samuyama's review
4.0
The first chronological story of the Vorkosigan series.
I don't know anything about this series. A friend recommended it so I'm giving it a shot. This book was apparently written after the original story, as a kind of prequel. The fact that this series was popular enough to warrant a prequel being written is encouraging.
The story itself is fairly interesting, but more focuses on setting up the characters and setting for the next book. It didn't leave me riveted and dying to read the next book, but it's promising enough that I'll keep going with the series.
I don't know anything about this series. A friend recommended it so I'm giving it a shot. This book was apparently written after the original story, as a kind of prequel. The fact that this series was popular enough to warrant a prequel being written is encouraging.
The story itself is fairly interesting, but more focuses on setting up the characters and setting for the next book. It didn't leave me riveted and dying to read the next book, but it's promising enough that I'll keep going with the series.
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alicehhhd's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
blusocket's review
4.5
Excellent balance of the social/political and technical. Fast-paced, immediate, convincing stakes, well-developed characters. The romance element being firmly in the background also makes her susceptibility to heteronormative gender roles in her character arcs less of an irritant. Reading this back to back with Anne McCaffrey's first Acorna book (all due respect) really put into perspective how skilled and ambitious Bujold is as a writer.
mebius's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Fantastic story, interesting and loveable characters. Funny even considering serious plot. Only gripe I have is romance subplot, with Leo twice the age of quaddie he is in love.
charlibirb's review
4.0
Conversations: On point; characters: dope; fun plot; I think so? The conversations and character interactions, as well as fast paced action sections are great, but I often feel like I've missed out on about 1/3 of the plot. Like I skipped a chapter or something.
atalero's review
I enjoyed the beginning, but when the main character started thirsting for the girl he was saving, it left a bad taste in my mouth.
There is something enjoyable in these older sci-fi books that wish to explore female sexual autonomy and reproductive rights. The romance just felt old and a bit childish. I want to keep reading the series but hope it leaves behind some of the romance.
There is something enjoyable in these older sci-fi books that wish to explore female sexual autonomy and reproductive rights. The romance just felt old and a bit childish. I want to keep reading the series but hope it leaves behind some of the romance.
smemmott's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No