Rating: 
Summary: A glorified romance novel
Review: I did not like "A Civil Campaign" as much as many of Bujold's previous work. Still good - just not GREAT.I had the feeling I was reading a glorified Harlequin Romance or something. The Vorkosigan series always has been female oriented, with most of the good, strong, and competant characters women, handicapped, minority, or patterned after relatives (her father has turned up twice, I'm pretty sure). All the evil, and/or incompetant characters are usually white males. But she has done such a good job of making them entertaining that one can overlook the Politically Correct programming. This book has taken that to a new level. The entire book is the literary equivilant of a "chick flick". Even so, I'd buy it again. It is still better than most.
Rating: 
Summary: Bujold does it again!
Review: It just blows me away how Bujold can write excellent military SF, mystery stories, social comedies, and do it all in the same series! Every time I read the latest Miles Vorkosigan novel I think it's the best one yet, and Civil Campaign is no exception. I definitely have to rate it highest for humor, based on the fact that I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my seat while reading about Miles' dinner party--not wanting to give too much away, I'll just say that everything that can go wrong for him, does, in the funniest possible way. Bujold balances Miles' social difficulties with his political ones so adroitly that they merge seamlessly into a unified plot line. If you haven't read the Vorkosigan series before, do so--they are the best SF series out there.
Rating:
Summary: clever, manic Miles!
Review: This is just a short rebuttal to Gerald Ludwig's review to offer a different point of view. There are some spoilers, so don't read the last paragraph unless you want to know the ending. Sure, I like the adventure and the comedy and the formidable girlfriends Miles had in the earlier books, but what I enjoy most is how clever he is ... often too clever for his own good when it is coupled with his manic behavior. But I also like seeing him grow up, accept responsibility, and apply his, er, ingenuity, to different kinds of problems. This seems entirely appropriate given his age and medical status. There were times in the earlier books where I wanted to slap him out of his adolescent self-centeredness, but I knew that his actions and maturity were representative of his age at that time. In "A Civil Campaign" he finally grows up, and it's fun to watch. I also find the criticism of Ekaterin to be missing the point. She is more than just a gardner ... she's brilliant and creative in her own right. She exhibited bravery and determination in "Komarr" ... even if she doesn't have weapons training. In "A Civil Campaign" she offers solutions that Miles didn't even think of. I've enjoyed all of Bujold's books in the Vorkosigan universe (usually reading them in a day or two) and I think longtime fans will not be disappointed, unless they can only appreciate the adolescent Miles and need to see things blowing up literally (as opposed to figuratively ... Miles still creates the crash and burn scenario par excellence, but not in any military action.) I think of this book as a gift to the fans, since we finally get to see Miles keep a girlfriend (so far). You have to be happy for the little guy!
Rating: 
Summary: Superb fun!
Review: OK, this is probably not the all time best from Ms. Bujold, and it is a pivotal book. It's also great fun to read! True, Miles is getting older, and clearly doesn't take as much of a physical risk as in previous books. But the plot is clearly as rich in this book as in any of the previous ones. Two major political struggles, a compromised love affaire, a risky and illarious business and culinary (?) venture from Mark, AND Gregor's wedding... After so many ill fated love affaires, it actually feels really good to have Miles progressing. Miles is constantly romantically involved (though never with the same character...) but his new status promises many opportunities for more adventures, quid pro quos, dilemmas, etc... I'm looking forward to the next book! Secondary characters are also getting more interesting. Aral, Cordelia, and Simon Illyan are clearly fading, while Ivan and Gregor are acquiring more depth... Again, this gives Ms. Bujold many opportunities for great stories! All and all, a clear winner!
Rating:
Summary: Vorkosigan Goes Courting
Review: What happens when a hyperactive, self-obsessed, results-oriented genius, who is also a bit dwarfish, the son of the ex-regent of his planet, and former commander for a group of galactic mercenaries decides to court a widow that is sour on marriage? Well, it has to be comedy, there is just no other choice. A Civil Campaign (A Comedy of Biology and Manners) is all about Miles Vorkosigan, and his somewhat inept efforts at courtship. Add to the mix, his brother's newest business endeavor, butterbugs (bugs that produce food), combine a dash of political intrigue, a sex change operation and some dense relatives, and the results are hilarious. I found this book vastly entertaining. It made me laugh. It made my heart ache. It made me cry. I loved it. If you don't know Miles Vorkosigan already, this book probably isn't the best one to start with. But if you know him, and love him, read it. If you haven't experienced the Vorkosiverse, do it now, as this series is fabulous. Start with Shards of Honor, Barrayer, The Warrier's Apprentice, etc. and read them all. It will be a treat. These books are so well written, I read them over and over again, and am always entertained. In some ways I envy those who have not read these books, because the experience is fabulous. I've introduced several folks, and they are now confirmed addicts.
Rating:
Summary: Bujold's best novel to date
Review: This novel incorporates all of Bujold's previously developed strengths - engaging characters, brilliant writing, the clash of culture with technology, subtle insights that are revealed only after several readings, and unflagging wit. The focus of the novel does shift from action/adventure to political maneuvering, but Bujold's talent is such that even the normally dry field of politics becomes must-read material in her hands. Bujold's writing develops with each novel, and A Civil Campaign is no exception. Miles has truly matured into an adult, and realized the shortcomings of his "winning is all" approach to life. Most of the characters in the novel have moved into adulthood, in fact, finding and accepting their own strengths and limitations. This novel was thus the logical extension of Miles' development from an emotionally disturbed teenage genius, into a confident man, at peace-with-himself, and no longer needing to prove himself to the world.
Rating:
Summary: Bujold - Vorkosigan - Comedy? (huh?)
