takealoadoff's review against another edition
4.0
Bujold creates a memorable world in her two-in-one bCordelia's Honor. The first book, Shards of Honor, was paced so quickly that the reader never has a strong sense of the characters' environment, or even what the characters look like. The second book, Barrayar, relies on a much healthier combination of description and pace to move the reader along while allowing them the space to understand the context.
My biggest complaint is the frequent discussion of sexual violence. I would not recommend the series to any survivors of said violence or anyone who struggles with triggering language.
Other than that, solid enough sci fi series.
My biggest complaint is the frequent discussion of sexual violence. I would not recommend the series to any survivors of said violence or anyone who struggles with triggering language.
Other than that, solid enough sci fi series.
ikepauh's review against another edition
5.0
Shards of Honor
I would have never known this book existed if it wasn't for the romance subreddit. I'm thankful for for my fellow redditor's recommendation.
Space opera galore with political intrigue and war. Thrown in is a smidgen of tenderness, some light romance between two mature soldiers who are duty-bound. My heart is aflutter. There is a humor (dry as the Sahara desert variety), there is serious stuff (which contributed to much of my horror) going on. All that is not said, what is implied, the subtext...all glorious to read and interpret. Likeable and interesting characters indeed.
Barrayar
Domestic bliss and tribulations for the ex-retired couple who have come out of the woodworks, in the name of duty/honor, to serve out the last wishes of the late Emperor Ezar and safeguard the Vorbarra legacy. Interspersed with the daily minutiae of governing a planet and dealing with civil war AND disgruntled in-laws. I enjoyed Barrayar greatly. New characters are introduced, of which most I have come to root for. Drou and Kou had me wanting to bash my head at their denseness, the Vorpatils at the end had me rereading *that* entire section over and over again to catch the feelings, poor Princess Kereen cut quite a tragic figure and Bothari remains neutral territory for me. There is only pity within me for Bothari. Perhaps that is the point? The big bad had already become known even before the big bad thing happened, at least to Cordelia. Without proof though. After the big bad thing happened, Aral confirmed that person truly was the big bad and I don't know why Cordelia was so...shocked? Perhaps it was lengths and depths the big bad resorted to was the big shocker? Nonetheless, I can't wait for the next chapter in the Vorkosigan saga. Hopefully I will like it.
I would have never known this book existed if it wasn't for the romance subreddit. I'm thankful for for my fellow redditor's recommendation.
Space opera galore with political intrigue and war. Thrown in is a smidgen of tenderness, some light romance between two mature soldiers who are duty-bound. My heart is aflutter. There is a humor (dry as the Sahara desert variety), there is serious stuff (which contributed to much of my horror) going on. All that is not said, what is implied, the subtext...all glorious to read and interpret. Likeable and interesting characters indeed.
Barrayar
Domestic bliss and tribulations for the ex-retired couple who have come out of the woodworks, in the name of duty/honor, to serve out the last wishes of the late Emperor Ezar and safeguard the Vorbarra legacy. Interspersed with the daily minutiae of governing a planet and dealing with civil war AND disgruntled in-laws. I enjoyed Barrayar greatly. New characters are introduced, of which most I have come to root for. Drou and Kou had me wanting to bash my head at their denseness, the Vorpatils at the end had me rereading *that* entire section over and over again to catch the feelings, poor Princess Kereen cut quite a tragic figure and Bothari remains neutral territory for me. There is only pity within me for Bothari. Perhaps that is the point? The big bad had already become known even before the big bad thing happened, at least to Cordelia. Without proof though. After the big bad thing happened, Aral confirmed that person truly was the big bad and I don't know why Cordelia was so...shocked? Perhaps it was lengths and depths the big bad resorted to was the big shocker? Nonetheless, I can't wait for the next chapter in the Vorkosigan saga. Hopefully I will like it.
Spoiler
Side note: I did not catch that Aral batted for two teams and was surprised when Vordarian tried to expose him. Please lah dude, talk about underestimating the strength of Aral and Cordelia's relationship. That had me turning the pages to scrutinize that horrible almost rape scene Shards of Honor all over again.Spoiler
pickett22's review against another edition
5.0
I reviewed these two books under their individual titles.
