The Warrior's Apprentice

Vorkosigan Saga (Publication Order) #2

by Lois McMaster Bujold, Suford Lewis (Editor)

Discharged from the Barrarayan academy after flunking the physical, a discouraged Miles Vorkosigan takes possession of a jumpship and becomes the leader of a mercenary force that expands to a fleet of treasonous proportions. Reprint. AB.

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy

309 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1986

About the author

Lois McMaster Bujold was born in 1949, the daughter of an engineering professor at Ohio State University, from whom she picked up her early interest in science fiction. She now lives in Minneapolis, and has two grown children.

Her fantasy from HarperCollins includes the award-winning Chalion series and the Sharing Knife tetralogy; her science fiction from Baen Books features the perennially bestselling Vorkosigan Saga. Her work has been translated into over twenty languages.

Questions regarding foreign rights, film/tv subrights, and other business matters should be directed to Spectrum Literary Agency, spectrumliteraryagency.com

A listing of her awards and nominations may be seen here:

http://www.sfadb.com/Lois_McMaster_Bu...

A listing of her interviews is here:

http://vorkosigan.wikia.com/wiki/Auth...

An older fan-run site devoted to her work, The Bujold Nexus, is here:

http://www.dendarii.com/

Reviews

[Choko · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** 4.44 ***

A buddy read with Evgeny and Maria, because we need some FORWARD MOMENTUM in our lives!

I have a new favorite Sci-fi series and this is it! I have been remiss in not picking it up sooner and I am repenting. By reading it a book a week with my friends ☺!

I was already in love with the Count and Countess Vorkosigan and I should have known that their progeny would not disappoint either. After all, Miles Vorkosigan is a combination of their genetic material complimented by the influence of their character and upbringing. He should be perfect.... And he is, in ways that truly matter, but neither he nor others see it that way. Miles is smart, charming, born to high nobility, privileged, and is even in line for the Imperial throne. He is well taken care of, had a happy childhood and parents who love and respect him. But despite all of that, Miles is pitied and excluded by most, finding himself always on the outside looking in... Because when Cordelia was several months pregnant with him, a political enemy of her husband's poisoned her and the baby, the poison destroying the newly forming bones. Only a miracle of medical science and an experimental testing kept Miles alive and gave him a chance to grow. The growth was extremely painful and despite the constant surgeries and top care, Miles is deformed, undergrown, and his bones break all the time, even by just a firm grip or a forceful step. Despite the constant physical suffering, Miles has a great personality and a bright outlook on life, never giving up or falling under depression or outside negativity. His sharp mind and photographic memory serve him well in all situations, particularly at the times he decides to throw himself into adventure.

Being the son of a Count, Miles is given a chance at trying out for the Imperial Military Academy but fails fast and decisively. He returns home morally defeated and in order to give him something to do, his parents send him, his bodyguard's daughter Elena Bothari and the giant Sargent B. to visit his grandmother in Beta Colony for a vacation. Miles is secretly in love with Elena and wants to help her discover more about her mother, hoping this will make her love him too. Things don't go as planned, since at the moment they reach Beta Colony, Miles finds himself the owner of a junk Freight spaceship and a liege Lord to its jump pilot. In order to pay for the ship he takes on some dangerous cargo and gets himself and his friends involved in a war... One thing leads to another and at one point Miles is feet deep in complex issues, having to worry not only about his own life, but being responsible for the lives and payroll of many, many more... The boy has FORWARD MOMENTUM, brains and balls!!!! The situations he falls into are so unlikely, but Miles character is such that you can't help but accept and root for the cause!!!

There is some romance, one very difficult scene with Bothari and his daughter's mother, which just broke my ❤ for all involved, and some romantic disappointment. There was a ton of character development and still our protagonist is given plenty of space to grow. The writing is delightful and the plot has the pacing of a fast developing adventure. I was glued to it from beginning to end and was won over by the flowing storytelling and surprisingly touching details, which made the tale relatable and enjoyable. I would recommend it to everyone, no matter of genre preference!

Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need between the pages of a good book!!!

[mark monday · Rating 3 out of 5]

so i was engaging in a favorite pastime on friday night, namely verbal one-upmanship slash sadistically using the power of my oh so mighty intellect to tease my poor innocent friends, when the very drunk birthday boy said "You know you are going to get smacked if you keep on talking like that." i couldn't help myself: i reached up and gave him a very light & friendly tap on the cheek with the palm of my hand while dropping another dazzling bon mot. sadly, in the middle of my witticism, birthday boy enacted a decidedly non-verbal response and proceeded to smack the shit out of me. later, as i walked drunkenly home, ear still ringing from the horrific attack, it occurred to me that this would never happen to one of my recent heroes, Miles Naismith Vorkosigan of the the space opera lite The Warrior's Apprentice.

ah, Miles. what a great creation he is! clever and sharp-tongued, vaguely ambitious, shorter than most, the opposite of a physical threat, kind and even-tempered, clear-eyed in his self-assessments, a little bit self-sacrificing but not in an eye-rolling way, queasy at the thought of causing others harm, full of both self-doubt and ego, always the girl's trusted best friend rather than the object of her passion, the wittiest man in the room and he knows it but he is going to try to keep that to himself so that you don't get upset and take it out on him in surprise smack-attacks. and he talks and he talks and he talks. i love Miles. his character is usually the supporting character, the hero's best friend, the brother who dies, an amusing cameo. it's a great thing for me to know that there is a whole series practically devoted to this lil' guy. he's endearing i suppose, but i personally don't see him as "endearing" because i don't see him as a cute character type. he feels very real to me. part of that may be due to reading all about his parents in the prior books - i know where Miles comes from, i understand the context, i get how his background informs his present. part of that may be due to how much i empathize with him and his various personal travails.

the novel itself is about Miles leaving his home planet of warlike Barrayar and inadvertedly creating a mercenary army. oops! for me the plot is really secondary to just sitting back and enjoying Miles. the writing is fine, nothing special but certainly nothing problematic either. Bujold veers towards the bland. style is not the selling point in her skill set - readers come to her for the surprisingly grounded and rich characterization. and so The Warrior's Apprentice may have space battles, mercenaries, revolutionaries, mechanized war-suits, etc, but that's almost besides the point. Miles is the point.

Miles - and Bothari. the latter character - a former brainwashed rapist and sadistic torturer who now acts as Miles' bodyguard - is the other big selling point of the novel. Bujold does not downplay his past or excuse it - although in some ways it can be excused (i would say that brainwashing excuses many things) - nor does she overplay his redemption. she gets the character right, she doesn't leave out the ugly or disturbing parts, and yet she still allows the character grace and dignity within his tragic arc. Bujold definitely knows how to write characters that the reader can feel. i felt Bothari, i felt Miles, i felt Elena and Ivan and i am looking forward to feeling the rest of the characters that will be introduced to me in this saga.

[Overhaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

El aprendiz de guerrero, es una de las aventuras de Miles Vorkosigan, un genio de la estrategia dotado de gran inteligencia pero encerrado en un cuerpo defectuoso. Un personaje entrañable e inolvidable, protagonista de la serie de mayor éxito de la moderna space opera.

