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starfire_rhexia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
geekwayne's review
4.0
The Vorkosigan saga is a wonderful space opera series. Many of the books feature daring escapes, covert ops and wonderful characters. This book takes a decidedly different turn, but not (in my mind) an unpleasant one.
Over the course of the series, we've seen our protagonist, Miles Vorkosigan, as he struggles to fulfill dreams, find his way and just plain survive. In this book, he is older, more settled, and bent on wooing the woman of his dreams.
The book is a loving tribute to Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte (whom the book is dedicated to, among others). I'm not sure I would have read this book on it's own, but the characters are so well developed in this entire series, that I really enjoyed this one by the time it was done.
Over the course of the series, we've seen our protagonist, Miles Vorkosigan, as he struggles to fulfill dreams, find his way and just plain survive. In this book, he is older, more settled, and bent on wooing the woman of his dreams.
The book is a loving tribute to Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte (whom the book is dedicated to, among others). I'm not sure I would have read this book on it's own, but the characters are so well developed in this entire series, that I really enjoyed this one by the time it was done.
cloudsinthecupboard's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kitsuneheart's review
5.0
Okay, look. I think all of the Vorkosigan Saga books are good. But this one? THIS ONE IS MAGIC. And it's a little weird, because the scope of this book is so much smaller than the rest! We're not looking at a multi-planet plot with numerous deaths and the chance of interstellar war. The entire book takes place in Vorbarr Sultana, the capital city. And, while the impending wedding of Emperor Gregor is going on in the background, that's not what's important. The four major plots involve Miles's wooing efforts, Kareen Koudelka's attempts at becoming an adult in her parent's eyes, Mark's financial schemes, and an upcoming controversial vote on two possible members of the Council of Counts, one with some Cetagandan blood, the other of whom has only recently come into possession of male genitalia.
And it's all FASCINATING. Bujold makes you rabid to find out what's going on with each plot, so you're excited to switch to a new one, but so anxious to see the other three. Of course, the Miles holds center stage, but it's so good to see him not always in control, despite being in the absolute seat of his power, as both an Auditor and as Lord Vorkosigan.
Set aside however long you'll need to read this straight through, because once you start, there's no stopping until the last page!
And it's all FASCINATING. Bujold makes you rabid to find out what's going on with each plot, so you're excited to switch to a new one, but so anxious to see the other three. Of course, the Miles holds center stage, but it's so good to see him not always in control, despite being in the absolute seat of his power, as both an Auditor and as Lord Vorkosigan.
Set aside however long you'll need to read this straight through, because once you start, there's no stopping until the last page!
dwhito's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
roostercrows3's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
eve_prime's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
5.0
This is probably my favorite of all the Vorkosigan books: a Regency-romance-style comedy in which Miles tries to win the heart of the woman he now loves while handling a complicated political situation (a competent woman wants to become her brother's heir but only men can be counts, so she went to Beta Colony for a sex change ). Meanwhile, Mark hope to make a fortune from the genetic engineering of some really ugly bugs, which he's keeping in the basement of their house (surely nothing can go wrong there), and, oh yes, the Emperor their cousin is getting married. So many great scenes, some of which I like to read several times before going on to the next.
kayteeem's review
I always enjoy books in this series. And Miles in love is adorably awkward.