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The Warrior's Apprentice

A Miles Vorkosigan Novel

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The Warrior's Apprentice

By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Miles Vorkosigan makes his debut in this frenetic coming-of-age tale. At age 17, Miles is allowed to take the entrance exams to the elite military academy; he passes the written but manages, through miscalculation in a moment of anger, to break both his legs on the obstacle course, washing out before he begins. His aged grandfather dies in his sleep shortly after, for which Miles blames himself. Miles is sent to visit his grandmother Naismith on distant Beta Colony, accompanied by his bodyguard, Sergeant Bothari and Bothari's daughter, Elena. Miles passes himself off as a mercenary leader as he picks up a ragtag crew, and soon Miles' father Aral is under political attack back home as garbled rumors of Miles' mercenary operations trickle back. Miles must abandon his new fleet and dash back to Barrayar to stop the plot.©1986 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2005 Blackstone Audiobooks Action & Adventure Fiction Science Fiction Military
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Critic reviews

"The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful....Highly recommended." (Booklist)

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I loved this book. Miles is just an interesting character to the max. The plot goes from interesting to crazy and beyond! Seriously good book. Well recommended. I would really suggest reading shards of honour and barryar first though.

First Miles novel and an explosive start character

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If you like fun sci-fi with great characters, this is for you. Miles Vorkosigan - born crippled to powerful parents on an old-fashioned planet - is a great creation. On the one hand, he's got near-superhuman charm, intelligence and nerve. On the other hand, his over-confidence occasionally leads him to make mistakes that cost him dearly. This is his first adventure, and while I don't think it's the best in the series (for my money that's A Civil Campaign - Audible, how about acquiring that one?) it's pretty darn good.

I was surprised when I first heard the audio version of this, because having read it in my own head previously, I was stupidly expecting an English accent. Also, the reader has rather a flat drawl. However, after a few minutes I came to the conclusion that actually the reader is perfect - he captures Miles's voice exactly and gets all of the dry humour out of the narration.

The incomparable Miles Vorkosigan

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This book is very very good and kept my interest right to the end. I am really looking forward to downloading the other novels in this series. Have no fear - you will enjoy - even if you are not into SF.

A brilliant discovery!

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This excellent novel is a great entry into the series even though it is not chronologically first. The story of this protagonist keeps you listening and wondering why no-one deals with him properly and puts him out of their misery. It'll hook you and send you looking for the next in the series.

Miles Vorkosigan is a delightful scallywag

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There's something about the way Bujold tells a story that I find irresistible. This is a rollercoaster ride of adventure that maintains forward momentum but carries it with intelligence and insight. The reading is solid and the result is a joy.

A gleeful adventure

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