Unable to listen to part of middle section, so -1

In the middle of listening to the second of three sections (Audible sometimes splits large books into smaller, downloadable parts) something odd happened- the book wouldn't load and when I deleted it from my mobile device and reloaded from the library, I suddenly had one single large book with an unplayable middle 7 or 8 chapters.

Other than that- I like Miles, the bug plot wore a little thin (maybe I missed something, hint hint, Audible! ) but I did enjoy the political machinations and humour. The narrator is superb, really, and brings each character to life.

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Possibly the best Vorkosigan-book.

Certainly the funniest story in the Vorkosigan saga.

Oh Miles, what a twit you are.

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Not at all what I expected, and I loved it

i came into the Vorkosigan Saga for the epic
space battles, the high-stakes military and political maneuvers, and tactical speed-chess played by the man who can face down a planetary-scale military fleet armed with a single ship… and *recruit* them.

Since then, I've found all of that, plus mystery stories, investigations, and harrowing physical and psychological torture scenes.

And now we find out what Lois McMaster Bujold has been building to all this time… a light-hearted romantic comedy of manners, filled with social engagements, wedding plans, tea with the emperor, and a sizable side plot about starting a new business selling a butter-substitute.

… and it's brilliant. Absolutely loved it.

No, this isn't the Vorkosigan novel I would have expected when I was reading book 5 of the series. But if you've been paying attention over the past two novels then you'll have seen that the tone has been gradually, gently, inexorably shifting in this direction. The author has laid the groundwork for this new direction, and made it seem natural. She makes it work.

I think this book has more POV characters than any previous book in the series, and I was rooting for every single one of them.

Very funny, very sweet, very clever, and very well done.

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An utter joy...

I read a print version of this delightful book when it was first released a lifetime ago. It has shone in my memory as one of the most hilarious and gripping reads in an outstanding series. So I decided to treat myself to the audiobook version and kept my fingers crossed that I would enjoy listening to this gem. I needn't have worried. The narration is ably performed and the prose is smooth, the characterisation assured and the humour dry and witty.

It was lovely seeing the interaction of much-loved characters where the dynamic was comedic as well as adventurous and small wonder this author has garnered so many writing awards during her career. Highly recommended.

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The best of the series!

A fantastic instalment - definitely my favourite book from my favourite series. Bujold is absolutely brilliant!

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Brilliant

Surprisingly I have enjoyed this book most of this series despite the more domestic subject matter. Superbly written with a wonderful mix of emotional suspense and humour.

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A Bit Too Civil, I'm Afraid.

Enjoyable listen, decent plotlines, zero space, zero scifi. Narrator does an excellent job, like always.

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Just the best

My favourite novel in my favourite series. Miles has set his heart on Ekaterin Vorsoisson but finds serious obstacles in his path to matrimonial bliss, not least his own tendency to try to orchestrate the lives of others.
In some ways it's rather a change of pace from earlier Vorkosigan novels: the cast has broadened out considerably, the perspective from which the story is told changes regularly, and the emphasis is more social and less military. But Bujold still combines gripping plot development with light comedy, while also writing very movingly at points. It's the kind of audiobook that gets me funny looks on the bus as I alternately snort with laughter and look pained and concerned.

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5 people found this helpful

Totally Converted

I listened to this book because of the glowing reviews. I'm not normally a sci-fi fan and I have to admit I gave up after the first hour. About a week later I came back to it and then I couldn't stop listening! The characters, particularly the hero, Miles, really come across well, the story isn't a space opera and it's all done with a lightness of touch that is spiked with moments of real tension. I will now be downloading the others in the series and am delighted there are so many!

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2 people found this helpful

Not a lot of Science Fiction but still great.

Besides taking place at the far on of the wormhole nexus the books not filled with a lot of Science Fiction but it's still a masterclass in character and story.

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1 person found this helpful