Reviews

Una campaña civil by Lois McMaster Bujold

readerreborn's review against another edition

5.0

Bujold is probably the only author in the world who could write a romance novel that I love, and she proves it here. With the exception of some background plot elements, there's nothing about the plot of this book that would normally draw me in as a reader. If I didn't trust Bujold I would've skipped this one based on the synopsis alone. And yet, here I am, debating with myself about whether or not this is the best book in one of my favorite series of all time. Bujold is simply brilliant.

thegreekie's review against another edition

5.0

I absolutely loved this book. Again, Bujold amazes with her ability to completely change it up for Miles in the long running Vorkosigan Saga. This may not be everyone's cup of a tea - our entire cast of characters take a few weeks off of their usual affairs to essentially be a part of a hilarious rom com leading up to Gregor's wedding.

I saw this list from another review that made me straight up laugh out loud (all of which are true):
Alternate titles for this book:
-Let's Get All the Koudelka Girls Married
-Everyone is Very Excited about Bug Vomit
-Ivan and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
-Seriously How Has a Patriarchal Society with Men Like THIS in Charge Survived So Long?
-Oh Right it's Because the Women Actually Control Everything
-Miles You Dweeb

Plot (Story / Pacing / Ending): 5/5
Characters (Characters / Development): 5/5
Writing (Prose / Dialogue / Style): 5/5
Other (Enjoyment / Read Pace / Worldbuilding / Etc): 5/5

itabar's review against another edition

3.0

The humor didn't work for me. I reread this on vacation and it was better than I remembered.

the0bauman's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition

5.0

I'm pretty sure I bought this right when it came out, in hardcover. And I don't think I had re-read it. So I suppose it's fair that I didn't remember it much at all. And I confused part of it with the end part of Komarr. I remembered liking it, I just didn't remember how much. I did actually remember a lot of the details, usually right before the explanation - but even then I definitely missed a few bits - including one from the epilogue.

Madcap adventure, mystery, politics, confusion, romance and bugs.

For Josh I'll only say, it's got lot's of Ivan being Ivan.

wetdryvac's review against another edition

4.0

I *hate* social embarrassment stories. Nevertheless, this did it well, to the point that I could enjoy it despite some of the seriously cringe-worthy moments.

csdaley's review against another edition

4.0

I have been away from Miles for a long time. I am glad I picked this book up and returned to the world. As I remembered the books are funny and intricately plotted. I think I stopped reading them way back when because I had read a bunch in a row and the last few had been a little serious. It was great to jump back into the quick witted world of Miles Vorkosigan. With all the science fiction and fantasy shows getting turned into series this one certainly deserves a shot.

spinnerroweok's review against another edition

4.0

Great character development. A much needed lighter air than Komarr, its predecessor. Often described as a comedy, but really about the same level of humor as other Vorkosigan books. Almost too like a movie or TV show in some of its scenes. Definitely a page turner. I hate this cover, it doesn't represent Miles at all. Very few of the covers do. The put some tall good-looking guy on the cover instead of a four foot hunchback. I hate that. There is a better cover with a dwarvish Miles, but I can't figure out how to display it on goodreads.

danielmbensen's review against another edition

5.0

If I could choose one book to recommend, this would be it. Probably because, in order to appreciate it, you need to read all the other books in the Vorkosigan Saga up to this point. More bang for my buck that way.
But seriously, this book is sweet - a concatenation of science, world-building, character psychology, romance, and humor, all choreographed so elegantly you can hear the music as you read. So please do.

jandi's review against another edition

5.0

I would not recommend starting the Vorkosigan series in this book, as familiarity with the now extensive cast of characters will help a lot with enjoyment. And how much enjoyment it is! "A Civil Campaign" is a romantic comedy, that happens to be set in the half old fashioned, half galactic Barrayar. The emphasis is on the comedy here - there are some truly brilliant scenes, especially one involving a disastrous dinner party. The humor is very much along the line of Jane Austen. And some characters that had to sit in the background for quite a while finally get a bit of the spotlight - we finally get to hear Ivan's point of view! Cordelia also gets a more prominent role, which I loved because she is awesome. I also appreciated the depth on Ekaterin and Kareen, and their journeys of self discovery.

The one downside on this book was the plot line around Lord Dono.

Spoiler

While I don't come to the Vorkosigan saga for gritty reality, the whole affair was resolved too neatly to be believable for backwards Barrayar. Sadly, the attack Dono experienced would not have needed a politically motivated inciter in a society as rigidly conservative as described. I appreciated the presence of a transgender character, but the bigotry I would have expected was quite toned down.