Cetaganda

The narrator is really good, but the book is truly superb; I only yearn for more MP3's with Bujold's name on the title page--where are the newer audio books about "Miles"...DGL

I must preface this review by stating that this is my FIRST Miles Vorkosigan audio book, but that I really enjoyed it. The Plot: Miles, a member of an elite security force is sent to a planet where he must act as ambassador. He is chaperoned/accompanied by his amorous cousin Ivan. During the process, Miles makes friends, enemies, and manages to solve a mystery which could damage relations between Cetaganda and his homeworld.This is a light-hearted comedy, thoroughly enjoyable, and, I found Miles and his cousin Ivan to be quite amusing. Miles himself is a refreshing character who is strengthened by his disabilities and not overcome by them. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in the garden where Miles and Ivan are viewing the Kitten tree, and the intelligent plants. Just too bizarre. Ivan's exploits with the Ghem women was also VERY funny.What I didn't like? Storywise: I was very surprised that Miles didn't take advantage of the Haut ladies superior genetic knowledge to have some of his own physical abilities looked into. Any society which can bio-engineer its own people to the degree the Haut lords and ladies did, certainly could help Miles's strengthen his bones and straighten his spine. On to the quality of the tape: While I enjoyed the voice of the male reader, who had quite a range, the female reader read every character in exactly the same voice, which sounded sort of like that of an elderly granny. It was definitely NOT a voice I expected to hear for sexy bombshell Haut women. Also, because the tone of her voice did NOT change, sometimes I was left wondering WHO was speaking half the time. I found this distracting. What was the purpose of having a female reader at all if there was no variance? Also, the tape did not have a: "Insert tape 2" message or "this is the end of side 1" Message at the end of each section to let the listeners know that they were at the end of each section. This was particularly bad at the END of the book where the story just ends, with no music, no end credits NOTHING, I had to fast forward to make sure that I had listened to it all. Poor design.Overall, I loved this NOVEL and would LOVE to listen to the rest of the series. I recommend this to sci-fi fans, looking for something fun to sink their teeth into.

Another entry in the Miles Vorkosigan series that stands alone well. In this adventure Miles and his cousin Ivan have been sent on a diplomatic mission to the Cetagandan multi-planet empire (long the enemy of their native Barrayar). They are to attend the funeral of the late Empress. Never one to stay out of trouble long, Miles is soon up to his short, hyperactive ears in trouble. As in most Vorkosigan books there is a sorcerer's apprentice-like flair to the unfolding of events, with the quick-witted Miles one step (barely) ahead of the deluge. Odd events dog their mission, sabotage, assassination, or mere accident? Does some nameless enemy have a deadly grudge against Miles? As usual Mile's refusal to play by the rules, or accede to sanity, keeps his opponents guessing. Fast paced and intelligent. The intricacies of Cetagandan culture are fascinating, and as usual, Miles is an outrageous, larger than life (although smaller than most) hero. Great book.

This was the first book i read in the Miles Vorkosigan Saga. Right after i read it, i started at the beginning with Shards. This was the best. it's hilarious. the politics are fun and Miles courtship is the best. i have always admired miles. i have to know that there is another miles book coming. i'll crumple if there isnt. As oliver Twist said, Please can i have some more?

The Cetagandans are the usual "Bad Guys" in Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, in this book we see a more sympathetic side to some of them. This book takes place chronologically in Miles Vorkosigan's early career, concurrant with the book "Ethan of Athos". It focuses more on the political intrigue that Bujold does so very well, but also points out that even the "enemy" can have a sympathetic face. Very strong female characters (as usual) but Miles is definately center stage.