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duanebutcher's review against another edition
2.0
Wow, such pulpy pulp. This gets a second star because it doesn't have obvious grammatical errors and a reasonably quick pace, but this is a noticeably thinly imagined world with characters mostly remarkable for their lack of dimension. One particularly jarring note is a character who is described as suffering really gruesome childhood trauma that leads him to be a homicidal maniac but who is therefore very useful to the heroine...a combination of extreme callousness and a primitive understanding of mental health that is pretty jarring in this day and age.
cgalvi's review against another edition
5.0
All of Bujold's books have the cheesiest covers. But she is one of the best sci fi/fantasy writers out there. If only she could get a book designer that won't make me blush.
onetrooluff's review
5.0
Whew. I just love Cordelia and Aral and how romantic their relationship is without falling into romance novel tropes. And I love how much thought Bujold puts into the motivations and reactions of her characters, and how she treats them with sympathy and dignity. I'm so excited to continue with this series and get to know Miles.
Also, I will forever think of pregnant ladies as "gestating assiduously." :D
Also, I will forever think of pregnant ladies as "gestating assiduously." :D
caitibeth's review against another edition
5.0
Having moved to Barrayar and married Aral Vorkosigan, Cordelia was just settling into married life (including starting a pregnancy) when the dying emperor insisted Aral become the Regent for the emperor's four-year-old grandson. Now she, Aral, and their son are the focal points for unhappiness with the regime, as well as retaliation from off-planet enemies. How will Cordelia navigate and conquer her newly adopted planet that is literally trying to kill her?
Another strong novel in the Vorkosigan saga. This one is very much a tale of two parts: the first half is Cordelia learning about and adjusting to Barrayar, and the second is a hectic and exciting coup attempt. Cordelia shines throughout, and her relationship with Aral (though often backgrounded) is a constant backbone holding their story together. Since I love Cordelia, I enjoyed this book a lot.
Another strong novel in the Vorkosigan saga. This one is very much a tale of two parts: the first half is Cordelia learning about and adjusting to Barrayar, and the second is a hectic and exciting coup attempt. Cordelia shines throughout, and her relationship with Aral (though often backgrounded) is a constant backbone holding their story together. Since I love Cordelia, I enjoyed this book a lot.
dimonos's review against another edition
2.0
Книга не зашла. Даже удевлен, что она получила премию Хуго. Очень странно. Странная, детская история с неинтересными героями, без каких то не неожиданностей.
nacirema's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jhbandcats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
The sequel to Shards of Honor, Barrayar follows the story immediately. Aral Vorkosigan is now the Regent of the child Emperor Gregor, and a coup is already being plotted.
I love this series because it’s exciting, with lovable main characters, vivid battle scenes, and heroic action. There are assassination attempts and desperation as the pretender’s forces are closing in, plus the crises of difficult pregnancies and poisoning. Cordelia’s father-in-law is doing everything he can to force the abortion of her poisoned fetus. It’s one struggle followed by another.
I’ve read these first two books of the Vorkosigan Saga three times now. This is one of my favorite sci-fi series. I’ll likely read them three more times.
I love this series because it’s exciting, with lovable main characters, vivid battle scenes, and heroic action. There are assassination attempts and desperation as the pretender’s forces are closing in, plus the crises of difficult pregnancies and poisoning. Cordelia’s father-in-law is doing everything he can to force the abortion of her poisoned fetus. It’s one struggle followed by another.
I’ve read these first two books of the Vorkosigan Saga three times now. This is one of my favorite sci-fi series. I’ll likely read them three more times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
acardattack's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Improved over Shards of Honor, feels like a proper scifi story. Really like Vorksoigan and Cordelia, the rest of the characters didnt really stand out save for maybe Bothari. Something still holds it back a tad for me, but I don't know what. I still enjoyed it a lot and plan to read more.