Penric and the Shaman

Four years have passed since [b:Penric's Demon 25791216 Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436108514l/25791216.SX50.jpg 45642232], and Penric is a trained sorcerer and divine, significantly more confident and mature by now, and sent out on a difficult case involving two deaths and a fugitive shaman. If you've read [b:The Hallowed Hunt 61887 The Hallowed Hunt (World of the Five Gods, #3) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431214831l/61887.SY75.jpg 3036421], you're already familiar with shamans; otherwise, this is your introduction to them, as they function in this world.I've given this four stars because I like the characters and their interactions, and because it shows us a significant stage in Penric's life and career. I'm not quite as keen on the story, although it's more complex and interesting than [b:Penric's Demon 25791216 Penric's Demon (Penric and Desdemona, #1) Lois McMaster Bujold https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436108514l/25791216.SX50.jpg 45642232].