What do you think?
Rate this book
Vorkosigan Saga (Publication Order) #11-12. 13.1
Miles in Love
Omnibus with two complete novels and a novella in one large volume. This collection shows Miles and Ekaterin meeting (Komarr), getting to know each other as Miles tries to court her (A Civil Campaign), and the wedding (Winterfair Gifts), and, of course, Miles dealing with assorted family relationships. Miles deals with political problems along the way plus recounts the loves of his life to Ekaterin. ...none of them would marry him; they all went on to lead successful lives--so unlike her life on Komarr. The last on his list was Rian: "And what does she do now?" ... "Now, She's an empress" ... "Can I take a number and get in line?" ... "The next number up", he breathed, "is one".
Contents:
Komarr: Miles Vorkosigan is sent to Komarr, a planet that could be a garden with a thousand more years of terraforming; or an uninhabitable wasteland, if the terraforming project fails. The solar mirror vital to the project has been shatteredby a ship hurtling off course, and Miles Vorkossigan has been sent to find out if it was an accident, or sabotage. Miles uncovers a plot that could exile him from Barrayar forever - and discovers an unexpected ally, one with wounds as deep and honor as beleaguered as his own.
A Civil Campaign: On Komarr, Miles met the beautiful Vor widow Ekaterin Vorsoisson, who has no intention of getting married after the heartbreak and betrayal of her first experience. But Miles has a cunning plan to change her mind. Unfortunately his clone-brother Mark and his cousin Ivan have cunning plans of their own, and the three-way collision of cunning plans threatens to undo Miles' brilliant romantic strategy.
"Winterfair Gifts": Miles and Ekaterin make elaborate preparations for their wedding. But Miles has an enemy who is plotting to turn the romantic ceremony into a festival of death.
Contents:
Komarr: Miles Vorkosigan is sent to Komarr, a planet that could be a garden with a thousand more years of terraforming; or an uninhabitable wasteland, if the terraforming project fails. The solar mirror vital to the project has been shatteredby a ship hurtling off course, and Miles Vorkossigan has been sent to find out if it was an accident, or sabotage. Miles uncovers a plot that could exile him from Barrayar forever - and discovers an unexpected ally, one with wounds as deep and honor as beleaguered as his own.
A Civil Campaign: On Komarr, Miles met the beautiful Vor widow Ekaterin Vorsoisson, who has no intention of getting married after the heartbreak and betrayal of her first experience. But Miles has a cunning plan to change her mind. Unfortunately his clone-brother Mark and his cousin Ivan have cunning plans of their own, and the three-way collision of cunning plans threatens to undo Miles' brilliant romantic strategy.
"Winterfair Gifts": Miles and Ekaterin make elaborate preparations for their wedding. But Miles has an enemy who is plotting to turn the romantic ceremony into a festival of death.
862 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2008
59 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Lois McMaster Bujold
190 books39.3k followersLois 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/
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/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 5, 2024
Miles in Love consists of two novels ( and ) as well as the short story Winterfair Gifts. Quoting my reviews of the two novels and then a new review of the short story, below.
Komarr
This is a Vorkosigan mystery. A crime has been committed, but part of the mystery is that no one knows (at first) that it was even a crime. Enter Miles Vorkosigan in his new role of Imperial Auditor.
Bujold shows us life under the domes of a planet undergoing terraforming. From the point of view of the off-planet conquerors. The social dynamics would make for an interesting story even without the mystery.
Another excellent story with good pacing, interesting new characters, and two point-of-view characters with very different views of Komarr. The ending scene in the hospital would make an average book good - with an excellent book like this it just caps the story with a truly satisfying ending.
A Civil Campaign
This is my favorite Vorkosigan novel. The whole series leads up to this saga of becoming responsible, mature people. Not just Miles, a lot of people leave their young adulthood behind and take on a heavier load.
A regency era romantic drama in space - with bioengineered bugs. I am reminded of Obrien's Aubrey/Maturin series in some ways. This setting mainly involves the aristocracy of Barrayar and feels very much the English period piece. A different kind of story, but written in Bujold's excellent style. The new characters are drawn out through the story to be complete people. Returning characters get new facets to their personalities and have adventures that come from their own actions.
Individual scenes have stuck with me for the years since my first reading.
Winterfair Gifts
The omnibus ends with a short story detailing the wedding. This wonderful short story choked me up in a couple places. Is this story fan service? Maybe. Is this a capstone short story? Absolutely. Characters from almost every book are in this short story. The 'obstacle to be overcome' is due to Miles' prior encounters. The method of overcoming follows logically from our prior meetings with the characters involved. This short story both could not exist without and is completely true to all the prior books.
Komarr
This is a Vorkosigan mystery. A crime has been committed, but part of the mystery is that no one knows (at first) that it was even a crime. Enter Miles Vorkosigan in his new role of Imperial Auditor.
Bujold shows us life under the domes of a planet undergoing terraforming. From the point of view of the off-planet conquerors. The social dynamics would make for an interesting story even without the mystery.
Another excellent story with good pacing, interesting new characters, and two point-of-view characters with very different views of Komarr. The ending scene in the hospital would make an average book good - with an excellent book like this it just caps the story with a truly satisfying ending.
A Civil Campaign
This is my favorite Vorkosigan novel. The whole series leads up to this saga of becoming responsible, mature people. Not just Miles, a lot of people leave their young adulthood behind and take on a heavier load.
A regency era romantic drama in space - with bioengineered bugs. I am reminded of Obrien's Aubrey/Maturin series in some ways. This setting mainly involves the aristocracy of Barrayar and feels very much the English period piece. A different kind of story, but written in Bujold's excellent style. The new characters are drawn out through the story to be complete people. Returning characters get new facets to their personalities and have adventures that come from their own actions.
Individual scenes have stuck with me for the years since my first reading.
Winterfair Gifts
The omnibus ends with a short story detailing the wedding. This wonderful short story choked me up in a couple places. Is this story fan service? Maybe. Is this a capstone short story? Absolutely. Characters from almost every book are in this short story. The 'obstacle to be overcome' is due to Miles' prior encounters. The method of overcoming follows logically from our prior meetings with the characters involved. This short story both could not exist without and is completely true to all the prior books.
April 27, 2020
"This mind-melting mixture of lust and domesticity was entirely novel to him. Well, half novel; he knew how to handle lust. It was the domesticity that had ambushed his guard."High marks for Miles in Love, three off-world, romantic and suspenseful sci-fi stories.
