Borders of Infinity

Miles Vorkosigan Series

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

The popular adventures of Miles Vorkosigan, a clever and outlandish science fiction hero for the modern era, continue in these three tales. In The Mountains of Mourning, Miles is dispatched to a back-country region of Barrayar, where he must act as detective, judge, and executioner in a controversial murder case.

In Labyrinth, Miles adopts his alternate persona as Dendarii Mercenary Admiral Naismith for an undercover mission to rescue an important research geneticist from Jackson’s Whole. And in the title story, Miles infiltrates an escape-proof Cetagandan POW camp and plays hero to the most deeply distressed damsel of his colorful career.

Lois McMaster Bujold burst upon the science fiction world in 1986 with Shards of Honor, the first of the Vorkosigan Saga novels. She has won the Hugo Award four times and the Nebula Award twice. The mother of two, she lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Vorkosigan saga.

©1989, 2007 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Essential for all sf collections.” (Library Journal)

Excellent.

The recounting of Dagoolah IV is my favorite anecdote of the series. The strategy, the tactics, the emotions. I spend time sitting on the porch in the sun just to finish that splendid story.

Surprisingly Stirring

I never write reviews much, figure I haven’t much intelligent input other than the appreciation for a story.
I understand the kind act, the lost soul, and the loss of comrades in battle though. This story brings to my mind Aeschylus, “ Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God”.

Another score by LMB

This book harkens back to The Warrior's Apprentice in action and looking into Miles' head. It is a bit more overtly philosophical, perhaps, than the earlier stuff following TWA, but it contains the heart and humor I associate with this series. That being said, the last several books have ended on a 'down' note, and I'm not quite sure what to do with that; hence the four stars rather than five. Grover Gardner is his usual stunning self doing the narration.

Even better than expected

Thank you Lois, you sounded like Churchill in some of Miles pep talks filled with fire and physicological wisdom. Expected some loose ends of incomplete stories but all three stories were rich, powerful Miles adventures up to your usual standards.Really enjoyed it. P.S. The book is not 7 hours but 9 1/2 hrs. of great reading

Three jewels in a single setting

I don't like novellas, but these three are a glorious exception to the rule. Each one is unique and stands out for it's own reasons. The last story (after which the book is titled) is particularly stunning.

Exceptional, Even for Bujold

Bujold at her best. An hour in, I understood why this was such a favorite. Love this narrator, too. Miles is maturing into an outstanding hero. He’s not perfect, he makes mistakes, but he’s growing and learning from them. These are basically three shorter stories woven together as Miles tells them from his hospital bed. This book has such heart, such characterization, mystery, romance (kind of), and as always in the Vokorsigan saga, honor. Alas, I am now suffering from a book hangover.

A study in Miles

While the major Vorkosigan novels cover events which CHANGE things dramatically for Miles and the Imperium, these short stories are more subtle, and far more important for understanding Miles's character. The stories are turning points for him, and WILL be referenced several times in the main novels. The most important, in my opinion, is the first story, "Mountains of Mourning," where Miles not only confronts the genetic prejudices of Barryar, from which he has been mostly protected during his childhood, but also his own pride, and his purpose to the Imperium.

You'll also be lucky to see how Miles matures over several years. The difference between the young Lord enacting justice in the backcountry and the mercenary bringing an entire prison colony under his sway is dramatic.

While the stories are included as individual bits in the omnibus editions, I recommend reading this edition, as it contains more framing, which gives you a bit of Illyan, which is always nice

The Usual Formula

I've been listening to the included books of this series fairly consistently now that I have an interest but this one definitely just winds up being completely dull. I find all them teetering on the of invoking disinterest due to the main character's quality of being less than most men in any physical capacity but having incredible personality traits and tenacity. I just think without the situation he's in being an exciting crisis there's nothing exciting at all then.

Three Great Stories.

Three of my most favorite stories out of my favorite series. Well read, good recording.

A must

I really loved this book when I first read it, and still loved it after re-listening to it. Actually, listening to someone reading it adds a new depth to the story of Miles and I enjoyed it a lot. All the stories in this collection are not exactly "happy" stories, but leave you with something that makes you contemplate on the importance of "how" you live your life...