Submitted by Scott 
(Sep 05, 2007)The Hallowed Hunt is almost a text book on how to write an extremely acessible anti-hero, The protaganist is a minor court dignitary and he likes it that way. He cleans up regal messes and stays out of the limelight. That is until the crown prince is killed by a beautiful woman while performing an illegal and immoral magic. If that's not enough trouble, the Gods get involved and keep insisting that he do things for them as well as the king, the senschal, and of course the beautiful woman - who turns out to be a countryman and, just incidentally, rich.
Set in a Middle Europeanesque world about the middle of the 17th century, there is pagentry, brutality, love, tragedy and a brooding darkness that lingers from the conquering of nations. Souls hang in the balance as the hero and heroine discover that madness and a "win at all cost' attitude may cost more than anyone ever conceived.
Written with Mrs. Bujold's attention to detail and fully formed accessible characters, it draws the reader in and involves them in the anxiety and hopes of the charcters. I guarantee that a sigh will escape from you during the denouement. This is a great tale told well. Along with The Curse of Chalion it builds a new mythology that will last for years to come. Read it and you might just believe.
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(19 ratings)