This trilogy revolves primarily around Lord Miles Vorkosigan and his new heart-throb, a courageous widow named Ekaterin (with her 9-year-old son Nikki). Here's the skinny on each one:
1) Komarr: Miles meets Ekaterin. Solid romantic suspense 4.5 stars
2) A Civil Campaign: Miles courts Ekaterin. Brilliant regency-like romance 4.75 stars
3) Winterfair Gifts: Miles marries Ekaterin. Fun novella with my favorite wolf-girl. 3-4 stars
Besides developing the relationship between Miles and Ekaterin in each book, there are several other subplots:
1) In Komarr, Miles (aka The Imperial Auditor) serving as the Voice of the Emperor, is sent to investigate the explosion of a spaceship and solar mirror on Komarr. Ekaterin and Miles foil some terrorists who plot to destroy the wormhole. Ekoterin's husband dies. Miles falls hard. Ekaterin is wary of any relationship after a decade with Tien.
2) In A Civil Campaign, Mark -- along with his four personas, Howl, Grunt, Gorge, and Killer -- bonds more deeply with Kareen. (I adore Kareen, and loved how Cordelia -- acting as the romance negotiator or Baba -- put her parents Drou and Kou in the "hot seat" so to speak!) Mark et al go into the Butter Bug food processing business. (Laughed out loud at the bug scenes -- both during the dinner party and at the end, with the "battle" for the biogenetic engineer, Dr. Enrique Borgos). There is also widespread malicious slander against Miles which must be stopped. Also, a sociopolitical plot involving a sex-change operation. Another sociopolitical subplot revolves around René Vorbretten, who might lose his title and lands because his blood is 1/8th Cetagandan. Ivan Vorpatril plays a heroic part -- or is he duped? Also, Emperor Gregor gets married. He shines in this book, especially in his dealings with young Nikki.
3) In Winterfair Gifts, Sergeant Taura (the fabulous super-soldier / wolf-girl from Labyrinth) and Roic, a buff Vorkosigan armsman prevent the wedding from devolving into a funeral. Along the way, they fall in like and engage in some smexy fun. And sometime or other, Baby Cordelia is born to Elena and Baz.
Quibbles with Winterfair: Bujold took Eketarin out of character, making her weepy. Miles creeped me out, discussing how Taura makes love -- talking about it with Roic. He reminded me a bit of Captain James T. Kirk, playboy womanizer.
All three books are entertaining and well written. Space opera meets Georgette Heyer and Jane Austin! Not much in terms of sci-fi in this trilogy, but the entire series has more innovation.
Best to read all three books. They flow together seamlessly. Even better to read the entire series.
Note: I came across half a dozen typos across all three books, in the kindle format.
======
Planet Barrayar and the Vor Lords: Many names sound the same. On planet Barrayar -- where Miles was born -- noble houses begin with Vor, as with Miles Vorkosigan, emperor Gregor Vorbarra, Ivan Vorpatril, etc. "Vor-" is a prefix that means "military warrior" or something similar. This naming system began about 600 years ago, after Barrayar's wormhole to Mother Earth collapsed and the Period of Isolation began, transforming (and regressing) advanced Barrayar into a feudal system of government. Barrayarans are descendants of Russian, English, French, and Greek colonists.
The Vorkosigan Saga is space opera -- an adventurous lark across the cosmos, laced with danger, romance and philosophy. As science fiction, the "science" is not technical (fine by me). I read this series for the characterization and relationship development as well as the plot and pacing. The dialogue flows. In addition, Bujold occasionally inserts a word I hadn't heard before (I like that).
=======
My reviews of this series (*favorites):
Shards of Honor review
*Barrayar review
*The Warrior's Apprentice review
The Vor Game review
Cetaganda review
The Mountains of Mourning review
Labyrinth review
*Borders of Infinity review
Brothers in Arms review
Mirror Dance review
*Memory review
*Miles in Love: Komarr, A Civil Campaign, Winterfair Gifts review
*Komarr review
Diplomatic Immunity review
Captain Vorpatril's Alliance review
Cryoburn review
April 19, 2021
“If only his brain hadn't been turned to pulsing oatmeal, Miles felt, he could follow out some line of logic from this. Later.”
Not quite four stars. Good, well-done, but not great. Two novels and a short story.
“Some of us get what they deserve. Others of us get luckier than that.”
A "must read" for followers of the Miles Vorkosigan saga, though.
“You know, your sense of humor is going to get you into deep trouble someday.” “Belike.”
Modern authors should note that Bujold manages to tell her stories clearly with various gender and marital configurations. Authors don’t need to surrender clarity for their particular hobby horse.
“Roots grow deep in the dark.”
Not quite four stars. Good, well-done, but not great. Two novels and a short story.
“Some of us get what they deserve. Others of us get luckier than that.”
A "must read" for followers of the Miles Vorkosigan saga, though.
“You know, your sense of humor is going to get you into deep trouble someday.” “Belike.”
Modern authors should note that Bujold manages to tell her stories clearly with various gender and marital configurations. Authors don’t need to surrender clarity for their particular hobby horse.
“Roots grow deep in the dark.”
May 29, 2010
Follow this link for my review of Komar. 4 stars
Follow this link for my review of A Civil Campaign 4.5-5 stars
'Winterfair Gifts' (novella) 4 stars
'Winterfair Gifts' grants us a glimpse of Vorkosigan House through the eyes of Roic, the newest member of the armsmen, infamous for his spectacular brief rescue of Dr. Borgas and his assistants in A Civil Campaign. Roic feels he failed Lord Miles then and second-guesses himself constantly. Galactic gifts and guests begin to arrive for Miles and Ekaterrin's wedding, further stressing Roic's confidence and competence. Taura's arrival further confuses Roic and eventually places him in the unenviable position of accuser tempered with trust.
Quite a different viewpoint, a newcomer to Miles' orbit looking on with confusion and awe as Miles spins and whirls, gathering great friends and cunning enemies like a singularity traps light itself.
My favorite Vorkosigan Saga omnibus to date. Only one more to go and then a few months wait for the publication of CryoBurn.
Follow this link for my review of A Civil Campaign 4.5-5 stars
'Winterfair Gifts' (novella) 4 stars
'Winterfair Gifts' grants us a glimpse of Vorkosigan House through the eyes of Roic, the newest member of the armsmen, infamous for his spectacular brief rescue of Dr. Borgas and his assistants in A Civil Campaign. Roic feels he failed Lord Miles then and second-guesses himself constantly. Galactic gifts and guests begin to arrive for Miles and Ekaterrin's wedding, further stressing Roic's confidence and competence. Taura's arrival further confuses Roic and eventually places him in the unenviable position of accuser tempered with trust.
