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)

Coming of Age

A true tale of coming of age from Miles and Elena. Everything you could expect from Miles, humour, excitement, exhaustion and the normal problems of Barrayaran political scheming and backstabbing.

Classic Story

In my opinion the Miles Vorcosican series is the pinnacle of the sci-fi military gender. Classic story with well developed characters and thoughtful writing.

loved it

I was skeptical of this book. However, it is my favorite in the series so far. Clever, humorous and realistic enough in its depth of human nature, the toll of chronic health issues and the stress of leadership, this is a great story.

I read the book first then listened to audio

Story was intriguing with battle strategy and personal growth of all characters. Grover was a compelling narrator

good book

That suspension of disbelief is strained so far without ever entirely breaking is a tribute to McMaster Bujold's ability to establish the stakes and then execute on them when required. It would have been far too easy to contrive a means by which beloved characters come through unscathed, but there are deeply ingrained tradeoffs she can't allow to unfold without consequences, and that's the mark of a great story teller as opposed to merely a good one. Well done.

Delightful and engaging

I was not sure what to expect from this book. I read some of the reviews which I always find helpful. This book is a delightful blend of science fiction and fantasy. I think everyone can identify with the young Baron as he struggles to find his place and purpose in life. He has delusions of granduer but no real prospects of accomplishing them. He has real physical problems but his strength of character and sense of humor bring him the recognition and respect he seeks. He blunders and bungles his way successfully and has you cheering him on for his guts and personal values. Would that we all were so endowed. A great read for young and old.

Great Fun Regardless Of The Order.

I listened to this after jumping into the series at "Mirror Dance." I am glad I read "Shards of Honor" first but it would not have mattered. These novels are always old friends and Entertaining in any order. That says a great deal about the writing and narration. No complaints or problems. It is nice to buy an audiobook knowing it will * at least* be worth my time. These books are always that.

Great adventure

This is a great book. Well-written, excellent narration. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to hear the next in the series!

Tidy, nail biting plots

Any additional comments?

In this installment of the Vorkosigan Saga, we really meet Miles Naismith Vorkosigan for the first time, and boy, is it an introduction. In this book, Miles accidentally becomes an admiral in a mercenary fleet. As I listened to this book, I felt like Lois McMaster Bujold was committing fully to the quality of this story, because she was. Furthermore, that is how all of her books feel. They are fully realized achievements of sci fi. Don't miss out.

A Coming of Age and Classic Sci-Fi at It's BEST

This series is one of the best in the genre. This is a marvelously fully realized future universe inhabited by real and fascinating men and women. Miles, the main character, is complex and charming. This first novel is a coming of age story combined with the triumph of the under-dog. It took me a little while to fall in love with the narrator. He is not one of those that does lots of different voices, but he is very expressive, and has become one of my favorites. The rest of the series only gets better. It's never formulaic; the characters continue to grow and develop as the author explores the reaches of her universe. Enjoy!