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technocracygirl's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
oanh_1's review against another edition
5.0
Read this via GoogleBooks, and am going to have to buy it to finish. Naughtily, read it at work during a particularly harrowing week, and it was my sanity-saving grace.
I'm mid-way through chapter 11 and this is really for my own purposes so that when I do get my grubby lil hands on the book - hurrah.
Read it, everyone. But don't you dare tell me how good it is.
*****
Finally got a copy and finished.
Miles is aggravating but hypnotic; Ekaterin heartbreaking and powerful and the array of fantastic women characters makes me just *love* this sci-fi / romance / political intrigue / comedy. I suspect a re-read.
I'm mid-way through chapter 11 and this is really for my own purposes so that when I do get my grubby lil hands on the book - hurrah.
Read it, everyone. But don't you dare tell me how good it is.
*****
Finally got a copy and finished.
Miles is aggravating but hypnotic; Ekaterin heartbreaking and powerful and the array of fantastic women characters makes me just *love* this sci-fi / romance / political intrigue / comedy. I suspect a re-read.
saraleoni's review against another edition
3.0
this is the first book in the vorkosigan saga I've read so it took a bit to get the people straightened out, especially since so many last names are similar. also, it was about half way through the book before the comedy part started. once it did, the story moved along nicely and was quite entertaining.
rouver's review against another edition
4.0
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.
trike's review against another edition
5.0
This comedy of manners was delightful fun. The blend of physical slapstick, political intrigue and humorous dialogue was perfectly balanced, like a well-engineered machine. There are so many moving parts that it’s impossible to briefly sum up what happens in the story, as each plot thread twists and tangles with the others.
This is really Part Two of the story which began in [b:Komarr|61884|Komarr (Vorkosigan Saga, #11)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1322572043s/61884.jpg|1129294], and it works best when read that way. I assume the next book will be an immediate continuation of the story, based on all the things Bujold has set up here. The main story is nicely wrapped up, but there are clearly plot threads which can continue. Plus, of course, there are always space pirates and political infighting to liven things up, as well.
There was one aspect which resonates particularly well currently: the disenfranchisement of women. This is something that is powered by religious extremists on the far right and is sweeping across states. Steadily, and with increasing speed, the rights of women are being eroded. In some cases, as with Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, it’s inexplicably supported by women. Apparently they don’t see the looming dystopia they are helping to usher in, shades of [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale|Margaret Atwood|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546031886s/38447.jpg|1119185]. In Bujold’s universe, women are likewise second-class citizens on some planets. However, advanced technology being what it is, one of the women goes offworld to have complete gender reassignment treatment, thus throwing a monkey wrench into the works of Barrayar’s political system. Hijinks ensue.
This is really Part Two of the story which began in [b:Komarr|61884|Komarr (Vorkosigan Saga, #11)|Lois McMaster Bujold|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1322572043s/61884.jpg|1129294], and it works best when read that way. I assume the next book will be an immediate continuation of the story, based on all the things Bujold has set up here. The main story is nicely wrapped up, but there are clearly plot threads which can continue. Plus, of course, there are always space pirates and political infighting to liven things up, as well.
There was one aspect which resonates particularly well currently: the disenfranchisement of women. This is something that is powered by religious extremists on the far right and is sweeping across states. Steadily, and with increasing speed, the rights of women are being eroded. In some cases, as with Kay Ivey, governor of Alabama, it’s inexplicably supported by women. Apparently they don’t see the looming dystopia they are helping to usher in, shades of [b:The Handmaid's Tale|38447|The Handmaid's Tale|Margaret Atwood|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546031886s/38447.jpg|1119185]. In Bujold’s universe, women are likewise second-class citizens on some planets. However, advanced technology being what it is, one of the women goes offworld to have complete gender reassignment treatment, thus throwing a monkey wrench into the works of Barrayar’s political system. Hijinks ensue.
nickyp's review against another edition
5.0
Finally read this after listening to it years ago. This time, impressed by the plotting and structure — and again, the humor and respect.
sylda'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jmslib's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5