The incomparable Miles Vorkosigan

If you like fun sci-fi with great characters, this is for you. Miles Vorkosigan - born crippled to powerful parents on an old-fashioned planet - is a great creation. On the one hand, he's got near-superhuman charm, intelligence and nerve. On the other hand, his over-confidence occasionally leads him to make mistakes that cost him dearly. This is his first adventure, and while I don't think it's the best in the series (for my money that's A Civil Campaign - Audible, how about acquiring that one?) it's pretty darn good.

I was surprised when I first heard the audio version of this, because having read it in my own head previously, I was stupidly expecting an English accent. Also, the reader has rather a flat drawl. However, after a few minutes I came to the conclusion that actually the reader is perfect - he captures Miles's voice exactly and gets all of the dry humour out of the narration.

15 people found this helpful

A brilliant discovery!

This book is very very good and kept my interest right to the end. I am really looking forward to downloading the other novels in this series. Have no fear - you will enjoy - even if you are not into SF.

4 people found this helpful

A well told story with strong characters

Many of Lois McMaster Bujold's novels are set in the "Vorkosigan" saga following a single family. This is the first Miles Vorkosigan book. Whilst the setting is sci-fi, Bujold plays with a variety of genres. The series so far includes thrillers, murder mysteries, cons/heists and regency romances.

The title "Warrior's Apprentice" is a play on the "Sorceror's Apprentice". Miles is a brittle-boned, physically deformed scion of a famous military family, from a planet that fears mutations and worships military prowess. After failing the physical tests to enter military training, his impulsive actions start a cascade of events where his solutions involve more and more improvised audacity.

One of the charms of these books is that Vorkosigan's saving virtue is his ability to encourage those around him to be bigger better people. This means that the stories are full of interesting characters with their own motives and life directions. No one carries an idiot-ball just to make Miles seem smarter or more heroic, and throughout the series his own character flaws have consequences. He's likeable though, because of his good intentions and who he helps other characters become.

Grover Gardner is a reliably good narrator. Some of the names and places are hard to keep track of (every second character has a surname starting with "Vor") but that's no worse in the audio than it is in the written works.

Each book is self-contained, but I'd recommend reading all the Miles books in Chronological order, starting with this one. Then go back to read about his parents.

3 people found this helpful

First Miles novel and an explosive start character

I loved this book. Miles is just an interesting character to the max. The plot goes from interesting to crazy and beyond! Seriously good book. Well recommended. I would really suggest reading shards of honour and barryar first though.

2 people found this helpful

An excellent book - a little longwinded at times

The characters in this book are excellently drawn. I wanted to know more about all of them.

Although I could see most of the plot coming towards me (I read a lot) - I couldn’t wait to hear it anyway. My criticism would be that it could be a bit long winded, which is particularly distracting at exciting or pivotal parts of the story.

1 person found this helpful

A gleeful adventure

There's something about the way Bujold tells a story that I find irresistible. This is a rollercoaster ride of adventure that maintains forward momentum but carries it with intelligence and insight. The reading is solid and the result is a joy.

1 person found this helpful

One of my favorite ever.

Fantastic choice of a hero, not the usual big scary guy but someone I'd follow!

My most appreciated narrator, very best I think.

Plus of course a unique writer. Something truly different from pretty much every author I've ever read/listened to.

I re-listen every year of so. Give this one a try.

1 person found this helpful

best by far so far

I loved this book, wasn't sure reading the blurb but it was so worth it!

Plot is just too much like Schizophrenic Paranoia.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I bought this book as the Sample of the 5th Book in the series sounded good. After the 1st few chapters of boredom, I forced myself to listen to the rest - maybe it would get better. It did not. Months later I tried the 2nd book and had to return it before the end of Part 1. I have "listened" to other books that I did not find good, but never have I been compelled to return one. Sorry, just not my cup of tea.

Has The Warrior's Apprentice put you off other books in this genre?

No. Just this author

What three words best describe Grover Gardner’s performance?

Articulate, Believable, Good

Do you think The Warrior's Apprentice needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Tried the follow-up. It confimed my feelings on the Saga.

Miles Vorkosigan is a delightful scallywag

This excellent novel is a great entry into the series even though it is not chronologically first. The story of this protagonist keeps you listening and wondering why no-one deals with him properly and puts him out of their misery. It'll hook you and send you looking for the next in the series.