Quite a different viewpoint, a newcomer to Miles' orbit looking on with confusion and awe as Miles spins and whirls, gathering great friends and cunning enemies like a singularity traps light itself.
My favorite Vorkosigan Saga omnibus to date. Only one more to go and then a few months wait for the publication of CryoBurn.
August 6, 2021
This a compendium including Komarr, A Civil Campaign, and a short story Winterfaire Gifts. It turned out to be my favorite in the Vorkosigan series. I love the character of Miles, and the plotting and nuance of this one was a delight. Intergalactic, but the political machinations and inner life developments were very human, and reminiscent of Dumas or Shakespeare.
Towards the middle of A Civil Campaign I had the inkling I’d read it before, perhaps 20 years ago.
Totally worth another read. just great.
it’s kind of too bad that the first two volumes in this long series are so YA-ish. they aren’t by any means bad but they are not adult fiction, as this is. Still, you need the information in those early volumes to really understand the later tomes.
This was nearly 900 pages and I found myself reading it more and more slowly, not wanting it to end.
Towards the middle of A Civil Campaign I had the inkling I’d read it before, perhaps 20 years ago.
Totally worth another read. just great.
it’s kind of too bad that the first two volumes in this long series are so YA-ish. they aren’t by any means bad but they are not adult fiction, as this is. Still, you need the information in those early volumes to really understand the later tomes.
This was nearly 900 pages and I found myself reading it more and more slowly, not wanting it to end.
September 13, 2020
Excellent as ever.
May 21, 2013
Komarr: 18-19.5.2013 5 stars
*happy sigh* A most excellent, emotionally satisfying read. I love Ekaterin. And I really love Ekaterin for Miles. So Vor, but so sensible; so wounded but so brave. I can't wait to move onto the courtship!
A Civil Campaign: 19-20.5.2013 5 stars
Contains the most disastrous dinner party in the history of ever. And vomiting beetles. Not to mention, an awkward romance. What's not to love? (Also, Ivan shows signs of possibly maturing someday. o_O)
Winterfair Gifts: 20.5.2013 3 stars (novella)
I'm glad to see Taura snag some happiness and I like Roic.
*happy sigh* A most excellent, emotionally satisfying read. I love Ekaterin. And I really love Ekaterin for Miles. So Vor, but so sensible; so wounded but so brave. I can't wait to move onto the courtship!
A Civil Campaign: 19-20.5.2013 5 stars
Contains the most disastrous dinner party in the history of ever. And vomiting beetles. Not to mention, an awkward romance. What's not to love? (Also, Ivan shows signs of possibly maturing someday. o_O)
Winterfair Gifts: 20.5.2013 3 stars (novella)
I'm glad to see Taura snag some happiness and I like Roic.
July 26, 2019
Rereading some favs from the Vorkosigan series (Komarr, A Civil Campaign, and a novella). A Civil Campaign was the first one I read, back in June, 2004.
Just as much fun as the first time around!
And, rereading Komarr again in July 2014, purely escapist in the midst of moving--and, enjoyed it again, just as much!
Rereading during nursing, January and February 2017. Still good, especially when one is just looking for a fun read.
July 2019--Reread most of Komarr and bits of Civil Campaign during night-time vigils while 2 year old goes to sleep...
Just as much fun as the first time around!
And, rereading Komarr again in July 2014, purely escapist in the midst of moving--and, enjoyed it again, just as much!
Rereading during nursing, January and February 2017. Still good, especially when one is just looking for a fun read.
July 2019--Reread most of Komarr and bits of Civil Campaign during night-time vigils while 2 year old goes to sleep...
October 31, 2017
This omnibus - especially The Civil Campaign - highlights the main element that make the Vorkosigan Saga so great. The secret sauce? LMB's grasp on relationships, and the way they intersect with sexuality and culture and individual trauma. The rising action and the whodunnit are captivating, for sure, but it's Ekaterin and Cordelia and Mark that make me cry and feel things. If you want sci-fi without stilted caricatures instead of characters, and that takes the impacts of technology on society and culture seriously, look no further.
July 24, 2017
Yes, I have read both novels and the short story that make up this compilation before. It was worth reading again, back to back, especially with the illuminating afterword. This is one of those dangerously good books. I read from half-way through book one to the end of book two in one sitting. And then I went back to re-read my favorite scenes. I love this series, now I want to re-read them all.
**Update** Re-read on my Kindle in 2011.
**Update** Re-read on my Kindle in 2011.
August 14, 2016
I didn't really enjoy Komarr - the Miles/Ekaterin stuff weirdly reminded me of a Biblical story that's always left me a bit uncomfortable. But A Civil Campaign is so charming! I did like the change in pace and tone, the way it worked so nicely as a fan of Heyer and Austen and the frothy romances, shot through with the Vor political intrigues I've come to love. And the butter bugs, ahahahahaha...I did like the butter bugs.
October 2, 2011
While I really enjoyed Komarr and "Winterfair Gifts," the standout of this omnibus was A Civil Campaign. WOW, what a great book!! Sharp and witty, it had me literally crying with laughter about halfway through.
Now I just have to backtrack and go through Miles Errant (omni #3) and Miles, Mutants and Microbes (omni #4).
Now I just have to backtrack and go through Miles Errant (omni #3) and Miles, Mutants and Microbes (omni #4).
August 25, 2013
Hands down best omnibus since Young Miles. I probably even like this one better, but you HAVE to read Young Miles to appreciate the title character enough for Miles in Love. Stayed up until the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put it down! Miles Vorkosigan is a fictional character I would love to meet. I'm half in love with him as it is!
August 8, 2014
There is nothing I didn't like about these three stories. I bought the omnibus specifically to read the short novella "Winterfair Gifts" because I had already read the other two stories separately. TOTALLY worth it. This is so far my favorite omnibus, although Young Miles is such a close second, it's nearly a tie. Without a doubt, I will be reading this again.
August 2, 2020
The “Winterfair Gifts” editor should be drawn and quartered for failing to rectify four egregious typos, but all three stories are lovely.
Komarr is my favorite of the two novels in this omnibus, but A Civil Campaign is downright impressive with how it genre-bends romance into what’s otherwise a space opera.
Komarr is my favorite of the two novels in this omnibus, but A Civil Campaign is downright impressive with how it genre-bends romance into what’s otherwise a space opera.
