A Civil Campaign (Vorkosigan Saga)

Before I get actually started, has anyone else noticed Bujold's penchant for using the word "saturnine" multiple times in pretty much every book she's written? It's such an unusual word that it caught my attention and it seems that at least one character per novel gets that word tacked on as a description. I feel on some level it's a subtle running joke but maybe she just really likes it. And if you never noticed, now you'll probably be unable NOT to, or you'll go back and count. She's probably cornered the market on its usage in fiction. Just as well.

It's an interesting word choice because this book is explicitly described as "a comedy of manners and biology" and it seems to be a deliberate attempt to ramp down the intensity level of the last few books into something a bit more light-hearted. As most of the books fall weighted into one of two camps (i.e. "Space adventure" and "milestones in Miles' life"), it shouldn't be a surprise that this one seems geared toward all the people that look forward to seeing Miles get older and encounter the same hurdles of maturity the rest of us do.

This time, it's about love. In fact, all about love. Ever hear the Wilco song "I'm Always in Love", well, we have that here in spades as pretty much every character in the book undergoes a romantic entanglement of one form or another (the only people who escape unscathed seem to be his parents, and they're already in love). Miles is still trying to figure out a way to confess his love for the fairly recently widowed Ekaterin, who kind of digs him as well but is a bit shy, and dare I point out again, a recent widow (relax, he sucked). His clone-brother Mark is visiting from Betan colony along with his young love Kareen, recruiting her into a venture that involves bugs who make the tastiest waste of all. Unfortunately for him, coming from a relatively uninhibited world sexually to a planet that seems to require a gobetween to hold hands throws some snags into how much togetherness they get. Meanwhile, preparations are being made for Emperor Gregor's wedding, which has roped in Miles' cousin Ivan, generally a lad-about-town. His mother's work in organizing the wedding and her own budding romance with the former ImpSec commander has kept her from steering every available woman toward him but Ivan has noticed that available women are becoming few and far between.

You would think with all this going on there'd be little time for an actual plot but Bujold also manages to shoehorn in two issues with Counts that are up for votes . . . one fellow is about to lose his Countship because an ancestor sowed some wild oats while the other is attempting to break the gender barrier in a bit of a roundabout fashion. Oh, and someone is accusing Miles of murder. Got all that?

Needless to say, the book carries a five hundred plus page count (about the length of "Mirror Dance" without the fiendish sense of urgency) and for the most part she justifies it. She's breezy enough to keep all the balls juggling in the air and doesn't let one plot fall out of focus for too long before shifting back to it, but gives it all enough heft so that book never feels padded. Indeed, you can read this one in hundred page clips without really coming up for air, not easy with a book that lacks a degree of suspense and except for one scene is almost completely action-less.

Where she does succeed is characters. Relying on the fact that we're invested in these people, she writes them with the easy familiarity that makes us believe they've known each other for years. Some of the most fascinating parts are the conversations that feels deceptively easy, such as Miles talking to his father, or Mark with his mother, or Miles with Ivan, there's just the right mix of love, exasperation, goodwill and teasing that only comes when you've known someone long enough to know how far you can go to joke, or what to say that will finally make them listen. Miles, as usual, is the driving force behind all of this, both on the political and domestic ends, and there's some amusement in watching him approach romance the same way you plot storming a beach: at dawn, full speed ahead and darn the torpedoes. As the newcomer, Bujold has the hardest job with Ekaterin, forcing her to walk a tightrope between restrained romantic feelings and a sense of "what am I getting myself into", someone who isn't worldly and thus charmed by Miles but also isn't willing to let him goodnaturedly steamroll over her. She more or less pulls it off, finishing the job that was started in "Komarr", and some of the most honest conversations are between them, as they try to determine what boundaries, if any, to set, testing each other, afraid of taking the plunge but afraid of walking away either.

The other attachments work their way in as well, generally centering around Mark and his concerns with his ladyfriend. The "bug butter" scenario shouldn't seem to work in the context of the book, especially when coupled with the more real-life concerns of paying for school and learning when your parents can stop telling you what to do . . . but it blends in with all the other mishaps easily enough. Mark remains tricky to write, his social awkwardness has to be played both serious and for laughs, but she never has to forget that he's recovering from a serious mental illness.

