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)

Go, Miles!

My second book (I read Shards of Honor) first. Entertaining, character-oriented sci-fi with humor and feeling. I look forward to reading all the Vorkosigan books. Pure fun!

Fast Paced Space Opera. First Miles Novel

This is the first of the series which focuses on Miles. Miles is a futuristic genius who overcompensates for his physical disability by trying to become a member of the military set. Miles is one of my favourite characters in literature.

This is a fast paced, character driven book, with witty/intelligent dialogue. It does have its dark moments. Has occasional reliance on coincidence and less than clever actions of others, but on the whole this excellently written book has everything: romance (some unrequited), action adventure, politics, intrigue, death, humour, drama.

Not my favourite book in the series but well worth the credit!

Not just for space junkies

I admit that I am not normally a fan of the space genre of sci-fi. Usually its all just a bit too male-orientated for me, especially when long sections of book are dedicated to weapons, or technology or the spaceship... However, I loved this series, I have now listened to all the Miles Vorkosigan books, they have been fabulous company as I have repainted the interior of my house :-) Miles is flawed, but extremely well understood by the author, you can't help but love him in spite of himself. I have enjoyed that in later books the author has you watching Miles through the eyes of others, which is fairly amusing when you have watched him 'grow up' through the series. If you, like me, do not normally choose this genre of book, give it a go, maybe you will also be pleasantly surprised and become a fan.

A Great Book

I am very picky what I spend my monthly allotment of audible credits on as I am sure most are and I forget exactly how I stumbled upon this great book. But I am glad that I did. I really enjoyed this book and am really looking forward to listening to the rest of the series.

The story telling is wonderful, and even though Grover Gardner, the narrator does not give each character their own voice, as many other productions do, it took nothing away from this adventure. In fact Mr. Grover has been added to my list of all time favorite narrators.

Lois McMaster Bujold's plot development is wonderful. But it is her character development that really makes this book. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to. I found a connection with many of the characters and at many points in the story I found myself laughing out loud at one witty comment or another.

Best Sci Fi series ever!

Read entire series 5 times and beginning 3rd audio listen. Miles is best sf character ever created.

Exquisite!

To say much would spoil many surprises. But like the novels preceding it in the Vorkoisingan saga, the veneer of science fiction is draped upon a heavy dose of classical literature, this time combining space opera with the best of swashbuckling adventure. Equal parts Asimov's Foundation as The Princess Bride. I not only recommend it, but urge you to jump on board.

Outstanding

Well read and well written. Has wonderful character depth, plenty of action and all the fun sci fi stuff you need.
Will be reading the series.

Young Miles stumbles into himself

... and all hell breaks loose of course. With the usual panache and character development that we've come to expect of Bujold. A great read.

Grover Gardner's reading is competent and did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

Strange (but good) mix of YA and mature Sci-Fi.

A bit of a mixed bag this. Juvenile suspension of disbelief stretching silliness, mixed with surprisingly graphic violence and mental anguish. Still, this is ultimately a most enjoyable and likable yarn. A very satisfying story wind down and ending leaves me wanting more.

Grover Gardner's narration is good (as usual). And his sharp creaking voice is a bit hard on the ears (as usual).

Refreshingly smart story

not you typical hero spec warrior. This uses brains and cunning. Good plot that doesn’t rely on typical military warfare shoot-’em up action.