January 23, 2021
Komarr was excellent, four stars. “A civil campaign” is Bujold at her best, insane overlapping plots, moment of exquisite triumph and hilarity, and a bit (but not too much) of Miles at his manic best 5 stars. The short story “Winterfair gifts” was a lovely way to finish the omnibus 3 stars. Overall still 5 stars, just because I could not put it down.
November 2, 2009
Wonderful collection of Komarr, A Civil Campaign and the novella "Winterfair Gifts".
July 24, 2011
Tehani and I continue our voyage into Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles-land, in a conversational review utterly replete with spoilers.
TEHANI:
It seemed logical to do the whole omnibus at once this time. We had both raced ahead of ourselves, more interested in reading the books than reporting on them, and before we knew it, Komarr, A Civil Campaign and "Winterfair Gifts" were all done! These three works are very strongly tied though, with the arc of the love story between Miles and Ekaterin, so it makes sense to talk about them as a whole.
ALEX:
Yes, absolutely. Reading them in the omnibus, I just... kept right on reading...
Komarr
TEHANI:
Now an official Imperial Auditor, Miles tags along with Imperial Auditor Vorthys to investigate an incident on the Barrayaran colony world Komarr, and finds himself imposing on the hospitality of Vorthys' niece, Ekaterin Vorsoisson, and her husband and young son. The Vorsoisson household is not a happy one, with Ekaterin's husband Tien hiding a secret. Miles finds himself drawn to Ekaterin, although his honour forbids him ever to act upon this, and Ekaterin, miserably trapped in a marriage she long grew out of, can only dream of a happier life. Despite his change in status, trouble still follows Miles wherever he goes, and the Komarr situation is no different. Balancing a diplomatic disaster in the making with the mystery of the solar mirror accidents, Miles, as always, finds more problems than he bargained for.
ALEX:
And it's not like Miles doesn't half COURT danger, let's be honest. Nosey little git is a NICE way to describe him, most of the time! Anyway, there are indeed two narratives going on her. First, the detective business that the Auditors essentially find themselves in and bring them to Komarr, figuring out what happened to the soletta - deliberate or accidental damage? - which in turn leads to a much bigger issue: someone trying to close Barrayar's wormhole permanently. I really enjoyed the investigative aspects of the story, and the way in which Miles used and explored his new Auditor powers. Pairing him with Vorthys, much older and much wiser, with different skills and a more relaxed take on life, was clever from the Emperor and from Bujold - it sets Miles up nicely to work the way he works best, as well to continue growing as a character. And I really really liked that the issues at stake got so much bigger from something quite small; it developed over the course of the novel very smoothly.
The second narrative, of course, if Miles falling in luuuurve with Ekaterin - already married, and then widowed, partly through Miles' own negligence. And doesn't that play on his conscience...
TEHANI:
One very interesting aspect of this book is that it's the first time we get another point of view character for a big chunk of a Miles story. And this in itself is a dead giveaway as to Ekaterin's importance to the world. Elli Quinn and Elena Bothari-Jesek were never given the narrative. Obviously things were a bit different in Mirror Dance, when Miles was dead or missing for much of the book, but in this case, it is as much Ekaterin's story as it is Miles', if not more, and this is very telling.
ALEX:
I loved that we got Ekaterin's perspective! I'll admit that I had accidentally looked over a chronology of Miles' life and saw "Miles and Ekaterin on honeymoon", so there was no surprise for me in their relationship developing - although I did wonder what we were going to do with Tien! - which I was a bit cranky about. As you say, that she gets so much personal airtime in the book is indeed a giveaway. The insight into the more domestic side of things, and how Miles impacts on people, was a fascinating one.
TEHANI:
I didn't feel like Komarr was the most engaging of the newer books, but really, that's a comparative issue - when the two books that precede it are Memory and Mirror Dance, it's a challenge to stand up and be equal or better! It's still absolutely solid storytelling, giving us action, drama and mystery, with a little glimpse of love thrown in.
ALEX:
I really enjoyed it! It's a very different book from either Mirror Dance or Memory, and it benefited from that. There's a bit less introspection from Miles, and a bit more action, which helps to distance it from Memory in particular. It's a nice change of pace, given we still get to keep Miles being Miles.
TEHANI:
I'm really glad Bujold didn't leave poor Miles in the lurch again here. It's really been so unfair that all the women in his life are not interested in being Barrayaran wives, and while of course, happy ever after is not where we leave the book, at least we know the possibility is now open.
Ekaterin herself plays an important role in Komarr. She's not there to be Miles' love interest or complication, although there is that aspect. She plays a big part in the plot as well, but I think the most interesting aspect is her insight into what it means to be a Vor woman. We've seen a bit of this with Ivan's mother and some others, but here, Ekaterin is in the spotlight and she is true Vor. Miles has been our benchmark of Vor, supplemented by Ivan, Aral and many other MEN. now we get the other perspective, one that Cordelia, being Betan, could never offer - that of what it's like to grow up, and live, as a Vor woman.
ALEX:
The insight into being a Vor woman was utterly captivating - as you say, Cordelia is so totally off the map for Barrayar that she can't offer this sort of perspective. My heart ached to see Ekaterin's personal life... and realise that actually Bujold is talking about the experiences of many women today. Her relationship with her son Nikki was interesting too, for being (it seems to me) very real. I was so pleased that she got an action part to play, too - although I will admit that when she and her aunt got nabbed at the station, I had to put the book down and walk away for a little while, because Bujold just KEEPS DOING NASTY THINGS TO HER CHARACTERS. I was fairly sure she's be ok, but the stress was no good for me. And then Ekaterin destroyed the weapon and it was all ok. Thankfully. Also, I really really liked Aunt and Uncle Vorthys and their relationship - which is developed much more in the next book - that they both have successful, professional careers and have a good marriage says that the Vor aren't completely and totally useless.
A Civil Campaign
TEHANI:
THIS BOOK IS SO. MUCH. FUN!
ALEX:
Hell yes!!
TEHANI:
I adore this from beginning to end. Bujold once again demonstrates her incredible ability to cross genres, writing a marvellous romantic comedy with intrigue and gender bending and politics and Miles bumbling about! There's a name for that, right?
ALEX:
Awesome?