All of it, honestly, works better than it should, although at this point its probably completely inaccessible to new readers. In the hands of someone with less sure footing, it would have been a total mess. But she balances all the concerns nicely, giving us small peaks and victories (and one disastrous dinner), coasting on the edge of farce without truly succumbing and pulling it all back into realistic emotions before it gets too cartoonish. Even the stuff that should be the comic relief (a gender change, or any scene with Ivan, really) feels grounded in a way that would be difficult for anyone that lacked her longevity. And amazingly, it all comes together in a bravura Council of Counts meeting that handles all the multiple threads with alarming ease, with a pacing and momentum that keeps the victories coming, the suspense in play and even allows time for a sidebar without evaporating any of the mood. You get to it and you want to cheer because everyone gets what they deserve, and what's more is that it never feels forced. Barrayar really is home-field advantage for her.

And thus Miles gets launched into a new stage of his life and while Bujold apparently doesn't believe in normal dating, it does feel earned. One thing Bujold did well with bringing Ekaterin into things is giving us an outsider view of Miles' world and how utterly intimidating it must seem to normal people. As readers we're too used to the setting to be anything but jaded but seeing Miles just hanging out and chatting with the Emperor from her point of view reminds us of what rarefied circles he travels in, and what it's taken to get him there. With all the famous people he knows, from his parents on down, it's like finding out that the guy on your softball team grew up with the British royal family. It gives us a fresh view on something we've probably started to take for granted.

Any quibbles I have feel like quibbling. You may it odd that the book seems to take for granted that marriage is something that pretty much everybody wants (although to be fair, Mark and Kareen never talk marriage, and Ivan's mom has someone else's wedding to plan) and moreso there's no real hint of relationships involving anything but guys with gals. Granted Barrayar is a bit of a restrained planet culturally but coming from a woman who used to write a hermaphrodite (Bel Thorne) and an entire gay planet ("Ethan of Athos") it's like painting with half the colors on the palette. Even the sex change winds up in a fairly conventional guy-girl pairing, although we'll see how that plays out.

Still, she makes the whole thing so enjoyable that on some level it feels like anyone who doesn't like it is actively trying not to like it, or it's just really not your cuppa, as it were. This many books in we have to admit that Bujold has something fairly impressive here, "Cerebus" crossed with "Gasoline Alley" crossed with Poul Anderson's Ensign Flandry novels, something that can play to a fairly broad audience with an appetite for science-fiction, yet can accommodate its own in-crowd as well. It feels like the kind of thing people develop twee secret clubs for, and honestly, it's rather worth it.

Originally posted at FanLit.

I was afraid I wasn't going to like A Civil Campaign as well as the previous VORKOSIGAN novels because, according to the description, the plot takes place all on the planet Barrayar and it deals mostly with relationship issues for several of the characters. Most of the various editions of the book sport covers with couples dancing or getting married. So, yeah, I thought it was a romance novel.

Well, A Civil Campaign is a romance novel, but because it involves the romances of Miles Vorkosigan, his clone brother Mark, and his tomcatting cousin Ivan Vorpatril, it is, thankfully, a lot more than that. Along with the romance, Bujold weaves in a few funny subplots that both entertain and advance the plot of the VORKOSIGAN series on the non-romantic fronts, too.
Miles' goal in this book is to convince the widow Ekaterin Vorsoisson to marry him. (We met her in Komarr.) Ekaterin's first marriage was painful and she is not inclined to repeat the experience. That's just one problem. The other is that Ekaterin is beautiful and a Vor. Since beautiful single Vor women are rare on patriarchal Barrayar (the previous generation genetically selected for boys), they are in high demand. Miles has to court Ekaterin without scaring her away while he attempts to fend off all other suitors and while he tries to maintain his dignity as an Imperial Auditor. Other romances are going on, too. Gregor's wedding is being planned by Ivan's mother. Mark is courting one of the Koudelka girls (her father is not pleased!) and Ivan has suddenly realized that while he has been happily carousing for years, all the best girls were getting snatched up.

Meanwhile, since Aral Vorkosigan is off planet, Miles is left with his father's political duties and the counsel has to deal with a couple of inheritance disputes. One of them involves the problem of patriarchy and the other involves racism. Lois McMaster Bujold has a way of commenting on these issues using humor instead of a hammer -- it's both effective and entertaining.
Along with the all the romance and politics, Bujold serves up a hilarious storyline in which Mark, who now considers himself an entrepreneur, teams up with a brilliant but socially inept scientist to genetically engineer insects that vomit up a cheap and nutritious creamy substance that they hope to market to the universe. They set up a lab in Vorkosigan house and get the lovely Koudelka girls to be their lab assistants. This slapstick storyline is a little over the top, but I thought it worked well as a contrast to the politics and romance. Bujold weaves all of these plots together for a synergistic effect that's quite pleasing.

