Mirror Dance

Rating:
Summary: Probably the Best of the Vorkosigan Series
Review: This is probably the best book in the whole Miles Vorkosigan series. Interestingly, most of the book is written not from Miles' perspective, but from Mark's. Whereas Bujold merely introduced Mark in the previous book, "Brothers in Arms," in this book she fleshes him out (both literally and figuratively). This book also sets the stage for what's coming up in the next book, "Memory." So, whatever you do, don't miss this book. Not only is it essential, but it's also great.

Rating:
Summary: So far, of all the ones in the series I've read, the best.
Review: This volume in the Vorkosigan series in focused on the clone of Miles Vorkosigan, his passion for revenge and justice, and his joining of society on Barrayar. He plots to disrupt the clones-for body-replacement business. In just one novel he goes from potential villian to hero (and a member of the family). The novel won the 1995 Hugo Award for best science fiction novel of the year.

Rating:
Summary: Everything I need to know, I learned from Lois
Review: What is the relationship between identity, integrity, and honor? Can you have honor without integrity? Either without identity? In a series of extraordinary stories, Mirror Dance holds a special place. I don't know what it would be like to read without knowing the previous story, but in MD, the mistakes, character flaws, and vendettas of several decades come together to test Miles and Mark unto destruction. I don't know where Lois learned about the effects of a loveless childhood and severe trauma, but she nails the results in this book with chillingly painful realism. Miles and Mark took up residence in my heart in their trials and have not let go since. This may have been the most painful book I've ever read, but it's also the most hopeful. If they can survive, so can I. My copy is marked, highlighted, and much-quoted, and will become more so. This book doesn't answer the questions I ask, but it provides some images and ideas that have helped me approach my personal answer. It may help you approach yours.

Rating:
Summary: Exceptionally thoughtful and emotional
Review: When I first read this book, I was amazed at the full strength of Ms. Bujold's insight into sibling rivalry and the need for children (even clones) to receive acceptance by their parents. Mark, (from Brothers in Arms) was a fully three-dimentional character who went from goat, to monster, to pityful child, to hero in one book. As one of the few Vorkorgisan books that does not feature Miles exclusively, Miles as brother rather than hero was refreshing. This is a very mature, thought provoking book, but really needs to be read as one of the later in the series in order to feel the full impact of the author's genius. Again, Amazing!

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous, but horribly disturbing
Review: When Miles's clone-brother Mark impersonates Admiral Nasmith in order to free clones from Jackson's Whole, the trouble begins. Mark screws up the mission and Miles, when in the process of rescuing his brother, is killed. Of course, in this lovely future, if a body is packaged right it can be brought back to life. But they lose Miles's body!! Told by both Miles and Mark, this book lets us get inside Marks head. The author does a great job making Mark different than Miles, but still simalar enough to be his clone. Though there was a few laugh out loud moments, I spent more time shuddering in horror. Jackson's Whole is a ruthless purgatory where morels rairly exist. The things they do to make a profit made me shudder. And the things they do for pleasure are even worse. In the end, Mark is tortured. I have never read such a grusome and horrific description of torture. By the end, I was determined that Miles and company should go back there and blow up the planet. This book is not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth reading.