The Warrior's Apprentice

A Miles Vorkosigan Novel

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

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)

What a great character!

The author creates a futuristic world based on a medieval class structure filled with fully developed and very likable characters. Miles is a character you laugh with, empathize with and become his friend. The series captured my imagination and kept me listening for hours at a time. If you are looking for a series that you can become engrossed in, then start here. Have fun! JWP

Here are the Miles' books in audible in order (MY thanks to other reviewers!):

- The Warrior's Apprentice
- The Vor Game
- Cetaganda
- Brothers in Arms
- Mirror Dance (1994)
- Memory (1996)
- Komarr (1998)
- A Civil Campaign
- Winterfair Gifts
- Diplomatic Immunity

Fantastic Series

The Miles Vorkosikan (sp?) series is one of the most delightful listening (reading?) experiences I have had in years. Bujold delivers an incredible balance of light-hearted humor, exploration of the soul, and self-discovery. I have listened to the entire series and only wish there were 10 more volumes. Miles is an amazingly accessible character, flawed to his brittle bones. Yet, Bujold creates a sense of hope for even the most "challenged." Yes, it is science-fiction/fantasy, but it is a story that a reader of any genre can relate to.

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

A Crazy Fun Ride

This book has a few, but on the just plain fun. There more than a few issues with story, but it is delightful enough story. I really have enjoyed this one.

A Rousing Read

Would you consider the audio edition of The Warrior's Apprentice to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version. But this is a very accessible audio book. Quite easy to listen to and enjoy.

What did you like best about this story?

This is old world SciFi. There is a compelling main character and an interesting empire-style world. The story sets us down in the middle of events, but doesn't overwhelm with too much of, let's call it, window dressing. I only found myself zoning out on the world-building history lessons a couple of times.

Have you listened to any of Grover Gardner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first one by Grover, but I plan to go back for more titles in this series.

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

No. But that never happens to me, so not a problem. I had no trouble turning this one off. But I also had no trouble returning to the story later.

Any additional comments?

This is an enjoyable and rousing listening experience. If you enjoy the older Asimov and Bradbury style sci-fi, I feel you will enjoy this story.

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.

Stumbling to success

While this is listed as the 4th book in the Vorkosigan Saga, it is the first miles book (he whom make up the main protagonist for the majority of the series) and thus is possibly one of the best jumping in points for the series.

We are introduced to Miles Vorkosigan, the physically disabled son (a bone issue from birth means he is stunted in growth and breaks bones easily) of one of the empires powerful rulers. What he lacks in physical strength me makes up for in smarts and cunning. After washing out of the military academy, due to not meeting the physical requirements, he travels to try find out his place in the world, then stumbling into a whole lot of trouble.

While Miles is clearly smart and cunning, he does seem to lack forward vision. much of the book is him getting himself out of one difficult situation through lies and manipulation, only to find he has put himself into an even worse position. He is the maker of his own trouble. He is stumbling from one problem to another. And that is where the fun of this book is. in seeing what trouble he can get himself into and how he will get himself out of it.

The lies get convoluted and the story twists and turns, but it always keeps you engaged and interested.

Narration by Grover Gardner is great (as it always is). He is very enjoyable to listen to. Clear, well paced, engaging. While he doesn't do accents/voices he does emotional input and manages to differentiate all the characters and it is never difficult to follow what is going on or who is speaking. His deep, gravelly voice is always enjoyable.

Fun story fantastic protagonist

Really enjoyed this story. Miles is a great character with a very enjoyable dark humor. Many enjoyable characters.

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.