The Warrior's Apprentice

A Miles Vorkosigan Novel

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Miles Vorkosigan makes his debut in this frenetic coming-of-age tale. At age 17, Miles is allowed to take the entrance exams to the elite military academy; he passes the written but manages, through miscalculation in a moment of anger, to break both his legs on the obstacle course, washing out before he begins. His aged grandfather dies in his sleep shortly after, for which Miles blames himself. Miles is sent to visit his grandmother Naismith on distant Beta Colony, accompanied by his bodyguard, Sergeant Bothari and Bothari's daughter, Elena. Miles passes himself off as a mercenary leader as he picks up a ragtag crew, and soon Miles' father Aral is under political attack back home as garbled rumors of Miles' mercenary operations trickle back. Miles must abandon his new fleet and dash back to Barrayar to stop the plot.

©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful....Highly recommended." (Booklist)

Excellent!

Wonderfully written and expertly narrated. This is a must listen if you're a SiFi fan

Captivating

Not as extravagantly interesting as other books, but it kept me interested for hours on end.

How Did I Miss This Gem

What did you love best about The Warrior's Apprentice?

As a lover of good writing and as a burnt out science fiction buff, you'd think I would have discovered this literary gem years ago. I can't believe I missed it all these years. Ms. Bujold is first and foremost a writer, that fact that she uses the scifi genre to carry her social speculations should not limit this book and others in the series to the science fiction shelves. But she uses her speculations to carry, not override a corking good story with an unforgettable cast of characters. For me, the hallmark of an outstanding piece of fiction is that the characters stay with me as if they were people I actually know. Not one of the characters, no matter how minor is merely a paper doll used to fill space. Who will ever forget Miles Vorkorsigan, or Seargeant Bothori, or Cordelia Naismith or Aral Vorkorsigan, or Ivan-you-idiot. Last but not least kudos to Grover Gardner for his brilliant narration: I love the clean edginess of his voice and his ability to highlight the humor and the sadness in the story.

What did you like best about this story?

The plot, the fully developed cast of characters, the imaginative vision of the author, and the forward momentum of the story as a whole.

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

Miles Vorkorsigan Sergeant Bothori

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

This book can't successfully be made into a two hour film: deserves an 8 hour miniseries on television produced by someone who makes television for something higher than third grade.

Any additional comments?

Superb narration.

Builds on a Classic

Shards of Honor is a totally different but equally good book, this is a worthy successor but goes on a totally different direction. The book "Barrayar", though written later, takes place between Shards of Honor and this one and adds a lot to it so I suggest that you read that one first (author suggests chronological order over production order).

A good read

I read this book while in the hospital and recovering from surgery. It’s humanistic message and rise through forward momentum was appreciated. Grover Gardner does a masterful rendition, as always.

A pleasant suprise!

I chose to start with this book in the series on purpose as I knew it was the beginning of Mile's journey. It didn't disappoint, the story was very enjoyable with wit and nice twists.

I went on to "The Vor Game" after this and it didn't disappoint either, in less than a week or two I have gone from not knowing Miles to being on the third book with him staring. If you enjoyed "Dune" or "John Carter of Mars" I think you'd like these. They are real page turners.

Absolutely the best

I have listen to the whole "Vor" series!
The best books and author ever!

Great start for a wonderful series!

It has been years since I first read the Miles books and they are still some of my favorites, great to return to every so often. Start with Shards of Honor, which is about his parents, and read them is order. This one is mostly fun, but there are some serious themes woven into the stories, especially the ones about Miles' later life, that make them memorable and give the stories depth. Thank you. Ms. Bujold, for giving us hours of compelling entertainment!

Quality space adventure

Well written, likeable characters, engaging plot and well read. A space opera of highest quality.

god, this woman can really write!

in this book the main character switched from Cordelia and Aral to their son Miles. at first I was disappointed because I had come to love Cordelia and Aral, but miles quickly endeared himself to me and the pace of the book is quick, with a satisfying number of surprises. I can't wait to listen to the next one.