Cetaganda

A Miles Vorkosigan Novel (Miles Vorsokigan, Book 9)

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

When the Cetagandan empress dies, Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda for her funeral as diplomatic representatives of Barrayar. Upon arrival, the two men are inexplicably attacked by a servant of the late empress. When the same servant turns up dead the next day, Miles and Ivan find themselves in the middle of a mystery.

Miles tries to play detective in a strange, complicated, and deceptively alien culture, while lascivious Ivan manages to get himself involved with several noble females at the same time, a diplomatic no-no of the first order. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that it's up to Miles to save the empire.

With her usual skill, Bujold addresses timeless issues of human identity through the personal dramas of her characters.

©1996 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Set in a vividly realized world where Machiavellian intrigues are played out behind a facade of aristocratic discretion, this novel, like its predecessors, blends high adventure with wry commentary on the seemingly unbridgeable gulf between human ideals and political realities." (Publishers Weekly)

"[Even] readers who normally eschew science fiction will delight in Bujold's intriguing plots, appealing characters, and wry humor." (Library Journal)

"As witty and well-handled as is usual for Bujold....In the wake of Bujold's new Hugo, even greater swarms of readers will flock to this book and swell even more the number of her fans, which is only what she richly deserves." (Booklist)

As good as expected

I first came across the Vorkosegan saga when a friend recommended “The Vor Game”. I thoroughly enjoyed this Miles episode . It was well written and was engaging they the entire story. The narrator does an excellent job changing characters and keeping the listeners attention.

Good sci-fi series

Good sci-fi series, I plan to read the whole series. Our disabled hero Miles prevents a war.

Space opera continues

On to a new planet with a different form of government with those opposed to it.

Great book

this is another Vor book and follows Miles as a Vor not the 'little admiral'

it was nice to see this side of him again

well done LMB

great book

Kind of sedate for Miles

What did you love best about Cetaganda?

The baroque culture of the world

What other book might you compare Cetaganda to and why?

Although there are no galactic invasions in this one, Cetaganda stands up well in the series. Miles Vorkosigan is a vortex of chaos seemingly in spite of himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved it when Ivan described his handling of being drugged

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I heartily enjoy listening/watching Miles operate.

One if three favorite fiction series

This is a major volune in the series. Not one you would start with. Imaginative description of adifferent future culture.

5th listen

this is my 5th time listening to this book, and I keep coming back to hear another of the great stories in the Vorkosoverse. this novel also outdoes itself in spy versus spy and intellectual warfare

what a duo when Miles and Ivan get together

Don’t let the label science fiction deter you from reading Bujold’s character driven adventures. There’s a reason she was nominated for and has won so many awards for her books. I love the intelligence of her writing and the creativity of her stories.
In this adventure, Miles and his cousin Ivan represent Barrayar at the funeral of the Dowager Empress of Cetaganda. Before they even get off their shuttle they fend off an attack and are drawn into a mystery. While investigating they serve themselves, Barrayar and Cetaganda. And in the process, some mysteries of their society and evolution are revealed.
Gardner is the perfect narrator for the book and series.
Recommend the book and series on all levels.

Wonderful

Once again, Miles Vorkosigan demonstrates that a successful result can be obtained with a sharp intellect, in spite of opponents physical superiority.

My favorite book.

My favorite book by one of my favorite authors. The world would be a better place if more young men read this book.