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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
SOA Listening Challenge 2012: Surprise Me 2nd Quarter
Choice #4--Listen to a non-romance
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 #12- I was doing the Moon Challenge (15 books) but will now up my status to the next level.
4.5*
Grade A
Watching Miles "grow up" is almost as difficult and nerve wracking as watching my own children's progress. Although I'm very grateful my children won't be juggling the future of the known universe in their hands any time soon. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the book, and laughing out loud for much of the rest. Miles is a wonderful character, and his over-confidence and bravado inspire both admiration and horror. This is my first time through the series, and I can't help wondering if the impact of the decisions Miles has had to make, including the mistakes, is going to come back to haunt him. And I wonder if he'll ever think he's achieved enough to make up for his disabilities.
Bujold is a master at convoluted, many-layered plots. Reading her one of her books is always a pleasure. The narration by Grover Gardner is excellent as always. While he doesn't change his voice a great deal for his characters, he does have a different inflection for each character, especially during dialogues, and it's easy to follow along.
Choice #4--Listen to a non-romance
SFR Reading Challenge 2012 #12- I was doing the Moon Challenge (15 books) but will now up my status to the next level.
4.5*
Grade A
Watching Miles "grow up" is almost as difficult and nerve wracking as watching my own children's progress. Although I'm very grateful my children won't be juggling the future of the known universe in their hands any time soon. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the book, and laughing out loud for much of the rest. Miles is a wonderful character, and his over-confidence and bravado inspire both admiration and horror. This is my first time through the series, and I can't help wondering if the impact of the decisions Miles has had to make, including the mistakes, is going to come back to haunt him. And I wonder if he'll ever think he's achieved enough to make up for his disabilities.
Bujold is a master at convoluted, many-layered plots. Reading her one of her books is always a pleasure. The narration by Grover Gardner is excellent as always. While he doesn't change his voice a great deal for his characters, he does have a different inflection for each character, especially during dialogues, and it's easy to follow along.
Young Miles first real assignment, which echoes his earlier escapades. This book won a Hugo award and is on several best-of lists, but it feels like two stories squashed together, with rough seams showing.
Of course, that's what it is. [b:Weatherman|11058951|Weatherman (Vorkosigan Saga, #5.4)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1302671871l/11058951._SX50_.jpg|14586369] was published months earlier, then expanded to become the book. I liked that story, for the main reasons a lot of people like this whole series - the main character surviving and thriving on his wits. He has the wisdom to make the right decision in the moment - something we all want more of.
This is different in the second half (or story) of the book. Here Miles follows circumstance, only a few times choosing his direction. Partly this is because events from earlier books are catching up with him. Bravo to the author for keeping the universe intact, but this is a lot for a reader and main character to deal with. In a series written out of order, I'm not sure some of these weren't references to books to be written later.
Like the author, I will continue my own rambling walk through the Vorkosigan saga. I'll probably take a break for a bit, though. 3 stars out of 5.
I wonder if the title was at all influenced by Ender's Game, released just 5 years earlier?
Of course, that's what it is. [b:Weatherman|11058951|Weatherman (Vorkosigan Saga, #5.4)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1302671871l/11058951._SX50_.jpg|14586369] was published months earlier, then expanded to become the book. I liked that story, for the main reasons a lot of people like this whole series - the main character surviving and thriving on his wits. He has the wisdom to make the right decision in the moment - something we all want more of.
This is different in the second half (or story) of the book. Here Miles follows circumstance, only a few times choosing his direction. Partly this is because events from earlier books are catching up with him. Bravo to the author for keeping the universe intact, but this is a lot for a reader and main character to deal with. In a series written out of order, I'm not sure some of these weren't references to books to be written later.
Like the author, I will continue my own rambling walk through the Vorkosigan saga. I'll probably take a break for a bit, though. 3 stars out of 5.
I wonder if the title was at all influenced by Ender's Game, released just 5 years earlier?
More rollicking space opera! By the end, I was a little weary of Miles ever getting captured and finding his way out, but patience is its own reward, I suppose.
This is a fun series. Miles is a likable protagonist -- he's smart, witty, impulsive, and (usually) good at thinking on his feet. Good pacing and it's nice to see sci-fi where the action is more verbal than pugilistic.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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:
Complicated
I like the Miles series by Bujold. It's been so long since I've read them, I can't comment on individual stories. Jared enjoys them, too.
If there is such a thing as a “cozy space opera” then this is it. I found this to be enjoyable but the way every single aspect clicked into place was a little too pat for my taste. My compliment about the previous book working with clockwork precision acted against this one for me.
That said, I quite liked the machinations Miles and Gregor engaged in, outwitting their opponents. It reminded me of the “I don’t like to lose” moment in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. (https://youtu.be/b9dEI-Ru1CI) It was never a question of them winning, merely *how*, and Bujold doesn’t disappoint.
I kind of suspect Bujold was reading a lot of mysteries before writing this book, as it has that feel to it.
That said, I quite liked the machinations Miles and Gregor engaged in, outwitting their opponents. It reminded me of the “I don’t like to lose” moment in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. (https://youtu.be/b9dEI-Ru1CI) It was never a question of them winning, merely *how*, and Bujold doesn’t disappoint.
I kind of suspect Bujold was reading a lot of mysteries before writing this book, as it has that feel to it.
Should have listened to this series a long time ago. It's great! Love narrator Grover Gardner. Miles leaves cadet training and receives his first assignment.