TEHANI:
There are lots of plot threads crisscrossing this book. Underpinning it all is Miles's attempts to woo Ekaterin, now living back on Barrayar with her aunt and uncle Vorthys (side note: I ADORE Ekaterin's aunt - she's up there with Cordelia for awesome) and Nikki, her young son. We know how well Miles does in the romance stakes, so his concerted efforts go rather awry - he really must get used to the fact that his vision is not always the same as the vision of those around him!
ALEX:
Oh heck, that dinner party!! That was another moment when I just wanted to crawl under the carpet on behalf of Miles and his shame. But honestly, why the hell did he go around talking about her?? I guess I understood, a bit - hard to keep your trap shut about being in love - but at the same time, he was telling himself so firmly that he had to WAIT... and then it got out of hand... and then it all came good! Hurrah! I think this is one reason why I don't tend to read or watch romantic comedies, actually; I do not enjoy other people's embarrassment; I feel it too keenly myself.
Once again I enjoyed Ekaterin's perspective - that she is coming to understand herself so much more, in particular with how she treats her would-be suitors and her relatives. That she is still trapped to an extent in Barrayar legalities and expectations is excruciating. I also really enjoyed her love of gardening - it's nice to have at least one person expressing an appreciation of the native flora, rather than just wanting to totally terraform the place. On the Miles front, being privy to her turmoil in thinking about him was very cleverly done. Also, it ends up giving us a whole new insight into Miles himself - and finally a proper tour of Vorkosigan House!
TEHANI:
But the side plots are such fun. The butter bugs, brought to Vorkosigan house by Mark, under the erstwhile care of the mad professor (that's totally what he was, right?), and Mark's own love affair with the wonderful Kareen Koudelka gives us a madcap zaniness, which while often under the surface in the Vorkosigan saga, is rarely so overt. And seeing Mark really becoming a person, with a girlfriend and a business, is just lovely. Lady Alys is still organising that darn imperial wedding, keeping everyone, particularly Ivan, hopping. And poor Ivan, now left on the shelf, thinking he might have a chance with a three-time widow who goes and has a sex change in order to take legitimate success of a District … well, that's just typical for Ivan, isn't it? I do love that Ivan gets a chance to be a hero here though - without him, the outcome of the meeting of the counts would have been rather different. And you know I've always had a soft spot for Ivan :)
ALEX:
BUTTER BUGS!! So gross. And Mark turns up, hurrah! I like Mark - the sub-plot with him and Kareen was also a very interesting one, with Kareen paralleling Ekaterin in some ways, with her trying to figure out how to be herself with her parents as well as with Mark. I love Mark for his love of her - and I really love the way Cordelia deals with Kou and Drou, dragging that couch out of the attic!! Ivan... see, Ivan lost some of my goodwill, for trying to be nasty to Miles in upsetting the Ekaterin applecart somewhat. Grrr.
TEHANI:
This book shows Barrayar itself growing up too. The count with the replicators, the one who finds he has Cetagandan heritage, and the Donna/Dono subplots demonstrate ways in which Barrayar is becoming more galactic, and how well her people are, or are not, dealing with this change. I think it's a very important change Bujold is making here, because while Barrayar has been so set in its cultural ways for many generations, things HAD to change (and it's a nice tip of the hat to Aral and Cordelia's own efforts to bring about change).
ALEX:
The Donna/Dono plot was AWESOME. I had so not expected that, and it was a marvellous challenge to the stuffy Counts! I did get a giggle out of the fact that they were, in the end, more scandalised that one of their own could attempt an assault - and worse, fail - than by the sex-change. Additionally, Gregor and Laisa finally get married (with almost no problems!), which provides a nice bit of development/improvement for Barrayar as a planet too; ties to a colonial possession at a very personal level certainly help.
TEHANI:
This book is full of misunderstandings, miscommunications, missed opportunities and mischance. It's surprisingly long, but is the most amazingly quick read. The characters are so dryly funny, even in their utter despair, and the story absolutely belts along in pace, weaving the myriad plot threads into a gorgeously fun tapestry of a book. I think this has to be my favourite book, for the sheer fun of it (with its underlying serious elements), despite my adoration of Memory and Mirror Dance. I can't imagine being like Tansy and STARTING with this book, because the back story adds so much more depth, but I can see how it would provide a brilliant introduction to the madness of Miles!
ALEX:
The idea of starting with this book makes my head HURT. This is indeed a whole lot of fun, but it can't rate as my favourite, I'm afraid; there were too many cringe-moments!
"Winterfair Gifts"
TEHANI:
While not next in the publishing schedule, "Winterfair Gifts" is a neat little tie up of the events of A Civil Campaign. Miles and Ekaterin are finally getting married, and this sweet little tale tells that story. Again we switch point of view, this time to the young armsman Roic, who gives us a fresh perspective into what being around the Vorkosigans is like. Naturally, nothing is easy on Barrayar. Sergeant Taura comes to the wedding, shocking Barrayar with her fearsome appearance (but the Lady Alys handily takes her under her wing and helps Taura understand her own beauty) and uncovering a nasty plot that would destroy not only the wedding, but Miles himself, by killing Ekaterin. In a fairly short piece, all is resolved and tied up in a bow of the beautiful winter wedding.
ALEX:
It was nice to have this next in the omnibus - although I did wonder at Ekaterin's nerves and whether Bujold was going to actually make Miles WORK in this one! It was awesome to get Roic's point of view, this time - his discomfort at not being from the military was sweet, and his reaction to Taura was awesome - as was Taura's reaction to Lady Alys! But, a winter wedding in the garden? The man is crazy.
TEHANI:
If I have one disappointment it was that we didn't see any more than a brief glimpse of Elena and Baz and their baby, and more of Ekaterin than as a plot device here. That said, Taura and Roic were lovely, if sad, and I liked that it showed the backwater boy learning to understand a bit more that looking different doesn't mean being different. I don't know that we had to have "Winterfair Gifts" to complete the Miles/Ekaterin love story, but it's a nice touch.
ALEX:
True. I was a bit sad Quinn wasn't there, but I guess having one old flame and one old lover in the place for the wedding was enough for Miles' potential discomfort...
TEHANI:
Onwards, to Diplomatic Immunity where Ekaterin once again gets to demonstrate why she really is a great match for Miles and we run across some old friends!
TEHANI:
It seemed logical to do the whole omnibus at once this time. We had both raced ahead of ourselves, more interested in reading the books than reporting on them, and before we knew it, Komarr, A Civil Campaign and "Winterfair Gifts" were all done! These three works are very strongly tied though, with the arc of the love story between Miles and Ekaterin, so it makes sense to talk about them as a whole.
