A review by julis
Young Miles by Lois McMaster Bujold

adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Much like with Cordelia's Honor, I have very different opinions on the different parts of this book–they’re just the reverse ones.

I think Warrior’s Apprentice is the strongest of her early work. From the outset, we know what Miles wants (military achievement) and what’s standing in his way (his physical disabilities), and then the entire rest of the book is how he can get one while putting up with the other. It’s very cohesive and very fun–except for the heartbreaking bits.

I am struck every single time with how bad Miles is at recognizing Aral’s love. Like when he turns up, out of nowhere, to the Council of Counts at the end–and Aral doesn’t know what’s been going on, he’s been working in a vacuum and hoping, and then we get THIS:
Count Vorkosigan snapped his head around, saw Miles. He inhaled, and his arms and legs drew in. He sat for a moment with his elbows on his desk, face buried in his hands. He rubbed his face, hard; when he raised it again, it was flushed and furrowed, blinking.

He loves you Miles. He’s sitting here trying not to cry cause he’s so glad you’re alive.

[clears throat] anyway

Mountains of Mourning was a tough read for me the first time, but I’m falling more in love with it over time. I think it was tough because I wasn’t ready, emotionally, but now I love Miles’ development from “fuck these hicks” to “these are MY hicks”.

I’m conflicted on The Vor Game, because on the one hand, there is nothing I love so much as Miles trying to outplot someone, and on the other hand it feels very much like two separate stories hung together. There’s the Kyril Island story, and then there’s the Vervain story, and while they have some characters in common, they don’t share so many themes.

There’s another excellent scene at the end with Aral and Miles, and Jole! In fact a couple references to Jole and how attractive he is (”promptly been snabbled up as his military secretary by the Prime Minister, who had a sharp eye for hot new talent. Jaw-dropping gorgeous, to boot” Miles I have some fun news for you about your father’s bedroom activities). But mostly I love Miles, and Gregor, and Aral, and how much all of them are trying to make honor work even around their respective badbrains.

Still not sold on Kyril Island belonging in the same book.