Hey bookworm friends, I recently finished reading Demon Daughter, but I don’t feel like writing a review for a 12th book in a series out of the blue. I still want to talk about how much I love this series as a whole so here are 10 Things I Love About Penric & Desdemona.
I’ve mentioned the series briefly in my 4 Fantastic Series That Are Quick Reads post but if you want to learn more, keep reading!
Please note that mild spoilers might be included so if you care about that sort of thing, you’ve been warned.
About Penric & Desdemona
Book 1, Published 2015
Book 13, Published 2024
Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
Genre(s): Fantasy
Publisher: Spectrum Literary Agency, Inc.
Format Read: Audiobook
Narrator: Grover Gardner
Source: Library Borrows
Ongoing Series
Cover Artist: Ron Miller (At least for the latest books; Could not find for earlier ones)
#1. Short But Sweet
Out of the 13 books in the series, there’s only 1 novel-length book; the rest are novellas. OK, sometimes I selfishly wish they were longer but they don’t HAVE to be. Bujold uses the tight space so effectively.
#2. Magic System
One of the things that fascinates me the most about this series is how theology and magic are connected. How the Gods affect the world, especially through the rites of the dead (ghosts are involved), and how Demons, like Desdemona, become who they are. I could read all day about how Gods, Saints, Ghosts, Shamans, and Temple Divines (Like Penric) interact with each other in this world. I also love that the magic system has various limitations that need to be managed.
“The gods did not control the weather. Or the world. Or souls. But death, oh, they own that.ā
Orphans of Raspay, Lois McMaster Bujold
#3. Two Beings, One Body
Since Desdemona is ‘riding’ in Penric’s body, and they are two souls who share a body, it can create very awkward situations. They can also communicate telepathically, which is cool. For good or ill they are stuck together. This is a trope I eat up every time but I think this series executes it and explores it super well! I particularly love how they navigate relationships with other people, it’s hard to introduce people to your demon who sometimes uses your mouth to speak with a different voice. š¤·āāļø
” ‘Marrying her was one of the best things we ever did, you know.’
Demon Daughter, Lois McMaster Bujold
‘You’ll get no argument from me.’
‘Nice change.’ ā
#4. The Dialogue
It’s believable and feels like it’s from a different time but still relatable. Plus it can be quite quippy in a way I like.
” ‘It’s good Pen is getting you out for an airing. You were due.’ ‘What am I, Mother, moldy bedding?’ “
Demon Daughter, Lois McMaster Bujold
#5. Covers Various Phases of Their Life
We get to follow Penric as a youth, as he learns to work with Desdemona and goes through various careers. We witness his life as he gets married and juggles the trials of parenting with his responsibilities as a learned temple divine and sorcerer. I love that we grow with the characters. The quiet domestic moments with them in Demon Daughter were my favourite. It was so comfortable and intimate. After reading years of their adventures, it’s so satisfying to see them in a place that’s so mature and well-centred.
#6. Incredible World-Building
Since the books are short, there isn’t much info dumping and instead, the world-building feels organic. We learn more about the world as Pen and Des travel and deal with the politics of various countries. They’re always sent out to help someone in need, and each book’s mystery or problem is somewhat of a standalone adventure but leaves ripples that affect the later stories. In the same way that an event in a person’s life can affect them later on.
#7. It Doesn’t Shy Away From Heavy Themes
Bujold is not afraid to dive into the morality of how the Temples deal with demons. There are a lot of ethical conundrums and big spiritual questions to explore. There’s also a book in the series that deals with a pandemic and it was conceived before 2020 but published in 2020. I think it was tactfully handled, and while that particular entry was darker than others, it was important for Penric’s character development as he struggles with the emotional toll of practicing medicine.
ā ‘Hope is not the same thing as self-delusion,’ she countered just as tightly. ‘Or else why do you don those holy vestments every day?’ ā
Demon Daughter, Lois McMaster Bujold
#8. Creative Problem Solving
Throughout his adventures, Penric only fights as a last resort which I appreciate a lot because it’s not something I see very often in the fantasy I read. Mostly, he uses magic, diplomacy, subterfuge, rehabilitation, & the power of community to solve problems. He still throws himself headlong into danger though (because he knows he has Des to help him) š.
#9. Grover Gardiner’s Voice
I’d be lying if I said the narrator’s voice didn’t impact my enjoyment of these books. I found the first one in audiobook format and loved it so much that I decided it’s how I want to consume this whole series. His voice is so soothing and works perfectly with the tone of these stories.
