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

OMG! Civil Campaign has a rival for #1 in series

Would you listen to Captain Vorpatril's Alliance again? Why?

I have. Several times. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this.

What other book might you compare Captain Vorpatril's Alliance to and why?

Civil Campaign. For sheer madcap mayhem with wonderful characters. Excellent.

Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

This is definitely Ivan's book, but Byerly is a close runner up.

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

Could not put it down. Stayed up very late.

Any additional comments?

I love this series. Great characters. Twisty plots and lots of action.

Another Brilliant Addition...

A book with out Miles... I couldn't imagine another entire book in the Vorkosigan series without Miles or any other Vorkosigan in it. Ethan of Athos was an enjoyable book and it felt like it fit in the series..but it didn't have the same sizzle to it. A whole book full of "that idiot Ivan!" as he is coined by many family members and friends when his easy going and under achieving habits get in the way of rapidly developing events, seemed like a huge risk.

Well it is brilliant. Totally brilliant and it ins't just the absence of MIles or the example of Miles that spurs Ivan on. All the earlier flashes of charm, bravery, intelligence and honor all coalesce perfectly throughout the book as Ivan becomes a fully realized character and his own man.

Seriously i am awed by the author and can't wait for the next book. If Grover Gardner narrates it too? Heaven! :)

In-laws from hell!

Lois McMaster Bujold's Captain's Vorpatril's Alliance is her 13th installment in the Vorkosigan saga. While Miles seems to be settling down to some degree of domestic bliss, his cousin Ivan is now a staff officer to an Admiral, but gets sucked into an Imp Sec operation concerning two women on the run from Jackson's Hole. Ivan ends up marrying the girl to prevent her murder and his arrest. What transpires is a criminal plot to secure buried Cetagandan treasure that spins out of control with Ivan dragged along as if Miles had planned it all out. This is a light hearted tale with a bit of slapstick.

Bujold stays within the lines of Vorkosigan universe but provides lots of background on both Barrayar and Jackson's Hole with a bit of Cetagandan history thrown in. Simon Illyan in retirement is still plotting and running schemes, while Ivan just wants everything to go away. There's also a fungus that can eat dirt. There is plenty of humor and while it all works out in the end, Gregor sends the whole lot packing for as much a rest for him as for Bujold herself.

The narration is exceptional with excellent character distinction. Gardner has that unique ability to inflect his voice in order to distinguish spoken versus thought conversations that adds considerably to the rendition. Pacing is well aligned with the plot.

Another Winner from LMB

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Story is great. Intrigue, romance, humor all tied together with blindingly good science. To cap it all off, Grover Gardener's reading is faultless! He sounded like he was enjoying the book as much as I was. I am VERY impressed

What did you like best about this story?

In this book, Lois Mcmaster Bujold takes a familiar character who is often a secondary character in everyone elses' stories and gives us a whole new understanding of his world and his personality. Even though its a great addition to the series, it is a fabulous stand alone romp. Written with classic Bujold skill and humor, with the brilliant characterization we have come to expect from her books. Its intelligent and witty, sweet and forceful and this time our delightful Miles is just a bit- player. I didnt stop chuckling for days.

Which scene was your favorite?

To hard to choose just one. Ivan getting stunned, the proposal, meeting Mom, meeting the inlaws, the tunnel,......it was all just too good to choose.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The best things are often hidden.

Any additional comments?

Keep them comming Lois, Its pure escapism for intelligent readers.

I loved every second of it!!!

Lois McMaster Bujold created another masterpiece. I love her stories. I was sad to see the Miles stories to be over, but I find Ivan just as intriguing. Grover Gardner did an amazing job too.

Epic comedy and perfect Ivan book.

I love this book. It is the icing on the Vorkosigan universe. The complex threads and story lines are deftly woven together. A superb read.

Finally we hear from Ivan

This entire Vorkosigan and Bararrar stoyline is lovely and Grover Gardner does it wonderfully. Perfect timing and shading characters, situation, and everything else. Buy them all as paper, electronic, audio and if Hollywood wanted to start a new highly successful movie line, someone should talk to Bujold.

Ivan at his best.

One of my top three favorites of the entire Vorkosigan Saga. And that's saying a lot. I wish I could remember who gave me the first book of the series. Whoever you are, I owe you for an absolute lifetime of enjoyment.

Ivan is no idiot

Ivan's mind is a unique creation of Bujold, much more easygoing than Miles. How wonderful that he has a chance to tell his story! As always, Blackstone audiobooks produces this with the highest quality

Bujold is one of the best writers around!

An excellent story teller.

My most memorable scenes:
The wedding - with the groats and the oats.
The first meeting with Ivan'2 mother, the
now dowager Countess.

The afternoon tea with Gregory and the cuz.

Grover Gardner is an exceptional Presenter