sonofthunder's review against another edition
4.0
Technically I could probably count this as two books - Shards of Honor and Barrayar, but I have the omnibus edition and both individual books are rather short and I did only read it in four days so...I think I will only count it as one. Anyways! This book was magnificent. I've always heard good things about Bujold and even tried reading one of her books back in my Aberdeen days - Cryoburn. For some reason, I struggled with that book and didn't really enjoy it? I even remember being bored by it, for some reason. Hm. Maybe it was not the best of hers to start with. Anyway - this book - Cordelia's Honor - was absolutely magnificent. I've read some reviews online stating that the first book(Shards of Honor) is not very well written and must be suffered through to get to the good stuff...I absolutely disagree as I simply loved all of it. It may be that the terse and slightly clunky prose reminds me of my classic golden age sci-fi favorites, but nonetheless, so many fantastic moments throughout. And I realize I am not explaining why I like this at all. Well, it's a grand sci-fi adventure with amazingly real characters in a fascinatingly drawn universe. Cordelia is magnificent and she is my favourite and I simply need to read more about her! And Aral Vorkosagin isn't so bad himself, a warrior, a man of integrity and a man of deep-felt love. And the story of them meeting each other on a random newly discovered planet amidst confusion and conflict and their growing admiration and then love for each other...wonderful. There are some harrowing moments in this book too - it is most certainly not for the faint of heart. But the moments of hair-raising terror were made up for by the sheer wonder of discovering a new world and new favorite characters...and the high political(and martial!) drama was beautifully portrayed. And while some books can glorify or make war seem grand and desirable(especially pulp sci-fi!), this one most certainly does not. The stupidity and ironic valour of war are highlighted...and individuals are prized. Even the low and insignificant, the feeble and disabled...all are worthy of life and honor. I was most impressed by the the themes in this book. And once again - Cordelia is just plain awesome. An epic moment near the end of the book left me grinning and slightly open-mouthed in awe. I shan't spoil it here, but let's just say it involves Cordelia on a shopping trip to the capital...and it has a most satisfying denouement. (this book would make a great movie by the way - why has it not been done!?!) One more thing - often times science fiction books are all about the action and fancy new tech and exotic worlds, etc, etc and the characters are given rather short shrift. Other books are marvelous character studies, but the book's setting and plot is just a bit blah. This book was a most lovely blend of my very favorite sci-fi elements with delightfully raw and relatable characters living their lives. Well done, Bujold, well done, indeed. Next book - omnibus Young Miles - has already been ordered. One last thing - would I recommend this unreservedly? Probably not, because it does have a few very scary moments that are not for the faint of heart, and while not overly graphic, is also probably not for the squeamish either. As you can tell though...I loved it and glad I finally have discovered why Bujold is so strongly praised. One last thing - this book did indeed have some perfectly beautiful lines in it. While a lot of the prose is merely...serviceable, there are a couple lines that made me near weep for their beauty. And that is not a bad thing.
wildflowerz76's review against another edition
5.0
8/7/11 - Shards of Honor: I've put off reading these books for quite a while. See, in general, I'd say that general SF doesn't appeal to me. But I keep being proved wrong, so perhaps I'll have to let go of my preconceived notions. The Vorkosigan Saga was published originally in about 17 different books. They've been consolidated over the years and now you can't find most of the books on their own, but in omnibus editions. You'll also get a different answer from anyone you ask as to the order you should read the series. Technically, Shards (about Cordelia) and The Warrior's Apprentice (about Miles, Cordelia's son) were published in the same year. The second Cordelia book wasn't published until 5 years later, meanwhile 5 other books about Miles were published. I'm going off a suggested reading order from a friend. Anyway, I'm counting these as separate books and posting all reviews under the omnibus edition. Anyway, on to the actual book, yes? I really enjoyed this one. I should have known that I would. I loved Bujold's The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls. I also liked the first in her Sharing Knife series. I was slightly confused by the last chapter and how it related. I'm about 50 pages into the next one and I'm still not quite sure what the last chapter was all about. Oh well. I look forward to reading much more.
8/9/11 - Barrayar - The difference between Barrayar and Shards is very easy to see. Shards introduces the characters, but is much more of a combat novel. There's slight romance, but nothing overt. Barrayar was more of a political novel. We get much more romance between the main characters as well as the supporting cast. I found it funny that Cordelia and Vorkosigan's "courtship" was so not romantic and touchy-feely, yet Cordialla's extremely interested in Drou and Fou's potential relationship to the point of distraction. I loved how Cordelia's seriously kick-ass. I've got some library books to read next, but I can't wait to get to Young Miles!
8/9/11 - Barrayar - The difference between Barrayar and Shards is very easy to see. Shards introduces the characters, but is much more of a combat novel. There's slight romance, but nothing overt. Barrayar was more of a political novel. We get much more romance between the main characters as well as the supporting cast. I found it funny that Cordelia and Vorkosigan's "courtship" was so not romantic and touchy-feely, yet Cordialla's extremely interested in Drou and Fou's potential relationship to the point of distraction. I loved how Cordelia's seriously kick-ass. I've got some library books to read next, but I can't wait to get to Young Miles!
plbmso's review against another edition
5.0
I am a devout fan of Lois McMaster Bujold, so when I say that Cordelia's Honor is my favorite of her work(s), (perhaps Curse of Chalion is up there too) you will know something about what I like to read, what I appreciate in a writer but little about Ms Bujold's mastery. Ms Bujold has created a person in Cordelia who is heroic in all the important ways. Compare her to Conan the barbarian, Ender, Mercedes Thompson, you name the rest and I defy you to find one of those characters whom you might like to sit down and have dinner and conversation with more than Cordelia. Yes I'd find her intimidating, but I think I could enjoy a conversation with her (or her author) nonetheless. Tolkien was famous for creating heroes whose actions proved their mettle; their courage was in their selfless deeds, making Cordelia fit the Tolkien bill nicely.
technocracygirl's review
adventurous
emotional
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? No
5.0
jerefi's review against another edition
4.0
I know that this volume is two books put together, but I can't imagine reading them separate. I think putting them together makes a lot more sense. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing where this story goes with Miles...