Entry #1 Paladin of Souls, by Lois McMaster Bujold

(Eos, Oct 2003) In this sequel to The Curse of Chalion (2001), rich in sumptuous detail and speculative theology, dowager royina Ista Dy Baocia undertakes a pilgrimage to ease her soul-and finds instead that in Chalion, a more dangerous fate awaits than she could ever have imagined.
Lois McMaster Bujold won the Nebula in 1999 for Falling Free and has won the Hugo 4 times including for this book last August.