Choko's Reviews > Cetaganda

*** 4.74 ***

A buddy read with Evgeny and Maria, because we love Miles!!!

What a great ride!!! I am here to report with complete delight that Miles can never stay out of trouble and he never disappoints!!! What did I do without this lovable character in my life up to now, I have no idea. I would not want to be his mom, since he has one of those and she is great, but I have those protective feelings for him, mixed up with worry, pride and pure exhilaration where he is concerned, so I feel like the favorite aunt who is always rooting for her excessively naughty nephew. As such, I am also kind of reassured and kind of terrified by having my bigger than life at heart, but very fragile in body Miles having as his companion in trouble Ivan, the handsome and womanizing cousin who tries very hard to pretend inadequacy and lack of knowledge in order to stay under the radar and do whatever he likes. This usually means he would like to stay away from danger, be away from his mother, and under any circumstances not get involved in Miles's skiems!!! However, it seems that faith, and very probably Count Vorkosigan tend to stick him as a helpmate and guard for the spirited Miles Vorkosigan and his exaggerated sense of honor and justice. It is a combination which always leads to them almost getting killed, in the middle of political machinations way above their heads, in danger of starting wars between galaxies, meeting some very interesting women, and once out of the mess, getting in humongous trouble at home...

I love, love, love the writing, the storytelling, the adventure, the fact that a reader of every age can read this series, and even if bad things happen and there are evil people who do evil things, by the end of the books you have your faith in humanity and The Light renewed and an overall positive feeling gives you the optimistic attitude to face the day and look forward to the next time you return to this world.!!!

This particular book's action happens on a different planet, in a society based on very controlled genetic engineering and gene manipulation. The last time someone had what we consider to be a natural birth is so many centuries in the past, the concept is repulsive and vulgar to them at present. The more perfect the genes, the higher the status of the individual. They have whole different peoples who are with random genetics *gasp*, who do the regular, dirty work for them. This set up has worked very well, since they are the strongest rival of Miles's world. And that bespeaks of power indeed. The Empress has died and Ivan and Miles are on the planet as envoys of Emperor Gregor, in order to show their respects and condolences. Only just as the door of their shuttle opens at the space port, someone attacks them and a cylindrical sigil is left in their hands. And things get complicated and go down hill fast. In the process, both boys get to meet some very mysterious women and Miles gets his first crush after the disaster that was his infatuation with Elena B. ...

I can not recommend this series enough! It is adventurous, but a very strong core of ethical questions runs through all of the books. The author has an amazing ability to show us the positive and negatives of questions we deal with every day, and just when we see ourselves as the righteous ones, we are put in the other side of the conflict and like it or not, we are given a deeper understanding... All of this is in the core of every story, but not the story itself. This is why I believe that it is accessible and very worthwhile reading by all, regardless of age, gender or preference for genre. You will be enriched by having Miles Vorkosigan in your lives!!!

Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you need in the pages of a Good book!!!