Cetaganda: A Miles Vorkosigan Novel

If you're at all familiar with the Miles Vorkosigan saga you will be drawn into this audiobook immediately and recognize the Machiavellian intrigue and humor Lois Bujold breaths into her stories. Having read the excellent novel, this audio edition holds up extremely well. The reader, Grover Gardner, brings nuance to the characters and expression to the story to make for an enjoyable listen. This is classic adventure story telling at its best. The pace is brisk. Miles is a reluctant hero, at times arrogant, who drags himself and those close to him through near fatal scrapes and adventures. As always, he must overcome his physical handicaps, convince others to follow him, and solve some tough puzzles to win the day. Yes, he does talk to himself frequently...this insight into his psyche is both humorous and enlightening. Frankly, I think this helps endear him to his fans. Audible should make the entire Miles Vorkosigan series available so listeners can hear them in sequence and fully appreciate this fantastic universe Lois Bujold has created.

Apparently there are more written book in the series but we don't have them here. The important thing is that the books listed below follow a sequence. (Wouldn't it be nice if someone were to add numbers to the books titles so as to make this less confusing, hint hint)
book 1) Warriors Apprentice
book 2) The Vor Game
book 3) Cetaganda

..as a side thought, it isn't that much that Miles is snooty(er) in this book, it's just the way the author reads it. It makes everyone sound snooty.

This is not one of my favorite Vorkosigan novels, but as always, Bujold's writing is so excellent and funny and her characters so humorous and well-drawn, that it is entertaining all the way through. Miles and his decorative cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda, their own planet's long time enemy, as representatives of the royal family to the funeral of the Cetagandian Empress.

It is supposed to be a strictly diplomatic mission- just show up, stand where you're told, drop off the ceremonial gift and don't embarrass us! But of course things start to go wrong almost from the start and pretty soon Miles finds a mystery on his hands that he cannot resist looking into and is talking Ivan into covering for him... and wacky hi-jinks ensue!


This is one of the lighter of the Vorkosigan books. In many ways Bujold's writing is at its best when drawing light and hope out of horrible and tragic circumstances. But in between some of the 'heavier' events of Miles' life, it is nice to take a little break and this book not only accomplishes that, but also serves the longer plot arc of the entire series- something Bujold is also very good at. There are small references back to events in this book that show up later in the series and will provoke a chuckle or a 'ha!' from those in the know :)

Anyway, it's a Vorkosigan novel, which already means it's probably better written, funnier and more likely to grab and keep you wanting more than about 90% of the science fiction out there :)

I don't know how it would be to read, but this book was awsome to listen to. Lois Bujold is clever, creative, tuned in to the kind of deep, wierd questions serious sci-fi fans sometimes wonder about and an excellent writer. Its hard not to laugh out loud during several parts of the novel. Great story.

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for Miles Vorkosigan stories. I'm not even quite sure why but this one was very satisfying. Anyone who is following this series should not miss this one. It is set very early in Miles's career and rounds out some of Mile's personality and relationship with cousin Ivan.

The story stands alone even though it is part of a long series (or perhaps collection is a better term) of books that contain many of the same characters.

It is a mystery/detective novel set on a different planet. The main character, Miles, solves this puzzle and saves the day. The characters are believable and fully drawn.

The world is also well-drawn, the characters are interesting, and there is just the right amount of humor to make it a tad funny even though the story itself is not meant to be humorous.

The narration is well done. I will certainly listen to others in this series.

The Vorkosigan series is fun, if you like science fiction that features battles of wits more than the sort with lasers. Its hero, the young Miles Vorkosigon, reminds me a lot of George R.R. Martin's Tyrion Lannister, but in a less machiavellian way. Bujold's societies and secondary characters may be a little bland at times (at least in comparison to other sci-fi), but as space adventure goes, it's smarter than a lot of stuff out there.

The chronology of the series is a bit confusing, but I'd suggest reading it in order of:

The Warrior's Apprentice (see my review)
The Vor Game (see my review)
Cetaganda

Though this is not nearly my favorite book in the series, it is still exceptional. Bujold is a genius at relaying interpersonal interaction and personal growth in her characters while maintaining a firm grip on their human weaknesses. Like the others in the series, this book sets a darkly funny ambiance.

There is a fantastic change in perspective of the Cetagandans that happens in this book. In the end you don't particullarly love them more, but at least you understand them better and gain a healthy respect of their culture. Some aspects of their society are reminiscent of ancient Japan; the focus on perfection and beauty, the feudal structure surrounding the ruling and military casts, the deceptive power structure, the elitism within the race, and the hidden culture within the culture. I don't know if the conections are incidental or if Bujold intended them, but they add another level of interest to the story.

Ultimately, this is another great story in a string of them from this author.

Technically, Grover Gardner is a competant performer of audio books. He is consistent in his voices and he makes no regular or obvious mistakes. I don't prefer the timber of his voice personally, but eventually you get used to it.

I love this series, and this third book was another delightful installment in the Miles Vorkosagan saga. At first I was unsure about the reader (he is a little nasal) but, but he grew on me. I finally decided that his voice is appropriate for Miles. The plots in this series so far are a delightful labyrinth of politics and intrigue.

This series is very entertaining. This is at least the third book in the series and a fine addition.
I would call it a lighthearted political mystery. That isn't to say that it is simple, just approached with some humor.
Good narration accross the entire series.