ALEX:
Yes, absolutely. Reading them in the omnibus, I just... kept right on reading...
Komarr
TEHANI:
Now an official Imperial Auditor, Miles tags along with Imperial Auditor Vorthys to investigate an incident on the Barrayaran colony world Komarr, and finds himself imposing on the hospitality of Vorthys' niece, Ekaterin Vorsoisson, and her husband and young son. The Vorsoisson household is not a happy one, with Ekaterin's husband Tien hiding a secret. Miles finds himself drawn to Ekaterin, although his honour forbids him ever to act upon this, and Ekaterin, miserably trapped in a marriage she long grew out of, can only dream of a happier life. Despite his change in status, trouble still follows Miles wherever he goes, and the Komarr situation is no different. Balancing a diplomatic disaster in the making with the mystery of the solar mirror accidents, Miles, as always, finds more problems than he bargained for.
ALEX:
And it's not like Miles doesn't half COURT danger, let's be honest. Nosey little git is a NICE way to describe him, most of the time! Anyway, there are indeed two narratives going on her. First, the detective business that the Auditors essentially find themselves in and bring them to Komarr, figuring out what happened to the soletta - deliberate or accidental damage? - which in turn leads to a much bigger issue: someone trying to close Barrayar's wormhole permanently. I really enjoyed the investigative aspects of the story, and the way in which Miles used and explored his new Auditor powers. Pairing him with Vorthys, much older and much wiser, with different skills and a more relaxed take on life, was clever from the Emperor and from Bujold - it sets Miles up nicely to work the way he works best, as well to continue growing as a character. And I really really liked that the issues at stake got so much bigger from something quite small; it developed over the course of the novel very smoothly.
The second narrative, of course, if Miles falling in luuuurve with Ekaterin - already married, and then widowed, partly through Miles' own negligence. And doesn't that play on his conscience...
TEHANI:
One very interesting aspect of this book is that it's the first time we get another point of view character for a big chunk of a Miles story. And this in itself is a dead giveaway as to Ekaterin's importance to the world. Elli Quinn and Elena Bothari-Jesek were never given the narrative. Obviously things were a bit different in Mirror Dance, when Miles was dead or missing for much of the book, but in this case, it is as much Ekaterin's story as it is Miles', if not more, and this is very telling.
ALEX:
I loved that we got Ekaterin's perspective! I'll admit that I had accidentally looked over a chronology of Miles' life and saw "Miles and Ekaterin on honeymoon", so there was no surprise for me in their relationship developing - although I did wonder what we were going to do with Tien! - which I was a bit cranky about. As you say, that she gets so much personal airtime in the book is indeed a giveaway. The insight into the more domestic side of things, and how Miles impacts on people, was a fascinating one.
TEHANI:
I didn't feel like Komarr was the most engaging of the newer books, but really, that's a comparative issue - when the two books that precede it are Memory and Mirror Dance, it's a challenge to stand up and be equal or better! It's still absolutely solid storytelling, giving us action, drama and mystery, with a little glimpse of love thrown in.
ALEX:
I really enjoyed it! It's a very different book from either Mirror Dance or Memory, and it benefited from that. There's a bit less introspection from Miles, and a bit more action, which helps to distance it from Memory in particular. It's a nice change of pace, given we still get to keep Miles being Miles.
TEHANI:
I'm really glad Bujold didn't leave poor Miles in the lurch again here. It's really been so unfair that all the women in his life are not interested in being Barrayaran wives, and while of course, happy ever after is not where we leave the book, at least we know the possibility is now open.
Ekaterin herself plays an important role in Komarr. She's not there to be Miles' love interest or complication, although there is that aspect. She plays a big part in the plot as well, but I think the most interesting aspect is her insight into what it means to be a Vor woman. We've seen a bit of this with Ivan's mother and some others, but here, Ekaterin is in the spotlight and she is true Vor. Miles has been our benchmark of Vor, supplemented by Ivan, Aral and many other MEN. now we get the other perspective, one that Cordelia, being Betan, could never offer - that of what it's like to grow up, and live, as a Vor woman.
ALEX:
The insight into being a Vor woman was utterly captivating - as you say, Cordelia is so totally off the map for Barrayar that she can't offer this sort of perspective. My heart ached to see Ekaterin's personal life... and realise that actually Bujold is talking about the experiences of many women today. Her relationship with her son Nikki was interesting too, for being (it seems to me) very real. I was so pleased that she got an action part to play, too - although I will admit that when she and her aunt got nabbed at the station, I had to put the book down and walk away for a little while, because Bujold just KEEPS DOING NASTY THINGS TO HER CHARACTERS. I was fairly sure she's be ok, but the stress was no good for me. And then Ekaterin destroyed the weapon and it was all ok. Thankfully. Also, I really really liked Aunt and Uncle Vorthys and their relationship - which is developed much more in the next book - that they both have successful, professional careers and have a good marriage says that the Vor aren't completely and totally useless.
A Civil Campaign
TEHANI:
THIS BOOK IS SO. MUCH. FUN!
ALEX:
Hell yes!!
TEHANI:
I adore this from beginning to end. Bujold once again demonstrates her incredible ability to cross genres, writing a marvellous romantic comedy with intrigue and gender bending and politics and Miles bumbling about! There's a name for that, right?
ALEX:
Awesome?
TEHANI:
There are lots of plot threads crisscrossing this book. Underpinning it all is Miles's attempts to woo Ekaterin, now living back on Barrayar with her aunt and uncle Vorthys (side note: I ADORE Ekaterin's aunt - she's up there with Cordelia for awesome) and Nikki, her young son. We know how well Miles does in the romance stakes, so his concerted efforts go rather awry - he really must get used to the fact that his vision is not always the same as the vision of those around him!
ALEX:
Oh heck, that dinner party!! That was another moment when I just wanted to crawl under the carpet on behalf of Miles and his shame. But honestly, why the hell did he go around talking about her?? I guess I understood, a bit - hard to keep your trap shut about being in love - but at the same time, he was telling himself so firmly that he had to WAIT... and then it got out of hand... and then it all came good! Hurrah! I think this is one reason why I don't tend to read or watch romantic comedies, actually; I do not enjoy other people's embarrassment; I feel it too keenly myself.
Once again I enjoyed Ekaterin's perspective - that she is coming to understand herself so much more, in particular with how she treats her would-be suitors and her relatives. That she is still trapped to an extent in Barrayar legalities and expectations is excruciating. I also really enjoyed her love of gardening - it's nice to have at least one person expressing an appreciation of the native flora, rather than just wanting to totally terraform the place. On the Miles front, being privy to her turmoil in thinking about him was very cleverly done. Also, it ends up giving us a whole new insight into Miles himself - and finally a proper tour of Vorkosigan House!