Sus hazañas son un agradable retorno a los temas y el tono ameno de la ciencia ficción campbelliana, y componen la más famosa creación de una de las mejores escritoras de ciencia ficción de aventuras que han aparecido en los últimos años. Una verdadera maestra y una narradora excepcional.

Lois McMaster Bujold obtuvo el premio Nebula 1988 por "En caída libre" y también el Nebula 1989 de novela corta por "Las montañas de la aflicción", una nueva aventura del mismo Miles Vorkosigan que aparece por primera vez en "El aprendiz de guerrero". Ambas narraciones han sido finalistas del premio Hugo. Vamos lo que es una maestra indiscutible de CF que nos regala horas de puñetero disfrute por un tubo.

Miles Naismith Vorkosigan. Por un intento de asesinato contra la vida de sus padres antes de su nacimiento, Miles sufre graves problemas de salud: su crecimiento se atrofió desde el primer día, sus huesos son quebradizos. Tiene episodios de osteoinflamación debilitante y reacciones idiosincrásicas a los analgésicos y sedantes de uso común.

Y para colmo tocate las narices que vive en un planeta de gilipollas donde la gente teme y odia a aquellos con deformidades físicas.

Pero sus padres, Lord y Lady Vorkosigan, se negaron a darse por vencidos con él y dejaron en claro que Miles podría crecer para ser lo que quisiera ser. Sin embargo, lo que desea al seguir los pasos de dos leyendas vivientes es difícil de cumplir, el servicio militar se trata de algo así como una llamada sagrada en Barrayar.

Vorkosigan tiene su corazón e inmensa voluntad puestos en ingresar a la Academia de Barrayar. Y joder cuando lo empezamos a conocer vemos que este joven decidido es un personajes que nos va a dar mucho. Sublime Miles, así de claro me quede pensando, que cabrón. Entra en los Top personajes favoritos y memorables.

Es lo mejor del libro así de sencillo. Y no puedo deciros más. Solo que lo leáis joder, ¡LEED A LOIS MCMASTER BUJOLD! Es algo que vais a agradecer.

Aunque pasa las pruebas escritas con gran éxito, Miles comete un error de cálculo en la prueba física, se rompe ambas piernas y sale del programa antes de que pueda ingresar.

Entonces qué leches ha pasado, es un joven de diecisiete años mentalmente dotado y recalco lo de dotado, peeero discapacitado físicamente y que sueña con la gloria militar, pero se le han negado. Pues Miles le da la vuelta a la tortilla, la historia las ideas preconcebidas de sus necios lectores. Haced caso, consejo, nunca os adelantareis a Miles.

Se dirige a lugares, territorios y decisiones desconocidas. Termina todo en una bola que provoca una avalancha que ni yo, ni el propio Miles vio venir. Me encantó.

¡¡Que os leáis a Bujold, leñe, qué hacéis aquí leyéndome en vez de lanzaros!!

Así comienza la historia de Miles Vorkosigan, genio estratégico, carismático con un pico de oro, un puto líder e hijo leal del feudalista Barrayar.

Es imposible que no os guste Miles, eso o que sois muy raros o no era el momento, no es solo porque es sarcástico y muy conversador que encuentra una salida a casi todas las puñeteras situaciones terribles en las que se encuentra. Es que el encanto de Miles como protagonista proviene de lo muy humano que es. Sufre de un dolor terrible a diario, pero se niega a que el mundo vea eso. La habilidad de convencer a las personas para que hagan lo que él quiere que hagan, como manipulador tiene la corona.

Pero es humano y además aún un crío. No puede anticipar las repercusiones de lo que ambiciona y hace. Creíble, humano, memorable, maravilla y joder que qué hacéis aquí aún... ¿Tengo que venderlo mejor?

Está bien, publico exigente. Vuestros deseos son ordenes.

El don de Lois McMaster Bujold para narrar y crear situaciones, mundos, personajes y los desarrollos de estos y el carácter brillan en "El Aprendiz de Guerrero". Incluso los personajes secundarios son creíbles.

Bujold es verdaderamente una de las grandes autoras de CF y algo de fantasía. (Chalion)

El universo de la saga Vorkosigan nos muestra una variedad de culturas que se sienten muy reales en sus historias futuristas. Tanto los buenos como los malos provienen de cada una de esas culturas y aunque haya cruces, no se reducen a algo sin sentido. Miles a inspira una lealtad que es un placer ver como se desarrolla.

Lois McMaster Bujold es excelente fusionando elementos de diferentes culturas y épocas para crear sociedades únicas pero familiares. Pero no sólo es eso, sino cómo lo hace, cómo lo narra y es que es tan ágil como adictivo. Libros cortos pero que a su vez tan sencillos como compleja es la historia. Una combinación de elementos, de lugares y de personajes que hace que me quite el sombrero ante la mente que creo esto.


Gracias por las horas que llevo de gozar y las que me esperan. A su pies, maestra Bujold. Al igual que a los suyos, apreciado Xabi1990. Uno de los maestros que me mantienen por estos lares en el buen camino de las joyas.

Y amistades, queridas amistades... LEED A BUJOLD. Hacedme caso.

[Samir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you bored? Are you looking at your evergrowing pile of books to read and can’t decide what to read next? Well, let me help you with that, start reading this book and kill two birds with one stone.

It doesn’t matter if you’re not a fan of sci-fi or space operas, this book will give you an opportunity to meet your new favorite character, or at least a new addition to your favorite characters list, Miles Vorkosigan.

If I had to compare Miles to a contemporary fantasy character I would compare him to Locke Lamora; physically weak with combination of audacity, wit, cunning, assertive nature and sharp intelligence enabling him to improvise his way out of any bad situation just to find himself neck-deep in the next one.

Miles comes from a family of warriors and to continue the family tradition, Miles applies himself into the Barrayaran Military Service Academy and aces the written portion of the entrance exams but unfortunately, due to his weak bones, he fails to pass an obstacle course resulting in breaking both of his legs and ending his military career before he even started it.

Not really knowing what to do with himself, Miles decides to travel to Beta Colony and visit his grandmother, taking with him his bodyguard Bothari and his daughter Elena.

Shorty after their arrival Miles manages, completely by accident, to meet a jump pilot about to have his ship scrapped and that sets in motion the series of events which will make him a leader of a mercenary company, and for Miles, an opportunity to make his father proud.

The story itself is very fast paced with a character driven and emotionally powerful narrative. It offers a plenty of exciting action sequences and unpredictable, and often very funny, situations ensuring not one moment in this book to be classified as boring.

Side characters are giving more depth to this seemingly simple storyline, infusing it with energy which goes hand in hand with Miles's forward momentum making this book next to impossible to put down.

Simply said, this book is pure fun, it’s addictive, it will make you grin the whole time reading it and when you’re done, you’ll want more.

P.S. No birds were harmed while reading this book.

[Xabi1990 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esto lo escribí en un foro, en Forokd, y esto vale para toda la saga de Miles de la que, como se ve,soy un devoto "creyente".

Os remito primero a la Wiki :



Lois McMaster Bujold (2 de noviembre de 1949- ) escritora de ciencia ficción y fantasía nacida en Columbus, Ohio (EE. UU.).

