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betharanova's review against another edition
5.0
I've only read the two books so far, but—Vorkosigan Saga, my beloved. The quiet, devoted romance. The messy, greedy politics. The way both worlds' lack shows in Cordelia's point of view. Everyone's pride and fear and trauma. The ruthlessness and mercy. The LOVE.
Special shoutout to the author for creating the most messed-up guy of all time, an absolute monster, and making me love him to the moon and back.
Special shoutout to the author for creating the most messed-up guy of all time, an absolute monster, and making me love him to the moon and back.
grayjay's review against another edition
5.0
Cordelia is a badass, highly skilled, middle-aged woman with several career changes under her belt, who, in her last novel, decided to marry General Vorkosigan, a Lord from the militaristic planet Barrayar, before he was made regent of the whole planet.
In this sequel, a political coup separates her form her baby and she must risk everything to rescue him.
This novel breaks the trope of bad mother's in sci-fi/fantasy.
It was thrilling—the characters are dynamic and interesting, and I got to revel in characters I like, doing cool things under pressure.
In this sequel, a political coup separates her form her baby and she must risk everything to rescue him.
This novel breaks the trope of bad mother's in sci-fi/fantasy.
It was thrilling—the characters are dynamic and interesting, and I got to revel in characters I like, doing cool things under pressure.
tddrdfrd's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
maggie6832's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I do love a political sci fi drama with dramatic moments of fealty. Same issues I had with the first one - I’m not a fan of the frequent mentions of sexual assault and abuse (though from what I remember, it is better in this one). Still, I really appreciate how the author critiques both the more “liberal” (is that the best word?) and pacifistic Betan society and the deeply hierarchical, militaristic Barrayaran society. Cordelia is a very satisfying character to read.
truthlessofcanada's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
Read this on a long haul flight, might have the hot take that I maybe like Shards of Honour more? Man it's close. This took a little longer to get going, not that it was at all slow or clumsy, Shards of Honor just starts instantly. This feels a lot more unique in terms of story, and setting as well, and deeper in terms of characterization. While Shards is much more hyper focused on the main 2 characters, who are my favorite 2. Also are main character is a little more passive for parts of this book, but also like when she makes shit happen she really does.
You know what, the back half of this book was incredible, I probably do barely like it more than Shards, I think it does such a good job of making you feel the humanity of the entire supporting cast.
9/10
Review written while extremely jet lagged in a car, so cut me some slack if it makes no sense.
You know what, the back half of this book was incredible, I probably do barely like it more than Shards, I think it does such a good job of making you feel the humanity of the entire supporting cast.
9/10
Review written while extremely jet lagged in a car, so cut me some slack if it makes no sense.
posies23's review against another edition
4.0
This is the sequel to SHARDS OF HONOR, and chronologically it's the second in the Vorkosigan books. If you like your science fiction with a side of politics and a healthy dose of action, this book will make a tasty meal. (Sorry for the metaphors.) It continues the story from SHARDS OF HONOR, and ups the stakes considerably as Aral and Cordelia settle into their newlywed lives. There's a lot to like here, and I'll definitely continue the series.
chloekg's review against another edition
4.0
Rip-rollicking fun!!! Another charming adventure through an alien culture and political system, this book is fantastically paced, offers great social commentary, is full of loving relationships, and inspires many chuckles. Very wholesome and entertaining.
lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
One of the more simple stories in the series (although perhaps it is just that I know the characters and the worlds better).
slezy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0