The Vor Game

A Miles Vorkosigan Novel

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 11 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Miles Vorkosigan graduates from the Barrayaran Military Academy with high expectations of ship command, but is disappointed with an assignment as meteorologist to Lazkowski Base, an arctic training camp. His tenure in the windy, snow-covered north is cut short when Miles narrowly averts a massacre between the trigger-happy base commander and mutinous recruits. After a brief stay under 'house arrest', Miles is re-assigned to investigate a suspicious military build-up near a wormhole nexus. Reviving his undercover persona as mercenary Admiral Miles Naismith, his routine information-gathering duty expands to a rescue mission when the Emperor of Barrayar disappears during a political conference on a nearby space station. Miles must use his considerable negotiating skills to avoid a showdown between competing powers for control of the wormhole, find the Emperor, and watch his back for the arctic base commander seeking bloody vengeance.

©1990 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Science-Fiction
• Hugo Award Winner, Best Novel, 1991

Simple and light, but fun

This is a light read, nothing too complicated but it's a lot of fun. The character is interesting but rather generic, except for a physical deformity which doesn't affect the story much, though it did shape his character. The buildup to the ending was well done. The conclusion was grand.

Two things that bothered me... first, it was a sequel and I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the previous book. The events in this book didn't require the sequel but there were characters and relationships already established. Unfortunately I couldn't get the prequel on audio. Second, apparently our hero was a grand savior in the prequel, but he doesn't get much respect for it in this book. Either I'm missing something explained in that book, or the author broke logic a little to make this book work.

Anyhow, I enjoyed the story and there were several scenes that had me chuckling out loud. I'll be looking for other books in this series to make it to Audible.

LMB is a genius

McMaster Bujold has such a talent for escalation. You think you're at the climax of the story, then realize you're only in Chapter 8. Miles continues to fail upwards, apologetically dodging his superiors who don't see the whole picture like he does. He's the best flawed genius in sci fi and is so fascinating to read.
I took a star off Performance only because the pronunciatuon of a few words from earlier in the series changed, which was a bit confusing. otherwise I'm really into the narrator, whose diction is excellent.

Another enjoyable read

Another enjoyable Vorkosigan novel. I really hope this series gets to film at some point.

politics! lost love! a refreshingly loving father!

loved this. it was sweet, witty, smart, funny. I'm so glad to finally read a story about a man who doesn't measure up physically who has a father who loves him openly and honestly despite his deformity. I'm so glad to read a story about a suicidal depressed person who is able to talk to their friend about their problems without being ashamed. I'm so glad to read a story like this one. I'm hooked!

Great plot twists

Fast paced and wonderful to revisit these characters as they grow.
Always love the narrator, as he's consistently through all of the books and does it so very well!

Nice introdution to Author

This was the first book I have listened to by this author and I was pleasently surprised. I knew she was an award winning author but was a little afraid to read any of her stuff thinking it is more in the fantasy genre. I do love a good space opera and this was a excellent one I loved the characters and the wit that the lead character has. I also like the reader who I have listened to on other books he brings just the right cadence to his read. I highly recommend this book and hope more of this seris is put out for us to listen to.

Enjoyable

the readers voice is a bit annoying but the story was enjoyable. good character development . plot a simple good guy v bad guy but full of swashbuckling adventure!

Like it very much!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Miles Vorkosigan is as good as ever. He is always right in the centre of trouble. He is able to get allies wherever he is and to get out of trouble with ease. I like the constant action - no dull periods at all. And when he is stumped he's able to come out with a solution though not always what his superiors would like but a good outcome anyway. The story plot is always, always good.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miles Vorkosigan

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

Grover Gardner is always good.. I like his narration, full of spirit keeps one's attention..

Tactical SciFy at its best

This world fits so well and is so believable to my brain I feel like I'm listening to a future biography. Listening on my hour commute absolutely transports me to work and back. The only thing is I'm going through them to fast. I bought the series

ensign Vorkosigan

in this delightful tale, our freshly minted cadet tried his way in the Imperial service. Recording quality is excellent as usual