the method (reading these in roughly publication order) is paying off, namely in how obvious it becomes that "Mountains of Mourning" marks a real step up in her ability as a writer. I liked everything up to this point -- I wouldn't have made it this far otherwise! -- but the experience of "Mountains" is "oh, I didn't know she could do that," and in fact possibly up until then she couldn't. Makes me very excited to carry on though

From its title I take "Labyrinth" to be a Minotaur story but it read to me in its specific beats much more like the ballad "King Henry," only with the improvement that the lady *stays* loathly. I don't know Bujold's life in particular but sff scenes and folk scenes tend to have enough overlap that it feels like at least a possible influence.

Three Miles stories from three different times of his life and career. They are all absolutely fantastic and each are defining moments for Miles. "Mountains of Mourning" shows the reader the rural, brutal Barrayar that is only hinted of in the rest of the series; "Labyrinth" gives us a delightful first look at Taura and Jackson's Hole; and "Borders of Infinity" never fails to make me tear up. I wish that Baen had decided to do without the framing story which really adds nothing to either the book or the series. Other than that, the three stories are essential reading for the Vorkosigan fan. ( )

2021 review:
I have read all the 3 novellas that comprise this volume before but have never read this book which has (as Bujold herself says) a sketchy framework tying them together. Having encountered these stories before, I found that they were better in the omnibus configuration without the framework. For readers who haven't read any of this series already, this book might be a good introduction (though personally I like starting with Cordelia in "Shards of Honor"). ( )

This rating is for the short story Borders of Infinity. A bit more serious than labyrinth and an ok read ( )

Borders of Infinity is a short story in which Miles is, without explanation, dropped into a Cetagandan POW camp. The Cetagandans meticulously stick to the letter of international treaties with regards to the treatment of POWs, but still manage to foster a Lord of the Flies-like environment for the prisoners. Of course, it's up to Miles to use his fast-talking and disregard for his own personal safety to talk his way to the top of the prisoner hierarchy. Toward the end of the story, we're taken out of the dark as the author reveals why Miles is really there, and integrates the story into the larger picture. While I did enjoy the ending and finally figuring out what the heck was going on, for most of the story I found myself both confused about the circumstances and incredulous about Miles' travails. This one wasn't my favorite of the series, to be sure. ( )