Books like Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold
Three years after the curse of madness was lifted, Ista dy Baocia, the dowager of the ruined city-state of Chalion, knows that she herself caused its destruction. When the kingdom again lies in danger, she must rally a retinue of pilgrims to defend it, all while confronting the haunting memories, betrayals, and divine forces that have shaped her fate.
Ista’s journey takes her beyond the borders of Chalion to the fortress of Porifors, where ancient wars and supernatural presences linger. Along the way she encounters a noble warrior with fierce prowess, a mysterious ally whose own secrets intertwine with hers, and fateful encounters that test her resolve. The gods keep a role in her destiny, drawing her toward perilous choices and unseen opportunities.
With its blend of political intrigue, divine influence, and a protagonist’s struggle to atone for past transgressions, the novel explores themes of power, responsibility, and redemption within a richly imagined fantasy setting.
First publish date: 2003
Genre: Fantasy/Epic Fantasy
Authors: Lois McMaster Bujold
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