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A review by faethered
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen by Lois McMaster Bujold
3.0
If we're looking at this book from a purely objective standpoint, I'll admit it isn't all that great. It's meandering fluff with only pathetic attempts at a plot. There's not even real emotional conflict.
But the thing is, I can't look at this book objectively, because it's finally another Cordelia book, and I missed her viewpoint so much. It is just as delightful as ever. And just as importantly, this book tells a bisexual polyamorous story that I've never seen told, not even in fanfiction. These feelings are utterly real and true to anyone who's been poly, and yet no one has written about them as far as I know, and I am so grateful to Lois that I'm willing to look past the book's many faults and embrace this rare example of a nuanced, profound, and respectful poly narrative.
But the thing is, I can't look at this book objectively, because it's finally another Cordelia book, and I missed her viewpoint so much. It is just as delightful as ever. And just as importantly, this book tells a bisexual polyamorous story that I've never seen told, not even in fanfiction. These feelings are utterly real and true to anyone who's been poly, and yet no one has written about them as far as I know, and I am so grateful to Lois that I'm willing to look past the book's many faults and embrace this rare example of a nuanced, profound, and respectful poly narrative.