Rating: 
Summary: Maybe she should try "shopping" over the Net next time.
Review: This is an interesting book to read early on if you are just getting into the Vorkosigan books. I came to CORDELIA'S HONOR, with some prodding from my wife, after finishing the most recent entry, A CIVIL CAMPAIGN, and it provides some much needed background to the history of the troubled planet Barrayar.Focusing on Cordelia Naismith, this dual-novel covers her introduction to/capture by "The Butcher of Komarr," Aral Vorkosigan. Aral may have a terrible reputation, only partially deserved, but he sees the strength and intelligence in his prisoner, and they ally against his formidable internal enemies. The first novel follows Aral and Cordelia as they meet and separate repeatedly. It isn't paced especially well, but the conclusion exemplifies the devious but draconian nature of the political world facing our heroes. The second book concludes Cordelia's saga as more Barrayaran turmoil threatens the new family that she is trying to build. Cordelia is a joy to read about because the reader is allowed to see everything in her that Aral does. Though Bujold does put her through the wringer, her weary triumph is moving and hopeful. Wry humor punctuates even some of the most grim and horrific events, making this a read that is easy to swallow. This is a political novel, with very little to interest those interested in hard scientific speculation. Intrigues abound, personalities and agendas drive the plot. Some of the situations are a little clichéd, or preposterous (including a near-rape by an arch-villain, sort of), but each are given a melancholy touch. Triumphs rarely lack their collateral damage in these stories. My chief regret about Cordelia, though, is that for all the differences between her and her son Miles (the focus of the other Vorkosigan books), they both speak from the same voice. I was hoping for something a bit more distinct. Still, this flaw does very little to detract from the fun.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun and quick, one of my favorites
Review: This is just one of many fantastic books the series. Yes it does read like a soap opera but that is what makes these books so much fun. The Vorkosigan series is not going to challenge your mind but I guarantee you will have a great time reading these books. It's a great love story filled with fantastic adventures and terrific characters. If you want a quick and thoroughly enjyable read, this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: A great start on the adventure!
Review: This is more than just a space-opera novel, while it is part of that genre. Here we hae the opportunity to see how a world that was cut off from the rest of the universe for over a hundred years. Their combination of primative philosophy and their technology creates an interesting and unique world to set the fantastical romance. Truly a valuable novel! I'm jealous for anyone who just picked this up, because this is a fabulous novel and it starts off an incredible series!
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Summary: Prequel to the Vorkosigan Adventures
Review: This is the book that got me hooked on Lois McMaster Bujold. It is an absolutely delightful adventure. The heroine is Miles Vorkosigan's mother, and Miles' birth occurs herein. While LMB's books can be read and greatly enjoyed in any order, this is the best choice to read first. This novel originally appeared as two novels, "Shards of Honor" and "Barrayar," which are, respectively, the first and second halves of this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Days of our Lives in space.
Review: This isn't a science-fiction novel- this is a Harlequin romance! If you like ornate costumes and Grand Royal in space then you'll love this book- everyone is so dashing and suave. Bujold seems obsessed with vain trivialities. Does Cordelia have bags under her eyes this morning?...What is the lordly lord wearing today? Oh, what a lovely ball, too bad there are assassins everywhere...No wonder Cordelia spends the entire book worrying and complaining. As for real science fiction? Forget it. Nothing of interest here. Her make-believe world is silly, shallow and implausible. It's all in the characters, and they'd make Barbara Cartland blush.
Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction to the Vor Series
Review: This was my introduction to the Vor series, and I really enjoyed it as such. It's definitely light reading, but provided good entertainment while it lasted.
Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction to the Vor Series
Review: This was my introduction to the Vor series, and I really enjoyed it as such. It's definitely light reading, but provided good entertainment while it lasted.
Rating:
Summary: Character-driven, Well-written SciFi
Review: What a concept! What I personally look for in books is a character-driven plot, combined with the author's ability to string words together in a comprehensible, yet elegant way. And Bujold *definitely* fulfills these requirements. Her language is accessible to just about everyone, and her characters are well fleshed out and three dimensional. It is really easy to love this book, because it's really easy to love the characters. Cordelia is the epitome of a genre strong woman (imagine a scifi version of Mercedes Lackey/Tanya Huff/Laurell K Hamilton heroines), and Aral makes a wonderful counterpoint in this story. Despite my rather strong inclinations towards fantasy rather than scifi, this book hooked me in, and continues to keep a firm hold on me. One of those books you start reading, and before you know it, it's 5am and you have to get up in two hours for work. *sigh*. Definitely a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: About that synopsis
Review: What! You didn't maybe read the book? For pity's sake, the whole of "Shards of Honor" is about the love that Cordelia and Aral learn--no way was she forced into a marriage. How about trying that one again.
Rating:
Summary: A review from one who knows.
Review: When I first happened to buy this book I was desperatly seeking a book that was not boring. Considering that I have read hundreds of books my choices were limited. From start to finish of this book I could not put it down! For a long time I have always searched for books with this amount of humor,romance,and adventure. There were actual times I had to put this book down and take a breather from all the adrenaline running through my system. Now I am occupying some of my free time voraciously going through the whole series from start to finish! To think that this author escaped my notice for so long,(I must have been sleeping). 'Nough said. Read it!
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