It has actually been several years since I read 'The Hallowed Hunt' by Lois McMaster Bujold, but it is a tale that has stayed with. So when I thought to state an opinion on this book, I decided it would be best to give it a fresh perusal. At times we find when we go back to a book, that it is not always as we remember, it losses something, or it seems stale due to comparisons with other books. With 'The Hallowed Hunt' though I found this not to be the case. Lois McMaster Bujold brings the characters to life and allows you to empathize with them, even when you are not sure you like one or two of them.
The story itself is set amid a quiet political struggle, as the old King lays dying, and his younger son, who was rather crazed, has been slain. It is Ingrey kin Wolfclif, a Lord who has no land or title due to an act of sorcery in which his Father involved him in as a child, who is sent to investigate the death. Yet it seems the young Prince was involved in the same type of illicit sorcery, and the person who killed him is a young woman who claims self defense. Now she has a secret like to that of Ingrey's, for this sorcery has bound the spirit of a Leopard inside of her, as Ingrey has bound to himself the spirit of a Wolf. Yet what other secret is there about Ingrey, that even he does not realize himself? And what is the secret carried by the Earl Wencel Horseriver who joins them on the road to the capital city, and how does it tie him together with Ingrey, long dead spirit warriors, and the Hallowed Kingship?
I highly recommend this novel for any fantasy fan who loves to delve into complex and unique magic, religious, and political systems. If anyone out there has, or does in the near future, read this novel, please feel free to share your thoughts on it via the comments below.
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