Best Selling Books by Lois McMaster Bujold

With "Mira''s Last Dance," multiple-award-winner and bestselling author Lois McMaster Bujold returns to her World of the Five Gods, the setting of her acclaimed novels "The Curse of Chalion," "Paladin of Souls," and "The Hallowed Hunt." Continuing the tale begun in the novellas "Penric''s Demon," "Penric and the Shaman," "Penric''s Mission," and "Penric''s Fox," Bujold''s newest installment of Penric and Desdemona''s tale is another must-read novella for her legion of fans. In this sequel to the novella "Penric''s Mission," the injured Penric, a Temple sorcerer and learned divine, tries to guide the betrayed General Arisaydia and his widowed sister Nikys across the last hundred miles of hostile Cedonia to safety in the Duchy of Orbas. In the town of Sosie the fugitive party encounters unexpected delays, and even more unexpected opportunities and hazards, as the courtesan Mira of Adria, one of the ten dead women whose imprints make up the personality of the chaos demon Desdemona, comes to the fore with her own special expertise.

“Bujold builds a better fantasy romance with compelling characters and the fascinating clash between their cultures, she a farmer’s daughter, he an adventurer on the trail of a deadly demon.”—Locus One of the most respected writers in the field of speculative fiction, Lois McMaster Bujold has won numerous accolades and awards, including the Nebula and Locus Awards as well as the fantasy and science fiction genre’s most prestigious honor, the Hugo Award for Best Novel, four times (most recently for Paladin of Souls). With The Sharing Knife series, Bujold creates a brand new world fraught with peril, and spins an extraordinary romance between a young farm girl and the brave sorcerer-soldier entrusted with the defense of the land against a plague of vicious malevolent beings. Meet Fawn Bluefield and Dag Redwing Hickory in Beguilement, the first book in Bujold’s unforgettable four-volume fantasy saga, and witness the birth of their dangerous romance—a love threatened by prejudice and perilous magic, and by Dag’s sworn duty as Lakewalker patroller and necromancer.

On his way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric comes upon a riding accident with an elderly lady on the ground, her maidservant and guardsmen distraught. As he approaches to help, he discovers that the lady is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is The Bastard, "master of all disasters out of season", and with her dying breath she bequeaths her mysterious powers to Penric. From that moment on, Penric''s life is irreversibly changed, and his life is in danger from those who envy or fear him. Set in the fantasy world of the author''s acclaimed novels THE CURSE OF CHALION, PALADIN OF SOULS and THE HALLOWED HUNT, this novella has the depth of characterization and emotional complexity that distinguishes all Bujold''s work. “Bujold’s delightful latest tale of Penric … is another winner in Bujold’s already strong series.” - Publisher’s Weekly *Starred Review* on “The Prisoner of Limnos” “Series fans and fantasy readers who seek well-drawn characters will love this tale.” - Publisher’s Weekly on “Mira’s Last Dance” “Best-selling author Bujold follows her Hugo-nominated “Penric and the Shaman” (2017) with another adventure featuring the sorcerer Penric and his resident 200-year-old chaos demon, Desdemona. ... Series fans will be delighted with this tale, which begs for continuation.” - Booklist on “Penric''s Mission” “Set in the ‘World of The Five Gods’ (The Curse of Chalion; Paladin of Souls; The Hallowed Hunt), Bujold’s novella takes series fans back to a well-known realm in an exciting new adventure. The varied voices, especially between Pen and Desdemona, add a fun slant to a serious tale." - Library Journal on “Penric and the Shaman” “Bujold follows ‘Penric’s Demon’ with another brief tale set in her World of the Five Gods, this time combining supernatural sleuthing with finely drawn characters and a panoply of emotions... This is a wonderful expansion of her World of the Five Gods." - Publisher’s Weekly *Starred Review* on “Penric and the Shaman” “Fans of the Chalion tales will again be drawn in by the intrigue of the religious dynamics, the fantasy aspects of the "magic" and the complexity of character that Bujold is so masterful at creating.” - RT Book Reviews on “Penric’s Demon”

"Follow[s] the life of Cordelia Vorkosigan nee Naismith from the day she met her then-enemy Lord Aral Vorkosigan through the boyhood of her son Miles"--P. [4] of cover.

