Rating: 
Summary: Bujold's works are art in the form of Literature
Review: As these are reprints, they are of little interest to those already fans and collectors of the series. However, these two novels and one novella provide a good and varied introduction.CASTAGANDA, the first novel, is a light-hearted science-fiction/mystery with Miles and his cousin. Humor, adventure, and intrigue combine for a delightful reading experience. ETHAN OF ATHOS is a departure in that Miles is referred to but not in the story. Homophobes may have trouble with it, because the title character is from an all-male planet based on a monastic type of life-style, a planet where women are forbidden and as a result of generations on a "men only" world are also mistrusted and misunderstood. "Labyrinth" is a novella again featuring Miles in an adventure. The common link here is the author's interest in synthetic birth. This theme dates back to Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, but here Bujold examines the subject from three different perspectives. These are fun stories and quite recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Excellant Introduction to the Vorkosigan Saga
Review: As these are reprints, they are of little interest to those already fans and collectors of the series. However, these two novels and one novella provide a good and varied introduction. CASTAGANDA, the first novel, is a light-hearted science-fiction/mystery with Miles and his cousin. Humor, adventure, and intrigue combine for a delightful reading experience. ETHAN OF ATHOS is a departure in that Miles is referred to but not in the story. Homophobes may have trouble with it, because the title character is from an all-male planet based on a monastic type of life-style, a planet where women are forbidden and as a result of generations on a "men only" world are also mistrusted and misunderstood. "Labyrinth" is a novella again featuring Miles in an adventure. The common link here is the author's interest in synthetic birth. This theme dates back to Aldous Huxley's BRAVE NEW WORLD, but here Bujold examines the subject from three different perspectives. These are fun stories and quite recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Great book but reprint of previous novels
Review: Do not buy this if you already have copies Cetaganda and Ethan of Athos as this is a reprint of those two. That said if you don't already have you very own copies (and why NOT?) go ahead and buy this two-in-one hardcover. If you want something new you will have to wait impatiently until May 2002. The only nit I have to ever pick with Lois McMaster Bujold is that she can't write faster!
Rating:
Summary: Bujold has done it again!
Review: Here's the third compilation in the Vorkosigan saga. That's right folks, it's a compilation. NOT a new book. Love it anyway! It's two novels (_Cetaganda_ and _Ethan of Athos_) and one novella (_Labyrinth_) for the price of one hardback book! For those who are just discovering the greatness of Bujold, this is the perfect addition. _Cetaganda_ is the story of Miles and his cousin Ivan (who is the opposite of Miles - tall, yet dull-minded and despises adventures) on their trip to Cetaganda for a funeral. Of course, Miles being Miles finds himself in the center of a huge plot, which he feels he must unravel (alone, of course). _Ethan of Athos_ is the story of Ethan of the planet Athos, an all-male planet that is akin to a monastery. Reproduction is through uterine replicators. When ovarian cultures run out, Ethan, a doctor, is sent into the wide sinful galaxy to find more. Although all he wants to do is avoid women (who spew sin), get the cultures, and get home, he winds up in espionage with a woman (what else?) as his partner. "Labyrinth" is the tale of Miles', as Admiral Naismith, trip to Jackson's Whole to help give refuge to a dr. In the meantime, he gets mixed up in a plot of battling Houses, must save a tissue sample for the refugee, and finds himself trapped with a lascivious werewolf girl! Overall, it's Bujold at her best, yet again! The centering theme of the three tales is the different consequences of one technology and how humanity can define itself as a result. Bujold adds humor, philosophy, and theology to make the book full of adventure and introspection. The characters are all believable, even when they get in over their heads. The writing is enjoyable, although some of the scenes required me to re-read them to fully follow what was going on. The perfect read for those who love sci-fi, adventure, or something just plain kick arse. Even if you haven't read the other two compilations of Bujold in the Vorkosigan saga (_Cordelia's Honor_ and _Young Miles_) this book will stand alone. Bujold does a fantastic job at making the books independent on their own but also part of a larger fabric.
Rating: 
Summary: Yet another "omnibus" rip-off
Review: I am a voracious fan of fantasy and science fiction, so when a new title by an author as good as Ms. Bujold shows up, I snap it off of the shelf like a shark, only to find out: It ISN'T a new title! What is the deal with the new trend of re-publishing books under a new title? What was wrong with the old one? This book is a blatant attempt by the publisher to squeeze more money from what is otherwise an excellent series of books! Buy the original books!
Rating:
Summary: Yet another "omnibus" rip-off
Review: I am a voracious fan of fantasy and science fiction, so when a new title by an author as good as Ms. Bujold shows up, I snap it off of the shelf like a shark, only to find out: It ISN'T a new title! What is the deal with the new trend of re-publishing books under a new title? What was wrong with the old one? This book is a blatant attempt by the publisher to squeeze more money from what is otherwise an excellent series of books! Buy the original books!
Rating:
Summary: I'd love 6 different copies of everything she's written!
Review: I know this book is merely a compilation reprint of some of Ms. Bujold's work... I've known that for months, found out at her official website(...), but I bought this book anyway :-) Why? Because of the pretty cover. Because I honestly wouldn't mind having multiple copies of some of her work and this way I can lend my copy of "Ethan" out to friends and still have one in case I feel like reading it for myself for the 4th time ::grins:: I've been a Vorkosigan fan for years. I feel that by buying just about everything Ms. Bujold writes I'm encouraging her to write more. I'm eagerly awaiting the next Vorkosigan book (and the next, and the next...) but for now I think I'll just drool over this reprint and convert a few more Lois fans while I wait! The Vorkosigan series is fun, exciting, romantic science fiction/romance/fantasy/soap opera. I'm glad Miles is finally getting a bit of that happy ending he so richly deserves. I hope Mark and Ivan get theirs soon :-)
Rating:
Summary: I'd love 6 different copies of everything she's written!
Review: I know this book is merely a compilation reprint of some of Ms. Bujold's work... I've known that for months, found out at her official website(...), but I bought this book anyway :-) Why? Because of the pretty cover. Because I honestly wouldn't mind having multiple copies of some of her work and this way I can lend my copy of "Ethan" out to friends and still have one in case I feel like reading it for myself for the 4th time ::grins:: I've been a Vorkosigan fan for years. I feel that by buying just about everything Ms. Bujold writes I'm encouraging her to write more. I'm eagerly awaiting the next Vorkosigan book (and the next, and the next...) but for now I think I'll just drool over this reprint and convert a few more Lois fans while I wait! The Vorkosigan series is fun, exciting, romantic science fiction/romance/fantasy/soap opera. I'm glad Miles is finally getting a bit of that happy ending he so richly deserves. I hope Mark and Ivan get theirs soon :-)
Rating:
Summary: Miles, Mystery & Mayhem
Review: I only wish I knew that Cetaganda, Ethan of Ethos, and Labyrinth were in this collection! I already have all three of those and was looking for new material. A real waste of money unless you are looking for those books. The books (and story) themselves are all up to LMB's excellent standard and a must for anyone following the Miles Voskosigan adventures!
Rating:
Summary: Miles, Mystery & Mayhem
Review: I only wish I knew that Cetaganda, Ethan of Ethos, and Labyrinth were in this collection! I already have all three of those and was looking for new material. A real waste of money unless you are looking for those books. The books (and story) themselves are all up to LMB's excellent standard and a must for anyone following the Miles Voskosigan adventures!
| 
