Scan barcode
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
More...