Nacida en el seno de una familia acomodada, y lectora incansable, su afición a la ciencia ficción le viene de las lecturas que tomaba a su padre, Robert McMaster, profesor de ingeniería en la Universidad de Ohio. A los 15 años comenzó su pasión por la fantasía a través de la lectura de El Señor de los Anillos.
En 1982, pasando su familia por un mal momento económico, y con dos hijos pequeños que debe cuidar, se lanza a escribir profesionalmente como una fuente alternativa de dinero. El resultado son las tres primeras novelas de la serie de Miles Vorkosigan, publicadas simultáneamente en 1986, y que le harían saltar a la fama en el panorama de la ciencia ficción.

Estilo
La calidad de la obra de Bujold ha sido fuente de frecuentes polémicas entre la crítica especializada, contando con acérrimos defensores y detractores.1 Para algunos, Bujold destaca por la fluidez de su narrativa, y por la capacidad para dotar de carisma y riqueza psicológica a sus personajes, mientras que otro sector de la crítica repudia su excesiva simplicidad argumental. Inicialmente los éxitos de la escritora vinieron por parte del público, y no de la prensa especializada, aunque con el tiempo ésta ha reconocido también sus méritos, con premios como el Nébula, otorgado por la SFWA.

Bibliografía

Serie de Miles Vorkosigan:

La serie de Miles Vorkosigan es una saga de novelas e historias cortas de ciencia ficción, que tienen lugar en un mismo universo coherente. La mayoría tiene como protagonista a Miles Vorkosigan, un aristócrata con ciertas deformaciones físicas y de genial intelecto, que proviene del planeta Barrayar.

• Fragmentos de honor (1986) (Shards of Honor) (*) - 9
• El aprendiz de guerrero (1986) (Warrior's apprentice) - 9
• Ethan de Athos (1986) (Ethan of Athos) (*) - 9
• En caída libre (1988) (Falling Free) (*) - 8
• Fronteras del infinito (1989) (Borders of Infinity) Formado por los relatos Las fronteras del infinito, Laberinto y Las montañas de la aflicción. - 10
• Hermanos de armas (1989) (Brothers in arms) - 9
• El juego de los Vor (1990) (The Vor Game) - 8
• Barrayar (1991) (*) - 9
• Danza de espejos (1994) (Mirror Dance) - 8
• Dreamweaver's Dilemma (1994) Incluye Las montañas de la aflicción y la inédita Dreamweaver's Dilemma, además de otros relatos y ensayos de la autora.2
• Cetaganda (1995) - 9
• Recuerdos (1996) (Memory) - 9
• Komarr (1998) - 10
• Una campaña civil (2000) (A civil campaign) - 10
• Inmunidad Diplomática (2002) - 10
• Regalos de Feria de Invierno (2003) (Winterfair Gifts) - 9
• Criopolis (2011) (Cryoburn) - 8
(*) Relatos pertenecientes al universo de Miles Vorkosigan, pero no protagonizados por él.

Novelas de fantasía
• El anillo del espíritu (The Spirit Ring) (1993) - 7
• La maldición de Chalion (The Curse of Chalion) (2001) publicada en español en un solo tomo y por separado en dos partes:
o Los cuervos del Zangre - 9
o El legado de los cinco dioses - 9
• Paladín de almas (2003) (Chalion 03) - 10
• La búsqueda sagrada (Chalion 04) - 8
• El vínculo del cuchillo I: El encantamiento - 7

Premios

Bujold acumula una considerable cantidad de premios en literatura de ciencia fición y fantasía, siendo una de los escritores más premiados por los premios Hugo, galardón que ha conseguido en 4 ocasiones, igualando así el récord de Robert A. Heinlein.

Los premios más importantes logrados por esta autora son:
• Nébula de 1988 por En caída libre
• Nébula y Hugo de 1989 a la mejor novela corta por Las montañas de la aflicción
• Hugo de 1991 por El juego de los Vor
• Hugo y Locus de 1992 por Barrayar
• Hugo y Locus de 1995 por Danza de espejos
• Hugo y Locus de 2004, y Nébula de 2005 por Paladín de almas

Pero como soy un forofo y de mi tal vez no os fiéis os remito a una opinión de Don Rodolfo Martínez. En ella me quedo como resumen es que son novelas para pasar un rato divertido y que para cuando te quieres dar cuenta, te acabas el libro de una sentada.



En defensa del buen escapismo

Komarr, de Lois McMaster Bujold

Con los años, Lois McMaster Bujold ha ido haciéndose con un nutrido, incondicional y entusiasta grupo de seguidores, pero también con un abundante y no menos entusiasta grupo de detractores.

A lo largo de todo ese tiempo me las había apañado para permanecer al margen de la polémica, sin decantarme por bando alguno, por el método simple y eficaz de no haber leído ninguna de las novelas que le han dado fama. Pero también, a lo largo de todo ese tiempo, la curiosidad ha ido creciendo en mi interior y con cada nueva aventura de Miles Vorkosigan que veía la luz me preguntaba a mí mismo si no sería ya hora de romper la incertidumbre.

Y la experiencia ha sido, en cierto modo, decepcionante por partida doble. Su obra no me ha parecido la apabullante maravilla que sus fans han intentado venderme estos años pero, confieso no sin cierta perplejidad, que no he encontrado en ella tampoco el menor motivo para la campaña (airada, ofendidísima y casi con aires de cruzada justiciera) «anti Vorkosigan» que uno ha podido observar.

Creo que «sin pretensiones» es el adjetivo que mejor le cuadra a la serie de Vorkosigan, o al menos a la primera novela de la misma con la que me he enfrentado, este Komarr que no pasa de ser una aventura sencilla, carente de complicaciones pero narrada con fluidez y sentido del humor. ¿El resultado? Que casi antes de haber abierto el libro ya había terminado de leerlo y que el tiempo se me había pasado sin darme ni cuenta.

Los ingredientes no son nuevos: trama con un pequeño toque de intriga, no muy complicada pero bien estructurada, personajes bien delineados para que encajen en la historia y un protagonista que se convierte en cómplice del lector. Si a eso unimos una manera de narrar que lo único que pretende es llevar al lector de un lado a otro con el menor esfuerzo posible, una cierta ironía hacía sí mismo del protagonista (indispensable para que no nos resulte repelente) y varios toques humorísticos, presiento que tendremos delante el esquema de la mayor parte de las novelas de Vorkosigan. En otra palabras: entretenimiento en estado puro y sin pretensiones de ser otra cosa.

¿Es eso tal vez lo que molesta a una cierta parte de la «intelectualidad» en el estamento teórico de la cf española? ¿Que el lector opte masivamente porque lo entretengan y no lo hagan pensar? ¿Que el público quiera que lo tengan unas horas alejado de sus problemas y lo hagan identificarse con un personaje que, pese a tenerlo todo aparentemente en contra, consigue ganar siempre? ¿Van por ahí los tiros: la obra de Bujold es mala porque es «escapista»? No entro a valorar los matices ideológicos de la cuestión, e incluso puedo aceptar las premisas de que, como tal narrativa de propósitos escapistas, la obra de Bujold resulte reaccionaria y falsamente consoladora. Lo que no acabo de ver es qué tiene que ver la ideología con la literatura y menos aún comprendo cómo el mismo crítico que pone el estilo y el placer producido por la literatura por encima de cualquier otra consideración, cuando le interesa acude a sustentar sus opiniones con aspectos, no ya estéticos, sino ideológicos.

