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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
CAWPILE Review: The Vor Game
Character: 10/10
The characterisation is better in this book than in the preceding one (The Warrior's Apprentice). Miles' flaws are more apparent and more central to the plot. We saw Miles' hubris and the chip on his shoulder, and the dichotomy of his self-image between his physical and mental abilities. I really appreciate that he doesn't consider anything beneath him and at the same time, believes nothing is beyond him, mentally at least.
As for side characters like Ivan and Gregor, these are more fleshed out, and Gregor has a satisfying character arc. Elena is more likeable in this one too, though she has less to do in this story. The female villain was fun and though stereotypical, well drawn and genuinely disturbing.
Atmosphere: 9/10
As stated in my review of the earlier book, there isn't anything particularly unique or ground-breaking in this setting for the reader of 2025. But Bujold's world is well drawn and feels real in substance and detail.
Writing: 10/10
Again, I can't find any real criticism here/ Bujold's style suits me as does her humour, I again did a lot of highlighting and commenting when there was a particularly good phrase.
Plot: 8/10
I liked the addition ofGregor and the interactions between Miles and his emperor. There were a lot of layers to their relationship and Miles does not handle Gregor's situation well. We still have the madcap pace and insane luck (both good and bad) that drove events in the earlier story, but now Miles is less in control and more desperate for success. Once again we have a satisfying ending where Bujold gives us a little of what we want, but leaves us waiting for the next Miles story with itchy fingers.
Intrigue: 8/10
This was a second-read, I kept getting drawn back to this over other books I was reading concurrently. I finished it quickly, and was sad when I did. I'm sure I'll read it again in the future.
Logic: 8/10
I did not notice any holes in the logic/plot, though I think the pace of the story may help in hiding any. There's so much going on you don't have time to question, which works for me. Sci-fi wouldn't be my favourite genre if escape wasn't my primary motivation for reading.
Enjoyment: 9/10
As with most of Bujold's stories I thoroughly enjoyed this. Fantastic characters, rollicking plot, interesting villains, great relationships. The only thing stopping me giving the usual 10/10 was with a few instances (I think two) where some problematic opinions were expressed RE gender and sexuality. Where I would have more trouble with this in a book published now, I make allowances for the time this was written and because I do not know the original intentions of the author. This reduces my enjoyment, because I am taken out of the story and left hoping (however naively) that the author did not intend any disparagement or insult but had a more altruistic reason for including these issues in her story.
Recommendation: If you enjoyed the earlier Vorkosigan books, this one won't disappoint.
Character: 10/10
The characterisation is better in this book than in the preceding one (The Warrior's Apprentice). Miles' flaws are more apparent and more central to the plot. We saw Miles' hubris and the chip on his shoulder, and the dichotomy of his self-image between his physical and mental abilities. I really appreciate that he doesn't consider anything beneath him and at the same time, believes nothing is beyond him, mentally at least.
As for side characters like Ivan and Gregor, these are more fleshed out, and Gregor has a satisfying character arc. Elena is more likeable in this one too, though she has less to do in this story. The female villain was fun and though stereotypical, well drawn and genuinely disturbing.
Atmosphere: 9/10
As stated in my review of the earlier book, there isn't anything particularly unique or ground-breaking in this setting for the reader of 2025. But Bujold's world is well drawn and feels real in substance and detail.
Writing: 10/10
Again, I can't find any real criticism here/ Bujold's style suits me as does her humour, I again did a lot of highlighting and commenting when there was a particularly good phrase.
Plot: 8/10
I liked the addition of
Intrigue: 8/10
This was a second-read, I kept getting drawn back to this over other books I was reading concurrently. I finished it quickly, and was sad when I did. I'm sure I'll read it again in the future.
Logic: 8/10
I did not notice any holes in the logic/plot, though I think the pace of the story may help in hiding any. There's so much going on you don't have time to question, which works for me. Sci-fi wouldn't be my favourite genre if escape wasn't my primary motivation for reading.
Enjoyment: 9/10
As with most of Bujold's stories I thoroughly enjoyed this. Fantastic characters, rollicking plot, interesting villains, great relationships. The only thing stopping me giving the usual 10/10 was with a few instances (I think two) where some problematic opinions were expressed RE gender and sexuality. Where I would have more trouble with this in a book published now, I make allowances for the time this was written and because I do not know the original intentions of the author. This reduces my enjoyment, because I am taken out of the story and left hoping (however naively) that the author did not intend any disparagement or insult but had a more altruistic reason for including these issues in her story.
Recommendation: If you enjoyed the earlier Vorkosigan books, this one won't disappoint.
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as some other books in the series, but I did have fun! Miles getting himself into all these wild situations (“how many different people are you?) was fun, and I enjoyed getting to see more of Gregor, as well as Elena. It felt like it took longer to get to the main plot here than in other books, and the payoff wasn’t quuuuuite as satisfying, but still pretty good.
This series is like crack. I've read the first four and instead of planning on reading the next one I'm planning on how to read the next four. I'm in loooove.
adventurous
funny
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:
Yes
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
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
This is the fourth Miles Vorkosigan book I've read and they are all really good times. Sort of Hornblower in space, lots of complicated military tactics, plotting, betrayal, wheels within wheels. That isn't usually my thing, to be honest, but a lot of it comes down to the individual characters, and I really like that. It's been a few months since I read the previous book, and I was impressed by how vividly I remembered who nearly everyone was, a testament to how well-written they are. These books are just a lot of fun while also requiring concentration, which is a nice combination for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Fun adventure - more space opera than sci fi. I keep reading these books out of order (based more on when I can get get ahold of the audiobooks than an actual reading plan).
adventurous
funny
relaxing
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
Another one in the Vorkosigan series that is super fun to read. It's a mix of great fast paced writing, absurdly fun plots and excellent character development. Miles Vorkosigan is such an awesome character, I read this book because of him. He just can't help getting into trouble, even though he tries to stay away from it sometimes. In this one Miles is sent to a cold remote military base where he acts as the weather man, but of course shenanigans happen that gets him back at the center of political/military intrigues and the mercenary fleet he once was part of. It's great fun full of twists and turns.