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Shards of Honor Audiobook
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(4.00) - 7,285 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force was on a routine mission to study the life forms on an uninhabited, neutral planet. Little did she know that the enemy Barrayarans had chosen this place as their secret base for an as-yet undeclared war. Separated from her team, Cordelia is captured by Lord Aral Vorkosigan, the leader in charge of the Barrayaran mission. Aral himself is caught in a web of political intrigue that has led to a recent attempt on his life. As the two strangers struggle together across the unfriendly terrain of the foreign planet toward Aral’s ship, they discover that their greatest danger may be the romance inconveniently developing between them, on the brink of a war that will divide their peoples more strongly than ever.
Recognized as the current exemplar of character-based science fiction, Bujold debuts her beloved Vorkosigan saga with this tale about the future parents of Miles Vorkosigan.
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"I read this after Komarr, as it's the author's first book in what has turned out to be a lengthy series. This book's plot and pace delivered, and while the characterization of the "bad guys" was rather one-dimensional, the main characters were rounded and dynamic. This book examines some of the psychological effects of war heroes and their actions in what feels like a fairly natural and realistic way. The romance (sub?)plot has some elements of Prince Charming/love at first sight. However, it doesn't interfere much with the character development. I am engaged enough in these characters and the overall political plot that I am now reading the chronological sequel, Barrayar."
— Pkelsay (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“[Bujold] gives [her] characters enough emotional depth, and enough sense, to raise their story beyond cliché.”
— Locus -
“Shards is a worthy effort and worth reading for any fan of SF romance.”
— Analog -
“One of SF’s outstanding talents.”
— Booklist, praise for the author -
“The Vorkosigan Saga is a classic work of space opera military sf that contains several books that are also marvelous sf romance. Shards and Barrayar could also be classified as military romance, while A Civil Campaign is a Regency romance set in this far-flung, intergalactic empire.”
— Library Journal, praise for the series
Awards
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A Library Journal Editor’s Pick of Best SF Romance Series
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A Tor.com Reviewers' Choice of 5 Books about War and Military Culture
Shards of Honor Listener Reviews
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" Good light reading and some interesting technology "
— Bridie, 2/13/2014 -
" It's a romance novel, with a novel view of romance. I was pleasantly surprised. "
— Cam, 1/16/2014 -
" Cordelia Naismith and Aral Vorkosigan are introduced in this book. They later become the parents of Miles Naismith Vorkosigan, of whom so many wonderful books are written. This book, and the book that follows it( Barrayar , are not as well written as the later Miles books. I think Bujold was still getting her writing-stride with these two books. The science fiction in them seemed to be overcome a bit by the romance, though that was still very enjoyable. Not four or five star books, but still highly enjoyable. "
— Rayda, 1/15/2014 -
" Looking forward to all of the other books in this series...a quick, fun, romp. Cordelia is fabulous character! "
— Alison, 1/4/2014 -
" Good read. The depth of the world and characters the author have created is brilliant. "
— Andrew, 12/23/2013 -
" Not all that original or well written, but smart, fast paced and fun. "
— Alexis, 12/15/2013 -
" fun and good character development, as usual for the author "
— Patrick, 12/14/2013 -
" A long time favorite. Comfort food... "
— Gail, 11/6/2013 -
" My feeeels. "
— Anna, 3/27/2013 -
" Shards of Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold is my favorite book ever. I've read it three times, and it's the beginning of a just as good series. Stronge female protagonist, and the rest of the characters come to life. Awesome, science fiction, character driven. "
— Mary, 1/23/2013 -
" A very good space opera book. "
— Varlan, 1/22/2012 -
" The prequel to the Miles Vorkosigan series. Strong female protagonist. Contrasts democratic & authoritarian feudal military culture. A science fiction adventure-romance with a group of well drawn, engaging complex characters. "
— Dave, 5/21/2011 -
" Much of this is political, which isn't typically what I like. The writing was good, though, and I enjoyed learning about the characters. "
— Terry, 4/20/2011 -
" my first attempt to read a space opera, i enjoyed it and planning to continue with the series "
— Jasmine, 4/6/2011 -
" Good light reading and some interesting technology "
— Bridie, 4/5/2011 -
" An entertaining space opera. Surprisingly well written, soft science fiction. I intend to try the sequels "
— Steven, 3/6/2011 -
" Thoroughly enjoyed the world that Lois McMaster Bujold created, and the characters that inhabit it. Fascinating story with a lot of insight into the human experience. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. "
— Tammy, 3/5/2011 -
" Begin here. Read to end. Go to the next one. Repeat. She is the best. "
— Marney, 3/4/2011 -
" This has always been one of my favourites of the Vorkosigan saga, though I hadn't read it in years (and had completely forgotten the final chapter, of the woman recovering the body of her daughter). I really really like Cordelia. "
— Ratesjul, 3/3/2011
About Lois McMaster Bujold
Lois McMaster Bujold is one of the most honored writers in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. In 2019 she was named a Damon Knight Grand Master by Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, one of science fiction’s highest honors. She has won seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. In 2011 she was awarded the Skylark Award for her significant contribution to science fiction. Hugo awards for Best Series were received by the Vorkosigan Saga in 2017, and the World of the Five Gods in 2018.
About Grover Gardner
Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.