Tina's Reading Books

I've read all of the Miles Vorkosigan books and I must say they just get better. This book is classified as science fiction but it could have just as easily been called a romance or general fiction.

We find Miles where we left off with him from the last book, 'Komarr', still helplessly infatuated with the lovely widow Ekaterin. How appropriate that the title of the book is 'a Civil Campaign' because Miles' courtship of the widow is done in typical Miles style -- as a military campaign. And in typical Miles fashion he is...overwhelming. But before he can complete his strategy of getting the girl Miles must vanquish a political foe intent upon damaging his reputation by accusing him of murder. Mark, Miles' troubled clone brother, makes an appearance with a new friend whose new 'culinary' invention creates havoc in the Vorkosigan household. And in the meantime, Miles still has to participate in all the tedious round of socializing that precedes Gregor's wedding.

There is so much stuff in this book that you can't put it down. Ms. Bujold introduces a couple of fascinating new characters as well as reintroducing us to and enrichening some of our old favorites.

The highlights of this book are many, but I especially loved Miles' comically doomed dinner party, Ivan's continued proof that he's no idiot and the wonderfully satisfying climatic scene at the Council of Counts. And I always cry at weddings!