Curse of Chalion is beautifully written, funny (though it’s not a comedy), and deeply interesting book. The religions in the book were interesting and believable enough that I found myself identifying with one of them over the other, feeling that it was more “right.”
In fact, the story is largely the tale of a spiritual journey with some interesting observations along the way. A saint (in the Chalion religion) is not a person who is pious or good, but one who is “empty.” One who makes himself or herself a vessel to be used by the gods (in this world there are either 4 or 5, depending on which faith you follow).
Apart from a slow section around the 3/4 mark, this was really an excellent book.