Captain Vorpatril's Alliance

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Winner, Science Fiction, 2014

Captain Ivan Vorpatril is happy with his relatively uneventful bachelor's life as a staff officer to a Barrayaran admiral. Cousin to imperial troubleshooter Miles Vorkosigan, Ivan is not far down the hereditary list for the emperorship. Thankfully, new heirs have directed that headache elsewhere, leaving Ivan to enjoy his life on Komarr, far from the Byzantine court politics of his home system. But when an old friend in Barrayaran intelligence asks Ivan to protect an attractive young woman who may be on the hit list of a criminal syndicate, his chivalrous nature takes over. It seems danger and adventure have once more found Captain Vorpatril.

Tej Arqua and her half-sister and servant, Rish, are fleeing the violent overthrow of their clan on free-for-all planet Jackson’s Whole. Now it seems Tej may possess a secret of which even she may not be aware - a secret that could corrupt the heart of a highly regarded Barrayaran family and provide the final advantage for the thugs who seek to overthrow Tej’s homeworld. But none of Tej’s formidable adversaries have counted on Ivan Vorpatril. For behind Ivan’s facade of wry and self-effacing humor lies a true and cunning protector who will never leave a distressed lady in the lurch - making the ultimate sacrifice to keep her from harm: the treasured and hard-won freedom from his own fate as a scion of Barrayar.

Lois McMaster Bujold is one of the most honored writers of science fiction and fantasy, having won five Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. In 2011 she was awarded the Skylark Award for her significant contributions to science fiction.

©2012 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2012 Blackstone Audio

IVAN!

No spoilers here other than I think that Bujold decided to dedicate an entire book to torturing Miles' cousin/best friend/frequent victim, Ivan Vorpatril.
This may not be the best of the Vorkosigan books, but it was a lot of fun. Many parts had me laughing aloud. It is fun seeing many of the usual characters from a different perspective. Heck, the capitol city's most infamous landmark is good for a laugh.
Grover Gardiner does his usual great job.
Listen to this book if you like Bujold in snarky mode.

Captain VorPatril finally comes into his own!

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

It would not be part of the VorKosigan saga without Mr.Gardner!

Any additional comments?

Great addition to the series. Am waiting for the next.

Great segue to a new series (I hope)

I admit it, I'm a Bujold fan. So, I was extremely happy to find this title. At first, the reader put me off. He uses the whangy twang of the privileged few. Soon it seems absolutely appropriate.

The story line is not only interesting but also amusing. It reveals the inner and outer life of a minor actor in the Vorkosigan saga that shows him as more than a side kick. Of course, with friends like his, you don't need enemies and complications will ensue. But, for a plot outline, see the blurb above.

Know that you need not have read any of the Vorkosigan books to enjoy this one.

lois mcmaster bujold rocks i love her writting

What did you love best about Captain Vorpatril's Alliance?

continues the vorkosigan saga with existing cast and still manages to have the suspense and story all come together

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Ivan Alone

It was fun to listen to a book starring Ivan alone. I wondered how
Bujold would handle Ivan as the protaganist. She kept him in character but allowed his smarts to show. I recommend this book without reserrvation, especially to Bujold fans.

Ivan gets his time in the spotlight

Once again, Grover Gardner delivers… and I am finally gets his chance to prove he’s not an idiot. He’s like the David in “Sabrina.” Total playboy who finally grows up. I love the inner dialogue with Tej and Ivan. If only they would use their out loud voices more often…

A Goofy and Funny Ivan Story

At last we get to see the much mocked unsung hero Ivan Vorpatril get his Happily Ever After with a smart, beautiful galactic woman. I always enjoyed getting updates from the gang on Barrayar and remain sad that the author apparently wrapped up the series a few years ago. I miss them. The plot is totally unbelievable which is all I can say without spoilers, but fans will laugh. Grover Gardner is reliably excellent.

Re-reading series

My new favorite from a series I first read in my youth - when I first read Warrior's Apprentice.

Ivan's time in the spotlight

Ivan has always been one of my favorite characters in the Vorkosigan books. It was nice to see him get his own book. I loved that he managed to get into as much trouble by himself as when Miles gets him into it and also manages to get out of it too. The antics are quite amusing and it's fascinating to see how Ivan actually thinks as opposed to Miles. It was also nice to see cameo's from Gregor, Miles, Lady Alys, and Simon Ilyan. I would like to see more of Byerly in the future and also future adventures of Ivan. Actually, I would just like more books in this universe. Grover Gardner does his usual impeccable job and is one of my favorite narrators. I do look for books he's written.

Ivan Is No Idiot!

Light and enjoyable entry into the Vorkosigan series. Ivan is a fine hero and, the reader gets to visit with most of Bujold's cast of character, either in person or in letters. A Must Read for any fan.