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The Warrior's Apprentice 1
The Mountains of Mourning 373
The Vor Game 465
Author's Afterword 829
IT ISN'T EASY, BEING VOR...
Being a Vor lord on the war-torn planet Barrayar wasn't easy. Being an officer in Barrayar's military wasn't easy. And being the leader of a force of spaceborne mercenaries while maintaining a secret identity wasn't easy—in fact it should have been impossible, to say nothing of being a capital offense on Barrayar. Not that impossibility or great danger would slow down young Miles Vorkosigan much.
The Warrior's Apprentice 1
Discharged from the Barrarayan academy after flunking the physical, a discouraged Miles (17) takes possession of a jumpship and becomes the leader of a mercenary force that expands to a fleet of treasonous proportions.
The Mountains of Mourning 373
Miles (20) is sent to a small mountain village to investigate the murder of an infant, killed because she had a physical defect. Miles must deal with deep-seated prejudice against “mutants” and uncover the real killer in this novella that won both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award.
The Vor Game 465
Miles (20s) faces enormous challenges in this Hugo Award-winning novel as he leads a mutiny against his military commander's criminal orders, rejoins his Dendarii mercenaries, and attempts to rescue Emperor Gregor after Barrayar's royal scion has run off straight into trouble.
The Mountains of Mourning 373
The Vor Game 465
Author's Afterword 829
IT ISN'T EASY, BEING VOR...
Being a Vor lord on the war-torn planet Barrayar wasn't easy. Being an officer in Barrayar's military wasn't easy. And being the leader of a force of spaceborne mercenaries while maintaining a secret identity wasn't easy—in fact it should have been impossible, to say nothing of being a capital offense on Barrayar. Not that impossibility or great danger would slow down young Miles Vorkosigan much.
The Warrior's Apprentice 1
Discharged from the Barrarayan academy after flunking the physical, a discouraged Miles (17) takes possession of a jumpship and becomes the leader of a mercenary force that expands to a fleet of treasonous proportions.
The Mountains of Mourning 373
Miles (20) is sent to a small mountain village to investigate the murder of an infant, killed because she had a physical defect. Miles must deal with deep-seated prejudice against “mutants” and uncover the real killer in this novella that won both the Hugo Award and Nebula Award.
The Vor Game 465
Miles (20s) faces enormous challenges in this Hugo Award-winning novel as he leads a mutiny against his military commander's criminal orders, rejoins his Dendarii mercenaries, and attempts to rescue Emperor Gregor after Barrayar's royal scion has run off straight into trouble.
827 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Lois McMaster Bujold
203 books38.5k 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/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
May 19, 2014
Do you know that moment when you realize you're in the hands of a master storyteller? It's relaxing, in a way, because all the tension about whether-this-will-be-a-good-book-or-not just drains out of you, and you can marinate in what's happening, confident that whatever comes will be worth the trip.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the recent changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the recent changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook
January 23, 2016
After having previously read 2 novels and a novella in this series convoluted reading order (packaged together in Cordelia's Honour) I felt the series finally hit it's stride here as Miles Vorkosigan, the son of the previous novel's protagonists, took center stage. This collection had hints of a Bildungsroman as Mile's came of age as a young man and struggled with what he wanted to do with his life, and this struggle was greatly complicated by the fact that he is a crippled "mutant" in a militaristic society and by the shadow cast by his father, an immensely powerful military and political figure. As with the previous collection I was underwhelmed by Bujold's shallow world-building but engaged by the fast paced, exciting plot and extremely impressed by her ability to craw complex and sympathetic characters.
The Warriors Apprentice - 5 stars
Mountains of Mourning - 4 stars
The Vor Game - 4 stars
full review to come...
The Warriors Apprentice - 5 stars
Mountains of Mourning - 4 stars
The Vor Game - 4 stars
full review to come...
February 27, 2009
Full Review at my blog.
If I’m not mistaken Bujold ties Heinlein for the number of Hugo’s she has won. She is a diverse writer dabbling in both fantasy and science-fiction and managing to invest each genre with its own unique style. She is probably most well known Vorkosigan series featuring the energetic, and frequently trouble making Miles Vorkosigan.
While the series properly begins in Cordelia’s Honor, Young Miles is the first book (or couple of books since it is rightly a collection) to feature the series’ most well known and titular hero. Born a mutant overly prone to fragility and sickness as a result of an attempt on his parent’s life Miles must make his way through the harsh militaristic society of Barrayar. A society that typically dealt with mutated children by killing them at birth.
Cursed with a fast metabolism Miles is an energetic character whose mind suffers none of deformations that his body does. In fact it is his mind, and frequently his mouth, that gets him into trouble and it’s usually both that manage to extricate him from the same.
If I’m not mistaken Bujold ties Heinlein for the number of Hugo’s she has won. She is a diverse writer dabbling in both fantasy and science-fiction and managing to invest each genre with its own unique style. She is probably most well known Vorkosigan series featuring the energetic, and frequently trouble making Miles Vorkosigan.
While the series properly begins in Cordelia’s Honor, Young Miles is the first book (or couple of books since it is rightly a collection) to feature the series’ most well known and titular hero. Born a mutant overly prone to fragility and sickness as a result of an attempt on his parent’s life Miles must make his way through the harsh militaristic society of Barrayar. A society that typically dealt with mutated children by killing them at birth.
Cursed with a fast metabolism Miles is an energetic character whose mind suffers none of deformations that his body does. In fact it is his mind, and frequently his mouth, that gets him into trouble and it’s usually both that manage to extricate him from the same.
July 3, 2015
I'm doing a reread of this series. Partly as a treat in-between Hugo reads this year and as a treat due to personal yuck going on. People following my reading will notice I'm also rereading Georgette Heyer. Their writing styles and topics as well as sense of humor comfort me. I believe my husband may have introduced me to both back in the early days before we were married. So now you should have a good idea of all the biases I'm bringing to this review.
I love having a disabled protagonist who is frequently thwarted from plans by either his body or his mind and his privledged background making him incapable of behaving appropriately subordinate. This may be because I easily see myself in him. It includes a wide variety of well built characters. The world building is complex but at the same time I can picture it and even taste the smells.
Young Miles touches on some really difficult topics but it also makes made me laugh. It has battle scenes, love, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, cruelty, violence, adventure, growing up, letting go, and so much more.
It was a fairly quick easy read. I highly recommend the book and the author for both science fiction fans and regency romance readers (not that the books necessarily contain romance).
I love having a disabled protagonist who is frequently thwarted from plans by either his body or his mind and his privledged background making him incapable of behaving appropriately subordinate. This may be because I easily see myself in him. It includes a wide variety of well built characters. The world building is complex but at the same time I can picture it and even taste the smells.
Young Miles touches on some really difficult topics but it also makes made me laugh. It has battle scenes, love, betrayal, friendship, loyalty, cruelty, violence, adventure, growing up, letting go, and so much more.
It was a fairly quick easy read. I highly recommend the book and the author for both science fiction fans and regency romance readers (not that the books necessarily contain romance).
November 1, 2020
“Aren't you going to get in trouble for that?" "I'll worry about that if we live through this."
2020 review: Great writing. I especially like Bujold’s self-depreciating humor. Miles is about as far from typical space opera heroes as McMasters could make him. Intentionally.
“This whole thing is balanced on a hoax.” “It's not balanced on a hoax. You balance it.” "Isn't that what I said?”
Star Trekkian science, but the stories hold up better than much other forty-year-old science fiction. I’ve read so much tripe in the dozen years since I discovered the Vorkosigans that I’ve bumped the rating a star.
“I'm afraid I can't discuss my plans. Not even with you.” “You always were tricky.” “As an experienced combat soldier, do you prefer frontal assaults?” “No, sir!”
Original 2009 review: 3.5. Good stories, fun to read. No great insights or science. popcorn for the brain. The weird part is that I'm sure I've read part of the third story, perhaps in an anthology.
“Don't you think there's a certain . . . hubris, in undertaking field leadership without a prior apprenticing in field followership?”
2020 review: Great writing. I especially like Bujold’s self-depreciating humor. Miles is about as far from typical space opera heroes as McMasters could make him. Intentionally.
“This whole thing is balanced on a hoax.” “It's not balanced on a hoax. You balance it.” "Isn't that what I said?”
Star Trekkian science, but the stories hold up better than much other forty-year-old science fiction. I’ve read so much tripe in the dozen years since I discovered the Vorkosigans that I’ve bumped the rating a star.
“I'm afraid I can't discuss my plans. Not even with you.” “You always were tricky.” “As an experienced combat soldier, do you prefer frontal assaults?” “No, sir!”
Original 2009 review: 3.5. Good stories, fun to read. No great insights or science. popcorn for the brain. The weird part is that I'm sure I've read part of the third story, perhaps in an anthology.
“Don't you think there's a certain . . . hubris, in undertaking field leadership without a prior apprenticing in field followership?”
July 25, 2024
I read each of these books separately, and took a few notes which I hope to find and incorporate into my reviews as I find time to post them on my blog. All of these stories rate reading again.
February 25, 2018
I’m very late to the party, but I’m so glad I’ve finally discovered this series. Similar to the Liaden Universe books by Lee and Miller, the Vorkosigan Saga has been running for quite a while, with a good dozen-plus books to its name by now; and also like the Liaden series, it tends to focus on interpersonal relationships and political intrigue over endless space battles, which suits me just fine.
The first novel in this set is a pretty good taste for what you’re getting into, being almost a heist novel in reverse: it’s the story of how Miles accidentally ended up commanding his own mercenary force, and the rapid snowballing of lies and half-truths and bluster into real consequences is manic and joyous (and, as it turns out, also a really nice remedy for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome at work — hello, friend!)
The middle novella is interesting, and the third one’s a bit less coherent plot-wise, but overall I really like the ideas that Bujold is playing with, and I have a feeling the characters are going interesting places in the novels to come. I’m definitely on board for the next volume.
The first novel in this set is a pretty good taste for what you’re getting into, being almost a heist novel in reverse: it’s the story of how Miles accidentally ended up commanding his own mercenary force, and the rapid snowballing of lies and half-truths and bluster into real consequences is manic and joyous (and, as it turns out, also a really nice remedy for anyone struggling with imposter syndrome at work — hello, friend!)
The middle novella is interesting, and the third one’s a bit less coherent plot-wise, but overall I really like the ideas that Bujold is playing with, and I have a feeling the characters are going interesting places in the novels to come. I’m definitely on board for the next volume.
March 15, 2022
It’s been 10 years since I’ve read the frenetic tales of Miles Vorkosigan. Hilarious lines, heartfelt lines and wonderful self deprecating irony.
August 3, 2009
This is an omnibus edition that contains full novels The Warrior’s Apprentice and The Vor Game and the short story The Mountains of Mourning. From the previous book to the beginning of Warrior’s Apprentice, Miles Vorkosigan has grown up (well he’s 18) and usurps the literary center stage from his parents.
Miles is one of those characters it is hard not to be fascinated by. He is less than 4 ft tall and deformed with delicate bones that break at the slightest strain. He makes up for this physical deficiency by an enormous personality. He’s smart, quick-thinking, creative and cheeky. He’s the type of character I love to read about but who would make me feel small and stupid if I ever encountered his likeness in real life. And of course he’s the type of character that finds himself in the middle and often in charge of fantastic adventures.
In The Warrior’s Apprentice, Miles has just failed the physical portion of his entrance exam into Barrayar’s Military Academy. As poor consolation, he is sent on a journey to his mother’s home planet of Beta colony. Miles heightened sensitivity to his weaknesses and how they isolate him leads him to try and redeem a couple of misfits he meets shortly after landing on Beta Colony. Through a convoluted set of circumstances, his attempts wind up putting him in charge of a fleet of mercenaries. It is fun watching Miles scheme his way through an increasingly desperate set of circumstances.
The Vor Game begins with Miles anxiously awaiting his first assignment as an Ensign in the Barrayar military. According to the military brass, Miles’ biggest weakness is not his physical issues but his tendency towards insubordination. So he winds up as the weather officer in Barrayars most outposty of outposts and of course ends up joining a mutiny against the harsh commander of the station. After a period of boring desk job punishment he is sent off world as a spy with part of his mission being to re-connect with his troop of mercenaries. He does to spectacular effect. So much happens in this story that I found myself running across references to earlier happenings and wondering if that really happened in this part of the book and not in Warrior’s Apprentice.
I can’t say I liked one of the novels included in this omnibus better than the other. Both had their slower boring bits. The best things about the books is Miles who is such a richly drawn character you can almost feel his anxiety, feel what it is like to be him. My one complaint might be that the books live a little too much in Miles’ head. Miles is so often playing a role, and while we the reader see the real him, the characters around him don’t and it keeps Miles and therefore the reader at a distance from the other characters. Even the characters he is meant to be very close to, we don’t really get to know.
There are some lovely moments like Miles’ love interest and childhood friend Elena turning Miles’ proposal down because there is too much of him and he would subsume her. And the fact that we see Miles’, who takes charge because he can’t help himself and he’s brilliant at it, but who spends the whole time wishing he were somewhere else and developing stress ulcers. It brings him back down to earth.
Overall really great – fast, fun read with some weight.
Miles is one of those characters it is hard not to be fascinated by. He is less than 4 ft tall and deformed with delicate bones that break at the slightest strain. He makes up for this physical deficiency by an enormous personality. He’s smart, quick-thinking, creative and cheeky. He’s the type of character I love to read about but who would make me feel small and stupid if I ever encountered his likeness in real life. And of course he’s the type of character that finds himself in the middle and often in charge of fantastic adventures.
In The Warrior’s Apprentice, Miles has just failed the physical portion of his entrance exam into Barrayar’s Military Academy. As poor consolation, he is sent on a journey to his mother’s home planet of Beta colony. Miles heightened sensitivity to his weaknesses and how they isolate him leads him to try and redeem a couple of misfits he meets shortly after landing on Beta Colony. Through a convoluted set of circumstances, his attempts wind up putting him in charge of a fleet of mercenaries. It is fun watching Miles scheme his way through an increasingly desperate set of circumstances.
The Vor Game begins with Miles anxiously awaiting his first assignment as an Ensign in the Barrayar military. According to the military brass, Miles’ biggest weakness is not his physical issues but his tendency towards insubordination. So he winds up as the weather officer in Barrayars most outposty of outposts and of course ends up joining a mutiny against the harsh commander of the station. After a period of boring desk job punishment he is sent off world as a spy with part of his mission being to re-connect with his troop of mercenaries. He does to spectacular effect. So much happens in this story that I found myself running across references to earlier happenings and wondering if that really happened in this part of the book and not in Warrior’s Apprentice.
I can’t say I liked one of the novels included in this omnibus better than the other. Both had their slower boring bits. The best things about the books is Miles who is such a richly drawn character you can almost feel his anxiety, feel what it is like to be him. My one complaint might be that the books live a little too much in Miles’ head. Miles is so often playing a role, and while we the reader see the real him, the characters around him don’t and it keeps Miles and therefore the reader at a distance from the other characters. Even the characters he is meant to be very close to, we don’t really get to know.
There are some lovely moments like Miles’ love interest and childhood friend Elena turning Miles’ proposal down because there is too much of him and he would subsume her. And the fact that we see Miles’, who takes charge because he can’t help himself and he’s brilliant at it, but who spends the whole time wishing he were somewhere else and developing stress ulcers. It brings him back down to earth.
Overall really great – fast, fun read with some weight.
May 9, 2016
This is easily one of my favorite books ever. Honestly, I didn't think it would be. My college roommate hyped it up like crazy, so when I finally got to reading it, I was expecting disappointment because it didn't seem like it was going to be as good as she promised.
But it was.
This particular edition consists of two novels and a short story that all revolve around a young man named Miles Vorkosigan who has a birth defect (not congenital, he frequently assures others) and because of that is fragile. His bones break under the smallest pressure and he's less than five feet tall. The problem is that he was born on a militant planet to a very important family. When he washes out of the military academy, he has to find his own path to greatness -- and find it he certainly does.
What impressed me the most about this book (and the rest of the series) is the level of characterization. Firstly, I love Miles. He is practically a cripple, but he doesn't let that stop him, because while his body is weak, he is a genius. I appreciate that Bujold has created a character that doesn't go into situations and use his strength or extreme fighting prowess to save the day; instead, he thinks about solutions and launches schemes to achieve his goals.
Secondly, all the characters are written in shades of grey; she shows the softer sides of rampaging killers and the darker sides of sheltered researchers. This is achieved through ingenious storytelling. With adventure, mystery, suspense, and plot twists that give you whiplash, I kept turning the pages and the characters kept evolving and growing. All this, combined with in-depth universe (not world) building and fascinating cultures, this book made me want more and more and more.
And don't think it's all just running around and doing brave deeds -- though there is a lot of that -- Bujold adds a lot of humor to these books and I found myself laughing aloud quite often.
I really can't recommend this book strongly enough. It's SO good! And I don't think it's just for science fiction fans; there is plenty of material for all kinds of readers to find something they like.
Also posted on Going on to the Next.
But it was.
This particular edition consists of two novels and a short story that all revolve around a young man named Miles Vorkosigan who has a birth defect (not congenital, he frequently assures others) and because of that is fragile. His bones break under the smallest pressure and he's less than five feet tall. The problem is that he was born on a militant planet to a very important family. When he washes out of the military academy, he has to find his own path to greatness -- and find it he certainly does.
What impressed me the most about this book (and the rest of the series) is the level of characterization. Firstly, I love Miles. He is practically a cripple, but he doesn't let that stop him, because while his body is weak, he is a genius. I appreciate that Bujold has created a character that doesn't go into situations and use his strength or extreme fighting prowess to save the day; instead, he thinks about solutions and launches schemes to achieve his goals.
Secondly, all the characters are written in shades of grey; she shows the softer sides of rampaging killers and the darker sides of sheltered researchers. This is achieved through ingenious storytelling. With adventure, mystery, suspense, and plot twists that give you whiplash, I kept turning the pages and the characters kept evolving and growing. All this, combined with in-depth universe (not world) building and fascinating cultures, this book made me want more and more and more.
And don't think it's all just running around and doing brave deeds -- though there is a lot of that -- Bujold adds a lot of humor to these books and I found myself laughing aloud quite often.
I really can't recommend this book strongly enough. It's SO good! And I don't think it's just for science fiction fans; there is plenty of material for all kinds of readers to find something they like.
Also posted on Going on to the Next.
July 6, 2009
Review from: Badelynge
For someone who likes Science Fiction it might seem strange that I'm only recently acquainted with the irrepressible Miles Vorkosigan. Better late than never though. I've just burned my way through the first three books featuring the little guy. Maybe it is for the best though, because if I'd read them as they were being published then I wouldn't have been able to read them in chronological order, as some of the books filled in the gaps between previously published books. I'm a linear sort of bloke really. The first book is a roller coaster of a ride, that really gets going after Miles tells his first little untruth to resolve a situation. The fun starts when the little fib snowballs into a web of lies and half truths with Miles at the centre of an expanding net. I know, I shouldn't really try to get away with such an awful mixed metaphor.
The second story, which is more of a novella than a book, ditches the space opera format in favour of a more thoughtful look at the roots of Barrayan society with Miles investigating a Murder in a back woods village. It won the Nebula award. Seeing Miles in such a different setting gives the author an opportunity to show Miles in a different light. It is well handled and the shorter format seems to have focused the author's storytelling and exploration of themes into a more cogent whole.
The third book won a Hugo. Different again. The initial setting of the ice base was one that I was really enjoying. Just as you are getting used to the cold, Bujold pulls the rug out from under you again and we are off into the space opera driven rush of spiraling events, the eventual reunion with the Dendarii mercenaries and all those previously laid lies introduced in the first book. Very enjoyable, with no sense ever that the story is being padded, which is something that often happens to long running series. At the heart of it all though is the character of Miles. He's just a wonderful character. You can't really help but like him. If you could bottle his energy in liquid form I wouldn't drink anything else.
