Monthly Archives: February 2014

Review: A Civil Campaign

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A Civil Campaign
A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is one that I have read before and will read again. It is part of one of my most favourite sci-fi series, “The Vorkosigan Saga” by Lois McMaster Bujold. This book is hardly what you would expect from a hard space opera sci-fi series; it’s a romantic comedy. And it’s a damn good one, that manages to keep you turning pages to see what happens next, even if you don’t like romantic comedies. I am, as most of my friends will confirm, normally quite scornful of romances.

While this excellent book does stand alone, you will probably enjoy it more if you read the rest of the books in the series (which this is near to the end of) first, as many of the inside jokes and oblique references will be lost upon you otherwise. And also some of the outstanding character work that Mrs. Bujold has accomplished.

I cite this series as a reference for my “Toy Soldier” novels and I recommend them to all and sundry. If you want to start the series and have not, my recommendation is to begin with “Falling Free,” which is her Nebula and Hugo-winning prequel, and then either “Cordelia’s Honor,” or “The Warrior’s Apprentice,” depending on your preference for a male or a female protagonist. (I would lean to the former if you don’t care; the latter will have spoilers for the former otherwise.) You may not be able to find “The Warrior’s Apprentice” without seeking out the omnibus edition, “Young Miles.” Happy reading!

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