TEHANI:
But the side plots are such fun. The butter bugs, brought to Vorkosigan house by Mark, under the erstwhile care of the mad professor (that's totally what he was, right?), and Mark's own love affair with the wonderful Kareen Koudelka gives us a madcap zaniness, which while often under the surface in the Vorkosigan saga, is rarely so overt. And seeing Mark really becoming a person, with a girlfriend and a business, is just lovely. Lady Alys is still organising that darn imperial wedding, keeping everyone, particularly Ivan, hopping. And poor Ivan, now left on the shelf, thinking he might have a chance with a three-time widow who goes and has a sex change in order to take legitimate success of a District … well, that's just typical for Ivan, isn't it? I do love that Ivan gets a chance to be a hero here though - without him, the outcome of the meeting of the counts would have been rather different. And you know I've always had a soft spot for Ivan :)
ALEX:
BUTTER BUGS!! So gross. And Mark turns up, hurrah! I like Mark - the sub-plot with him and Kareen was also a very interesting one, with Kareen paralleling Ekaterin in some ways, with her trying to figure out how to be herself with her parents as well as with Mark. I love Mark for his love of her - and I really love the way Cordelia deals with Kou and Drou, dragging that couch out of the attic!! Ivan... see, Ivan lost some of my goodwill, for trying to be nasty to Miles in upsetting the Ekaterin applecart somewhat. Grrr.
TEHANI:
This book shows Barrayar itself growing up too. The count with the replicators, the one who finds he has Cetagandan heritage, and the Donna/Dono subplots demonstrate ways in which Barrayar is becoming more galactic, and how well her people are, or are not, dealing with this change. I think it's a very important change Bujold is making here, because while Barrayar has been so set in its cultural ways for many generations, things HAD to change (and it's a nice tip of the hat to Aral and Cordelia's own efforts to bring about change).
ALEX:
The Donna/Dono plot was AWESOME. I had so not expected that, and it was a marvellous challenge to the stuffy Counts! I did get a giggle out of the fact that they were, in the end, more scandalised that one of their own could attempt an assault - and worse, fail - than by the sex-change. Additionally, Gregor and Laisa finally get married (with almost no problems!), which provides a nice bit of development/improvement for Barrayar as a planet too; ties to a colonial possession at a very personal level certainly help.
TEHANI:
This book is full of misunderstandings, miscommunications, missed opportunities and mischance. It's surprisingly long, but is the most amazingly quick read. The characters are so dryly funny, even in their utter despair, and the story absolutely belts along in pace, weaving the myriad plot threads into a gorgeously fun tapestry of a book. I think this has to be my favourite book, for the sheer fun of it (with its underlying serious elements), despite my adoration of Memory and Mirror Dance. I can't imagine being like Tansy and STARTING with this book, because the back story adds so much more depth, but I can see how it would provide a brilliant introduction to the madness of Miles!
ALEX:
The idea of starting with this book makes my head HURT. This is indeed a whole lot of fun, but it can't rate as my favourite, I'm afraid; there were too many cringe-moments!
"Winterfair Gifts"
TEHANI:
While not next in the publishing schedule, "Winterfair Gifts" is a neat little tie up of the events of A Civil Campaign. Miles and Ekaterin are finally getting married, and this sweet little tale tells that story. Again we switch point of view, this time to the young armsman Roic, who gives us a fresh perspective into what being around the Vorkosigans is like. Naturally, nothing is easy on Barrayar. Sergeant Taura comes to the wedding, shocking Barrayar with her fearsome appearance (but the Lady Alys handily takes her under her wing and helps Taura understand her own beauty) and uncovering a nasty plot that would destroy not only the wedding, but Miles himself, by killing Ekaterin. In a fairly short piece, all is resolved and tied up in a bow of the beautiful winter wedding.
ALEX:
It was nice to have this next in the omnibus - although I did wonder at Ekaterin's nerves and whether Bujold was going to actually make Miles WORK in this one! It was awesome to get Roic's point of view, this time - his discomfort at not being from the military was sweet, and his reaction to Taura was awesome - as was Taura's reaction to Lady Alys! But, a winter wedding in the garden? The man is crazy.
TEHANI:
If I have one disappointment it was that we didn't see any more than a brief glimpse of Elena and Baz and their baby, and more of Ekaterin than as a plot device here. That said, Taura and Roic were lovely, if sad, and I liked that it showed the backwater boy learning to understand a bit more that looking different doesn't mean being different. I don't know that we had to have "Winterfair Gifts" to complete the Miles/Ekaterin love story, but it's a nice touch.
ALEX:
True. I was a bit sad Quinn wasn't there, but I guess having one old flame and one old lover in the place for the wedding was enough for Miles' potential discomfort...
TEHANI:
Onwards, to Diplomatic Immunity where Ekaterin once again gets to demonstrate why she really is a great match for Miles and we run across some old friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2019
When I first read Shards of Honor, I really wasn't feeling the two protagonists were not my favorite romantic characters. Yes they were brave courageous and adventurous but not whose story I wanted to continue reading about.
Imagine my surprise when I realized the continuation of the Vorkosigan universe actual involved their son Miles. What a happy coincidence of having the story be about a romantic story between Miles and his beloved, Ekaterian.
I really enjoyed all three books in this omnibus. It was so surprising to have a main character such as Miles, raised in the semi-feudal nation and militaristic command to be a short but big-head male be such an honorable and clever character. Kat, I didn't really understand so much, but really it you are raised to be Vor, willing to kill your child for any physical defect, then it is no wonder that she allowed her child to live with the threat of a debilitating chronic disease because of fear of her husband. Maybe I hadn't read how Miles interacted with his many tall and strong willed lady loves, but Kat seemed a little too meek maybe.
But what the author did fabulously was open Ekaterin's shell to reveal the strong and wonderful character she later showed. I actually loved the mystery and down playing the killing and massacre which was hallmarks the first book. I like that Miles is a detective with a conscious. I also like Ekaterina didn't want to be saved and folded into another For marriage. I liked that she tried on her and didn't mourn for her husband.
Totally enjoyed this omnibus and all the family in-fighting etc.
😃
Imagine my surprise when I realized the continuation of the Vorkosigan universe actual involved their son Miles. What a happy coincidence of having the story be about a romantic story between Miles and his beloved, Ekaterian.