Por mi parte, mañana mismo acudiré a uno o dos amigos y les pediré que me dejen sus novelas de Vorkosigan. Mientras me siga entreteniendo y haciendo sonreír de la manera en que lo ha hecho con este Komarr, Lois MacMaster Bujold tiene en mí, no un fan, pero sin duda sí un lector agradecido.
Rodolfo Martínez

Novelas sencillas, “escapistas” y de las que enganchan al libro hasta que lo terminas. De esas que hacen que duermas poco por seguir leyendo “solo un ratito más”.

Os he puesto las “notas” que se han llevado sus novelas cuando las leí. Os aseguro que me cuesta poner un “9”, pero soy un rendido fan de Miles Vorkorsigan, de sus novelas de CF. En las de Fantasía encuentro más claroscuros, pero para gustos.

Un saludo

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update 1/18/18, Read #3:

On some rather belated reflection and tears after this latest read, I have to say that I'm in love with this series. As if three reads wasn't proof enough, right?

The beginning and the end is completely scaled back from the wild as hell middle, but that's as it should be. Miles is a brilliant and very flawed character, showing signs of megalomania and depression, or perhaps just being a brilliant bipolar case. :) In that respect, he's a lot like Sherlock.

It sure as hell makes for an interesting read when you bring up all the great world-building juxtapositions. His parents and their homeworlds. Miles's desires versus his honor. His momentum versus the pressures. I include both history and gravity for the sake of his poor bones.

I did cry for Bothari. Such a complicated character deserves a bit of silence and a lock of hair. I also cried for Miles. A lot of that was for joy, but not all of it. When he succeeds, it always feels like a house of cards. It's always like he's dancing on the tripwire of a Bouncing Betty. :)

And what a tongue he has!

Miles is just one of those characters that will remain in the annals of memory. :) This is the foundation. The rest of what comes relies even more on that tongue and less from fighting, but that's even more impressive when you think about it. :)

Here comes trouble. If he wasn't so charming, he really should be shot.

And this one is still one of my favorites in the series. Or at least in the top five. :)

Original Review:

It reads as a great YA with the best elements of the best space opera. How do you get back into the military of your homeworld if they don't want you? Start your own army, show them you've got what it takes! It's mostly clever and light, and then it wasn't. It was much more poignant for having read the books in the order of the timeline, although Falling Free doesn't align yet.

This novel was very fast paced and fun, for the most part, and memorable. He's got to begin his fame somewhere!

[K.J. Charles]

Immensely readable space opera with cunning but very vulnerable hero and interesting world. I look forward to more.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a larger series, but is a fun stand alone read too. Science fiction thrillers are my favorite to read if done well and this one is. What I was drawn to the most was the main character's problem. Miles is an elite member of a renowned military family, but because of a terrorist attack on his mother with a deadly gas when he was in utero, his bones haven't developed properly.

He can't walk or run very well, but is brilliant, so he's hoping to balance his high exam scores for officer's school with his low scores on the physical tests. Alas, he breaks his legs on the first hurdle, washing him out of the program altogether. He takes a trip to his grandmother's planet to forget his heartbreak and stumbles upon an adventure well suited to his big, complex brain.

Despite or because of his physical deformations, he is a natural leader with a keen sense of the sensitivities of others and how to make leaders out of them. This is a true gift and one that forms his destiny.

[Gabyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mi primer encuentro con la autora gracias a Rodrigo que lo propuso en la cafe y a la Banda que lo recomendó... ya saben que no soy fan de la ciencia ficción pero este libro me ha sorprendido, ya que es una lectura ligera, nada rebuscada; es un space opera y para mí las palmas se las lleva Miles Vorkosigan, sencillamente es un gran gran personaje... como diría yo chiquito pero picoso jajaja. Esta encerrado en un cuerpo con fragilidad de huesos pero tiene una agilidad mental maravillosa que lo lleva a salir adelante ante cualquier situación que se le presenta y aunque pareciera que el tiro le sale por la culata que va!! siempre sale adelante; además cuenta con un humor que lo caracteriza.
La autora crea un increíble ambiente de space opera (si, vemos batallas, agujeros de gusano, armas curiosas y demás) junto con su maravilloso personaje Miles y sus aventuras. Me divertí y pasé un muy buen rato leyéndolo hubo momentos que me hicieron reír y un par que me dieron pena. Ves como el personaje crece conforme la trama avanza pasando de ser un novato a un extraordinario capitán.
Se que es una saga larga, que me gustaría continuar desde luego, pero lo que si aseguro es que desde hoy me declaro fan de Bujold, si señor!!
4.5 / 5

[Magrat Ajostiernos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otro libro de la saga Vorkosigan que se lee SOLO.
El principio y el final son simplemente apoteósicos, una vez más enganchada sin poder dormir hasta saber cómo demonios se las arreglaba Miles para solucionar todos los entuertos en los que estaba metido.
He echado mucho de menos más protagonismo de Aral y Cordelia, eso no lo voy a negar, creo que a Miles le falta un buen contrapunto, funciona muy bien como una especie de Cordelia 2.0 más audaz y problemático, pero ni Elena ni tan siquiera Bothari lograban darle una buena réplica. Elena no me disgustó como personaje, y creo que tiene una buena evolución si evitamos mencionar su desenlace, totalmente insatisfactorio y algo absurdo.
Miles roba los corazones de todos siendo un personaje enormemente carismático, que cuenta con numerosas desventajas físicas que suple con su intelecto y especialmente con su ingenio. A veces, para mi, se pasa de héroe (recordemos que tiene unos 17 años!!!) pero la autora siempre logra restregarlo por el fango mostrándonos sus verdaderos sentimientos para que sigamos queriéndolo igual.

En conclusión, una gran lectura para pasártelo bien. Quiero más. Por suerte, hay mucho más... :)

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impossible or preposterous are words Miles Naismith Vorkosigan neither understand nor wishes to master. I found The Warrior’s Apprentice incredible, hilarious and poignant all at the same time. With every page turned, you will live a spectacular adventure along with Miles (only offspring of Aral and Cordelia Naismith of Shards of Honor) and a delightful group of supporting characters. It’s a perfect example of Lous McMaster Bujold brilliant, inspired writing.

Instead of suffering and limiting himself by his physical deficiencies, he bounces into a momentum that goes beyond any idea of triumphing over it all. Everything began by he catastrophically flunking the physical officer’s entrance exam of the Barrayaran Imperial Military Service. The discouraged but never beaten Miles Vorkosigan goes on to visit Beta Colony with his faithful bodyguard Bothari and daughter Elena, soon taking possession. But here is where I stop telling you his story, for every reader, should be granted the pleasure of discovering, unprepared, all that is to come.