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER IN HARDCOVER. Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan returns to the planet that changed her destiny. FUTURE TENSE Three years after her famous husband’s death, Cordelia Vorkosigan, widowed Vicereine of Sergyar, stands ready to spin her life in a new direction. Oliver Jole, Admiral of the Sergyar Fleet, finds himself caught up in her web of plans in ways he’d never imagined, bringing him to an unexpected crossroads in his career. Meanwhile, Miles Vorkosigan, one of Emperor Gregor’s key investigators, this time dispatches himself on a mission of inquiry, into a mystery he never anticipated—his own mother. Plans, wills, and expectations collide in this sparkling science fiction novel, as the impact of galactic technology on the range of the possible changes all the old rules, and Miles learns that not only is the future not what he expects, neither is the past. About Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga: “Fans have been clamoring for Hugo-winner Bujold to pen a new Vorkosigan Saga novel . . . her deft and absorbing writing easily corrals the complex plot.”—Publishers Weekly on Cryoburn “Bujold mixes quirky humor with action [and] superb character development . . . [E]normously satisfying.”—Publishers Weekly. “One of sf’s outstanding talents . . . an outstanding series.”—Booklist “. . . an intelligent, well-crafted and thoroughly satisfying blend of adventure, sociopolitical commentary, scientific experiments, and occasional perils . . . with that extra spicing of romance. . . .”—Locus About Vorkosigan series entry Captain Vorpatril''s Alliance: “. . . this may be one of the most anticipated and long-awaited entries to Bujold’s acclaimed Vorkosigan saga. For years fans have clamored for Ivan Vorpatril’s story, and at last Bujold delivers something that will both thrill the devoted audience and entrance new readers . . . Longtime readers will love seeing a new side of Ivan as well as hearing his views on many of the series'' characters. New readers can enjoy Ivan’s story on its own . . . Essential for all sf collections and a must-read for Bujold and Vorkosigan fans.”—Booklist About Vorkosigan series entry Diplomatic Immunity: “Bujold is adept at world-building and provides a witty, character-centered plot, full of exquisite grace notes . . . fans will be thoroughly gripped and likely to finish the book in a single sitting.”—Publishers Weekly The Vorkosigan Series in Story-based Chronological Order Falling Free Shards of Honor Barrayar The Warrior''s Apprentice The Vor Game Cetaganda Ethan of Athos Borders of Infinity Brothers in Arms Mirror Dance Memory Komarr A Civil Campaign Diplomatic Immunity Captain Vorpatril''s Alliance CryoBurn Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen

In the third volume of Bujold''s Sharing Knife saga, Fawn, a young farm girl, and Dag, a seasoned soldier-sorcerer, set off to find fresh solutions to the perilous split between their peoples.

“An engrossing, satisfying read and a fitting conclusion to the series.” Anniston Star One of the most respected writers in the field of speculative fiction, Lois McMaster Bujold has won numerous accolades and awards, including the Nebula and Locus Awards as well as the fantasy and science fiction genre’s most prestigious honor, the Hugo Award for Best Novel, four times (most recently for Paladin of Souls).With Horizon, Bujold brings her remarkable Sharing Knife saga to its magnificent conclusion, as Fawn Bluefield and Dag Redwing Hickory must keep their love strong in the midst of an ever-changing world--even as Dag’s apprehensions and abilities increase along with the malevolent threat surrounding them.

While being a space-faring empire, Barrayar still harbors deep-rooted prejudices and superstitions, including those against "mutants." *** When a Dendarii hill-woman comes before Aral Vorkosigan seeking justice for the murder of her infant baby who has be

Whether he''s rescuing prisoners, keeping his enemies from replacing him with a clone, or coming back from his own dysfunctional death, Miles gets the job done. Of course, it may not be "quite" the job his superiors wanted done.

