This is the fourth book in a 17-book series about the Vorkosigan family. It is a science fiction, commonly called space opera, although this one might be better termed military science fiction. But don’t be deceived, this is a book about characters, what it means to be human, and all the failures and successes, confidence and insecurities, love and rejection, as well as vast political and cultural communities and planets across the galaxy.
The protagonist of this book is the same as the previous—young Miles Vorkosigan. He is the son of a military and political leader from one planet, and a scientist explorer from another. An attack on his father and mother while she was pregnant with him left him with malformed legs and size. So he must rely on his intelligence and wits rather than strength or imposing figure.
The Amazon description reads this way :
Discharged from the Barrayan Military Academy, Miles Vorkosigan chances on a jumpship with a rebellious pilot and arranges to take over the ship. Events escalate from there, and soon Miles is commander of a mercenary fleet and reinvents himself as Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Mercenary Army. “The pace is breathless, the characterizations thoughtful and emotionally powerful… Highly recommended,” writes Booklist.
The book’s inciting incident is Miles’ rejection from the Academy because of his physical limitations. This is devastating to him, as he saw it as a way to prove himself worthy of his parents and his home world.
So this is really a story about overcoming limitations. Miles is quite intelligent and clever, and despite some of his insecurities about himself, he finds a way to contribute to the world and his family.
He is a likable character, and the wonderful thing about Bujold’s characters is that they are relatable. They have flaws, they have unfulfilled desires, they have moments of insecurity and even depression. None are cardboard cutouts or flat generalizations. Some find ways to rise above, others never succeed, and others give in to the worst of themselves. This is what makes Bujold’s series so rewarding. The setting is the distant future, political and cultural intrigues across planets, and technology advancements. But the story is really about humans.
There is a lot of action, but also plenty of Mile’s interior thoughts, which are enjoyable as his cleverness comes to four, but also emotional as he struggles with obstacles and his own limitations. This makes any triumphs that come along truly exciting for the reader.
From a literary standpoint, the pacing is excellent, a perfect stew of breathless action, slower narrative exposition, and the interior thoughts of the protagonist. The plot includes elements of mystery, political maneuvering, and cultural clashes.
The setting, plot, and characterization are some of the best of any books I have ever read. Even if you’re not a fan of science fiction, you might find this book quite enjoyable. I highly recommend this series.
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