The Orphans of Raspay is the eighth book in the “World of the Five Gods: Penric & Desdemona” series written by Lois McMaster Bujold. This series is set in a fantasy world where gods and demons exist and interact with humans. The protagonist, Penric, is a young man who shares his body with a demon named Desdemona, which grants him various magical abilities.

In this installment, Penric finds himself on the island of Raspay, where he encounters a group of orphans who are being pursued by pirates. The orphans are seeking refuge in the temple of the Bastard, one of the five gods in this world. Penric, being a divine sorcerer and a devotee of the Bastard, takes it upon himself to protect the orphans and ensure their safety.

As Penric investigates further, he discovers that the orphans are not ordinary children but rather have unique abilities and connections to powerful individuals. He becomes entangled in a complex web of political intrigue and power struggles as he tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding these children.

Throughout the story, Penric must use his wit, magical skills, and alliances with both humans and divine beings to navigate dangerous situations and protect the orphans from harm. Alongside Desdemona’s guidance and assistance, Penric faces numerous challenges, including battles with pirates, encounters with vengeful gods, and confrontations with ruthless individuals who seek to exploit the orphans’ powers for their own gain.

“The Orphans of Raspay” explores themes of family, loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of wielding power. It delves into the complexities of human nature and the choices individuals make when faced with difficult circumstances. As with other books in the series, Bujold’s writing combines elements of adventure, fantasy, and character-driven storytelling to create an engaging narrative.

Overall, “The Orphans of Raspay” is a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to the “World of the Five Gods: Penric & Desdemona” series, offering readers a captivating tale of magic, intrigue, and the enduring power of compassion.

• The Orphans of Raspay

• A Penric and Desdemona Novella in the World of the Five Gods (The Penric & Desdemona Series, Book 7)
• By: Lois McMaster Bujold
• Narrated by: Grover Gardner

When the ship they were sailing on was captured by raiders on the island of Carpagamon, the Temple witch Penric and his resident demon Desdemona find their lives complicated by two orphans, Lencia and Seuka Corva, far from home and searching for their missing father. Pen and Des will need all of their combined intellectual and magical talents to unravel the sisters’ mysteries and escape from the pirate stronghold.

Penric and his frequent companion, inside his body, the demon Desdemona has existed for some time. In a previous story, there was some discussion about how this pair could deal with a pirate attack. However, when the attack took place at night when the storm was about to end, they did not have any warning. Looks like there are other victims of pirates that need help. Two young girls whose mother had recently died were captured by pirates while searching for their father.

Lots of trouble and finally a happy ending in this 7th installment of the adventures of Penric and Desdemona. The novel can be standalone, but I found that reading or listening to the series in internal chronological order, beginning with Penric’s Demon, makes for a richer experience. As well as finally reading three full-length novels set in the same World of the Five Gods, but in different locations and time periods.

The whole story is interesting listening to all the love, power and money that different people control. And yes, the love between the girls and the sorcerer has been tested and thrown into unusual situations.
Is the first chapter is difficult to understand. It quickly becomes easier to understand with strange words and actions.
I would definitely recommend the book to people who like the fantasy genre.

You should check out Penric and Desdemona from time to time and see what they did! As I expected, this is a really interesting story! Penric has been captured by pirates , and is being held (we assume) for ransom. After falling off a pirate ship, he meets two orphaned sisters, and despite his predicament, he fully knows he has to save them too! As the servant of the Bastard, even unarmed, Penric and Desdemona (the demon that rides within him) form a formidable fighting pair, despite Penric’s rather small stature.
If you didn’t know, Lois Mcmaster Bujold and Grover Gardner also make a very formidable pair! Get yourself one today, or if you’ve never read/heard anything in the series, grab the first book “Penric’s Demon” to see where it all started. You’re in for a real treat in one of two ways!

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