TALES OF A NEW FANTASY HERO FROM LOIS McMASTER BUJOLD, TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME! Includes Penric’s Mission, Mira’s Last Dance, and The Prisoner of Limnos. Penric does it his way! Follow-up to collection Penric''s Progress. Penric’s Mission Learned Penric, a sorcerer and divine of the Bastard’s Order, has faced danger and intrigue many times before. Now, he finds himself on his first covert diplomatic mission. Penric must travel across the sea to Cedonia in an attempt to secure the services of the Cedonian General Arisaydia for the Duke of Adria. But nothing is as it seems. No sooner than he has arrived, Penric finds himself tossed into a dungeon. If Penric is to survive, he’ll have to navigate treacherous politics—and his own feelings for the young widowed sister of the General. Mira’s Last Dance Penric, suffering from injuries attained while escaping from the Cedonian dungeon in which he was imprisoned, must now guide General Arisaydia and his widowed sister, Nikys, across the last hundred miles of hostile Cedonia to safety in the Duchy of Orbas. In the town of Sosie, the fugitive party encounters unexpected delays and even more unexpected opportunities and hazards, as the courtesan Mira of Adria, one of the ten dead women whose imprints make up the personality of the chaos demon Desdemona, comes to the fore with her own special expertise. The Prisoner of Limnos Penric and Nikys have reached safety in the Duchy of Orbas when a secret letter from a friend brings frightening news: Nikys''s mother has been taken hostage by her brother''s enemies at the Cedonian imperial court and confined in a precarious island sanctuary. Now, Nikys, Penric, and Desdemona must infiltrate the hostile country once more, finding along the way that family relationships can be as unexpectedly challenging as any rescue scheme. About Penric''s Demon: “A novella filled with a satisfying blend of strong characters and wry humor.”—Publishers Weekly About Lois McMaster Bujold: “The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful, and the author''s narrative technique and command of language compelling. Highly recommended.”—Booklist “If you love solid space opera rooted in strong character, you can''t go wrong . . . The Warrior''s Apprentice already displays the craft and the heart which would soon make Lois McMaster Bujold one of the most feted talents in SF.”—SF Reviews “Bujold is adept at worldbuilding and provides a witty, character-centered plot, full of exquisite grace notes . . . fans will be thoroughly gripped and likely to finish the book in a single sitting.”—Publishers Weekly on Diplomatic Immunity

THREE PENRIC AND DESDEMONA NOVELLAS IN THE WORLD OF THE FIVE GODS BY GRANDMASTER LOIS McMASTER BUJOLD. INCLUDES “MASQUERADE IN LODI,” “THE ORPHANS OF RASPAY,” AND “THE PHYSICIANS OF VILNOC.” Penric and Desdemona are back in three novellas from Grand Master Lois McMaster Bujold. Masquerade in Lodi: Bastard’s Eve is a night of celebration for most residents in the canal city of Lodi—but not for sorcerer Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona, who find themselves caught up in the affairs of a shiplost madman, a dangerous ascendant demon, and a very unexpected saint of the fifth god. The Orphans of Raspay: When the ship in which they are traveling is captured by Carpagamon island raiders, Temple sorcerer Penric and his resident demon Desdemona find their life complicated by two young orphans, Lencia and Seuka Corva, who are far from home and searching for their missing father. Pen and Des will need all their combined talents of mind and magic to unravel the mysteries of the sisters and escape from the pirate stronghold. The Physicians of Vilnoc: When a mysterious plague breaks out in the army fort guarding Vilnoc, the port capital of the duchy of Orbas, Temple sorcerer Penric and his demon Desdemona are called upon by General Arisaydia to resurrect Penric’s medical skills and solve its lethal riddle. In the grueling days that follow, Pen will find that even his magic is not enough to meet the challenges without help from dedicated new colleagues—and the god of mischance. Includes a new introduction, "outroduction," and suggested reading order by Lois McMaster Bujold. About Penric''s Demon: “A novella filled with a satisfying blend of strong characters and wry humor.” —Publishers Weekly About Lois McMaster Bujold: “The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful, and the author''s narrative technique and command of language compelling. Highly recommended.” —Booklist “If you love solid space opera rooted in strong character, you can''t go wrong . . . The Warrior''s Apprentice already displays the craft and the heart which would soon make Lois McMaster Bujold one of the most feted talents in SF.” —SF Reviews “Bujold is adept at worldbuilding and provides a witty, character-centered plot, full of exquisite grace notes . . . fans will be thoroughly gripped and likely to finish the book in a single sitting.” —Publishers Weekly on Diplomatic Immunity

