bujold balances humor with the darker undercurrents of the plot. Even when the demons loom, there's a line of wit that keeps the mood from becoming too bleak. That's Bujold's trademark-turning the mundane into the extraordinary and doing it all without sacrificing the humanity of the characters.
March 19
If you're a fan of the Penric & Desdemona tales, this novella is a perfect bridge between the earlier "Penric's Fox" and the later "Penric's Mission." It feels like a well-placed stepping stone, offering just enough new twists to keep the series fresh, while staying true to the themes you love. The internal chronology is clean, the storytelling crisp.
March 20
I can't recommend this little adventure enough. It's a perfect evening listen-set the lights low, let the water sounds lull you, and watch Penric and Desdemona navigate the chaos of Lodi's Bastard's Eve. Their friendship, the danger, the mystery, and the unexpected saint all come together for a satisfying and exciting chapter in their saga.
Until next time, I'll be ready to jump back into the world of Penric whenever you're ready. Don't forget to bring a bottle of Lodi's finest wine; it's a celebration worth honoring.
With excitement,
Eli
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience