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Vorkosigan Saga (Publication Order) #5
Brothers in Arms
In the wake of unexpected planetary peace and the disappearance of the Dendarii payroll, mercenary captain Miles Naismith attempts to discover the link between the insufferable Captain Galeni and the Komarran rebel expatriates. Reissue.
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
About the author
Lois McMaster Bujold
201 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 749 reviews
June 24, 2024
*** 4.58 ***
A buddy read with Evgeny and Maria because we need some FORWARD MOMENTUM!!!
Gosh, what can I say about this Universe where Miles Vorkosigan rains supreme? IT IS AWESOME!!!
Yes, yes, as I said in my review of the previous book, I passed from the level of an objective reader to the zone of fan-girl subjectivity. I am a fan. So, take my review in the spirit in which it is intended, which is just to gush over my love for the genius of Louis McMaster Bujold and her unfailing ability to write a story full of action and intrigues, but most of all a story full of heart and charm oozing of the pages.. It has gotten to the point where if I had to choose a literary world I would like to spend time in order to feel good and emerge with some positivity from, this is the world I would choose any time! And I am not sure what makes me feel this way, because there are plenty of bad things happening and vileins running around causing trouble..
This book Miles, Quinn and Ivan all end up on old Earth at the same time. The Naismith mercenaries need a break, the heavily wounded need medical care, the ships need repair and supplies, and Miles has to get the money to do it all. Supposedly the Barrayaran Empire's ambassador should have a check for them, but that would have been to easy and Miles gets stuck at the Embassy indefinitely. It would have been OK if he didn't have to keep on playing the role of Admiral Naismith and lieutenant Vorkosigan at the same time, trying to keep his cover and not give out the information that they are really working for Barrayar. So he comes up with a story that Naismith is a clone of Vorkosigan gone rogue seven years ago... Now if only the story could stick....
Of course things got complicated, of course everyone tried to kill him and the suspects were numerous. Nothing ever is easy for the little dude. He even had some semi-successful attempt at getting himself laid, but that has not been a true problem as of late, has it?:-)
The story introduced a new character who I am sure we will hear from again - to good for soap opera like machinations for the author not to use it again, despite many feeling like it is a cop out plot device. I don't mind as long as we get more of our Miles and the crew!!!
Once again, the moral dilemma of the hour is cloning and the effects it has on both the clone and the one cloned. What would you do if you were faced with the existence of a second you, as close to a copy as it could possibly get. Do you want to get to know them, bring them into the family, use them for parts? And as always, the author handled it graciously and with no judgement. I love this author!!!
Now, to all the fans of lighter Sci-fi and adventure, I whole heatedly recommend this series!!! Try it out, I think you might be pleasantly surprised:-)
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!!
A buddy read with Evgeny and Maria because we need some FORWARD MOMENTUM!!!
Gosh, what can I say about this Universe where Miles Vorkosigan rains supreme? IT IS AWESOME!!!
Yes, yes, as I said in my review of the previous book, I passed from the level of an objective reader to the zone of fan-girl subjectivity. I am a fan. So, take my review in the spirit in which it is intended, which is just to gush over my love for the genius of Louis McMaster Bujold and her unfailing ability to write a story full of action and intrigues, but most of all a story full of heart and charm oozing of the pages.. It has gotten to the point where if I had to choose a literary world I would like to spend time in order to feel good and emerge with some positivity from, this is the world I would choose any time! And I am not sure what makes me feel this way, because there are plenty of bad things happening and vileins running around causing trouble..
This book Miles, Quinn and Ivan all end up on old Earth at the same time. The Naismith mercenaries need a break, the heavily wounded need medical care, the ships need repair and supplies, and Miles has to get the money to do it all. Supposedly the Barrayaran Empire's ambassador should have a check for them, but that would have been to easy and Miles gets stuck at the Embassy indefinitely. It would have been OK if he didn't have to keep on playing the role of Admiral Naismith and lieutenant Vorkosigan at the same time, trying to keep his cover and not give out the information that they are really working for Barrayar. So he comes up with a story that Naismith is a clone of Vorkosigan gone rogue seven years ago... Now if only the story could stick....
Of course things got complicated, of course everyone tried to kill him and the suspects were numerous. Nothing ever is easy for the little dude. He even had some semi-successful attempt at getting himself laid, but that has not been a true problem as of late, has it?:-)
The story introduced a new character who I am sure we will hear from again - to good for soap opera like machinations for the author not to use it again, despite many feeling like it is a cop out plot device. I don't mind as long as we get more of our Miles and the crew!!!
Once again, the moral dilemma of the hour is cloning and the effects it has on both the clone and the one cloned. What would you do if you were faced with the existence of a second you, as close to a copy as it could possibly get. Do you want to get to know them, bring them into the family, use them for parts? And as always, the author handled it graciously and with no judgement. I love this author!!!
Now, to all the fans of lighter Sci-fi and adventure, I whole heatedly recommend this series!!! Try it out, I think you might be pleasantly surprised:-)
I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!!
June 21, 2017
So, the juicy gossip is - Miles finally gets laid. I won't confirm or deny - you 'll have to read it and find out for yourself :P
Another engaging (mis)adventure with Miles, that starts seemingly simple and grows complex enough to require his brilliant mind to solve it. Maybe less humorous than the previous book as trouble hits too close to home, but still a fun read.
Another engaging (mis)adventure with Miles, that starts seemingly simple and grows complex enough to require his brilliant mind to solve it. Maybe less humorous than the previous book as trouble hits too close to home, but still a fun read.
July 6, 2022
Entretenida como siempre y con sus momentos muy divertidos, pero por primera vez un libro de Bujold se me hizo algo largo, dándome la sensación de que pasaban muchas cosas pero ninguna importante o trascendental. Me faltó algo de la profundidad que sí he visto en otras de sus novelas...
Eso sí, con Miles es imposible aburrirse.
Eso sí, con Miles es imposible aburrirse.
December 17, 2022
First read:
I think I may have just found a new favorite series.
Slow, funny, great relationships, much potential.
Second read:
It's been a month. I've already reread this book. I was impressed by how well the plot twists were set up beforehand. Just enough details to give you context when the reveal happens, but subtle enough not to give it away.
Booktone = Uranium Blue (intellectual and character focus)
I think I may have just found a new favorite series.
Slow, funny, great relationships, much potential.
Second read:
It's been a month. I've already reread this book. I was impressed by how well the plot twists were set up beforehand. Just enough details to give you context when the reveal happens, but subtle enough not to give it away.
Booktone = Uranium Blue (intellectual and character focus)
August 9, 2016
so how tall is Tyrion the Imp anyway? I think Miles Vorkosigan is well under 5 foot. both characters are brilliant, idiosyncratic, lovelorn, and really full of themselves. I always thought that Tyrion was a complete original but there's a lot of Miles in him and Miles came first, right? I suppose it doesn't matter who came first, what matters to me is that these are two of my favorite creations in all of genre fiction. well I've always had a fondness for short guys with big brains. Miles actually calls himself a genius again, second time I've seen this. oh, Miles. Bujold you are awesome for making sure your wonderful creation has his own flaws that are completely separate from his physical flaws, that crooked spine, those brittle bones, those little legs, poor adorable Miles. well at least he finally gets laid. Bujold you are also awesome for spinning another fun yarn that moves fast and still manages to think deep at times too, dropping things like The man who assumes everything is a lie is at least as mistaken as the one who assumes everything is true. If no guarantee can suit you, perhaps the flaw is not in the guarantee, but in you." and "well, people do get hypnotized by the hard choices. And stop looking for alternatives." Bujold, I love those comments. they may not be the most mind-blowing things to read, but they do pop out at a person who is basically reading a bit of light, escapist space opera. that last quote in particular struck me, I deal with that on the council a lot, people I would otherwise respect talking about "making hard choices" when what they mean is that change is coming and we better start looking at which services we should slash or eliminate, as if that is actually hard when the actual hard work would be in figuring out how not to do unnecessary crap like that. ugh! I hate bullshit. unfortunately Miles spends some time thinking that bullshit too but there's a few other people around to set him straight. I have a fairly strong crush on Miles but I think that crush has expanded to the loyal and lovely Eli and her post-facial reconstruction take on the nature of beauty and of course walking boner Ivan and his amiable bickering. great supporting characters. and they live in a thoroughly enjoyable novel. this one has Miles traveling to Old Earth and getting caught up in various terrorist plots, oh Miles, you are always getting into trouble but fortunately you are a genius and so you always get yourself out of it. maybe a bit too easily at times, which is probably why this is 3 stars and not 4. and at long last, Miles' two identities and his schizophrenic lifestyle are fully explored and made central to the narrative. we have him splitting himself into two via a surprising tall tale that - spoilers beyond this point - turns out to be true, we have various characters finally addressing all of the issues that Miles faces in his two personas, and we have a great little hallucinogenic scene when he confusingly glimpses a very stressed-out version of himself across the way. best of all, we have a clone. yay for clones!
Miles and his clone don't really see eye to eye that way, and certainly not mind to mind. I guess I just love that gif. well, obviously, since it is the second time you've used it mark. for chrissakes find some new gifs already.
okay, Miles-style stream of consciousness review DONE.
Miles and his clone don't really see eye to eye that way, and certainly not mind to mind. I guess I just love that gif. well, obviously, since it is the second time you've used it mark. for chrissakes find some new gifs already.
okay, Miles-style stream of consciousness review DONE.
April 17, 2017
Well, as always, it was entertaining and fun and I barely have something more to say about it that others haven't said before (I'm looking and pointing at you, Evgeny!). The lazy beast has taken over me again... :D
P.S. Worst Cover Gallery is here though!
Hmmm, this is probably the most boring edition of Gallery.
P.S. Worst Cover Gallery is here though!
Hmmm, this is probably the most boring edition of Gallery.
August 22, 2017
As per usual, Miles Vorkosigan creates a stir wherever he goes. After figuratively hitting a wasp nest with a stick and annoying the Cetagandians, he hares off to old Earth to get his crew healthy and his ships fixed. Of course, things go horribly awry and lots of intrigue & adventure follows.
Somehow, for me, even though there are lots of action sequences, these books are more about the relationships. He has to balance his two identities as Lord Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith, each with their own responsibilities. He has his cousin Ivan to consider, as Ivan is also stationed on Earth. Plus Miles makes friendships & alliances wherever he goes—and they complicate an already intricate life. Finally there’s the question of whether he will ever get a personal life and find someone to love him as Miles, regardless of which identity he’s currently living in.
Plenty of adventure here for those who like such things, and lots of character development for me. Another successful installment in the saga of Miles Vorkosigan.
Book 261 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
Somehow, for me, even though there are lots of action sequences, these books are more about the relationships. He has to balance his two identities as Lord Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith, each with their own responsibilities. He has his cousin Ivan to consider, as Ivan is also stationed on Earth. Plus Miles makes friendships & alliances wherever he goes—and they complicate an already intricate life. Finally there’s the question of whether he will ever get a personal life and find someone to love him as Miles, regardless of which identity he’s currently living in.
Plenty of adventure here for those who like such things, and lots of character development for me. Another successful installment in the saga of Miles Vorkosigan.
Book 261 in my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
January 29, 2022
7,75/10
Sigo con la saga de los Vorkosigan y por ahora el entretenimiento parece no tener fin.
En esta entrega volvemos a tener a Miles como protagonista, algo que después de varios libros echaba de menos. Como presuponía en mi anterior reseña, la comandante Quinn gana mucho protagonismo en la historia y entre los secundarios volvemos a contar con el primo de Miles y varios personajes nuevos. En este apartado una vez más, personajes y diálogos son lo mejor de la novela y cumplen más que de sobra.
El cambio de escenario también me ha gustado, la visita a una Tierra futurista le ha venido bien al conjunto. Sin embargo la trama me ha generado dudas. Es decir, me ha gustado en sí, pero al mismo tiempo me ha parecido que no está bien conjuntado el puzle y algunas cosas quedan demasiado forzadas y sin ninguna duda es el motivo por el que no llega a las 5 estrellas.
Obvia decir que continuaré con la saga, aunque ahora voy a hacer un parón de 1 mes o así, que sino terminaré por empacharme de Miles y no lo disfrutaré como debería.
Sigo con la saga de los Vorkosigan y por ahora el entretenimiento parece no tener fin.
En esta entrega volvemos a tener a Miles como protagonista, algo que después de varios libros echaba de menos. Como presuponía en mi anterior reseña, la comandante Quinn gana mucho protagonismo en la historia y entre los secundarios volvemos a contar con el primo de Miles y varios personajes nuevos. En este apartado una vez más, personajes y diálogos son lo mejor de la novela y cumplen más que de sobra.
El cambio de escenario también me ha gustado, la visita a una Tierra futurista le ha venido bien al conjunto. Sin embargo la trama me ha generado dudas. Es decir, me ha gustado en sí, pero al mismo tiempo me ha parecido que no está bien conjuntado el puzle y algunas cosas quedan demasiado forzadas y sin ninguna duda es el motivo por el que no llega a las 5 estrellas.
Obvia decir que continuaré con la saga, aunque ahora voy a hacer un parón de 1 mes o así, que sino terminaré por empacharme de Miles y no lo disfrutaré como debería.
August 24, 2019
I loved this story front to back. It’s going to be hard to top this one; it feels like peak Miles. Politics! Double-crosses! Attempted assassinations! Romance! Kidnapping! Clones! Spreadsheets! A cat blanket!
Yeah, that last one is pretty creepy, a furry blanket that purrs. But the characters seem to like it, and it’s hardly the weirdest thing in this universe. We also get to meet Miles’ clone, later dubbed Mark, and I’m hoping we see more of him. The story possibilities are endless.
This was just a vastly entertaining adventure with nary a dull moment.
Yeah, that last one is pretty creepy, a furry blanket that purrs. But the characters seem to like it, and it’s hardly the weirdest thing in this universe. We also get to meet Miles’ clone, later dubbed Mark, and I’m hoping we see more of him. The story possibilities are endless.
This was just a vastly entertaining adventure with nary a dull moment.
April 2, 2024
Favorite one yet. Going too fast to give these real reviews
9.3/10
9.3/10
March 18, 2018
Brothers in Arms: Miles gets seriously schizophrenic...or is it Admiral Naismith?
Now that I've thoroughly immersed in the Miles Vorkosigan Saga, like other fans I can begin to appreciate all the little character details that Bujold has carefully woven into each of the volumes, and as each of the seemingly small events of previous stories have larger repercussions later on, and previously minor characters take on greater importance and depth. This story takes places directly in the aftermath of the prison camp breakout told in "Borders of Infinity" and explains why the Cetagandans are so upset with Miles.
In Brothers in Arms, the Dendarii Mercenaries flee to Earth for much-needed repairs and recuperation after their latest misadventures. Miles contacts the local Barrayaran Embassy in London to get payment for his fleets expenses and repairs, but soon finds out the Cetagandans are on the hunt for a certain Admiral Naismith, who caused so much trouble to them recently. Never having had both Miles Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith in the same place at the same time has avoided identity complications until this point, but now Miles must play both roles while avoiding Cetagandan assassins, his own Dendarii mercenaries causing trouble Earthside when their credit is found to be no good, and eventually a very sinister plot to undermine both Miles and Naismith long in the planning. The mastermind of this is just as clever as Miles is, and has a serious axe to grind with Miles. Also, his method of getting revenge introduces an intriguing and very conflicted new character to the story, who will take on even greater importance in the next volume Mirror Dance.
This was a very enjoyable entry in the series, especially the difficulties that Miles encounters with his split identity, funding troubles for his fleet, more romantic entanglements, and finally some very intense drama as he encounters his nemesis in a tense finale in the city. Once again Bujold manages to seamlessly combine humor, improbable but madcap plot twists, tense action, but above all characters that you come to care about very much. All rolled into a fun-filled SF romp, but intelligent and above all humane.
Now that I've thoroughly immersed in the Miles Vorkosigan Saga, like other fans I can begin to appreciate all the little character details that Bujold has carefully woven into each of the volumes, and as each of the seemingly small events of previous stories have larger repercussions later on, and previously minor characters take on greater importance and depth. This story takes places directly in the aftermath of the prison camp breakout told in "Borders of Infinity" and explains why the Cetagandans are so upset with Miles.
In Brothers in Arms, the Dendarii Mercenaries flee to Earth for much-needed repairs and recuperation after their latest misadventures. Miles contacts the local Barrayaran Embassy in London to get payment for his fleets expenses and repairs, but soon finds out the Cetagandans are on the hunt for a certain Admiral Naismith, who caused so much trouble to them recently. Never having had both Miles Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith in the same place at the same time has avoided identity complications until this point, but now Miles must play both roles while avoiding Cetagandan assassins, his own Dendarii mercenaries causing trouble Earthside when their credit is found to be no good, and eventually a very sinister plot to undermine both Miles and Naismith long in the planning. The mastermind of this is just as clever as Miles is, and has a serious axe to grind with Miles. Also, his method of getting revenge introduces an intriguing and very conflicted new character to the story, who will take on even greater importance in the next volume Mirror Dance.