For someone who likes Science Fiction it might seem strange that I'm only recently acquainted with the irrepressible Miles Vorkosigan. Better late than never though. I've just burned my way through the first three books featuring the little guy. Maybe it is for the best though, because if I'd read them as they were being published then I wouldn't have been able to read them in chronological order, as some of the books filled in the gaps between previously published books. I'm a linear sort of bloke really. The first book is a roller coaster of a ride, that really gets going after Miles tells his first little untruth to resolve a situation. The fun starts when the little fib snowballs into a web of lies and half truths with Miles at the centre of an expanding net. I know, I shouldn't really try to get away with such an awful mixed metaphor.
The second story, which is more of a novella than a book, ditches the space opera format in favour of a more thoughtful look at the roots of Barrayan society with Miles investigating a Murder in a back woods village. It won the Nebula award. Seeing Miles in such a different setting gives the author an opportunity to show Miles in a different light. It is well handled and the shorter format seems to have focused the author's storytelling and exploration of themes into a more cogent whole.
The third book won a Hugo. Different again. The initial setting of the ice base was one that I was really enjoying. Just as you are getting used to the cold, Bujold pulls the rug out from under you again and we are off into the space opera driven rush of spiraling events, the eventual reunion with the Dendarii mercenaries and all those previously laid lies introduced in the first book. Very enjoyable, with no sense ever that the story is being padded, which is something that often happens to long running series. At the heart of it all though is the character of Miles. He's just a wonderful character. You can't really help but like him. If you could bottle his energy in liquid form I wouldn't drink anything else.
February 3, 2013
3.5 stars
Mountains of Mourning is awesome: 4.5 stars.
The novels which precede and follow it are also fun, but lack Mountain's thematic and emotional resonance.
Mountains of Mourning is awesome: 4.5 stars.
The novels which precede and follow it are also fun, but lack Mountain's thematic and emotional resonance.
May 15, 2018
Two books into the Vorkosigan Saga, and I'm increasingly flabbergasted that it took me so long to read not only this series, but Bujold in general. These books are so competently written, and I want that understatement to be interpreted as laconic reverence, and not as an underhanded jab. The writing is uncomplicated and efficient, and is a real testament to the power of honestly good storytelling. A lot of sins can be forgiven by covering them in flowery, lyrical, and highly figurative prose. Bujold's writing, on the other hand, offers itself bare; the characters speak plainly, the plot develops naturally based on the characters' actions, and the emotional response from the reader is authentic, not evoked by histrionic declarations, but by genuine affection for the people in the proceedings.
Young Miles follows Miles Vorkosigan, son of Cordelia and Aral from Cordelia's Honor. While in the womb, Miles was unwittingly subjected to a chemical attack against his parents, and the antidote that saved their lives resulted in birth defects. His fetal viability was saved by an experimental treatment, but even into adulthood he struggles with weak bone density and is very short in stature. Miles would have wanted nothing more than to follow a long line of Vorkosigans into Barrayaran military service, but his physical impairments made traditional academy education (with its physical fitness requirements) out of the question. Despite his youth, however, Miles appears to have inherited the military and strategic brilliance of both sides of his family.
The Vorkosigan Saga was written originally as novella-length stories and has since been collected into Omnibus editions, of which Young Miles is the second. The book collects the various capers and trials of Miles as he pursues what would be rightly considered his very NON-traditional military education, and how Miles proves himself an asset to Barrayaran superior officers and officials. I have nothing bad to say about it and only hope that I will be able to make the time to read ALL of the Bujold some day.
Young Miles follows Miles Vorkosigan, son of Cordelia and Aral from Cordelia's Honor. While in the womb, Miles was unwittingly subjected to a chemical attack against his parents, and the antidote that saved their lives resulted in birth defects. His fetal viability was saved by an experimental treatment, but even into adulthood he struggles with weak bone density and is very short in stature. Miles would have wanted nothing more than to follow a long line of Vorkosigans into Barrayaran military service, but his physical impairments made traditional academy education (with its physical fitness requirements) out of the question. Despite his youth, however, Miles appears to have inherited the military and strategic brilliance of both sides of his family.
The Vorkosigan Saga was written originally as novella-length stories and has since been collected into Omnibus editions, of which Young Miles is the second. The book collects the various capers and trials of Miles as he pursues what would be rightly considered his very NON-traditional military education, and how Miles proves himself an asset to Barrayaran superior officers and officials. I have nothing bad to say about it and only hope that I will be able to make the time to read ALL of the Bujold some day.
July 28, 2020
Wow. I'm now a fan of Lois McMaster Bujold. This omnibus contains two novels and one novella. The first novel, "The Warrior's Apprentice" is an exhilarating adventure, following misfit mouthy Miles Vorkosigan bluffing his way across the galaxy. It had me laughing out loud in the middle of the night, my husband must now think I'm slightly demented. I thoroughly enjoyed the comedic aspects of this book, until the story took a dark, morally ambiguous, yet necessary twist. The characters, starting with Miles, are all fantastically fleshed out - you can almost see them breathing in front of you. I also appreciated the treatment given to physical disabilities and mental illness in this series. Miles' challenges are due to a failed assassination attack directed at his parents while his mother was pregnant, and the trouble he goes to find his place in the militaristic society he was born in (think Sparta), is sadly not a thing of the past (or the distant future). Sergeant Bothari, both victim and perpetrator of heinous crimes, is also quite memorable.
The "Mountains of Mourning" novella is a short little murder mystery, that (I believe) brings in some interesting motivations into Miles as a character - it will be interesting to see how this shapes his future being. It was poignant, but not surprising, and the resolution was brilliant.
Finally, "The Vor Games" builds upon the madness in "The Warrior's Apprentice", fleshes out the character of Gregor Vorbarra, and presents us a slightly more mature Miles (at least more aware of his own limitations), yet equally chaos provoking. The crazy espionage plot allows Bujold to use her stunning character creation skills to flesh out multiple very entertaining characters out of a single Vor lordling.
How I wish these books were more widely available. Some are starting to appear as audio books (I'm re-reading Shards of Honor as an audio book now when I walk my dog, I loved it that much), so not all hope is lost. Can we have e-books too, Baen?
And now to pass on this book to my husband, I'm sure he will love it.
The "Mountains of Mourning" novella is a short little murder mystery, that (I believe) brings in some interesting motivations into Miles as a character - it will be interesting to see how this shapes his future being. It was poignant, but not surprising, and the resolution was brilliant.
Finally, "The Vor Games" builds upon the madness in "The Warrior's Apprentice", fleshes out the character of Gregor Vorbarra, and presents us a slightly more mature Miles (at least more aware of his own limitations), yet equally chaos provoking. The crazy espionage plot allows Bujold to use her stunning character creation skills to flesh out multiple very entertaining characters out of a single Vor lordling.
How I wish these books were more widely available. Some are starting to appear as audio books (I'm re-reading Shards of Honor as an audio book now when I walk my dog, I loved it that much), so not all hope is lost. Can we have e-books too, Baen?
And now to pass on this book to my husband, I'm sure he will love it.
Read
September 5, 2017I am enjoying this series. You gotta love Miles - he is adorable
September 18, 2009
Young Miles continues the story of Miles Vorkosigan. While these books were not written prior to Cordelia's Honor, they take place after. The stories do not take place one right after the other, but over a span of years.
The best work in this omnibus was the novella "The Mountains of Mourning": however, are the books are at least enjoyable and fast paced space opera.
Two of the stories, "Warrior's Apprentice" and "Vor Game" make use of coincidences that stretch, if not break, the realm of believability. I might be willing to believe that Elena's mother was one of the people to just pop up in "Warrior's Apprentice", but I find it extremely difficult, nay impossible, to swallow that an intelligent head of security would make so easy for the Emperor to just fall off of a balcony and walk away for a bit. Wouldn't the complex as a whole, and that level in particular, be watched?
Another area where I found myself wishing Bujold has spent more time was in the development of minor characters. I would have liked to see more of Elena and more of Elena's relationship with Baz. I'm not really shown why she is loyal and in love with him, but I am told it, many times. In fact, this is true of most of the minor characters. Only four characters truly stand out, truly seem to be characters. They are Miles, his father Aral, his mother Cordelia, and Bothari. It is unclear if I found this to be the case because of reading Cordelia's Honor or if those characters were in fact better drawn. Regardless, many minor characters feel like little more than shadows upon a stage at times. This is in part due to the focus being on Miles, but it is a tad off putting.
What I particularly liked was Bujold's treatment of Elena Visconti. Her reaction to both Bothari and Elena Jr was believable. Her inability to relate to the younger Elena seemed more realistic than being "Oh, my dear I love you". Is it pleasant reading? No, but it is not a cheap happy ending either. I don't know how I would feel if I was confronted with the child I conceived due to rape, who as an embryo had been taken from my body, and then over 18 years later I'm confronted with her as well as the man who raped me. My one complaint with that storyline is that it’s effect on Elena does not seem to be fully developed or revealed. The reader sees the effect far more on Miles, and true it is his story, but more detail here would’ve added more depth to Elena.
"The Mountain's of Mourning" is a far more serious novella than the two novels it is paired with here. It tells the story of Miles trying to solve a case of infanticide and deals with questions of guilty, education, and societal change. It is a more reflective piece.
Of the two novels, "The Vor Game" is the slightly better one. With that novel, the first half of the story, involving Miles' assignment to an ice island, is the more interesting and better drafted story.
The best work in this omnibus was the novella "The Mountains of Mourning": however, are the books are at least enjoyable and fast paced space opera.
Two of the stories, "Warrior's Apprentice" and "Vor Game" make use of coincidences that stretch, if not break, the realm of believability. I might be willing to believe that Elena's mother was one of the people to just pop up in "Warrior's Apprentice", but I find it extremely difficult, nay impossible, to swallow that an intelligent head of security would make so easy for the Emperor to just fall off of a balcony and walk away for a bit. Wouldn't the complex as a whole, and that level in particular, be watched?
Another area where I found myself wishing Bujold has spent more time was in the development of minor characters. I would have liked to see more of Elena and more of Elena's relationship with Baz. I'm not really shown why she is loyal and in love with him, but I am told it, many times. In fact, this is true of most of the minor characters. Only four characters truly stand out, truly seem to be characters. They are Miles, his father Aral, his mother Cordelia, and Bothari. It is unclear if I found this to be the case because of reading Cordelia's Honor or if those characters were in fact better drawn. Regardless, many minor characters feel like little more than shadows upon a stage at times. This is in part due to the focus being on Miles, but it is a tad off putting.
What I particularly liked was Bujold's treatment of Elena Visconti. Her reaction to both Bothari and Elena Jr was believable. Her inability to relate to the younger Elena seemed more realistic than being "Oh, my dear I love you". Is it pleasant reading? No, but it is not a cheap happy ending either. I don't know how I would feel if I was confronted with the child I conceived due to rape, who as an embryo had been taken from my body, and then over 18 years later I'm confronted with her as well as the man who raped me. My one complaint with that storyline is that it’s effect on Elena does not seem to be fully developed or revealed. The reader sees the effect far more on Miles, and true it is his story, but more detail here would’ve added more depth to Elena.
"The Mountain's of Mourning" is a far more serious novella than the two novels it is paired with here. It tells the story of Miles trying to solve a case of infanticide and deals with questions of guilty, education, and societal change. It is a more reflective piece.
Of the two novels, "The Vor Game" is the slightly better one. With that novel, the first half of the story, involving Miles' assignment to an ice island, is the more interesting and better drafted story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2012
This is an omnibus edition consisting of three tales. The first novel, "The Warrior's Apprentice," is where I officially fell in love with Miles, who sure isn't the usual square-jawed, bicep bulging sci-fi hero, and he's what made me go and seek out more of the series. It's rare I can say I fall in love with a character in a book, but I fell hard for Miles Vorkosigan, which is why this book gets five stars. Not because it's mind-expanding or has amazing prose--but because I loved the character so much. The first two books in the series, among the first things Bujold ever wrote, focus on Miles' parents--this is the one where he comes into his own. Miles is born a "Vor"--into an aristocratic family in a very traditional, military culture on the planet of Barrayar. That society had for a long time practiced infanticide--killing any child born in any way disabled. Due to an attack before he was born, Miles is short in stature and has various physical problems--particularly very brittle bones. His grandfather wanted him killed--in fact at a certain point tried to kill him. Miles has had to fight hard for a measure of acceptance in his society and worked hard to earn the right to enter the planet's military academy--but couldn't pass the final physical tests--and then proceeds to form a path his own.
One could see there part of why I love Miles--not conventionally handsome, handicapped, someone who has to work so hard. But it's more than that. I've always had a weakness for the kind of character not only with gifts of leadership, but a certain kind of cleverness. Whether Homer's Odysseus, CS Forester's Horatio Hornblower or Roddenberry's Captain Kirk of Star Trek. Miles has that quality in abundance--of turning defeat into a fighting chance to survive. In the two novels that bookend this volume you'll find plenty of action--enough to satisfy any fan of space opera. But above all I liked how Miles thinks and talks his way out his problems.
One could see there part of why I love Miles--not conventionally handsome, handicapped, someone who has to work so hard. But it's more than that. I've always had a weakness for the kind of character not only with gifts of leadership, but a certain kind of cleverness. Whether Homer's Odysseus, CS Forester's Horatio Hornblower or Roddenberry's Captain Kirk of Star Trek. Miles has that quality in abundance--of turning defeat into a fighting chance to survive. In the two novels that bookend this volume you'll find plenty of action--enough to satisfy any fan of space opera. But above all I liked how Miles thinks and talks his way out his problems.
November 28, 2008
If you're looking for trashy military sci-fi with a a free-wheeling, fun plot, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for a good sci-fi epic you'll be disappointed. This is no Ender's Game.
(Spoilers ahead)
Bujold is second only to Heinlein for Hugo Best Novel awards, and I have no idea why after reading this. It is a boy fantasy where everything goes right to build the headstrong underdog teen into a mercenary space admiral within one year (which Heinlein is guilty of frequently, but he at least writes better).
There are only three female characters in the first two books who get more than two paragraphs: mom, the crush, and the rape victim.
The plot was fun enough to keep me interested for two books despite adjective density, characters who look in the mirror on page 1, and expository dialogue. I couldn't stomach the infanticide-birth defect plot starting up book three and gave up there.
(Spoilers ahead)
Bujold is second only to Heinlein for Hugo Best Novel awards, and I have no idea why after reading this. It is a boy fantasy where everything goes right to build the headstrong underdog teen into a mercenary space admiral within one year (which Heinlein is guilty of frequently, but he at least writes better).
There are only three female characters in the first two books who get more than two paragraphs: mom, the crush, and the rape victim.
The plot was fun enough to keep me interested for two books despite adjective density, characters who look in the mirror on page 1, and expository dialogue. I couldn't stomach the infanticide-birth defect plot starting up book three and gave up there.
August 19, 2008
The books contained in this omnibus are a lot of fun. It is light reading and very easy to breeze through, heavy on dialogue and humor. There is a mixture of serious storytelling dealing with themes such as oppression and prejudice and light-hearted humor that provides a nice balance between the two.