I was conquered by Miles from the start. He is the heir of a royal house, a flunked officer but also a commander by his very nature. Always kind and sharp-tongued, ever trying to compensate his disadvantages, he is always brilliant and thrives on proving himself equal to anyone else. But he knows when to give up. He collects followers naturally, and actions tend to heat up around him.

If you haven’t met him yet, I strongly recommend The Warrior's Apprentice.

[Matt's Fantasy Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Watch my video review by clicking here.

Absolutely delightful fun that perfectly illustrates these characters and sets up some highly enjoyable adventures going forward.

[Caro the Helmet Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

UPDATED 2017.04.02 with Worst Cover Gallery - check down below and feel free to comment! Nature was generous with this one...
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I always knew I'll love Miles Vorkosigan. I only met him once and very long time ago in The Mountains Of Mourning and I recall I liked what I read, but it wasn't a full picture. It still isn't one, considering I have whole series ahead, but The Warrior's Apprentice gave me a nice teaser into what I'm going to get on my plate.

Miles Vorkosigan is his parents' true son - while physically challenged, he's precocious, brave and intelligent, and he's immature enough to take crazy irresponsibilities and lead his people into one trouble after another. I enjoyed it very much, but I missed Cordelia and Aral a little bit, although I know this is not about them anymore. But Bothari was around (at least till some point) and it was also, well, interesting...

Oh, by the way. Am I here the only one who's feeling like there's a shadow of Tyrion Lannister lurking around the place all the time? I'm not implying anything, but there are so many similarities between these two that you simply can't not notice.

Back to Miles - I'm highly enjoying the series and I'm planning to read it all. I absolutely love the world McMaster Bujold created, the diversity of civilizations, the Barrayaran traditions and all.

4.5 stars, only because I expect even better further instalments.
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Worst Cover Gallery

My personal fav -

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This unfortunately didn't do it for me. Oh, sure, it's a heist novel (sort of) that is still better written than many others and it was only really slow at the beginning I guess (well, the first 30-40%). However, nobody is criticizing Bujold's craftmanshift.
No, my beef is with with the characters, mostly. Even the (former) military personnel was stupid beyond belief. To say nothing of the rest. I can make allowances, of course - initially, for Elena, who simply wanted to get off planet ONCE in her life; or for Bothari, who considers it his duty to stay with Miles. But for every single other person to stay with Miles, to eat up the bullshit like that, to go along with what must be THE stupidest con ... there is only so much suspension of disbelief before I roll my eyes, snort, bang my head against the wall, then get REALLY annoyed because I'm supposed to go along with this nonsense.

It's a testament to Bujold's writing that I didn't DNF the book. Granted, I don't like to DNF books in general and I did like the previous volumes very much so I wanted to allow a fluke.
Nevertheless, it's always a bad sign when even a space heist that turns into some war effort gets so unbelievably out of hand that I get antsy despite the action and just want it to be over.

I just couldn't warm to the crippled rich kid that had never learned any boundaries, was (occasionally) pretty smart but exasperatingly stupid when it counted. Initially, I thought it would be the typical story of a physically disabled person making it his way regardless. I could have warmed to that. But this wasn't that kind of story for me. Sure, Miles is young, but how about him accepting THAT instead of acting like God's gift to the universe and then making everything worse for everyone?!
Not to mention Elena. Since I don't want the rest of this review to get peeped out or for someone to flag it to the GR overlords, I shall refrain from going into details. Suffice it to say that she's an ungrateful litte bitch (not just towards her father but also when she doesn't get from Miles whatever she wants like a spoiled little brat) and I still hope she will die slowly and painfully. Seriously, that ruined what little I liked for me.

On top of the problems I had with the story and characters, there was also no humour in this. There have always been comical situations in the previous books, not here.

Maybe the novel tried to do and be too many things at once: novel with a disabled MC; an adventurous heist / space "battles"; the story of female empowerment (that went downhill VERY quickly); a coming-of-age story of not one but two people (one male, one female, probably for emphasis); a slight tinge of politics / cultural differences the people are caught between.

So yeah, there's enough rage and exasperation and I gave this 3 stars solely for the writing (especially when considering the book's age). But I didn't enjoy it much. Nevertheless, I'll continue with the series for now and hope Miles will change for the better (and soon). Oh, and I better not have to see Elena again anytime soon!

[Veronique · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75*

“I've got forward momentum. There's no virtue in it. It's just a balancing act. I don’t dare stop."

Carrying on with my reading of the Vorkosigan Saga by internal chronology (could also be a good starting point to the series). This fourth instalment changes the focus from Cordelia and Aral to their son, Miles, who is now seventeen and making do with the consequences of the poisoning attempt on his parents when his mother was pregnant with him. Having a boy with brittle bone disease and of a very short stature in a patriarchal and military society where physical prowess is prominent, is quite an endeavour, but a very interesting one.

Miles is an intriguing combination, displaying characteristics from both his parents. As a child of two societies, he tries to make sense of both, especially in light of his weak body. However, as difficult as his situation is, being often seen as a freak on Barrayar, he still has many huge ‘assets’, being male and heir of one of the highest Houses. Throughout the novel, we see him dealing with this, making many mistakes, but learning from them too. I must admit, it was so much fun to see him jumping from one problematic situation into a worse one and yet keeping the momentum. I guess this book could be seen as a Young Adult one since the main character is a teenager trying to find his identity and place in the world. Elena goes through the same journey with her own set of difficulties, being female in a misogynist world that kept curtailing her freedom. Following Miles, she escapes this, and with her horizon widening, finds out she is much more than her gender.

Bujold also adds a much darker strand in this novel, mainly revolving around Bothari. He is a difficult character and yet so fascinating! There is no denying that this is not a good man, but he is also much more than this. The author makes us look at something many wouldn’t want to and thus make us consider that things are not just black and white. There is a certain poetic justice, but at the same time, I could well understand Cordelia, Aral, and Miles connection to this man, as well as both Elenas.

Looking at the title, I’m still not sure who is the warrior and the apprentice since many combinations would work, the author once more making you think. I am however getting more and more invested in this universe.

[Javir11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

7,75/10

Aunque ya conocía a la autora, no me había adentrado en esta saga nunca, más bien por pereza, eso de que exista un orden de publicación y luego diferentes ordenes de lectura según los fans, me da un poco de respeto y lo he ido dejando hasta que al final me he lanzado.

A pesar de ser una Space Opera, lo mejor de esta historia es el personaje de Miles Vorkosigan, un joven que ha tenido que vivir toda su vida dentro de un cuerpo defectuoso, lo que le ha obligado a afilar su mente hasta convertirlo en un ser muy muy especial. Además, ser hijo de unos de los mayores héroes de la historia de su planeta tampoco es que le haya ayudado demasiado a granjearse muchas amistades ni a que la gente valore sus logros.

Bajo esta tesitura, nos encontramos en este novela con una trama en la que Miles sin saber muy bien como se ve abocado a participar en un conflicto interplanetario con la única ayuda de su fiel guardaespaldas, la hija de este y un par de parias que se unirán a él como última esperanza para dejar atrás sus pasados. El problema para Miles es que se encontrará entre la espada y la pared entre mantener su lealtad a sus nuevos amigos y a su planeta.

