" 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