Miles in Love (Komarr / A Civil Campaign / "Winterfair Gifts")
by Lois McMaster Bujold
Vorkosigan: Publication Order (Collections and Selections — Omnibus 12,13,14a), Vorkosigan: Chronological Order (Omnibus editions — Omnibus 12,13,13a)
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Komarr—Miles Vorkosigan is sent to Komarr, a planet that could be a garden with a thousand more years of terraforming; or an uninhabitable wasteland, if the terraforming project fails. The solar mirror vital to the project has been shattered by a ship hurtling off course, and Miles has been sent to find out if it was an accident, or sabotage. But once there, he uncovers a plot that could exile him from Barrayar forever—and discovers an unexpected ally, one with wounds as deep and honor show more as beleaguered as his own.A Civil Campaign—On Komarr, Miles met the beautiful Vor widow Ekaterin Vorsoisson, who has no intention of getting married after the heartbreak and betrayal of her first experience. But Miles has a cunning plan to change her mind. Unfortunately his clone-brother Mark and his cousin Ivan have cunning plans of their own, and the three- way collision of cunning plans threatens to undo Miles's brilliant romantic strategy.
"Winterfair Gifts"—Miles and Ekaterin make elaborate preparations for their wedding. But Miles has an enemy who is plotting to turn the romantic ceremony into a festival of death.
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This entire omnibus was too cute for words! I loved how the love story was drawn out through two novels AND a short story, and Winterfair Gifts was a gift to mankind. Taura is a precious cinnamon roll who deserves all the happiness in all the worlds, that's all I have to say. I loved Ekaterin, I really connected with her and many of her dilemmas. I sort of wish there were more Nikki, it feels like he was often just shoved off to the side of everything, but the moments in which he was thoroughly included, he really shines :) A great book, can't wait to see what happens next!
This is one of five omnibus volumes incorporating most of the novels and short stories in the "Vorkosigan Saga" by Bujold. It can loosely be described as Space Opera although the series often blends genres. Often (as signaled by Miles, Mystery & Mayhem) mystery, usually action adventure, and in this one definitely romance. Not that Miles hasn't had his love interests in previous books--but here romance is more the focus, although if you're looking for romance-aisle fare, you're in the wrong place--which is a lot of what I love about the series.
Miles Vorkosigan makes an unlikely romantic hero. Because of an attack on his mother while she was pregnant Miles was born with several physical defects. He's short (four foot nine inches) show more crouch-backed, big-headed and brittle boned and scarred from many medical procedures. (And amusingly the cover for the middle novel included here shows a handsome man taller than the lady love he's dancing with. That's not Miles.) It's part of his charm that he not only overcomes his disabilities but... um overachieves. He makes Captain Kirk look like a slacker. These works are rather late in the series, and I wouldn't start here but with either the omnibus volumes Cordelia's Honor (dealing with Miles' parents) or Young Miles, which introduces Miles himself.
We first meet Miles' love Ekaterin in the first novel in this series, Komarr. Much of the story is seen from her point of view and it's interesting to get an outside perspective on Miles and she's a good foil and match. At one point I had my mouth stretched so wide by a grin at Miles' reaction to Ekaterin, it hurt. But a nice hurt! The novel was a very enjoyable blend of science fiction, mystery and romance as Miles gets entangled in an investigation of what looks like sabotage.
The next novel, A Civil Campaign is my favorite of the dozen Vorkosigan novels I've read so far. That the main focus of this book is romance is revealed by the dedication: "For Jane, Charlotte, Georgette, and Dorothy—long may they rule." I could easily fill in the blanks: Jane Austen. Charlotte Bronte, Georgette Heyer, and Dorothy Sayers. There is a gaggle of sisters, parallel sibling romances, failed proposals, second chances, trying to become a couple without losing yourself, witty banter, comedy of manners and lords and a royal wedding. (I can't see a Heyer Regency though including a Lord who has undergone a sex change!) The book even has my favorite Bujold quote: "Reputation is what other people know about you; honor is what you know about yourself." If Mirror Dance was the darkest in the series thus far, this is definitely the lightest. I guffawed at the "Butter Bug" incident--hell, the Butter Bug chapter! And I laugh out loud at a book even more rarely than I cry--and I'm not easy. In fact, this is the first time I can remember a Bujold book making me giggle madly like that. More than once at that.
