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The Barnes & Noble Review
The Hallowed Hunt, the third novel in Lois McMaster Bujold's critically acclaimed epic historical fantasy saga (The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls), revolves around two god-touched lovers thrown together on a quest to save a troubled kingdom from its heretical past -- and its bloody future.
After the exiled (and allegedly half-mad) Prince Boleso is brutally bludgeoned to death by a maiden he tried to defile, Lord Ingrey's kin Wolfcliff is sent to his estate to collect the body and bring both it and the accused murderer back to Easthome. But during the long journey, Ingrey and the indicted lady-in-waiting, Lady Ijala, find out they have much in common -- including forbidden animal spirits bound to their souls. Once at Easthome, a city brimming with political unrest because of the imminent death of the Hallowed King and an unclear succession, Ingrey and Ijala must find out who -- or what -- is behind the evil pervading the city…
While it may seem impossible to top the previous novels in this saga -- The Curse of Chalion was nominated for the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards for Best Novel and Paladin of Souls won the Hugo and Nebula Awards -- Bujold has done just that. Although Bujold has written dozens of other noteworthy works (Falling Free, The Vor Game, Mirror Dance, et al.), this saga in particular has cemented her reputation as a storyteller extraordinaire. Paul Goat Allen
At the country estate of Prince Boleso, a delicate mission awaits Lord Ingrey's kin Wolfcliff. The exiled prince has been murdered; the accused killer is an beguiling young noblewoman. Ingrey's assignment is to smooth over the situation before the imminent death of the Hallow King. To save the kingdom from chaos or tyranny, he must work quickly. A fantasy with ever-deepening plot complications.
Publishers Weekly
The absorbing third installment in Bujold's epic fantasy series (after The Curse of Chalion and the Hugo-winning Paladin of Souls) links a disinherited swordsman hero with a beguiling damsel accused of murdering a royal prince in a land worshiping five gods, menaced by encroaching neighbors and swarming with ancient magic and lethal political intrigue. Lord Ingrey kin Wolfcliff, sent by the kingdom's sealmaster to fetch orphaned Lady Ijada to trial, soon learns they both unwillingly bear animal spirits received in forbidden power rites stretching centuries back into the primeval Weald. With the aged Hallow King now dying, Ingrey and Ijada journey toward the king's hall at Easthome, falling into a love that appears doomed, while Ingrey's powerful fey cousin, Lord Wencel, spins a cunning web of bloodthirsty ambition that binds them to him in an unholy trinity. Though the book's complicated magical-religious structure requires considerable suspension of disbelief, Bujold brings to life a multitude of convincing secondary characters, especially skaldic warrior-poet Prince Jokol and his ice bear, Fafa. Bujold's ability to sustain a breathless pace of action while preserving a heady sense of verisimilitude in a world of malignant wonders makes this big novel occasionally brilliant-and not a word too long. Agent, Eleanor Wood. (June 1) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Library Journal
Lord Ingrey kin Wolfcliff receives the assignment to escort the body of the late Prince Boleso, along with his apparent murderer, the orphaned Lady Ijada, to Kingstown to assist in quelling the political unrest threatening to erupt. With the impending death of the Hallow King and the succession in question, Ingrey must ascertain the truth behind Boleso's death to insure the survival of the kingdom and of the woman he has come to love. Bujold's third installment in her fantasy epic (after Paladin of Souls and The Curse of Chalion) bears testimony to the author's talent for creating inventive and appealing heroes and exotic worlds. Political intrigue, shamanic marriage, and dynastic drama combine for a topnotch addition to most fantasy collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/05.] Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