This was a very enjoyable entry in the series, especially the difficulties that Miles encounters with his split identity, funding troubles for his fleet, more romantic entanglements, and finally some very intense drama as he encounters his nemesis in a tense finale in the city. Once again Bujold manages to seamlessly combine humor, improbable but madcap plot twists, tense action, but above all characters that you come to care about very much. All rolled into a fun-filled SF romp, but intelligent and above all humane.
July 8, 2020
This is a SF space opera novel, part of Vorkosigan Saga, this time set almost completely on Earth (London to be precise). I’ve read it as a part of Vorkosigan Challenge at Hugo & Nebula Awards: Best Novels group.
This time Miles Vorkosigan in his guise as Admiral Naismith visits Earth chiefly to make some repairs of his Dendarii fleet after a successful, but costly in human life, operation of escaping from a military prison. Almost immediately he is interceded by a local reporter, who noted an uncanny resemblance between Barrayaran noble and mercenary leader. To put her off the truth, he on a spot (the way he have done before) concocts a story about Cetagandans creating his clone for some secret operation. The story however, soon bites him right back!
It is not too sly tongue-in-a-cheek mocking of soap opera and space series tropes that a reader may ask themselves, is the author making fun of the genre or of me? I guess the former is the case and the genre in need of a bit of mockery. Moreover, as the story progresses, there are some interesting twists and more importantly, thought!
A great installment in the series.
This time Miles Vorkosigan in his guise as Admiral Naismith visits Earth chiefly to make some repairs of his Dendarii fleet after a successful, but costly in human life, operation of escaping from a military prison. Almost immediately he is interceded by a local reporter, who noted an uncanny resemblance between Barrayaran noble and mercenary leader. To put her off the truth, he on a spot (the way he have done before) concocts a story about Cetagandans creating his clone for some secret operation. The story however, soon bites him right back!
It is not too sly tongue-in-a-cheek mocking of soap opera and space series tropes that a reader may ask themselves, is the author making fun of the genre or of me? I guess the former is the case and the genre in need of a bit of mockery. Moreover, as the story progresses, there are some interesting twists and more importantly, thought!
A great installment in the series.
July 7, 2014
So I settled down to read the first book in an omnibus with warm fuzzy feelings, and was not disappointed. I'd read a book further in the series, so I knew about Mark, but, of course, not the details about where he had come from. Knowing more or less how it came out did not spoil the book for me - in fact, it made it more interesting. How do we get from here to there? That's often far more interesting than what twists are coming up next.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the 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 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
![Profile Image for laurel [the suspected bibliophile].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645808644i/7494844._UX200_CR0,6,200,200_.jpg)
April 23, 2024
2024 Even more hilarious than I remembered, minus the parts that were absolutely horrifying.
2021 reread I can't remember when I last read this one—2011 at the latest, certainly, before I joined Goodreads. But most likely it was in college or high school, putting my last reread of this before 2009.
Either way, I don't often reread the Dendarii portions after Vor Game because I find them kinda boring? And Mirror Dance just makes me sob uncontrollably. Generally, when I do rereads I haphazardly bump around with favorites, starting with Cordelia then flitting to Civil Campaign. However, reading them in order makes me enjoy this one a lot more than I remember.
Basically: Miles gets stuck on Earth after a paperwork slowdown, finds himself caught in between personas and crafts up a lie to explain his two identities, and the lie ends up being (mostly) true and then Miles must extricate himself and his new brother from the ensuing crisis. It's at turns hilarious, heartrending and pulse-thumping, with deeper implications for Barrayar and its little empire.
2021 reread I can't remember when I last read this one—2011 at the latest, certainly, before I joined Goodreads. But most likely it was in college or high school, putting my last reread of this before 2009.
Either way, I don't often reread the Dendarii portions after Vor Game because I find them kinda boring? And Mirror Dance just makes me sob uncontrollably. Generally, when I do rereads I haphazardly bump around with favorites, starting with Cordelia then flitting to Civil Campaign. However, reading them in order makes me enjoy this one a lot more than I remember.
Basically: Miles gets stuck on Earth after a paperwork slowdown, finds himself caught in between personas and crafts up a lie to explain his two identities, and the lie ends up being (mostly) true and then Miles must extricate himself and his new brother from the ensuing crisis. It's at turns hilarious, heartrending and pulse-thumping, with deeper implications for Barrayar and its little empire.
October 23, 2014
Another fun adventure with Miles. This one is set in London, on Earth, which is a bit of a backwater. Other than that, it was pretty typically Miles - kind of crazy, a bit spastic, irreverent, & definitely twisty. As usual, none of Miles' superiors are very happy with him as he undermines & usurps their authority through sheer intelligence, energy, & force of personality. How he does this is most of the fun.
There wasn't anything really new & improved in this novel though, so I can only give it 3 stars. It's probably time to take a break from the series for a bit.
There wasn't anything really new & improved in this novel though, so I can only give it 3 stars. It's probably time to take a break from the series for a bit.
February 4, 2021
Para entender mejor el inicio de esta novela conviene leer antes el relato Fronteras del infinito. Así se entiende el estado de ánimo de Miles y el porqué están en la Tierra.
Pero tampoco es necesario para poder disfrutar de 300 páginas de acción sin parar, diálogos profundos y las dosis de humor típicas de Bujold.
Creo que ha sido de los que más he disfrutado de la saga por la aparición de un personaje que aporta mucha frescura y un reseteo en las tramas que puede dar mucho juego.
Vamos, que leer a Bujold es apuesta segura.
Pero tampoco es necesario para poder disfrutar de 300 páginas de acción sin parar, diálogos profundos y las dosis de humor típicas de Bujold.
Creo que ha sido de los que más he disfrutado de la saga por la aparición de un personaje que aporta mucha frescura y un reseteo en las tramas que puede dar mucho juego.
Vamos, que leer a Bujold es apuesta segura.
March 25, 2017
Buddy read with Choko and Evgeny.
If I have to be completely honest this should have a 3 star rating. However I gave it a bonus star because it introduces one of my favourite support characters in the series - Duv Galeni.
Following the events of Dagoola and another operation soon after it the Dendarii are in a desperate need of some down time and to repair the damaged equipment. As a result they end up on Earth - the cradle of human civilization. And because this is Miles a simple repair job and retrieval of the needed funds turns into a nightmare. Miles is a magnet for disasters :D Only he can stumble on a plot to destabilise the Barrayaran Empire totally by accident. Because he wasn't even supposed to go to Earth! I feel bad for all of Miles superiors. I think that they start weeping the moment they see that they are supposed to deal with him. Though for a change Miles doesn't kill the career of Capt. Galeni. They even form a strange friendship after all the things they go through together.
Another major secondary character (I know it's kind of an oxymoron) is introduced - Mark, Miles' clone brother. He plays a major role in one of the following novels and is the catalyst for one of the biggest changes in Miles' life. Even saying so much is a spoiler for the rest of the series but I just couldn't explain why this is an important moment without mentioning it. Most of the time Miles reminds me of his father. Maybe it's because of the military situations he is in. However in regards to Mark, he shows how much Cordelia has been an influence on him. It takes a special kind of courage to do what he did. Courage or total lack of sense of self-preservation :D
Ivan Vorpartil shows up and as usual gets drafted in. Miles is really hard on his friends and relatives. I do wonder why they haven't had him committed years ago just to avoid being collateral damage because of one of his plans ;) Again Ivan shows his remarkable ability to fool everyone into thinking him a harmless idiot so he can live his life the way he likes it. Unfortunately for him, Miles knows very well that he possesses a sharp mind and more importantly that he is loyal to a fault to his family. I can't wait to get to the book where Ivan is the main character. It's so much fun!
Elli Quinn plays a bigger role and there's finally development on the romantic front. Miles is adorable when it comes to women - no dating or courtship, he goes straight for the jugular with the . Miles, dear, thank the stars that Elli already loved you or you would have scared her away!
There were some pretty intense scenes in this book and I remember how nerve wrecking it was to read them the first time. Now I could mostly laugh and enjoy the story without too much excess emotions.
If I have to be completely honest this should have a 3 star rating. However I gave it a bonus star because it introduces one of my favourite support characters in the series - Duv Galeni.
Following the events of Dagoola and another operation soon after it the Dendarii are in a desperate need of some down time and to repair the damaged equipment. As a result they end up on Earth - the cradle of human civilization. And because this is Miles a simple repair job and retrieval of the needed funds turns into a nightmare. Miles is a magnet for disasters :D Only he can stumble on a plot to destabilise the Barrayaran Empire totally by accident. Because he wasn't even supposed to go to Earth! I feel bad for all of Miles superiors. I think that they start weeping the moment they see that they are supposed to deal with him. Though for a change Miles doesn't kill the career of Capt. Galeni. They even form a strange friendship after all the things they go through together.
Another major secondary character (I know it's kind of an oxymoron) is introduced - Mark, Miles' clone brother. He plays a major role in one of the following novels and is the catalyst for one of the biggest changes in Miles' life. Even saying so much is a spoiler for the rest of the series but I just couldn't explain why this is an important moment without mentioning it. Most of the time Miles reminds me of his father. Maybe it's because of the military situations he is in. However in regards to Mark, he shows how much Cordelia has been an influence on him. It takes a special kind of courage to do what he did. Courage or total lack of sense of self-preservation :D
Ivan Vorpartil shows up and as usual gets drafted in. Miles is really hard on his friends and relatives. I do wonder why they haven't had him committed years ago just to avoid being collateral damage because of one of his plans ;) Again Ivan shows his remarkable ability to fool everyone into thinking him a harmless idiot so he can live his life the way he likes it. Unfortunately for him, Miles knows very well that he possesses a sharp mind and more importantly that he is loyal to a fault to his family. I can't wait to get to the book where Ivan is the main character. It's so much fun!
Elli Quinn plays a bigger role and there's finally development on the romantic front. Miles is adorable when it comes to women - no dating or courtship, he goes straight for the jugular with the . Miles, dear, thank the stars that Elli already loved you or you would have scared her away!
There were some pretty intense scenes in this book and I remember how nerve wrecking it was to read them the first time. Now I could mostly laugh and enjoy the story without too much excess emotions.
July 27, 2014
The series is definitely gaining momentum by this novel, changing tracks only a little from the previous stories. It introduces a short and surly wrinkle that will grow into one interesting character in his own right. This novel is more than an introduction for him, though. It's funny, clever, and does a deft job at worldbuilding Earth with barely touching it. Miles, like the reader (me), wanted to sightsee, but he was kept so busy we missed almost everything! And it should have been a vacation!
This was one of my easiest remembered rereads. It didn't spoil the enjoyment one iota to know what was coming. Such a great series!
This was one of my easiest remembered rereads. It didn't spoil the enjoyment one iota to know what was coming. Such a great series!
February 15, 2015
Summary: Flippin' awesome!
I've read the Vorkosigan Saga all out of order - this is book 5, but it was the 13th I'd read.
/curtailed review - the puppy has just been sick - the fun never ends in this house!
After this I read: Resplendant
I've read the Vorkosigan Saga all out of order - this is book 5, but it was the 13th I'd read.
/curtailed review - the puppy has just been sick - the fun never ends in this house!
After this I read: Resplendant
May 27, 2018
At this point in the Vorkosigan chronology Miles has been living his double life as Admiral Naismith for several years and his Dendarii mercenaries are a thriving concern. The action picks up with the Dendarii arriving at Earth and Miles having to make his double identity work in ways that he hasn't in the past. There are people trying to kill him, and it may not just be his usual crowd of enemies, and nor is it clear who they're trying to kill: Vorkosigan or Naismith.
This is a fairly run-of-the-mill off-Barrayar Vorkosigan story that would be familiar to anyone whose read The Vor Game or Cetaganda. It does introduce some very important characters and relationships for later in the series though, particularly including Mark and Duv Galeni as well as establishing Elli Quinn a bit better.
This is a fairly run-of-the-mill off-Barrayar Vorkosigan story that would be familiar to anyone whose read The Vor Game or Cetaganda. It does introduce some very important characters and relationships for later in the series though, particularly including Mark and Duv Galeni as well as establishing Elli Quinn a bit better.
July 11, 2014
**edit 11/26/13
My advice regarding the Vorkosigan Saga boils down to this: go read them. All of them. I suggest starting with The Warrior's Apprentice--and no, this isn't one of my usual careless suggestions to jump midway into a series; it's recommended by Bujold herself. And now, onwards to Brothers in Arms!
In Miles Vorkosigan's most recent mission as his alter-ego Admiral Miles Naismith of the Dendarii Free Mercenaries, he was sent undercover to rescue one important man from a Cetagandan POW camp. As is typical of Miles' missions, things didn't go as planned, and the 1 prisoner rescue was somehow multiplied into 10,000. Now, with the fleet badly in need of repairs, Miles has stopped at Old Earth to prize payment from the reluctant pockets of the Barrayaran Embassy in London. And, of course, that's when things on Earth start getting, as Miles would say, a little out of hand. While Miles is trying to escort high-faluting London socialites as part of his Barrayaran identity, he is forced to make a daring--and unfortunately visible--rescue as Admiral Naismith. With both of his identities seen on Earth, how long can it be before people connect the glaring fluorescent dots? As Miles points out, "How many four-foot-nine-inch black-haired grey-eyed hunchbacks can there be on this damn planet? D’you think you trip over twitchy dwarfs on every street corner?" Not only is his cover identity at risk, but, with the Cetagandans simultaneously meeting socially with with Lt. Vorkosigan of the Barrayaran Embassy and actively out for the blood of the all-too-similar Admiral Naismith, Miles is doubly in danger. Clearly, Miles decides, the obvious solution is to tell everyone that he has a clone, created in secret as part of a plot against Barrayar. It isn't long before Miles is heading straight into his own unique version of an identity crisis. And since this is Miles Vorkosigan, that's when things start getting complicated.
...
Due to my disapproval of GR's new and rather subjective review deletion policy, the rest of my (typically verbose) review is posted over at Booklikes.
My advice regarding the Vorkosigan Saga boils down to this: go read them. All of them. I suggest starting with The Warrior's Apprentice--and no, this isn't one of my usual careless suggestions to jump midway into a series; it's recommended by Bujold herself. And now, onwards to Brothers in Arms!
In Miles Vorkosigan's most recent mission as his alter-ego Admiral Miles Naismith of the Dendarii Free Mercenaries, he was sent undercover to rescue one important man from a Cetagandan POW camp. As is typical of Miles' missions, things didn't go as planned, and the 1 prisoner rescue was somehow multiplied into 10,000. Now, with the fleet badly in need of repairs, Miles has stopped at Old Earth to prize payment from the reluctant pockets of the Barrayaran Embassy in London. And, of course, that's when things on Earth start getting, as Miles would say, a little out of hand. While Miles is trying to escort high-faluting London socialites as part of his Barrayaran identity, he is forced to make a daring--and unfortunately visible--rescue as Admiral Naismith. With both of his identities seen on Earth, how long can it be before people connect the glaring fluorescent dots? As Miles points out, "How many four-foot-nine-inch black-haired grey-eyed hunchbacks can there be on this damn planet? D’you think you trip over twitchy dwarfs on every street corner?" Not only is his cover identity at risk, but, with the Cetagandans simultaneously meeting socially with with Lt. Vorkosigan of the Barrayaran Embassy and actively out for the blood of the all-too-similar Admiral Naismith, Miles is doubly in danger. Clearly, Miles decides, the obvious solution is to tell everyone that he has a clone, created in secret as part of a plot against Barrayar. It isn't long before Miles is heading straight into his own unique version of an identity crisis. And since this is Miles Vorkosigan, that's when things start getting complicated.
...
Due to my disapproval of GR's new and rather subjective review deletion policy, the rest of my (typically verbose) review is posted over at Booklikes.
July 23, 2012
More Vorkosigan fun. Funny, action-packed summer reading. Not really too suspenseful since I know he must survive for books eight through eighty (I don't know how many there are, but I know they're still going), but Bujold established early on in the series that she wasn't afraid to kill some pretty important characters.
June 11, 2020
A good Miles story, introduction to Mark.
March 20, 2024
* Re-read *
I loved the emotional parts of this book. That is, Miles's loyalty to his home planet and his family, despite his insistence that he wants to be a 'free' man with his mercenary fleet. I think the only reason this one rates 4 1/2 stars only is that there are a few scenes in the beginning which aren't written quite as crisply as they would be in the later books in the series. The entire clone plotline, however, is sheer genius and worth the price alone.
Original review:
This installment of the Vorkosigan Saga follows directly on from the novella, Borders of Infinity. In Borders Miles had battled and outwitted the Cetagandans, resulting in a price put on his head and the Dendarii fleet in need of some time to recover economically and emotionally. They choose to do so on Earth; in particular London.
It soon turns out to be no relaxing and rejuvenating break. Miles has to deal with Fleet money issues, a new superior at the Barrayaran embassy, and his evolving feelings for Elli, who has had a sweet crush on him since The Warrior's Apprentice. Miles's biggest dilemma though is juggling his double life of Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Fleet and Lord Vorkosigan, son of the Barrayar Prime Minister. In a tough spot with a reporters and the police, Miles invents a story in a vain attempt to prove his two identities are separate persons - he claims he was cloned. In a twist that unfortunately we all see coming (see below) Miles discovers that this story he’d invented on the spur of the moment could actually be true.
Overall, plot wise, this is probably my favourite Miles adventure yet but it was spoiled by a couple of things - the first being spoilers.
Yes, the detail of the clone storyline is basically impossible to avoid. Nearly every review mentions it, discussions on the series mention it, it's even advertised on the book covers (as usual, nearly all the covers are horrendous). If this isn't enough, the next book in the series mentions some of the details on the blurb and shows us two Miles on the cover. So, with not even LMB or the publishers creating a spoiler free environment, the twist and big reveal was a bit anticlimactic. A shame too, considering it was quite a way into the book and so well done.
My other complaint with the book is that Miles once again manages to get himself out of trouble so easily. Yes, LMB always creates conflict beautifully by throwing Miles in the proverbial deep end every chance she gets, but I often find he manages to extract himself and his friends from harm’s way with relative ease which, I admit, lessens the tension. Sometimes I wish things would drag on a little longer before Miles has to move on to his next crisis.
I also realise LMB writes these books completely from Miles’s point of view but I did, at times, long for the point of view of the other characters (in particular, his cousin Ivan and Elli's) in this installment.
LMB usually wins me over with Miles’s soul searching and poignant moments and she did this once again with some fine moments revolving around Miles’s relationship with his parents, Ivan, and Elli. *sniff* I also loved how Miles’s love for, and loyalty to, his family and home planet are depicted in this book. It's a recurring theme of Brothers In Arms and adds meaning to the title.
Another highlight of the book was the inclusion of Captain Galeni, whose presence not only brings us up to date with what has happened to the Komarrans since Aral’s defeat of the planet, but also introduces us to a new supporting character whom I hope will pop up again in the series.
After being in a bit of rut reading-wise lately, this book really excited me to continue with the series.
4, heading towards 4 ½ out of 5
I loved the emotional parts of this book. That is, Miles's loyalty to his home planet and his family, despite his insistence that he wants to be a 'free' man with his mercenary fleet. I think the only reason this one rates 4 1/2 stars only is that there are a few scenes in the beginning which aren't written quite as crisply as they would be in the later books in the series. The entire clone plotline, however, is sheer genius and worth the price alone.
Original review:
This installment of the Vorkosigan Saga follows directly on from the novella, Borders of Infinity. In Borders Miles had battled and outwitted the Cetagandans, resulting in a price put on his head and the Dendarii fleet in need of some time to recover economically and emotionally. They choose to do so on Earth; in particular London.
It soon turns out to be no relaxing and rejuvenating break. Miles has to deal with Fleet money issues, a new superior at the Barrayaran embassy, and his evolving feelings for Elli, who has had a sweet crush on him since The Warrior's Apprentice. Miles's biggest dilemma though is juggling his double life of Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Fleet and Lord Vorkosigan, son of the Barrayar Prime Minister. In a tough spot with a reporters and the police, Miles invents a story in a vain attempt to prove his two identities are separate persons - he claims he was cloned. In a twist that unfortunately we all see coming (see below) Miles discovers that this story he’d invented on the spur of the moment could actually be true.
Overall, plot wise, this is probably my favourite Miles adventure yet but it was spoiled by a couple of things - the first being spoilers.
Yes, the detail of the clone storyline is basically impossible to avoid. Nearly every review mentions it, discussions on the series mention it, it's even advertised on the book covers (as usual, nearly all the covers are horrendous). If this isn't enough, the next book in the series mentions some of the details on the blurb and shows us two Miles on the cover. So, with not even LMB or the publishers creating a spoiler free environment, the twist and big reveal was a bit anticlimactic. A shame too, considering it was quite a way into the book and so well done.
My other complaint with the book is that Miles once again manages to get himself out of trouble so easily. Yes, LMB always creates conflict beautifully by throwing Miles in the proverbial deep end every chance she gets, but I often find he manages to extract himself and his friends from harm’s way with relative ease which, I admit, lessens the tension. Sometimes I wish things would drag on a little longer before Miles has to move on to his next crisis.
I also realise LMB writes these books completely from Miles’s point of view but I did, at times, long for the point of view of the other characters (in particular, his cousin Ivan and Elli's) in this installment.
LMB usually wins me over with Miles’s soul searching and poignant moments and she did this once again with some fine moments revolving around Miles’s relationship with his parents, Ivan, and Elli. *sniff* I also loved how Miles’s love for, and loyalty to, his family and home planet are depicted in this book. It's a recurring theme of Brothers In Arms and adds meaning to the title.
Another highlight of the book was the inclusion of Captain Galeni, whose presence not only brings us up to date with what has happened to the Komarrans since Aral’s defeat of the planet, but also introduces us to a new supporting character whom I hope will pop up again in the series.
After being in a bit of rut reading-wise lately, this book really excited me to continue with the series.
4, heading towards 4 ½ out of 5
December 22, 2021
I'm glad that I'm reading these in the authors recommended chronological order as this one follow on directly after the events in 'The Borders of Infinity'. Without knowing why Miles was on the run from the Cetagandan's you would lose some of the context of his situation.
Miles is on Earth and on the run. Just so happens that Ivan is there too. A peaceful situation soon turns to chaos as soon as Miles shows up (as usual) and there follows a twist that I didn't see coming. This series is consistently well above average and this one is one of the best so far.
From reading the blurbs, I can tell that the next book in the series 'Mirror Dance' follows on directly after this one.
Miles is on Earth and on the run. Just so happens that Ivan is there too. A peaceful situation soon turns to chaos as soon as Miles shows up (as usual) and there follows a twist that I didn't see coming. This series is consistently well above average and this one is one of the best so far.
From reading the blurbs, I can tell that the next book in the series 'Mirror Dance' follows on directly after this one.
September 3, 2008
4.0 to 4.5 stars. Miles Vorkosigan is on my list of the top 10 best SF characters ever. This is another great novel, though IMHO not the best.
March 19, 2019
Another solid entry in the Vorkosigan Saga. This book made me quite a fan of Dove Galeni, so I hope he makes a reappearance later in the series.
May 10, 2024
The saga of Miles Vorkosigan really hits its stride. He is a fully fleshed-out character and his adventures now stem from events in prior books as well as believable extrapolations. Bujold makes certain that one doesn't need to have read the earlier books, but if you have then this book has extra depth.
The setting allows more progression for secondary characters Elli Quinn and Ivan Vorpatril as well. The plot keeps moving and the setting of Earth is a good backdrop and very believable. Definitely a book that goes on the Reread Shelf.
The setting allows more progression for secondary characters Elli Quinn and Ivan Vorpatril as well. The plot keeps moving and the setting of Earth is a good backdrop and very believable. Definitely a book that goes on the Reread Shelf.
December 11, 2019
**** 2019 re-read ***
This book is that start of what I feel is a stellar, could-almost-stand-alone trilogy within the series. This book and the next two, Mirror Dance and Memory introduce Mark and through him sets off a series of events that culminate in what I feel is an ending of sorts and marks and turning point and new beginning for Miles.
I once likened this book to a Shakespearan comedy of errors, because it really feels like one, albeit in space. Miles is left cooling his heels on earth and as his space-faring past begins to catch up with him and needing to preserve his real identity cover, through some very Miles Machinations, he spins an outlandish story out of whole cloth. Which actually turns out to be true much to the horrified surprise of our hero. During that we get treated to a little more history of Barrayar and Komarr, fake identity shenanigans, people masquerading as other people. And an usual a twisty plot and elegant solution to a thorny problem. Also great dashes of humor.
And as I noted in my previous review of Cetaganda we get introduced to a new character who, through being pulled into Miles' execrable orbit, comes out the better personally and professionally for it.
**********************Previous review***************************
Taken as a whole, the Miles Vorkosigan series is simply outstanding. The series is built around the character of Miles. And through them we learn about his world, the forces that created him, how he thinks and acts and the people who love, hate, respect and revere him.
Taken as parts of the a whole, the books each stand on their own merits and, although are ostensibly classified as Science Fiction, I find that they could be cross-classified with other genres.
The Warrior's Apprentice and The Vor Game, imo are unabashed rollicking space opera.
Brothers at Arms feels like a Shakespearean comedy of errors.
Mirror Dance and Borders of Infinity would not be out of place along side of those taut Robert Ludlum thrillers.
Memory and Komarr are mystery novels. With Memory being a nice whodunnit while Komarr is closer to being a police procedural.
And A Civil Campaign is a sparkling delight of a romance novel, reminiscent of something Georgette Heyer would write.
As different as each book feels thematically, they all work together to complete a great character study of one of my very favorite fictional characters.
I truly envy those who have not yet read these books. As I find new authors and new books to read, I can only hope to once again experience the feeling of discovering something truly great.
This book is that start of what I feel is a stellar, could-almost-stand-alone trilogy within the series. This book and the next two, Mirror Dance and Memory introduce Mark and through him sets off a series of events that culminate in what I feel is an ending of sorts and marks and turning point and new beginning for Miles.
I once likened this book to a Shakespearan comedy of errors, because it really feels like one, albeit in space. Miles is left cooling his heels on earth and as his space-faring past begins to catch up with him and needing to preserve his real identity cover, through some very Miles Machinations, he spins an outlandish story out of whole cloth. Which actually turns out to be true much to the horrified surprise of our hero. During that we get treated to a little more history of Barrayar and Komarr, fake identity shenanigans, people masquerading as other people. And an usual a twisty plot and elegant solution to a thorny problem. Also great dashes of humor.
And as I noted in my previous review of Cetaganda we get introduced to a new character who, through being pulled into Miles' execrable orbit, comes out the better personally and professionally for it.
**********************Previous review***************************
Taken as a whole, the Miles Vorkosigan series is simply outstanding. The series is built around the character of Miles. And through them we learn about his world, the forces that created him, how he thinks and acts and the people who love, hate, respect and revere him.
Taken as parts of the a whole, the books each stand on their own merits and, although are ostensibly classified as Science Fiction, I find that they could be cross-classified with other genres.
The Warrior's Apprentice and The Vor Game, imo are unabashed rollicking space opera.
Brothers at Arms feels like a Shakespearean comedy of errors.
Mirror Dance and Borders of Infinity would not be out of place along side of those taut Robert Ludlum thrillers.
Memory and Komarr are mystery novels. With Memory being a nice whodunnit while Komarr is closer to being a police procedural.
And A Civil Campaign is a sparkling delight of a romance novel, reminiscent of something Georgette Heyer would write.
As different as each book feels thematically, they all work together to complete a great character study of one of my very favorite fictional characters.
I truly envy those who have not yet read these books. As I find new authors and new books to read, I can only hope to once again experience the feeling of discovering something truly great.
June 15, 2016
This series just keeps on getting better!
For those who are unaware of this series: Miles Vorkosigan is a short officer who usually is looked down upon because of his appearance, but what people don't know is that he also accidentally became a mercenary captain and goes along with his fleet to war torn planets to save the day. He is hilarious and his quest in life is to be appreciated for the brilliant mind that he knows he is.
That is a very simplified plot to get you on the series. If you want to start from the beginning I recommend: The Warrior's Apprentice
The series as any great sci-fi book has great technology and there are a lot of space traveling involve.
If this doesn't make you want to start the series right away I don't know what will.
For those who are unaware of this series: Miles Vorkosigan is a short officer who usually is looked down upon because of his appearance, but what people don't know is that he also accidentally became a mercenary captain and goes along with his fleet to war torn planets to save the day. He is hilarious and his quest in life is to be appreciated for the brilliant mind that he knows he is.
That is a very simplified plot to get you on the series. If you want to start from the beginning I recommend: The Warrior's Apprentice
The series as any great sci-fi book has great technology and there are a lot of space traveling involve.
If this doesn't make you want to start the series right away I don't know what will.
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