A review by maggie6832
Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I do love a political sci fi drama with dramatic moments of fealty. Same issues I had with the first one - I’m not a fan of the frequent mentions of sexual assault and abuse (though from what I remember, it is better in this one). Still, I really appreciate how the author critiques both the more “liberal” (is that the best word?) and pacifistic Betan society and the deeply hierarchical, militaristic Barrayaran society. Cordelia is a very satisfying character to read.