We''re pleased to announce Penric and the Bandit, the latest novella-length adventure featuring Lois McMaster Bujold''s beloved characters, Penric and Desdemona. Strange company... When Rozakajin, road-weary bandit and army deserter, spots a hapless blond young man in a country inn with an intriguing treasure map, he thinks he''s scouted an easy and lucrative victim. Attaching himself to odd traveler Penric seems simple enough, but when Roz''s old enemies catch up from behind, his plans take a turn for the much worse. When Pen''s claim that I never travel alone proves true in ways Roz never imagined, his world becomes more frightening still--but also much wider than he''d ever dared to dream.

Lakewalker Barr Foxbrush returns from two years of patrolling the bitter wilds of Luthlia against the enigmatic, destructive entities called malices, only to find that the secret daughter he''d left behind in the hinterland of Oleana has disappeared from her home after a terrible accusation. The search for her will call on more of Barr''s mind and heart than just his mage powers, as he tries to balance his mistakes of the past and his most personal duties to the future. A stand-alone story set in the world of The Sharing Knife. "Bujold is not just a master of plot, she is a master of emotion." - SF Site Bujold''s "work remains among the most enjoyable and rewarding in contemporary fiction." - Publishers Weekly "Bujold couldn''t characterize badly if threatened with a firing squad." - Booklist "A superb craftsman and stylist, Ms. Bujold is well on her way to becoming one of the great voices of speculative fiction." - Rave Reviews "Boy, can she write!" - Anne McCaffrey "Bujold has a gift." - Chicago Sun Times Lois McMaster Bujold was born in 1949, the daughter of an engineering professor at Ohio State University, from whom she picked up her early interest in science fiction. She now lives in Minneapolis, and has two grown children. She began writing with the aim of professional publication in 1982. She wrote three novels in three years; in October of 1985, all three sold to Baen Books, launching her career. Bujold went on to write many other books for Baen, mostly featuring her popular character Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, his family, friends, and enemies. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages. Her fantasy from Eos includes the award-winning Chalion series and the Sharing Knife series. In 2020, Bujold received the Damon Knight Grand Master Memorial Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America. www.dendarii.com

