Book Review: Labyrinth (Vorkosigan Saga) by Lois McMaster Bujold

Labyrinth is another engaging and thought-provoking entry in the Vorkosigan Saga series. Most of these deal with Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, a charismatic and complex protagonist who navigates the universe with his motley crew of Dendarii mercenaries. Brilliant, clever, and willing to take risks, the hero of this novel is also physically challenged because of a poison attack on his mother when he was in the womb.

Miles and his team embark on a mission to Jackson’s Whole, the planet location where his mercenaries are registered. Their goal is to rescue a geneticist, but the geneticist refuses to leave until a particular “monster” has been neutralized, and a tissue sample has been retrieved.

Bujold an excellent storyteller, and this tightly woven plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, enriched by the author’s meticulous world-building and her ability to create memorable characters.

The character of Miles is particularly compelling. His determination, wit, and resourcefulness, and self-doubts make him relatable and endearing. He is both vulnerable and resilient, flawed, yet admirable.

The themes are timely, despite the age of the work. Bujold explored these issues without taking sides, allowing cogent and thought-provoking views from many sides. This challenges us to question our assumptions and to consider the fluidity and complexity of identity, the ethics of genetic engineering, and the nature of monstrosity.

Bujold shines in balancing the intellectual rigor required of her themes with a good adventure story. Suspense, action, and intrigue are all underpinned by a subtle humor.

The world created by Bujold is immersive, and the characters that inhabit it are complex and realistic—no cardboard cutouts here. The writing, as usual, is crisp and engaging, and should keep you hooked until the end.

This is a captivating and intelligent read that blends elements of adventure, science fiction, and character study to create a compelling narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned. I don’t think it’s one of the better books in the series, but if you enjoy this series you will certainly enjoy this one as a well-crafted, thoughtful science fiction with a healthy dose of adventure and intrigue.

See my reviews of the other books in the Vorkosigan Saga: