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ghenghizcohen's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
justine_ao's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Really nicely written with excellent worldbuilding. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous books mainly because it is a mystery set planetside on Cetaganda rather than an action adventure in space or in various locations - so a matter of my taste for stories. But really, this series continues to be excellent.
Really nicely written with excellent worldbuilding. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the previous books mainly because it is a mystery set planetside on Cetaganda rather than an action adventure in space or in various locations - so a matter of my taste for stories. But really, this series continues to be excellent.
kimu's review
5.0
Different than the chronologically earlier books, but fantastic. A science fiction mash up with mystery. Loved it.
Re-read: May 2016
Reread October 2018
April 2022 re-read: my favorite of the first few books.
Re-read: May 2016
Reread October 2018
April 2022 re-read: my favorite of the first few books.
spinstersam's review
4.0
Another great entry in this series. Bujold puts Miles into all sorts of situations, so each book seems unique. In this story, Miles is thrust into internal palace intrigue on Cetaganda, Barrayar's longtime enemy. Through this, we get some really fascinating world crafting, as Cetaganda's social and political society is explored. I also like the way Miles has real insecurities that are always just below the surface despite his successes.
darkenergy's review
5.0
4.5 stars
Oh man...this is probably as transhumanist as things get in Bujold's universe. The Cetagandans' relentless self-improvement takes them further and further away from regular-human. I do wish that side of things had been explored more, although there's not really an opportunity to do so...short story perhaps?
Oh man...this is probably as transhumanist as things get in Bujold's universe. The Cetagandans' relentless self-improvement takes them further and further away from regular-human. I do wish that side of things had been explored more, although there's not really an opportunity to do so...short story perhaps?
chloefrizzle's review
5.0
I love the contrast between Miles and Ivan in this book. They're perfect foils to each other.
kateminasian's review against another edition
3.0
So far my least favorite. I’m kind of sick of Miles mooning over whatever attractive woman he comes across. I am not, however, sick of Ivan.
alizy's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0