yak_attak's review against another edition
2.0
The blandest of the Penric novellas so far, which is unfortunate given how cute and sweet it ends - but up until then, and the clear reason Bujold wanted to write it, we just get a meandering introduction to a host new completely new characters, all of which do very little. There's a supposed heist-type plot that's the focus of the story, but it all goes off so quickly and smoothly it's annoying... The ideas here were great, but don't amount to much. A nice little read as usual from Bujold, but not worth a recommendation unless you're already deep into her works.
chirson's review against another edition
5.0
Lovely. The family, the kindness, the feels. I expect this will be very much re-readable in the future.
Bujold writes polyamory in a way that gives me all the shippy feelings. Desdemona is amazing. And I really liked all the new characters introduced in this volume, a lot. I hope Bujold keeps writing more of these, forever.
Bujold writes polyamory in a way that gives me all the shippy feelings. Desdemona is amazing. And I really liked all the new characters introduced in this volume, a lot. I hope Bujold keeps writing more of these, forever.
gjharm's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
dagsywagsy43's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
shomarq's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ielerol's review against another edition
5.0
This isn't a perfect novella, it's not telling some unusual or surprising story. It's not even doing very much of the explorations of gender and reproduction in particular that I love so much about Bujold's work (though I could see Bosha going in some interesting directions in a future story). But goddammit I love Penric and Desdemona, and reading about them makes me so very happy.
titusfortner's review against another edition
5.0
Another thoroughly enjoyable story from Bujold. This is one of the strongest in the series.