titusfortner's review against another edition
5.0
This is definitely character-focused science fiction, with very minimal technological amazements. After my recent sci-fi disappointments, I was more than ok with this.
This book was two novels combined into one. I actually enjoyed Shards of Honor (the first novel she ever wrote), more than Barrayar, even though the latter won the awards. I felt the pacing was more consistent. Barrayar was a little slow through the beginning and just not as compelling for me, but picked up nicely at the end.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of her extensive Vokosign series.
This book was two novels combined into one. I actually enjoyed Shards of Honor (the first novel she ever wrote), more than Barrayar, even though the latter won the awards. I felt the pacing was more consistent. Barrayar was a little slow through the beginning and just not as compelling for me, but picked up nicely at the end.
I'm very much looking forward to reading the rest of her extensive Vokosign series.
wetdryvac's review against another edition
4.0
So far so good. I've had this recommended my way from so very many places. Liking.
duenorth's review against another edition
2.0
Competently written space-opera with a typical, wants-to-be-epic militaristic galactic struggle in a decently crafted world. But the main character, Cordelia, starts off as strong and smart and rebellious only to drop everything for the 'right man' and ends up a weak, wishy-washy woman who falls in line behind her husband at the snap of his fingers. At least in book one. There will be no reading of the sequel for me.
[Another book I've read in my quest to find a strong, independent female protagonist to encourage and inspire my husband's teenage girl students. This is not that book.]
[Another book I've read in my quest to find a strong, independent female protagonist to encourage and inspire my husband's teenage girl students. This is not that book.]
clairetrellahill's review against another edition
4.0
I will die for Cordelia Naismith and also Aral Vorkosigan and Sergeant Bothari.
jandi's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Cordelia is seriously badass (my comment would irritate her, but I don't think anyone can top her shopping spree!). Loved the character development, not just of the main character, everyone is very convincingly fleshed out. Loved the nuanced romance in "Shards of Honor", and the replicator blew my mind - that is technology that would seriously change the world and no other sci-fi book I've read has introduced something like that, so obviously useful. Loved the treatment of Kou's and Bothari's disabilities. "Aftermaths" was short but heart wrenching.
How did I not know about Lois McMaster Bujold before this? Her work has won multiple Hugos and Nebulas, and had I not been recommended this book by a friend, I would have overlooked it with its cheesy cover.
Other reviews say this is not the strongest work in the series. If that is the case, I'm really excited about the rest of the series!
How did I not know about Lois McMaster Bujold before this? Her work has won multiple Hugos and Nebulas, and had I not been recommended this book by a friend, I would have overlooked it with its cheesy cover.
Other reviews say this is not the strongest work in the series. If that is the case, I'm really excited about the rest of the series!
rachael1206's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sweetpeppah's review against another edition
3.0
um. i'm conflicted about this. i haven't read any of the other Bujold books set in this world. the premise is kind of annoying in itself.. she's a pilot of a technical spaceship who falls for a warring captain and leaves everything she knows to become his consort(not a spoiler.. it's on the cover). in some way this makes sense. she's not fitting in on her world. in another way, i think it does her a disservice that she's a strong and successful woman who suddenly drops it all for love? or you could look at it as she's strong enough to go get what she wants despite society's expectations? i dunno. i'm a cynical heart! it's truely a sci-fi romance, which is an odd breed.
there *are* some big thoughts about honour and success and partnership. and the sociological comment in the comparison between the two cultures, exploring war and power, is interesting, but i think over-simplified.
there *are* some big thoughts about honour and success and partnership. and the sociological comment in the comparison between the two cultures, exploring war and power, is interesting, but i think over-simplified.
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.