Review: The title should give you pause, dear reader. It didn't give it to me, but I want you to be more prepared. What does Bujold do best? What are her characters famous for? Why do we love to read about Miles, Miles Mother, his Clone, his girlfriends! Yes, Action! Adventure! Heroics! (and yes, some humor thrown in). The scene in which Miles Mother presents the head of Aral's political enemy in SOH (or Barrayar) is VERY VERY Funny. But the book works because it is an adventure. A high stakes roller coaster with characters that we like on a death defying mission. All of the books involving Miles (before he got hurt) have. All the great short stories have (o.k., I didn't really love MOM as much as everybody else seems to). This one doesn't. Just like all the books since Miles got hurt. Mile's girlfriends use to be death-defying strong woman who are beatitful and terrifying. His new girlfriend is a gardener. A shy gardener. I doubt she known how to use a weapon. Miles use to throw all his weight (well, Admiral Naismith did) into a project, grab it by the neck and make it work. In this book, he campaigns for the losing side, and knows he's beat at the end and doesn't do anything about it. It's up to other people to save the day. In the previous books, the characters that did the most brave/smart/heroic things were well known main characters to us. In this one, we have a koudlek (spelling) sister we've never met before and Ivan. Miles does nothing except woo (badly), campaign (losingly), talk about the past, and fall in love. Doesn't sound like the Miles you know and love, does it? Oh well. I sincerely hope (and believe) that this is a transition book. Unfortunatley, it seems to be a transition of Miles into a life of politics and family living. Good for him. Not so good for us. Perhaps his children will continue the brave heroics that I liked reading about. But of course, they won't be Miles. They won't have his background, or his physical handicaps. It won't ever be the same. I think the best we can hope is that Bujold decides to right more about the past. More about Miles when he was whole (such as it was). But I don't want to stop you from reading this book. It does have a lot of humour in it. And it does have some small flash of action. It was fun to read. It just wasn't the Miles that we've known. I din't think it will ever be back again. I miss him.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining comedy for Bujold fans
Review: Bujold's Vorkosigan series is one of the best things going in science fiction. This entry is lighter, less serious, and somewhat less exciting than others. While not reaching the heights achieved by classics such as The Warriors Apprentice and Vor Game, this book still entertains. While at times the book strains to achieve a consistent tone, it is filled with humor, well-drawn characters, and Bujold's trademark epigrams. If you haven't read the other Vorkosigan books, I wouldn't recommend starting here. If your not sure whether you'll like this book, the publishers web site has 10 chapters online...
Rating:
Summary: A Civil Campaign
Review: Being a long time reader of Ms. Bujolds work I was very excited when the book came out..not having expected another for some time. So I was somewhat disappointed with the slow start of the novel. But confident that Ms. Bujold would continue in her habit of writing excellent books with a lavish touch of humor and a wry sensible wisdom I bent my eyes to the page and continued... What a MISTAKE! Shortly afterwards..perhaps 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the novel it did the usual trick that Miles Vorkosigan books perform...it grabbed hold and wouldnt let go for love, money, or lack of sleep. Needless to say...I finished it in one night. The book picks up perhaps 3-6 months after the last book left off..at this point while the novel *might* be understandble from a stand-alone point I wouldnt count on it..go back and read the others..starting from Shards of Honor...or if you're pressed for time from Warriors Apprentice...trust me..you wont be sorry you did. Whee! Run-on sentences are so much fun! At any rate Miles is preparing for two distinctly different campaigns..the wooing of Ekaterin Vorsoisson, a young widow introduced in the previous book, Komarr, and plotting his assault on the bastions of power..namely inserting himself into the political process of Barrayar. Taking on either of these tasks might be considered foolhardy for your average human being..and taking them both together sheer hubris..but if there is one thing Miles posesses it is hubris. The book then wends its way through the slow build-up..starting to pick up speed as Miles attemps to woo Ekaterin..without telling her about it. This tactic brings about a crashing defeat..ushering in the second half of the book. At this point the action begins to pick up..Mile's courtship of a widow whose husband's death he was involved in having attracted the notice of those he is politicking against. This..combined with two very touchy subjects for the upcoming Council of Counts brings matters to a head. Ivan..Mile's cousin..always before portrayed as a less than stellar officer in the Emperor's service is fleshed out a bit more in this book...giving you a closer look at Ivan's inner self..with some surprising results. Mile's clone-brother also returns and adds some of the necessary levity the yarn..lightening the mood and adding another thread to the plot. Readers who have read the entire series including Shards of Honor and Barrayar will be particularly amused by one scene involving Mark and his intended..Kareen Koudelka. All in all A Civil Campaign was an excellent book with the sole complaint that it was a little bit slow in starting..but the ending is emminently satisfying for those who have been following Miles throughout the series. As usual a must read by Ms. Bujold.
Rating:
Summary: The proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
Review: The Vorkosigan saga is by far the best series I've ever had the pleasure to read. Miss Bujold has a way of getting inside her characters so deeply that we feel we can relate to their every thought and action. In one book I found my self relating to a man with four diferent personalities! He was utterly insane, yet I connected with him... that got to me. Well, that having been said, the Vorkosigan saga is a long adventure (cronologically speaking, not real-time wise, I read all 12 books in three weeks!) spanning fourty to fifty years, with tragedy, war, and politics, so when we get to the last book in the series (for now, anyways), Miss Bujold decided to end it with a smile. In all of the previous books, I laughed quite a bit, yet with Civil Campaign, I lost my place a few times when I dropped the book and rolled on the floor laughing! You trully grow to love Miles and all his friends, family, and even enemies... Read the rest of the series first, and if you do, I assure you that I won't need to remind you to purchase this one. "Forward Momentum!"
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