Falling Free

Rating:
Summary: Weakest novel in the Miles Vorkosigan universe
Review: This novel is set in same universe as the Miles Vorkosigan series, but about 200 years before the birth of Miles, so connected very loosely to the main series. Main character Leo Graf is an engineer who is assigned to the quaddie project - quaddies being bioengineered humanoid workers who are specialized in freefall work because they have 4 arms rather than 2 arms and 2 legs. I've become a Bujold fan after reading a handful of Miles Vorkosigan novels, but this is by far the weakest novel I've read by the author. The plot is very thin and extremely predictable, the characters are flat, and if not for Bujold's talent in keeping the story moving and the dialogue lively, I would have ditched this book after 100 pages.

Rating:
Summary: Better on the Re-Read...
Review: This science-fiction book tells the stories of the genetically engineered quaddies (not much of a spoiler -- see the cover... Either of them.), and Leo Graf, who befriends them. My first reading, I was looking for something more like _The Warrior's Apprentice_, with a somewhat manic protagonist, and Leo isn't that. (Nor are the 2 quaddies who get some time as viewpoint characters.) But upon second and third re-readings, I really started to appreciate the characters and enjoy the story for the technology-solution-to-problem-(with-great-characters!) that it is.

Rating:
Summary: Great fun from cover to cover!
Review: Truly one the most enjoyable SF novels I've ever read. Defines the term "Enjoyable Romp" with a well developed and unique cast of characters that greatly outshine the usual array of ship pilots and talented outsiders. I do love Miles, but none of his adventures have thrilled me more than the quaddies' race for freedom. Read and enjoy!