Barrayar

A Vorkosigan Adventure

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Political intrigue, culture clash and romance make a stirring mix in this award-winning follow-up novel to the acclaimed Shards of Honor.

In the wake of interplanetary war, former commander Cordelia Naismith has deserted her own planet to marry the leader of the defeated enemy, Aral Vorkosigan. On his home planet of Barrayar, two rival factions are eyeing the recently vacated throne, and Aral, recently appointed Regent of Barrayar by the Emperor on his deathbed, must stand between them.

Lord and Lady Vorkosigan, Aral and Cordelia struggle to establish stability in a fragile government thrown into confusion by the transition of power and the threat of civil war. When a palace coup endangers the government, their lives, and her unborn son, Cordelia takes action to secure the safety of her new family and new home.

©1991 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

1992 Hugo Award, Best Novel

Actually Book Two in the Series

The first, “Shards of Honor,” introduced Cordelia and Aral Vorkosigan, Beta Colony and Barrayar. You wouldn’t have to read/listen to it prior to this one, though I strongly suggest you do. This book tells of their first year together on Barrayar. It’s a rough one. I loved the first book—great sic-fi romance. This one was even better, though less of a romance and more anthropological/socialogical sci-fi. Cordelia’s wry humor worked well with the political intrigue and the difficulties of learning to negotiate a different culture. The writing is finely done without overwhelming or slowing the story down. There’s enough action with the intrigue to keep the pace moving, but it’s the characters who make the story. The ending immensely satisfying, while still setting up for more books in the series (which I can’t wait to hear). Though most of the book is from Cordelia’s perspective, the (male) narrator on the audio book did a wonderful job capturing her “voice.”

Actionpacked and building human characters

I am listening to the Vorkosigan books in order, as many recommend. So this is my second one, after Shards of Honor. I enjoyed the first book, and like the second one even more.

While listening to this book on my way to work and back home, I often find myself drive slower or even stay parked in the driveway to hear how the story develops. Particularly the latter part of this book (I won't spoil anything) keeps you on the edge of your seat as the pace picks up and tension mounts to the climax. And then you are still left wondering what happened to certain crucial characters in the book.

So, the book has plenty of action. Fine and well worth reading for that. Where it exceeds a normal action book is the depth of its characters: Aral, Cordelia and to a lesser extent Piotr, Bothari, Kou and Drou can be understood and up to a point empathise with. The star of course is Cordelia, who almost always seem to keep her nerve and never rises to pure emotional reactions.

This is maybe the only drawback of this book, and that is where I give it 4 instead of 5 stars. Aral and Cordelia are a bit too perfect for me. Sure, they get mad, and make emotional decisions. But they seem to never be overwhelmed, or too upset to think clearly, even when the world around them is in total chaos. This makes the book a bit too predictable at critical times, because you feel what the right decision would be (for A or C) and that is also what they do in the story.

Nonetheless, thoroughly enjoyable for readers of soft SF (no robots or aliens) who are also interested in character development.

Grover Gardner is a fine reader.

Unforgettable characters

Any additional comments?

This installment is the follow-up to Shards of Honor. We learn more about Aral and Cordelia and just how nuts Barrayaran politics are. Lois McMaster Bujold is a phenomenal writer who consistently delivers fully developed, living characters who truly show the grays of real people. Furthermore, the narrator is a perfect pairing to the writing. Listen to these books. You will not regret the decision.

A true Favorite

I have listened to this title multiple times. It never gets old, and I ALWAYS learn something new. The narrator is top-notch, and captures the characters so well without resorting to tricks. I love this one so much.

A Favorite Classic

Lois McMaster Bujold established herself in the class of Heinlein, Asimov, and David Weber with her Vorkosigan series and the first 2 books, Shards of Honor and Barrayar, are the finest books of the series. I often think fondly of the acquaintance who gave me Shards as an offering of one of her favorite Sci-fi authors and I'm jealous of anyone who still has yet to read any of the series books. The author is a delightful person and will be one of the shining lights of the genre for her incredible Space Opera creation of Miles' world.