A favor de esta novela diría sobre todo que es muy entretenida, gracias a unos diálogos chispeantes y una trama ligera que busca sobre todo realzar las cualidades de Miles. Sin saber como terminas atrapado y con ganas de seguir leyendo. En su contra, quizás que le falte un poco de profundidad a toda la temática espacial y demás, McMaster creo que de forma bastante acertada intenta no abrumarnos con demasiados datos sobre su worldbuilding, aunque en algunos momentos se queda algo corta y se agradecería más información.

En cualquier caso, El aprendiz de guerrero tiene todos los mimbres para gustar a un público en general aunque no sea uno fanático de la ciencia ficción. Muy buenos personajes, una trama que engancha y una prosa en la que primo el ritmo sobre la elegancia.

Seguiré con la saga, de hecho ya voy por el tercero XD

[Cynnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even after multiple re-reads pure enjoyment for me.

In this volume you find out how Miles managed to become a mercenary leader. Of course everything is highly unlikely, but so much fun.

If you care for a light and very entertaining space opera, read this series.

[Rodrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sinopsis: Miles Vorkosigan, un muchacho enclenque y debilucho a causa de una malformación durante su gestación, es hijo de los condes de Barrayar. Debido a su anomalía, Miles tiene que luchar y esforzarse el doble que cualquier otro recluta para llegar a ser un Vor, un guerrero del planeta Barrayar. Por suerte, cuenta con su aguda inteligencia, la cual le salvará den la más complicada de las situaciones, a la par que los músculos y armas de Bothari, su guardaespaldas particular.
Finalmente me ha gustado, tanto por el tono irónico de Miles por como va salvando situaciones en la que se va metiendo casi sin querer.
Seguiré con la serie aunque no sé con cual continuar, si con el orden de publicación o el cronológico...
Valoración: 8/10
Me sorprendió un poco el final del sargento Bothari

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Warrior's Apprentice: The first story of Miles Vorkosigan is a rollicking SF adventure
It's a cliche and publisher's catchphrase to call anything a "rollicking SF adventure", but if any book ever was that, this would be it. Lois McMaster Bujold has quietly and steadily created one of the most popular SF adventure franchises of the past few decades with her stories or Cordelia Naismith and Aral Vorkosigan in Shards of Honor and Barrayar, but it was The Warrior's Apprentice, her second novel, where she introduced her greatest character and got the whole series going. Given how many SF paperbacks are published and disappear into the ether without a trace, and considering that for all those published books there are dozens of unpublished manuscripts that will never see print, it really is quite impressive what Mrs. Bujold has accomplished with the MILES VORKOSIGAN SAGA.

After all, the ingredients for the story don't sound that special: a young scion from a military aristocratic family has suffered serious physical handicaps due to a chemical weapons attack before he was born, and faces a host of adversity by using just his wits and his skills to motivate (or use) others to get out of an ever-spiralling series of predicaments. Of all the different subgenres of SF, the military one has always been of least interest to me, as the whole culture of discipline, order, obedience, and bravery in action just doesn't get me excited, but Bujold has chosen to explore this corner of space with such effortless skill of characterization and plotting that it's almost a mystery why she didn't choose more challenging subject matter.

After all, what distinguishes this space opera is not just its memorable and extremely likable characters, but also how smoothly it transitions from daily conversations to intense space battles, awkward romances to complex political scheming, and from wry humor to sudden tragedy. Those are the keys to making a series that fans (as opposed to just "readers") want to pick up everything Mrs. Bujold chooses to write about Miles and his fellow characters. She imbues them with depth and complexity, yet keeps them very accessible and believable. I think Miles Vorkosigan is someone we'd all love to meet and get to know, even if we are fairly certain he's several degrees smarter and more strategic than we will ever be. He is a great character and an incredibly fascinating person, one as vivid as anyone you know know in real life, and someone you root for to survive each scrape and make it out the other side in better shape, even when he doesn't get everything he wanted.

So it was with great pleasure that I revisited this book for the first time in about 25 years, having completely forgotten all of the plot details and even the names of the characters. It's a great series to read when you are in your teens, but I found it has a lot to offer for older readers as well, especially when you've experienced unrequited love, setbacks, discrimination, pre-judgement, high expectations given your background, and a series of impossible situations.

There's a difference between writing from the perspective of a young and clever man of 17, and writing about one from the perspective of an adult who has been through all that. There are just so many details that ring true in the characters' inner thoughts and behaviors that makes more believable the implausible escapades of Miles as he inadvertently creates a mercenary fleet through a series of lies and cons and clever stratagems. And there are some very compelling side stories such as his unrequited love for Elena, his relationship with the stoic and disturbed Sargent Bothari, and how he brings onto his side all the other 'strays' that he picks up along the way in this, dare I say it, rollicking SF adventure that is just the beginning of an amazing and award-winning space opera series.

[Michael Finocchiaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles in school! Miles as captain of a mercenary army! Another fun Miles story which takes place between Shards of Honor and Barrayar, this one didn't win any major prizes, but it still a quick and fun read. Highly recommended.

A nice quote:
He drew his dagger and trimmed the trailing wires from the silver button, and pressed it carefully back into place on the pilot officer's temple. After, until Daum came looking for him with some request for orders, he stood and meditated on the still, waxen features of the thing they'd made. But reason seemed to run backwards, conclusions swallowed in premises, and premises in silence, until in the end only silence and the unanswerable object remained.

[Clouds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the resounding success of my Locus Quest, I faced a dilemma: which reading list to follow it up with? Variety is the spice of life, so I’ve decided to diversify and pursue six different lists simultaneously. This book falls into my FINISHING THE SERIES! list.

I loves me a good series! But I'm terrible for starting a new series before finishing my last - so this reading list is all about trying to close out those series I've got on the go.

Is this my favourite book in the Vorkisgan Saga so far? Good question.

Let’s start with the ‘so far’ part. This is book 2 in the publication order, book 4 in the chronological order, but book 8 in my scattershot order.

We’re currently running at:
3 x five-star ratings
5 x four-star ratings
– from which you may deduce that this is a damn fine series, whatever order you read it in.

I loved The Warrior’s Apprentice – it’s Miles at his best.

Normally, if someone’s clock-watching at work, it’s because they don’t like their job and can’t wait to go home. For the nine days I had this book on the go, I found myself clock-watching every morning (and I like my job at the moment) because I couldn’t wait until my lunch break when I’d have half an hour with Miles!

This is a classic ‘lie-that-gets-out-of-control’ story. Miles heads off to Beta Colony to visit his maternal grandmother. He takes along his bodyguard, Sergeant Bothari, and the sergeant’s beautiful daughter, Elena. In a bid to impress Elena, Miles blags his way onto a repossessed jump-ship being held hostage by the distraught pilot and ends up buying the whole damn ship. To try and make good his purchase, he agrees to a double-or-quits mission to deliver ‘agricultural equipment’ into a warzone. It’s obviously an arms smuggling mission, for which Miles acts the veteran, but when mercenaries at the blockade try and take Elena hostage Miles has no choice but to take their ship (obviously), and then the next crises rushes up...