MYSTERY AND MAGIC FROM A LEGENDARY MASTER Footloose nobleman Penric journeys from young lord to sorcerer and scholar in the Bastard’s Order—and solves mysteries along the way. Penric’s Demon: On the way to his betrothal, young Lord Penric happens upon a riding accident and stops to help. But the victim is a Temple divine, servant to the five gods of this world. Her avowed god is The Bastard, “master of all disasters out of season.” As she lies dying, she passes her strange powers to Penric—and changes the course of his life forever. Penric and the Shaman: Now a divine of the Bastard’s Order as well as a sorcerer and scholar, Penric must accompany a Locator of the Father’s Order assigned to capture a runaway shaman charged with the murder of his best friend. Penric’s Fox: When Penric—sorcerer, scholar, and divine in the Bastard’s Order—travels to Easthome, the capital of the Weald, he once again finds himself embroiled in a mystery. The body of a sorceress has been found in the woods, and it is up to Penric and his friends, Shaman Inglis and Locator Oswyl, to unravel a mystery mixing magic, murder, and the strange realities of Temple demons. Praise for the Penric & Desdemona series: “Lord Penric, Pen to his friends and Penric to others, is a fabulous character. He''s got a serious problem; he''s never been trained to handle so he''s doing the best he can. This ruffles the feathers or exasperates the other characters that he comes in contact with throughout the story. There''s tension, danger, humor, and some interesting insights into various human traits.” —SFRevu “Another thoroughly engaging entry in the Penric and Desdemona series. There are some truly interesting new characters, a medical mystery to be solved, lots of great dialogue, and some philosophical issues to think about when you finish the story. What could be better?” —SFRevu “An engaging revisitation of the world of the Five Gods. Another felicitous combination of formerly told tales, again meshing masterfully (mistressfully?)” —Seattle Book Review “[F]illed with a satisfying blend of strong characters and wry humor.” —Publishers Weekly “Fans of fantasy with clever, innocent underdog characters will root for Penric to beat the odds and hope to visit him and his demon again.” —Booklist “Bujold’s fans will be delighted with this latest adventure featuring Penric and his resident demon.” —Booklist “Bujold continues to expand her "Five Gods" world, reviving familiar faces along the way. The fascinating relationship between Penric and Desdemona is especially fun.” —Library Journal “Bujold''s many faithful readers will delight in this engaging blend of mystery and magic.” —Library Journal “Changing points of view make earlier chapters a little challenging, but strong secondary characters and Bujold''s amazing worldbuilding will please readers of this swift-paced series.” —Library Journal “Fast action and dialog create a humorous and satisfying story that shows the intriguing connection between sorcerer and demon.” —Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Library System “Bujold''s nuanced writing vividly shows the unique relationship between Penric and Desdemona and their journey that continues to grow in action-filled ways.” —Library Journal “Bujold''s fans will appreciate this novella, which returns to her World of the Five Gods and beloved maturing characters.” —Library Journal About Lois McMaster Bujold: "The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful, and the author''s narrative technique and command of language compelling. Highly recommended."—Booklist "If you love solid space opera rooted in strong character, you can''t go wrong . . . The Warrior''s Apprentice already displays the craft and the heart which would soon make Lois McMaster Bujold one of the most feted talents in SF."—SF Reviews “Bujold is adept at worldbuilding and provides a witty, character-centered plot, full of exquisite grace notes . . . fans will be thoroughly gripped and likely to finish the book in a single sitting.”—Publishers Weekly on Diplomatic Immunity

TWO OF PENRIC’S MOST INTRIGUING TALES—A SHORT NOVEL AND NOVELLA, COLLECTED TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME From Lois McMaster Bujold come the latest entries in the fan favorite fantasy series, Penric & Desdemona. With a brand new introduction from the Science Fiction Grand Master herself, this collection is a must have for fans! The Assassins of Thasalon, the short novel An unholy attack upon his brother-in-law, General Arisaydia, pitches sorcerer Learned Penric and his Temple demon Desdemona headlong into the snake-pit of Cedonian imperial politics. But they will not travel alone. The mission from his god brings Penric some of his strangest new allies yet, and the return of some of his most valued old ones. Knot of Shadows, the novella When a corpse is found floating face-down in Vilnoc harbor that is not quite as dead as it seems, Temple sorcerer Penric and his chaos demon Desdemona are drawn into the uncanny investigation. Pen’s keen questions will take him across the city of Vilnoc, and into far more profound mysteries, as his search for truths interlaces with tragedy.

Miles Vorkosigan makes his debut in this frenetic coming-of-age tale. At age seventeen, Miles, four-foot, nine inches tall, and brittle-boned, after great effort is allowed to take the entrance exams to the elite military academy; he passes the written but manages, through miscalculation in a moment of anger, to break both his legs on the obstacle course, washing out before he begins. His aged grandfather, General Piotr, gradually reconciled to his mutant grandson, dies in his sleep shortly after, for which Miles blames himself. Miles is sent to visit his grandmother Naismith on distant Beta Colony, accompanied by his bodyguard Sergeant Bothari and Bothari''s daughter Elena, with whom Miles is secretly in love.