A Sprawling Space Opera: The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold

cover of novel The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold

New-minted ensign Miles Vorkosigan faces enormous challenges as he leads a mutiny against his military commander’s criminal orders, rejoins his Dendarii mercenaries, and attempts to rescue Emperor Gregor after Barrayar’s royal scion has run off straight into trouble. The Vor Game continues to attract new readers to this internationally acclaimed series that Publishers Weekly described as “among the most enjoyable and rewarding in contemporary SF.”
From the Amazon description

The Vor Game is an exceptional addition to The Vorkosigan Saga, a series of science fiction novels by Lois McMaster Bujold. It features Miles, the signature character of the series, who is determined to succeed in his military career despite being assigned to a seemingly mundane task as a weatherman in an arctic base.

The book is the sixth in the series and the second about Miles. Bujold has said that she writes each book in the series so that they can serve as stand-alone novels, though a reader will miss some more in-depth understanding of the setting, history, characters, and more. She does a fine job of giving the reader enough to avoid getting lost in references to past events, while not boring those readers who have plowed through them all in order.

It is a wide-ranging story. Bujold has built a believable and interesting universe with fully developed characters. It is science fiction, but it is character and plot-driven. This is no slice-of-life tale—it is part of an epic telling. What makes The Vor Game a grand tale is the character of Miles, a young man determined to succeed, hungry for love, respect, and admiration. Bujold’s skillful writing blends humor and darkness, creating a nuanced and captivating story that readers won’t be able to put down. Some major themes are subordination, political gamesmanship, the issue of when one should sacrifice principles for the greater good, and, of course, overcoming personal and societal obstacles.

As Miles starts his new assignment, the reader is introduced to the harsh reality of life in the arctic base. Miles believes the assignment is below him but intends to make the best of it and get a better assignment.

Bujold paints an elaborate picture of the base, its inhabitants, and the everyday struggles the soldiers face. She vividly describes the frigid temperatures and the biting winds that make life difficult for the inhabitants—the reader feels as if this is a real place. After some tragic and disturbing events with the base commander, fraught with danger for Miles’ career (and life!), he is reassigned.

However, his new assignment is not as simple as it seems. Miles becomes entangled in plots of political intrigue, and he must use his intelligence and wits to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. He must confront a psychotic base commander, survive exposure to extreme weather conditions, fight off pirates, and escape from imprisonment. Additionally, he is pursued by a femme fatale with aspirations to become the Empress of Barrayar. The fun in a lot of this is how Miles uses his intelligence, out-of-the-box thinking, and some luck to persevere.

Bujold skillfully weaves together complex storylines, action-packed scenes, and character development. Occasionally, however, Miles seems a bit too whiny about his limitations and treatment. Some plot twists could be critiqued as a little contrived, though I had no problem suspending belief in a novel of this sort. A counter is that it is a space opera, to be read for enjoyment and entertainment, and on this, it delivers.

The Vor Game is an outstanding science fiction novel that is sure to satisfy readers. Bujold’s writing is exceptional, drawing readers in and holding their attention from beginning to end. It caused me to go back to the beginning of the series with the intention to read all sixteen. It’s no surprise that it was selected as a Hugo Award-winning novel, and it is a must-read for any science fiction fan.