Reviews

Miles and Roic on a weird planet where everyone is frozen for later theoretical revival, and it's a big weird corrupt industry. Theoretically you could use this as a jumping off point for Thinking Thoughts about death-as-a-natural-ending and equal access to medical care and things, but I was busy being muddled about the mystery plot involving contracts and voting shares. Meanwhile, I will remember the book for the delightful invention of the talking genetically engineered sphinx cat (four months later I'm still periodically saying "Foes! Foes!"). It mostly rambles along feeling like just about any Mies book, then there's a random feeling convenient appearance of Mark and Kareen, and then BOOM let's get horribly sad in the last 10 pages.

kzimm2024's review against another edition

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5.0

Another solid story. I keep waiting for a story to disappoint me but I am still waiting! Some are better than others in this series, of course, but nothing below a 4 for me. Apparently the final book, Red Queen, would be one of those from all the reviews I have read.

Cryoburn- a story about a planet obsessed with freezing themselves instead of accepting a natural death and obviously this leads to corruption and greed (corporations, sheesh.)

Miles is sent to investigate since something about the expansion to Komarr seems "off" and boy, does he step into it all (just like he always does). Jin was a delightful character and the story moved along quickly after a disorienting beginning. Miles was having a drug reaction and hallucinating angels.

Fun continues as Roic tries to find the "little maniac" since they are separated in a botched kidnapping and to think, they kidnap the wrong body to revive! Great story.

The sphinx was a hilarious addition to Jin's creatures. Mina, Lisa and the Consulate, they all seem sweet together.

I am sorry to see this series ending!
Loved this quote--
“The world is made by the people who show up for the job,” Miles agreed.

gabliotecaria's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted sad medium-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

4.0

melodychef's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

4.5

shalini_rasamdaa's review against another edition

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3.0

This book wasn't particularly notable to me, except for that little bomb at the end. I didn't expect to feel such pain, knowing it had been coming, but oh well. That's why I will remember this book and for no other.

starfire_rhexia's review against another edition

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adventurous slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

vemana's review against another edition

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3.0

Yet another Miles Vorkosigan story. Something I have been itching to read. This is the last one (yet) and I can see why Lois McMaster Bujold doesnt write anymore (already or ever). This character has reached its potential and despite being one of my all time favorites, there is not much to wring out of him unless the events at very end change him and we see a very new Miles emerge.

McMaster Bujold uses Armsman Roic and a 11 year old kid Jin as majority narrators once the opening salvo with Miles is done. Good move considering the above said. However Roic's pov gets a little repetitive and while it was fun in the novellette of Winterfair Gifts, it is not very enticing for a longer story. The guard from Hassadar hasnt been given a rich inner life and it shows. Jin, and his narration is delightful.

The rest of the story is an usual Miles planetside caper. Bridges building themselves into place as the plot unfolds and so on. Fun read undoubtedly. Far from classic however.

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