#10. It’s Not Over Yet
Since the author is semi-retired, she can and has been publishing these books at her own pace through an indie press. She doesn’t announce too far in advance but posts announcements on her GoodReads page. There are currently 13 books and I’m just happy the series is not over yet! I hope we get a lot more Pen & Des books š¤
Let’s chat in the comments!
Have you read these books? Or tell me about a fantasy series you love!
Reading this post has made me want to read this series even more. You’ve listed so many things that make it sound incredible. Although I’ll admit that I didn’t realise the most recent one that you read was number 12 already š
I think the bit that intrigues me most is the magic system. It’s one of the things that I love most about fantasy and the one here certainly sounds fascinating. The fact that Gods affect the world instantly intrigues me and I’m really curious to discover the truth about demons and see how ghosts affect the series.
The one body situation is also instantly intriguing. The awkward situations that pop up must be entertaining at times. Plus I recently read a book with that kind of inner communication so I’d love to check out another.
I also love hearing that it covers such a large period of the MCs life. To go from youth to marriage and parenthood seems rare. Especially the second of those elements. It seems to be a phase of life that doesn’t get covered too much in fantasy novels.
The world building and well handled heavy themes offer so much too. Plus the fact that the answer to every problem isn’t to fight is a refreshing change too.
Needless to say I majorly need to check this out sometime. It sounds incredible. And I hope you enjoy the next installment, and hopefully many others to follow, just as much.
Oh and for a fantasy series I love The Final Strife. I adored the first two books in that series so much and the finale is out fairly soon which I’m simultaneously excited and nervous about as it’s one of those rare books where nobody, including MCs, feel safe.
Yeah it’s wild to think there’s so many out there, I think it’s because I binged most of them last year and they’re short so they flew by!
I’m glad you’re intrigued by the world-building as well because that’s my favourite part about reading fantasies too! I tend to like stories where there are Gods that still affect the world, even in distant ways, I just find something about that really entertaining.
Ohh what book that you read had that inner communication? That’s a trope I love so much!
Yeah, I agree, you don’t see parenthood explored in fantasy contexts as much (mostly we just get the trauma of the dead parents instead) so I appreciate it whenever I find it.
Anyways if you read this I’ll be happy to talk about it with you! Thank you!
I have heard of the Final Strife but I don’t know too much about it so I’ll look it up! Glad it’s a series you love so much. The finale coming up soon is exciting so you’ll get to find out what happens but yeah that’s gotta be a bit stressful, I hope all your favourite characters make it out okay in the end ā„!
It’s a wonderful sign that you ended up binging them too really.
I think because they have such immense power it’s impossible not to be intrigued. It’s always a plus when they feature.
It’s one on your TBR so I’m not sure if I should say. Although it was hinted at I suppose.
As I read more adult ones maybe I’ll find more. But in YA ones they can seem almost non existent. I guess because there needs to be a reason why this teenager is running about in extreme danger.
Yay I’ll let you know whenever I do.
Thank you. I’m so excited for it. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see but š¤
Yes, that’s true, it’s such a fun feeling when you can binge a series.
Hmm that’s a good point, something that has so much power we can’t comprehend, it makes for interesting stories.
Ah okay I see, I’ll just have to read my entire TBR to find out then šš I’m so curious now lol
And it middle grade, it’s especially common too my gosh, to the point that whenever I see a parent in a story I get excited lol Like oh wow, something fresh and different! hahaha I mean, I understand why that trope is there but it’s still annoying lol.
Okay cool sounds good thanks š
haha yes I’ll keep my fingers crossed for a good resolution!
Definitely.
I think seeing the impact they have on Mortals and learning the differing beliefs surrounding them is fascinating too.
I hope it works for you within that particular book š¤
So true. There must be ways to work good parents in well but they seem pretty rare in fantasy. Most are either absent for a variety of reasons or horribly unsuitable as parents.
Thank you š
Yeah I like that aspect of Gods in stories as well.
Thank you, even though I don’t know which one and in my TBR, that’s like looking for a needle in a haystack šš
There really must be, I’ll have to keep an eye out for any stories with parents I find!
ā„
I can tell you if you want, I just don’t want to spoil anything for you. Same here, my TBR is chaotic š
Same here. I need one for a tag atm and I can’t think of anyone šš
Ahaha no worries it’s okay š We might as well enjoy the chaos!
Oh gosh good luck with that, I tried to think of one and couldn’t come up with anything š
Thanks. I’m not posting it yet so I’ll see if anyone pops up in my next few reads if not I have one answer in mind but I’ll have to change another prompt as I used it already š
Ahahha it might be easier to change the prompts around that’s a good potential solution! We shall see then š
This sounds like a great series! I really should try it one of these days.
It’s definitely one that recommend to any Fantasy reader haha š¤