Battered ex-soldier Lupe dy Cazaril returns home only to be swept up in court and theological intrigue as tutor to the Royesse Iselle of Chalion. Cazaril's honor and courage in the face of not only his former adversaries but the demands of Chalion's five gods shine through in this spellbinding tale of hard-won triumph. , author of The Wheel of Time series author of THE GUNS OF THE SOUTH and TWO FRONTS Kiernan, author of AT THE EDGE OF THE FOREST and The Mithgar series Journal “Bujold continues to prove what marvels genius can create out of basic space operatics.” - Library Journal “Bujold is not just a master of plot, she is a master of emotion.” - SF Site “Bujold is one of the best writers of SF adventure to come along in years.” - Locus Magazine “A superb craftsman and stylist, Ms. Bujold is well on her way to becoming one of the great voices of speculative fiction.” - Rave Reviews Caffrey “Bujold has a gift, nearly unique in science fiction, for the comedy of manners.” - Chicago Sun Times Bujold's Bujold is also head and shoulders above the ruck of current fantasists as well as science-fictionists. - Booklist