Finally, there's the short story "Winterfair Gifts"--particularly a treat as it centers on Taura (from the story "Labyrinth") a favorite of mine among the Vorkosigan characters. show less
Miles Vorkosigan makes an unlikely romantic hero. Because of an attack on his mother while she was pregnant Miles was born with several physical defects. He's short (four foot nine inches) show more crouch-backed, big-headed and brittle boned and scarred from many medical procedures. (And amusingly the cover for the middle novel included here shows a handsome man taller than the lady love he's dancing with. That's not Miles.) It's part of his charm that he not only overcomes his disabilities but... um overachieves. He makes Captain Kirk look like a slacker. These works are rather late in the series, and I wouldn't start here but with either the omnibus volumes Cordelia's Honor (dealing with Miles' parents) or Young Miles, which introduces Miles himself.
We first meet Miles' love Ekaterin in the first novel in this series, Komarr. Much of the story is seen from her point of view and it's interesting to get an outside perspective on Miles and she's a good foil and match. At one point I had my mouth stretched so wide by a grin at Miles' reaction to Ekaterin, it hurt. But a nice hurt! The novel was a very enjoyable blend of science fiction, mystery and romance as Miles gets entangled in an investigation of what looks like sabotage.
The next novel, A Civil Campaign is my favorite of the dozen Vorkosigan novels I've read so far. That the main focus of this book is romance is revealed by the dedication: "For Jane, Charlotte, Georgette, and Dorothy—long may they rule." I could easily fill in the blanks: Jane Austen. Charlotte Bronte, Georgette Heyer, and Dorothy Sayers. There is a gaggle of sisters, parallel sibling romances, failed proposals, second chances, trying to become a couple without losing yourself, witty banter, comedy of manners and lords and a royal wedding. (I can't see a Heyer Regency though including a Lord who has undergone a sex change!) The book even has my favorite Bujold quote: "Reputation is what other people know about you; honor is what you know about yourself." If Mirror Dance was the darkest in the series thus far, this is definitely the lightest. I guffawed at the "Butter Bug" incident--hell, the Butter Bug chapter! And I laugh out loud at a book even more rarely than I cry--and I'm not easy. In fact, this is the first time I can remember a Bujold book making me giggle madly like that. More than once at that.
Finally, there's the short story "Winterfair Gifts"--particularly a treat as it centers on Taura (from the story "Labyrinth") a favorite of mine among the Vorkosigan characters. show less
This is probably my favorite series of all time. I've read it many times, and just finished reading it again. The characters and the world Bujold creates are outstanding, but what is perhaps the most fascinating is the way she uses those characters and setting to tell so many kinds of stories: classic space opera, murder mysteries, psychological thrillers, and even straight-up comedy of manners, a la Jane Austen. Her themes are universal and tend to at least touch on the theme of the search for identity in all her books. Miles in Love is an omnibus of Komarr, a Civil Campaign, and Winterfaire Gifts. All are outstanding. The writing is elegant, the humor subtle and yet LOL-funny, and the plot satisfyingly original. Her creation of Miles show more Vorkosigan is a true literary masterpiece, and also I'd like to marry him. Truly, these book are not-to-be-missed. This collection contains some of the funniest in the series, and are of a style and form rarely seen in science fiction. Note that if you are reading the Omnibusess in order, the book Memory, which doesn't appear in any of the ombibuses and chronologically fits before this book. I recommend reading it first. show less
Lois McMaster Bujold is perennially a Hugo, Nebula, or Locus nominee, and I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. So, I spent the latter half of 2010 locating, and reading, each novel of her Vorkosigan series. Many of the titles aren’t readily available, even in the larger chain bookstores, but are becoming rather ubiquitous as Omnibus sets--usually two or three of her novels, and perhaps a novella or short story, in a single binding. I must say, it’s a large chunk of book to haul around, if you read at lunch, or on breaks. LibraryThing.com records Miles in Love as nine inches tall, and weighing over two pounds (some “fan”atic took rather seriously the task of *weighing* Bujold’s novels). I sat on the sofa and show more read the three constituent stories over the weekend.
Miles in Love is comprised of the novels Komarr, A Civil Campaign, and Winterfair Gifts, the twelfth and thirteenth, chronologically, of the Vorkosigan saga, and a novella that features incidental characters.