Fast paced, quick thinking, backs-to-the-wall, turning strategy on its head – pure, poor, genius Miles! Miles is all about brain over brawn, and the bigger the odds the faster his thinks.

This is very much of the same ilk as The Vor Game , which won the Hugo award. If I didn’t know any better I could easily believe it was the other way around – they’re both excellent. I’d still put Mirror Dance a smidgeon ahead of them both as my favourite, because I think Marc adds a little extra dark spin to Miles madcap world.

If I had to be mega critical, I’d say that first leap Miles takes to get involved with Mayhew (the pilot) is a little weakly motivated – but once we’re past that hurdle, the rest of the books rolls on majestic and unstoppable.

There are some great scenes with Bothari, the last of which left all the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. For such a light hearted romp, that ability to suddenly tug on the heart strings is part of what makes me admire Bujold so much as a writer. That and her wonderful way with loveable characters.

There are many points at which you can join this series – but The Warrior’s Apprentice has to be one of the most accessible volumes. If you like a great space adventure, grab a copy today :-)

After this I read: Gillespie and I

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this story is better than the last one, I get the sense this may be the peak and the writing not tight enough for me to continue the series. Perhaps after my next 1,000 stories, I'll get back to it. 6 of 10 stars

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

*sigh* I really wanted to like this book, but...



(That disappointed baby is effing adorable though, so I guess this review won't be ALL bad.)

Well, it wouldn't be ALL bad anyway. I wanted to like this so much. I liked the idea of this book much more than I liked the actuality of it, actually. I feel like I've been disappointed with almost everything I've read lately, and I was really hoping for this to just wow me, for it to make me want to put everything else on hold and read the series and just fall into this universe. I really liked the world-building, and the concept of biomech-enhanced jump pilots was really cool. I liked the idea of an accidental mercenary kid who's ballsy and smart. This story had a lot of potential, but just fell short for me on too many levels. I just felt like it was repetitive and unrealistic and... vanilla.

OK, so the main character, Miles, has a handicap. That's a plus for me because I like realistic characters who have to legitimately struggle to make it. But then he doesn't. At all. He's rich, his family is practically universally known and respected, he's bi-cultural, he has a lethal bodyguard who is more than willing and more than capable of protecting Miles from any and all danger, be it small armies or stubbed toes, unless ordered otherwise, and pretty much every success just falls in his lap. He stands on the shoulders of those around him, getting by on their ability and sometimes just blind luck, when his position as Vor isn't handy, and shit just falls into line.

It's just... boring. Boring to read about someone who only has to say "I'll think of something!" and then he does. Over and over... all these little episodic crises that never really felt serious or thrilling at all, because two paragraphs later Magic Miles has somehow won the fight, saved the day or whatever else was needed for victory. And did it all with this Mt. Everest-esque moral high ground. (And speaking of the action scenes, ugh, they were just terrible. I felt like I never really knew WHAT was going on, but a bunch of stuff was happening, and then bam, it's all over. Tally up another one for Miles.)

I wanted to know more about Bothari, but I feel like he was given really short shrift, both in character, and in how his situation was handled. I was so curious about him, and I really wanted to know who he was and what his history was and what he wanted and hoped for, etc... Maybe this is addressed in later (or earlier) books, but, well... the whole thing just felt like a cop out. An accusation and then that's it?

[image error]

I just wanted more. More substance. More struggle, more realism. More. I wanted to really like this, and it sucks that I didn't, because a friend recommended it to me, and I respect her opinions. Oh well. Can't win 'em all. =\

[Daniel Roy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having just finished "Shards of Honor" and "Barrayar", I simply couldn't wait to pick up the first book in the Miles Vorkosigan series. Unfortunately for me, it seems Mrs. Bujold has shifted tones when going from Cordelia to her son Miles.

Where Cordelia's novels were sometimes funny, sometimes inclined to the romantic, but as a whole well-crafted and dramatic, "The Warrior's Apprentice" feels more like a running joke. It seems Mrs. Bujold has decided she would show Miles is human by making him whine, cry, puke his guts out and tremble in fear most of the time, 'in aparté' for the reader. Oh, he also lusts after Elena a lot, and shows us his noble streak by going down the 'unrequited love' path. Bleh.

What is particularly irritating about the novel is the way things just fall in place conveniently for Miles. Miles' genius is that which comes forth in second-rate novels, where it is not so much the protagonist that is intelligent, but the rest of the Universe that is downright dumb. Miles recruits people by stuttering half-baked lies; he exposes imperial schemes by confronting admirals with his sharp wit; he outwits entire armies by concocting plans full of assumptions that his enemies conveniently fall into.

I realize this novel is intended as light reading, but so were "Shards of Honor" and "Barrayar". They were light reading, filled with drama, action and humor, and a certain dose of romance. "The Warrior's Apprentice" feels like a bad imitation of all that made the Cordelia books so great, and all the characters from these two books are here only as cardboard cutouts reminding us of the clichés at the heart of the vibrant characters we grew to love previously.

I wish Miles were more like his mother.

[Antonio TL · Rating 5 out of 5]

El joven Miles Vorkosigan, que sufre de una enfermedad en los huesos, es bajito, tirando a feo y acaba de ser rechazado del servicio militar, emprende una aventura en la que no solo roba una nave espacial si no que monta un ejército de mercenarios, captura una flota de naves y se une a una guerra entre planetas. Todo sin quererlo. Casi nada.

Esta fue de nuevo una relectura para mí; No sé cuántas veces lo he leído antes, sin embargo, todavía me hizo reír a carcajadas (posiblemente más que antes) y derramar una lágrima o dos. Dos ejemplos del fino humor de Bujold:

"Sabes, si estás tratando de tomar por sorpresa una habitación llena de gente, es mucho más fácil alcanzar tus objetivos si no gritas al atravesar la puerta".

"—Entonces, ¿cómo sabremos a quién obedecer? —preguntó el tipo de mirada penetrante que había hecho la primera interrupción.
Miles dejó ver sus dientes, en una sonrisa que parecía una cimitarra.
—Bueno, si desobedeces una de mis órdenes, te disparo en el acto. Decide tú mismo a quién obedecer"

Entonces, ¿"El aprendiz de guerrero es un libro de humor"?. No, es una verdadera ópera espacial con guerras interplanetarias, naves espaciales que atraviesan agujeros de gusano y armas exóticas con nombres como arcos de plasma, aturdidores y agujas. Lo que hace que este libro se destaque es cómo Lois McMaster Bujold crea un gran equilibrio entre una divertida historia de aventuras, la clásica space opera y el excelente desarrollo de su personaje.

Miles Vorkosigan, el personaje principal, emprende una aventura extraordinaria que lo aleja de su galaxia natal y su entorno familiar. ¿No hemos querido la mayoría de nosotros hacer un viaje por carretera así, dejándolo todo atrás? Esta premisa es lo que te atrapa de inmediato

El arco de personajes es un componente necesario para una historia convincente. Bujold satisface esta expectativa a través de la transformación del novato Miles en un gran capitán. Aún así, se enfrenta a las consecuencias de sus decisiones en el camino. No es un héroe sin debilidades reales. Es un poco entrañable y, a veces, irritantemente distante.

