I don't mind as long as we get more of our Miles and the crew!!! The story introduced a new character who I am sure we will hear from again - to good for soap opera like machinations for the author not to use it again, despite many feeling like it is a cop out plot device. He even had some semi-successful attempt at getting himself laid, but that has not been a true problem as of late, has it?:-) Nothing ever is easy for the little dude. Of course things got complicated, of course everyone tried to kill him and the suspects were numerous.

So he comes up with a story that Naismith is a clone of Vorkosigan gone rogue seven years ago. It would have been OK if he didn't have to keep on playing the role of Admiral Naismith and lieutenant Vorkosigan at the same time, trying to keep his cover and not give out the information that they are really working for Barrayar.

Supposedly the Barrayaran Empire's ambassador should have a check for them, but that would have been to easy and Miles gets stuck at the Embassy indefinitely. The Naismith mercenaries need a break, the heavily wounded need medical care, the ships need repair and supplies, and Miles has to get the money to do it all. This book Miles, Quinn and Ivan all end up on old Earth at the same time. It has gotten to the point where if I had to choose a literary world I would like to spend time in order to feel good and emerge with some positivity from, this is the world I would choose any time! And I am not sure what makes me feel this way, because there are plenty of bad things happening and vileins running around causing trouble. So, take my review in the spirit in which it is intended, which is just to gush over my love for the genius of Louis McMaster Bujold and her unfailing ability to write a story full of action and intrigues, but most of all a story full of heart and charm oozing of the pages. Yes, yes, as I said in my review of the previous book, I passed from the level of an objective reader to the zone of fan-girl subjectivity. Gosh, what can I say about this Universe where Miles Vorkosigan rains supreme? IT IS AWESOME!!!

A buddy read with Evgeny and Maria because we need some FORWARD MOMENTUM!!!

Brothers in arms bujold