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jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book follows Miles Vorkosigan’s exploits once he graduates from the Imperial Military Academy. He’s three years more mature than in the previous book, still arrogant and annoying but growing more tolerable.
The first quarter of the book is a description of an arctic hell, the embodiment of when hell freezes over. Miles has been assigned to the hinterlands with a sadistic superior officer and barely escapes, albeit in less than salubrious circumstances. His duty cut several months short, he’s now sent to the other side of the universe to keep an eye on developments with both allies and enemies.
Typical chaos ensues, some funny, some pretty horrific. There’s an evil femme fatale, the return of the sadist, and a reunion with old friends. Somehow Miles always comes out on top, this time literally saving the empire.
Despite the chaos of the plot, the battle scenes are both exciting and well-written, with an astonishing grasp of tactics and fantastic sci-fi weapons. The intimate moments, especially those touching on depression and despair, are delicately crafted. This is another great entry in the Vorkosigan Saga.
The first quarter of the book is a description of an arctic hell, the embodiment of when hell freezes over. Miles has been assigned to the hinterlands with a sadistic superior officer and barely escapes, albeit in less than salubrious circumstances. His duty cut several months short, he’s now sent to the other side of the universe to keep an eye on developments with both allies and enemies.
Typical chaos ensues, some funny, some pretty horrific. There’s an evil femme fatale, the return of the sadist, and a reunion with old friends. Somehow Miles always comes out on top, this time literally saving the empire.
Despite the chaos of the plot, the battle scenes are both exciting and well-written, with an astonishing grasp of tactics and fantastic sci-fi weapons. The intimate moments, especially those touching on depression and despair, are delicately crafted. This is another great entry in the Vorkosigan Saga.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Confinement, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
mint_the_muffin's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
miwn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
aishoka's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
aradne's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a fan of this author and this series, however this particular book did not keep my attention. I'll have to try it again sometime and see if it suits me more in a different season, because I really enjoyed Cetaganda.
Reread: yeah, this isn't her strongest book, but I did follow it a lot better this time. It's got a strange pace compared to other books.
Reread: yeah, this isn't her strongest book, but I did follow it a lot better this time. It's got a strange pace compared to other books.
heretoforsythia's review against another edition
2.75
Pretty good backdoor revision of Warrior’s Apprentice, wish it stuck the landing, I love you Gregor
cellardoor10's review against another edition
4.0
Probably my favorite of this series so far - it's a lot of fun, following the ever insubordinate Miles as he takes on a new idiot commander and then works as a spy for while. He's clever and not too obsessed with his own virtue/skill/looks/etc. He's evolved into a character well worth spending some time with.
indy_rose's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
madisonreadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
art_cart_ron's review against another edition
3.0
This was the weakest instillation so far, IMO. It started as something entirely different and changes gears. I was glad to see that LMB felt the same way (in her afterward), and it makes sense that she’d choose to leave it alone since it won a Hugo. She describes this as war thriller, but I get a ‘experimental stab at James Bond’ vibe. There’s also publication order vs. internal chronological issue - since this was written to bridge Mountains and Labyrinth. I wanted to skim that last quarter, the climactic battle is all of 2 pages, I’m going 2.5 stars.