Mi aspecto favorito del desarrollo del personaje: la profundidad con la que Miles piensa en su difícil situación al final de su aventura. Considera posibles resoluciones porque ha puesto en peligro a más personas que a sus compañeros de aventura. No es un personaje superficial con emociones superficiales. Por eso, la situación se siente tan real como la vida misma.

El argumento de que "la ciencia ficción es demasiado difícil de entender" queda hecho trizas con El aprendiz de guerrero. Bujold es una verdadera maestra de su oficio y esta novela invita a leer más de su trabajo.

En general, disfruté muchísimo de este libro, exactamente como esperaba. Si bien hay dos libros anteriores, este es el primer libro con Miles como protagonista, por lo que funciona muy bien como una novela independiente ... o, más probablemente, como la introducción a la serie, porque sospecho que cualquiera que lea este libro estará tan encantado como yo, y querrá leer sin dudar el resto de la saga.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was excellent. One of my favourite reviews for this is Mark Monday's where he talks about Miles: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I agree with what Mark says about Miles being the archetypal side-kick who is finally cast as a main character. Hallelujah!

I particularly like that Miles is not unconcerned or unaffected by his physical limitations. He isn't cast as a plucky go getter who thinks nothing will hold him back. He knows there are lots of things that will if he doesn't play it smart and think his way to a solution. He feels jealousy at how much other men fit the ideal of physical attractiveness. He has felt despair enough over his lot that he has considered suicide. Seeing struggle in a character is what endears them to the me and makes me want to see them succeed. In other words, Miles is eminently relateable.

The same goes for the many other characters in the story. As Mark says, I feel them, Elena, Bothari, and all the others. Putting such wonderfully well realised characters in a fast paced and interesting story makes for a book that is a joy to read.

[Jeraviz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Llevaba ya 3 libros de esta saga sin parecerme completamente redondos y sin entender por qué había tanto fan de estos libros. Y lo que le faltaba es justo lo que se desarrolla aquí en todo su esplendor: el personaje de Miles Vorkosigan.

Miles es uno de esos personajes que se echan encima toda la historia y estás deseando que hable y que se mueva y que haga algo para descubrir cómo sale de la situación en que se ha metido.

Si a eso le unes la brillantez con la que escribe Bujold, tienes todo lo necesario para hacerte fan de la saga sin dudarlo.

Nota: Es Ciencia Ficción ligera, si esperáis precisamente eso lo vais a disfrutar muchísimo.

[Dirk Grobbelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forward momentum. That’s the key here. Miles has it. So has this novel. It’s easy to see why this series is such a fan favourite. This is a story that tells itself – the reader is only along for the ride. And it’s a rollicking one too. Not many books have this kind of impeccable pacing.

The story is finely balanced between the scampering plot and the ridiculously good character development of the physically challenged Miles Vorkosigan / Naismith. The supporting cast, though not as thoroughly developed, are also highly likeable each in their own fashion (it’s because they’re all so darn human). This is a grand SF adventure in the best tradition of grand old-school SF adventures… It’s touching; it’s sad; it’s exciting; it’s funny. It’s story telling at its finest.

I read this first, because it is the first novel featuring Miles as a protagonist. However, it is the second novel Bujold wrote, and it is the third novel in the Vorkosigan Saga. Between the Barrayaran (as opposed to Betan) politics and Vorkosigan genealogies new readers can find themselves in a bit of a muddle. Miles is pretty much a product of two worlds.

You’d be hard pressed to find an on-going Science Fiction (Space Opera) series that is universally more revered than the Vorkosigan Saga. Highly recommended.

[Maria Dimitrova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Buddy read with Choko and Evgeny.

The first time I read this book I wasn't impressed. I already knew the characters as they appear in later books thanks to the ridiculous way the publishing house in my country had published them. The awkwardness of many of the interactions was off putting and the angst and drama didn't appeal. Over the years I forgot the good parts and when I joined GR and started adding books I gave TWA an unfair rating.

This is still my least favourite book in the series. The angst and awkwardness are still there and they still make me cringe but are overshadowed by the sheer awesomeness of Miles' boundless energy. His "forward momentum" carries you away and before you know it you're part of the Dendarii Mercenaries.

ATTENTION SPOILERS FOLLOWING!

There are a few key moments in this book and depending on the mood the reader is in they have different impact and lead to a different view of the book. The first time I read TWA the thing that resonated most with me was Miles' need for approval. As all teens I felt that need at the time and could sympathize with him. An overachiever in many ways myself, Miles was a great companion growing up. Seeing his struggle from the perspective of a grown-up, it's even more heartbreaking. The fact that despite everything Miles never gave up is incredible and it makes these books a must read for all people who feel they are unworthy because of some disability.

The scene that made the most emotional impact this time was the one when Elena Bothari's mother shows up in Miles' quarters and the following events. Those of you who have read Shards of Honor are familiar with the story around Elena's conception. Since these books are told from the Vorkosigans' POV it's easy to forget that once upon a time Sergeant Bothari was the pet monster of the late Admiral Vorrutyer. And I at least had grown to love the scary Sergeant. In TWA we come face-to-face with the consequences of his actions for the victim. Sure, Bothari has repented and to an extend redeemed himself, but the horror is still very much alive for his victim - Elena Viscounti. I fully understand her need for revenge and her actions after she meets her tormentor again. In her eyes what Bothari did can never be fixed and it doesn't matter that he was under orders and well more than a little crazy at the time. For her he is only the nightmare that has haunted her for 19 years. And so their daughter, Elena, becomes yet another victim of the sick mind of a man long dead. When I first read this book I couldn't grasp why the elder Elena would spurn her daughter. She is innocent after all and a blood of her blood. 15 years of living in this twisted world and seeing how people treat each other has made it possible for me to see through Elena Viscounti's eyes and understand why she can't even look at Elena. Same goes for Elena's reaction to the news. Back then I was like: "But he's your father! He has loved you all your life! Why can't you find it in yourself to forgive him? He was only trying to protect you!" Now, I can see how this broke her, tore the pink-tinted glasses off of her eyes and forced her to confront the real world. And to realise that her life has been a lie. I think that in her shoes I would have vowed to never go back to Barrayar myself. The fact that everyone she loves and respects has been lying to her makes that the only viable option and the only way for her to see who she really is. This tendency by the older generation to shield the younger one, while understandable, leads to many problems and will come back to bite the on the rump in the books to come.

Okay I'll stop on this note because if I don't I'll end up with paragraph after paragraph about everything that happens in this book - from Miles' awkwardness and rashness when it come to his romantic interests to Ivan's waste of potential and Gregor's foolish trust. It's safe to say that there are a lot more things to be experienced by reading this book and I strongly recommend it to everyone who likes existential works masking as space opera.

[Jake Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

All hail the bullshit master Miles Vorkosian.


This book was busy being wildly amusing, and incredibly fun and then suddenly shit got very real.


Forward momentum.

Phenomenal

9.3/10