I really enjoyed all three books in this omnibus. It was so surprising to have a main character such as Miles, raised in the semi-feudal nation and militaristic command to be a short but big-head male be such an honorable and clever character. Kat, I didn't really understand so much, but really it you are raised to be Vor, willing to kill your child for any physical defect, then it is no wonder that she allowed her child to live with the threat of a debilitating chronic disease because of fear of her husband. Maybe I hadn't read how Miles interacted with his many tall and strong willed lady loves, but Kat seemed a little too meek maybe.
But what the author did fabulously was open Ekaterin's shell to reveal the strong and wonderful character she later showed. I actually loved the mystery and down playing the killing and massacre which was hallmarks the first book. I like that Miles is a detective with a conscious. I also like Ekaterina didn't want to be saved and folded into another For marriage. I liked that she tried on her and didn't mourn for her husband.
Totally enjoyed this omnibus and all the family in-fighting etc.
😃
August 23, 2014
I AM SO CROSS! As Memory is not included in any of the new omnibuses, I skipped it entirely, meaning I have been totally spoiled for it by the events of Komarr and A Civil Campaign. It did puzzle me at the time, given that Bujold never reveals vital plot points in flashback. GRR, AGHH, DEATH TO ALL SPOILERS ETC.
April 13, 2020
A Civil Campaign was laugh out loud funny. It was great seeing Miles not have things go his own way and find someone strong enough to match him instead of being pulled along in his wake.
I am beginning to have some issues with how the author applies human sexuality in this world. My sister pointed it out to me, and once she did it was hard not to notice. It permeates choices and plot movements throughout the whole series. It feels like what our world could be if we have the scientific advances; gene editing to a degree of becoming a different race, children that become commodities rather than blessings, transhumanism, etc. all these things are shown as advances without questioning exactly if they are always a moral choice. Some of the issues are explored but it reads as if people can do what they want and damn the consequences.
I am beginning to have some issues with how the author applies human sexuality in this world. My sister pointed it out to me, and once she did it was hard not to notice. It permeates choices and plot movements throughout the whole series. It feels like what our world could be if we have the scientific advances; gene editing to a degree of becoming a different race, children that become commodities rather than blessings, transhumanism, etc. all these things are shown as advances without questioning exactly if they are always a moral choice. Some of the issues are explored but it reads as if people can do what they want and damn the consequences.
August 4, 2025
3.5 stars, really. I liked Komarr the best. My expectations of A Civil Campaign were a little too high; I expected it to be primarily about Ekaterin and Miles, like Komarr, but Ekaterin as a person (relearning how to live after her disastrous first marriage) felt secondary to all the rest of the things going on. Much as I enjoyed the butter bugs, I'd have liked to get much more of Ekaterin instead. Or instead of Ivan and his woes. I suppose in this case, not having read the rest of the Vorkasigan Saga is a bit of a detriment to truly appreciating the plethora of characters in the story.
I'll definitely read more of the Vorkasigan Saga, but I wouldn't say I was sufficiently hooked to commit to the whole series.
I'll definitely read more of the Vorkasigan Saga, but I wouldn't say I was sufficiently hooked to commit to the whole series.
May 14, 2019
This is two novels and a novella in one book. I already reviewed Komarr, so on to the rest. A Civil Campaign was at turns suspenseful and funny. The villains were sufficiently nasty that I was ready to bury them in a radioactive pit. There is a lot of action, including a sort of food fight. Winterfair Gifts follows on in winter, where CC was set in midsummer, when Miles is preparing for his wedding. Nothing around Miles is going to be plain sailing, not even his marriage. An attempt on his bride-to-be's life, a more manic than usual groom, and the standard mayhem involved in a prominent person's wedding. It has funny moments and endearing moments with Sgt. Taura.
Read
August 10, 2019Reviewed under Komarr, A Civil Campaign and Winterfair Gifts.
March 23, 2025
I originally grabbed this in order to finally read the excellent novella Winterfair Gifts. Since it begins the book I decided to re-read Komarr. My reviews for all three stories are posted on their respective listings here but I have to say that reading Winterfair Gifts filled in some interesting details that were glossed over in A Civil Campaign that caused me to read it again with more clarity. The details about Sergeant Roic tell the reader much more about his loyalty to his Leige and duty. The extra details of the comic antics around the Butter Bugs makes this worthwhile by themselves!
December 4, 2018
Favorite Miles duology
A Civil Campaign, written as a regency romance crossed with space opera (but mostly that Georgette Heyer-esque regency tone), has long been my favourite Miles book. On this re-read, however, Komal has overtaken ACC. Miles has a frenetic energy to him that I think leads to fast paced action-driven books. These books are the calm, a pivotal change and the beginning of a new Miles. I like this new Miles. He’s grown up.
A Civil Campaign, written as a regency romance crossed with space opera (but mostly that Georgette Heyer-esque regency tone), has long been my favourite Miles book. On this re-read, however, Komal has overtaken ACC. Miles has a frenetic energy to him that I think leads to fast paced action-driven books. These books are the calm, a pivotal change and the beginning of a new Miles. I like this new Miles. He’s grown up.
August 24, 2019
Wonderful, simply wonderful!
The very best of Lois McMaster Bujold. Heartwarming stories with laugh out loud moments. I read a lot of books, good books, but occasionally I'll re-read one of Lois Bujolds award winning novels. I'm transported back to the Vorkosigan world. Uplifts my soul!
The very best of Lois McMaster Bujold. Heartwarming stories with laugh out loud moments. I read a lot of books, good books, but occasionally I'll re-read one of Lois Bujolds award winning novels. I'm transported back to the Vorkosigan world. Uplifts my soul!
November 6, 2021
A delightful continuation of Miles' evolution; the first novel is a nifty conspiracy thriller with a romantic subplot, the second is a romcom with political maneuverings, and the novella sets a surprising romance against the backdrop of a stressful wedding. As always with the Vorkosigan saga, the characters are simply a joy to read about, and the stories are consistently fun.
July 9, 2018
This is a nice collection focused on the events leading to Miles meeting his lady love, not so successfully courting her, and then finally . I love Miles's slow progression from an impulsive young man to a measured and thoughtful adult.
April 20, 2020
I love the sarcasm, humor, and amazonian women that see through Mile's physical form to who he is on the inside. I just love all of Lois McMaster Bujold's work and have just finished rereading all of the Vorkosigan books for the 5th or 6th time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews