Shards of Honor

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

It was the wrong war, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons. And Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force would be forced into a separate peace with her enemy, Lord Vorkosigan.

Shards of Honor is the novel in which Lois McMaster Bujold introduced the science-fiction world to Barrayar and Aral Vorkosigan, Beta Colony and Cordelia Naismith. From this beginning the author has created a multigenerational saga spanning time as well as space.

Bujold is generally recognized as the current exemplar of the character-based science-fiction adventure story.

©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Bujold] gives [her] characters enough emotional depth, and enough sense, to raise their story beyond cliché." ( Locus)

More romance than my usual sci-fi fare

This was my first audiobook, listened to on a road trip for business. I enjoyed the world building hints, which make me want to proceed a bit further into the series. it is definitely more romance than I'm used to, though.

Scenes and discussions of rape, so beware of this is a concern for you.

Rich and Deep

Great world-building with equally great character development. Cordelia is wonderful heroine--intelligent and calm. Since most of the story is told from her perspective, I was surprised the (male) narrator pulled it off so well. Aral was beautifully-drawn tortured hero. While the romantic element is a foundation of the story, there are no love scenes. The story has a lot of political intrigue and doesn't shun the horrors of war. Much of its depth is realized in the choices the characters make in the imperfect world they inhabit. Some reviews say this is one of the weaker stories in the series. If that's even partly true, I'm in for some seriously gratifying listening because I loved this one.

Loved it.

Characters and setting are top notch. Narrator is pretty good. He doesn't get too animated and that helps sort of draw you in.

Clever, capivating, and makes you want for more!

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

I would and have recommended this audiobook to several friends. I love the whole Vorkosigan series and I can't get enough of them. Each book leaves you wanting more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shards of Honor?

The most memorable moments are the different creatures that attack them during the trek to safety.

What does Grover Gardner bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Grover Gardner sounds to me like Edward R. Murrow which brings the story a special feeling. I don't think anyone else could have brought the story to life the way he did.

Any additional comments?

Read the series.

Author's first book & my absolute favorite of all!

A glimpse into a warrior's mind and the values we call honor and loyalty, blended with a wonderful cast of people and worlds soon to develop into the Vorkosigan Universe series.