Miles’ story is a difficult one without spoiling every novel in the series, so I’m aware I am being rather vague: let’s just see where this leads us. Miles has had a long career, working covertly for the planet Barrayar. A few mistakes has led him to retirement, and he is now one of seven Imperial Auditors. An enormous light-reflecting mirror is destroyed in Komarr’s orbit, which threatens all terraformed work on this fragile planet’s ecosystem. Miles is sent to observe this audit, and meets Ekaterin Vorsoisson, the wife of a scheming middle-manager. During the course of the novel, Ekaterin’s husband is accidentally killed by the same environmental terrorists who destroyed the mirror, as they are trying to create a super-weapon large enough to destroy the wormhole that connects Komarr with the rest of the universe. Miles slowly learns, as the title of the Omnibus package suggests, he is in love with Ekaterin.
I feel guilty, as if I’ve simultaneously spoiled, and hardly said a thing, about Komarr. I suppose this signifies how strong a writer Bujold actually is. Her characters are rich, her worlds extravagant and plausible, and the relationships she builds--well, a review can hardly do them justice. Ekaterin is very likeable, and we enjoy her family, her absentminded uncle, her genetically-weak son, and her very strong aunt, as much as any minor characters Bujold has ever invented.
A Civil Campaign brings the story back to Barrayar, where Miles and his cousin Ivan plan for the grandest event of a century--Emperor Gregor’s wedding. Miles courts Ekaterin in a reckless haphazard manner that makes us realize within a few chapters, that gods of farcical comedy are about to collide with the young Vor’s best-laid plans. His brother Mark returns from the (sexually) liberal Beta Colony, thoroughly smitten with family friend Kareen Koudelka. Mark also brings a Escobarran researcher and crates full of butter-bugs, which are simultaneously nutritious, and the most disgusting pus-like insects imaginable. All the vectors collide simultaneously at a dinner party hosted by Miles, and, I guess, hilarity ensues.
I never found whole scenario all-too funny because I’ve become attached to Miles, and despite his bullheaded courtship, I hate seeing a collision of mishaps to this magnitude. It makes me uncomfortable. Despite this minor complaint, there were some beautiful passages; for example, Gregor’s audience with the young Nikki Vorsoisson, where he forthrightly, yet with elegance, explains his father’s death. Gregor, who early in the series, I found to be an annoying complainer, has become a wonderfully wise and complex character, smitten with his Komarran bride-to-be.
A third story, “Winterfair Gifts,” tell the story of Miles’ and Ekaterin’s wedding, and of the uncovering of a plot to poison the Vorkosigan-to-be. Another favorite character of mine, the super-intelligent, and genetically altered, Taura, is featured in this story. She deserves her moment in the limelight, and the story is delightful.
Throughout, Bujold goes where her gifts lie: She creates believable characters, whether monsters, deviants, or emperors, or armsmen. Each of them (even the antagonist) is captured lovingly and sympathetically by her writing. Her worlds are interesting, and her ideas are strong: but these are not where the force of her stories lie. Bujold excels at creating relationships. There is possibly no better place than a love story to do this, and no writer better to accomplish the task. show less
Miles in Love is comprised of the novels Komarr, A Civil Campaign, and Winterfair Gifts, the twelfth and thirteenth, chronologically, of the Vorkosigan saga, and a novella that features incidental characters.
Miles’ story is a difficult one without spoiling every novel in the series, so I’m aware I am being rather vague: let’s just see where this leads us. Miles has had a long career, working covertly for the planet Barrayar. A few mistakes has led him to retirement, and he is now one of seven Imperial Auditors. An enormous light-reflecting mirror is destroyed in Komarr’s orbit, which threatens all terraformed work on this fragile planet’s ecosystem. Miles is sent to observe this audit, and meets Ekaterin Vorsoisson, the wife of a scheming middle-manager. During the course of the novel, Ekaterin’s husband is accidentally killed by the same environmental terrorists who destroyed the mirror, as they are trying to create a super-weapon large enough to destroy the wormhole that connects Komarr with the rest of the universe. Miles slowly learns, as the title of the Omnibus package suggests, he is in love with Ekaterin.
I feel guilty, as if I’ve simultaneously spoiled, and hardly said a thing, about Komarr. I suppose this signifies how strong a writer Bujold actually is. Her characters are rich, her worlds extravagant and plausible, and the relationships she builds--well, a review can hardly do them justice. Ekaterin is very likeable, and we enjoy her family, her absentminded uncle, her genetically-weak son, and her very strong aunt, as much as any minor characters Bujold has ever invented.
A Civil Campaign brings the story back to Barrayar, where Miles and his cousin Ivan plan for the grandest event of a century--Emperor Gregor’s wedding. Miles courts Ekaterin in a reckless haphazard manner that makes us realize within a few chapters, that gods of farcical comedy are about to collide with the young Vor’s best-laid plans. His brother Mark returns from the (sexually) liberal Beta Colony, thoroughly smitten with family friend Kareen Koudelka. Mark also brings a Escobarran researcher and crates full of butter-bugs, which are simultaneously nutritious, and the most disgusting pus-like insects imaginable. All the vectors collide simultaneously at a dinner party hosted by Miles, and, I guess, hilarity ensues.
I never found whole scenario all-too funny because I’ve become attached to Miles, and despite his bullheaded courtship, I hate seeing a collision of mishaps to this magnitude. It makes me uncomfortable. Despite this minor complaint, there were some beautiful passages; for example, Gregor’s audience with the young Nikki Vorsoisson, where he forthrightly, yet with elegance, explains his father’s death. Gregor, who early in the series, I found to be an annoying complainer, has become a wonderfully wise and complex character, smitten with his Komarran bride-to-be.
A third story, “Winterfair Gifts,” tell the story of Miles’ and Ekaterin’s wedding, and of the uncovering of a plot to poison the Vorkosigan-to-be. Another favorite character of mine, the super-intelligent, and genetically altered, Taura, is featured in this story. She deserves her moment in the limelight, and the story is delightful.
Throughout, Bujold goes where her gifts lie: She creates believable characters, whether monsters, deviants, or emperors, or armsmen. Each of them (even the antagonist) is captured lovingly and sympathetically by her writing. Her worlds are interesting, and her ideas are strong: but these are not where the force of her stories lie. Bujold excels at creating relationships. There is possibly no better place than a love story to do this, and no writer better to accomplish the task. show less
I do love Bujold. Well plotted stories, relatable characters, books I find hard to put down. This is an omnibus of two books and a short story
Komarr: This is my favourite in the book, exciting adventures, well motivated bad guys, heartbreaking situations. When do you fight your foreign invaders? When do you leave your husband?
A Civil Campaign: I am carrying a lot of baggage about this book (it was... the wrong Miles book to read first). And I don't really like regency romances. Or butter bugs. But Bujold really can do whatever she turns her hand to.
Winterfair Gifts. I do like Taura, and I do like this short sweet story set around Miles's wedding.
Komarr: This is my favourite in the book, exciting adventures, well motivated bad guys, heartbreaking situations. When do you fight your foreign invaders? When do you leave your husband?
A Civil Campaign: I am carrying a lot of baggage about this book (it was... the wrong Miles book to read first). And I don't really like regency romances. Or butter bugs. But Bujold really can do whatever she turns her hand to.
Winterfair Gifts. I do like Taura, and I do like this short sweet story set around Miles's wedding.
Silly, but fun. Two novels and a short story. Its all a mix of farce and a comedy of manners set in the baroque future world of Barrayar and its colony Komarr. Farce and manners are amoug my least favourite types of humour, but Bujold's writing is so clever that I was giggling on several occasions.
In Komarr, Miles is on his first official Auditor job, investigating the demise of a power satelite. There he meets a young gardener whose husband is involved in the incidient. Miles manages not to make too big a fool of himself.
In A Civil Campaign Miles lays siege to his new found friend - but he's not the only person in the Capitol to do so. Some key votes are coming up in the Council and as he holds his father's Voice much manoueviering show more takes place, some of which interfers with his plans. Mark is still around to provide the farcical elements - I'm not realyl sure why as they add littel tot he main plot. However it does almost set up the short story Winterfair Gifts, where Seargent Taura gets to star.
Fun, but nothing especially memorable, or much in the way of social commentry. I suppose you could look at the whole thing as satire on the victorean society - but that's a bit of a stretch. show less
In Komarr, Miles is on his first official Auditor job, investigating the demise of a power satelite. There he meets a young gardener whose husband is involved in the incidient. Miles manages not to make too big a fool of himself.
In A Civil Campaign Miles lays siege to his new found friend - but he's not the only person in the Capitol to do so. Some key votes are coming up in the Council and as he holds his father's Voice much manoueviering show more takes place, some of which interfers with his plans. Mark is still around to provide the farcical elements - I'm not realyl sure why as they add littel tot he main plot. However it does almost set up the short story Winterfair Gifts, where Seargent Taura gets to star.