Miles is an enjoyable character - extremely bright and energetic with a strong mischievous streak. However, the other characters are definitely secondary as Miles always takes center stage with a shining personality that overshadows the rest. His name is in the series title, after all, so I suppose this is not all that surprising.
Complete review:
http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2008/...
Miles is an enjoyable character - extremely bright and energetic with a strong mischievous streak. However, the other characters are definitely secondary as Miles always takes center stage with a shining personality that overshadows the rest. His name is in the series title, after all, so I suppose this is not all that surprising.
Complete review:
http://fantasycafe.blogspot.com/2008/...
Shelved as 'lemmed'
December 27, 2013Read about 50 pages. It's written in a historical style. Sometimes I think it's a little slow but then something really dramatic happens (shades of Peter F. Hamilton), usually to Miles who has some physical challenges (oh that scene at boot camp). I think I'll at least finish the first novel in the omnibus, which is only 300-something pages. This is the first Miles book. But is it science fiction? Reminds me of David Weber; well, they're both Baen. I've tried to start other Bujold books, but this one seems to be sticking the best.
Oh, apparently 'batman' has some older meaning.
bat·man
/ˈbatmən/
Noun
(in the British armed forces) An officer's personal servant.
Synonyms
orderly
Oh, apparently 'batman' has some older meaning.
bat·man
/ˈbatmən/
Noun
(in the British armed forces) An officer's personal servant.
Synonyms
orderly
October 31, 2012
An omnibus is always a gamble for me because I never know if I'm going to want to dive right in to the next book. In this case, I finished The Warrior's Apprentice, which is an awesome, rip-roaring adventure--really, it's paced like the best kind of old-time cliffhanger serial,where every success creates a new and bigger danger. I needed a change of pace before starting the next one, but I will be back for more.
UPDATE: Finished it. "The Mountains of Mourning" is a fantastic little mystery, and The Vor Game is another nonstop action space opera with Miles getting into scrape after scrape and emerging through a combination of intelligence, brazenness, and luck. Loved it.
UPDATE: Finished it. "The Mountains of Mourning" is a fantastic little mystery, and The Vor Game is another nonstop action space opera with Miles getting into scrape after scrape and emerging through a combination of intelligence, brazenness, and luck. Loved it.
December 2, 2012
Miles Vorkosigan is a fascinating, complex, and immensely likable protagonist. This book kept me up past my bedtime on several nights, not necessarily because it was too tense to put down (though the plot was fast moving and high stakes) but because I just enjoying the company of the characters and eager to see what adventure would come next. I often found myself laughing out loud, but the book doesn't neglect serious moral questions either.
My only complaint is that it needed more Cordelia.
My only complaint is that it needed more Cordelia.
November 3, 2010
The first thing you notice about Miles is physically he's a very small person. The second thing is that a little bit of him goes a long, long way.
What's not to love about scheming young Miles..he's always optimistic, funny, never fail to pull a rabbit out of a very unlikely hat..and so damn resilient! I got swept right away in Miles' forward momentum through the 3 books in this omnibus. The Vor Game kind of sagged in the middle but was fun nevertheless.
What's not to love about scheming young Miles..he's always optimistic, funny, never fail to pull a rabbit out of a very unlikely hat..and so damn resilient! I got swept right away in Miles' forward momentum through the 3 books in this omnibus. The Vor Game kind of sagged in the middle but was fun nevertheless.
January 13, 2013
It's been a LONG time since I've read decent Sci Fi! This somewhat reminds me of Ender's Game but it's definitely not a rip off. You can't help but root for the main character the whole way through. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
Also, this is NOT the first omnibus of the series, but it is the first major introduction the main character throughout the rest. The first omnibus can be considered a prequel so it's fine to start here.
Also, this is NOT the first omnibus of the series, but it is the first major introduction the main character throughout the rest. The first omnibus can be considered a prequel so it's fine to start here.
February 28, 2009
This was completely fun. Miles would be totally insufferable as a main character if it wasn't for his constant awareness that he's about to fall flat on his face in the most humiliating fashion possible. That one trait makes him fun instead of an annoying know-it-all. I'm so glad I was turned onto Bujold.
August 27, 2012
Absolutely fantastic. I love the characters and the machinations. It just flows very well, there's never a page where I'm not intently curious about what I'm going to find on the next.
My one complaint would be that there are too many crazy coincidences that are necessary to move the plot along. She makes the reading so enjoyable, though, I can't be very upset.
My one complaint would be that there are too many crazy coincidences that are necessary to move the plot along. She makes the reading so enjoyable, though, I can't be very upset.
March 23, 2013
Terrible book cover, fantastic book. I love the strategic thinking of the main character and his ways of getting out of pickles I never would have imagined. It vaguely reminded me of the strategic-thinking aspect I loved in Bitterblue. Now I want to read the sequels.
January 13, 2009
A kind soul at Pulp Fiction in Brisbane gave me this book for free, citing a case of mistaken identity and my quest to read everything ever written by Georgette Heyer. This is a brilliant book! I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
July 1, 2009
I was actually really suprised because this was a book that both me and my husband really liked (I've never been a huge fan of sci-fi). But Miles is a really lovable protagonist, and I laughed and laughed at the messes he managed to get into.
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