Fun, but nothing especially memorable, or much in the way of social commentry. I suppose you could look at the whole thing as satire on the victorean society - but that's a bit of a stretch. show less
Caveat here, this is an omnibus volume, containing Komarr, A Civil Campaign, and the novella Winterfair Gifts. I've already read Komarr and a Civil Campaign, in fact A Civil Campaign was the first book I read by Lois McMaster Bujold, after which I gleefully tore through her long and wonderful bibliography feeling much like a ten year old who'd just been given an ice cream truck and a spoon.
So I got hold of this one just to read Winterfair Gifts, which is a charming novella about a budding romance between two of the guests at Miles and Ekaterin's wedding. Bonus, there was also an afterword by the author talking a little about her sources and ideas for the two novels and the genesis of the novella. All good stuff, but I want a new NOVEL show more please. Sorry, channeling the kid with the empty ice cream truck and spoon for a moment. show less
So I got hold of this one just to read Winterfair Gifts, which is a charming novella about a budding romance between two of the guests at Miles and Ekaterin's wedding. Bonus, there was also an afterword by the author talking a little about her sources and ideas for the two novels and the genesis of the novella. All good stuff, but I want a new NOVEL show more please. Sorry, channeling the kid with the empty ice cream truck and spoon for a moment. show less
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Science fiction and fantasy author Lois McMaster Bujold was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1949. After graduating from Ohio State University, she worked as a pharmacy technician at Ohio State University Hospitals. Her first short story was published in Twilight Zone Magazine in 1984 and her first three novels were published in 1986. She received the show more Nebula Award for Falling Free and The Mountains of Mourning and the Hugo Award for The Vor Game, Barrayar, Mirror Dance, The Mountains of Mourning, and Paladin of Souls. She also received the Locus award for Mirror Dance and Paladin of Souls, the Minnesota Book Award for Komarr, the Mythopoeic Award for The Curse of Chalion, and a Romantic Times 2003 Reviewers' Choice Award for Paladin of Souls. She is best known for her series featuring Miles Vorkosigan. She currently lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Miles in Love (Komarr / A Civil Campaign / "Winterfair Gifts") (Komarr / A Civil Campaign / "Winterfair Gifts")
- Original publication date
- 2008-02 (omnibus) (omnibus); 1998 (Komarr) (Komarr); 1999 (A Civil Campaign) (A Civil Campaign); 2008 (Winterfair Gifts) (Winterfair Gifts)
- People/Characters
- Miles Vorkosigan; Ekaterin Vorsoisson; Etienne Vorsoisson; Nikolai Vorsoisson; Dr. Georg Vorthys; Professora Helen Vorthys (show all 49); Ser Venier "Vennie"; Dr. Soudha; Andro Farr; Barto Radovas; Marie Trogir; Captain Tuomonen; Lena Foscol; Madame Radovas; Dr. Riva; Mark Vorkosigan; Cordelia Naismith Vorkosigan; Aral Vorkosigan; Gregor Vorbarra; Ivan Vorpatril; Alys Vorpatril; Simon Illyan; Clement "Kou" Koudelka; Ludmilla Droushnakovi "Drou" Koudelka; Olivia Koudelka; Martya Koudelka; Kareen Koudelka; Duv Galeni; Sgt. Pym (Armsman); Armsman Roic; Armsman Jankowski; Alexi Vormoncrief; René Vorbretten; Tatya Vorbretten; Byerly Vorrutyer; Dono Vorrutyer; Enrique Borgos; Tsipis; Guy Allegre; Richars Vorruyter; Sigur Vorbretten; Dag Benin; Pel Navarr; Taura; Elena Bothari-Jesek; Baz Jesek; Arde Mayhew; Cordelia Jesek; Donna Vorruyter
- Important places
- Serifosa Dome, Komarr; Vorbarr Sultana, Barrayar
- Dedication
- For Jane, Charlotte, Georgette, and Dorothy - long may they rule.
- First words
- The last gleaming sliver of Komarr's true-sun melted out of sight beyond the low hills on the western horizon. - Komarr
The big groundcar jerked to a stop centimeters from the vehicle ahead of it, and Armsman Pym, driving, swore under his breath. - A Civil Campaign
From Armsman Roic's wrist com the gate guard's voice reported laconically, "They're in. Gate's locked." - Winterfair Gifts - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Shall we go ask about that hydroponics tour? - Komarr
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Shall we go in, milady? - A Civil Campaign
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Several minutes after that, they went upstairs, hand in hand. - Winterfair Gifts - Original language
- English
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- Reviews
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- Rating
- (4.46)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
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- 1