There are some niggling little problems with A Civil Campaign, at least for me. One was that I couldn't muster up the attraction for Ekaterin that Miles seems to feel. I am not sure why he loves her -- she's kind of dull. Also, her reaction to the discovery that Miles was trying to sneakily court her was unreasonable, and his reaction to her reaction was even more unreasonable. This has to do with my second complaint which is that Miles and Mark are both in their thirties but act like they're eighteen. Miles is an Imperial Auditor, in fact -- a very distinguished position in the empire. I forgave their immaturity in previous novels because it seemed like the messes they got themselves into weren't really their faults. In this novel, though, they don't have such a good excuse... On the other hand, this juvenile behavior, which culminates in this case in a disastrous dinner party, is exactly what makes the plot so entertaining, isn't it?

I'm listening to Grover Gardner narrate the audio version of the VORKOSIGAN saga. He's awesome.

Lord Miles Vorkosigan, no longer a mercenary commander, seems to be settling in nicely in his new career as the youngest Imperial Auditor -- and if you don't know what any of that means, then you need to go back to the beginning of the series because far too much history has already taken place for you to jump in here.

In the previous volume, Miles and one of his colleagues solved a mystery and averted possible disaster on Komarr, the gateway world Barrayar captured for its own protection a generation before. And in the process, he lost his heart to a young woman -- now, conveniently, a widow -- who was a member of the minor Barrayaran aristocracy. Now they're all back on their own world and Miles is planning a campaign to win her hand. Her previous marriage was very unhappy and a great psychic strain, so he knows he has to give her time -- but, of course, romance and military strategy don't have much in common and Miles manages to get it all wrong.

Meanwhile, his clone-brother, Mark, whose talents run to financial matters, not the military, is trying to set up a new enterprise involving human-food-producing insects that could be worth millions, . . . if only the little critters weren't so repulsive. Mark has his own romantic involvement, with one of the Koudelka sisters (who have been supporting players in the series for years now), but he's having problems getting her parents to take him seriously.

Meanwhile, Emperor Gregor (with whom Miles has had a close personal relationship all his life, his father the Count having been Regent and then Prime Minister) is finally getting married, to a Komarran girl -- which is a great relief to Miles and his cousin, Ivan, because it will put more heirs between them and the throne. Anyway, security for the wedding, the first event of its kind in more than a century, is extremely high, which brings more problems.

Meanwhile, in the area of domestic politics, two of the key counts' districts are in danger of switching from the Progressive faction to the Conservative, and Miles becomes personally involved in both those matters, too, mostly because the other side was foolish enough to piss him off. (As Ivan notes, you really don't want to challenge Miles's ingenuity.)

And there are several other supporting plot-lines, as well, all of which add up to a nicely complex and very enjoyable romp. In fact, it's very nearly light opera. Bujold subtitled this one "A Comedy of Biology and Manners," and that pretty much nails it.

Imagine if Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer could have collaborated to set a comic romance in a "Star Wars" or "Star Trek" setting with a hint of "The West Wing" thrown in and you have an idea what this side-splittingly funny book is like.

The Miles Vorkosigan series of adventures is a strong contender for the description of the most amusing comedy science fiction series ever written. This is the ninth Miles Vorkosigan adventure, and in my opinion the funniest book in the series.

It is slightly different from the other nine books in the series - the first eight and the last one all have elements of action adventure, mystery and detection. This one, on the other hand, can best be understood as a "Regency Romance" style farce set several hundred years in the future on a planet which in some ways is used to high technology and in others is a quasi-feudal militaristic Empire. In other words, it mimics the style, and has a very similar plot, to the popular genre of romantic novels set in Georgian England during the "Regency" period in the early 19th century.

The Miles Vorkosigan stories, and four other books set in the the same future universe, can stand on their own. However, a number of them, of which this is one, will give you something extra if you have previously read some of Bujold's books set earlier on the same timeline.

If you have not previously met Lord Miles Vorkosigan, he is

1) a brilliant intriguer who at one stage was juggling at least three identities;
2) physically very small, having been injured in his mother's womb by poison gas;
3) a former spy for Imperial Barrayan security, former mercenary admiral and present "Imperial Auditor";
4) desperately trying to find a wife; and
5) hysterically funny to read about.

The book is set in the run-up to the wedding of Miles' cousin, the Emperor, which is shown on the front cover. The handsome, tall man on the cover with his bride is Emperor Gregor, and not the hero of the stories, Lord Miles Vorkosigan. Miles is neither tall nor handsome, but he makes up for it in other ways - some of the time, anyway.

Several other people are thinking about love and marriage, including Miles himself, as he is very much in love with Ekaterin who he met in the previous book, "KOMARR".

Miles' friend Duv Galeni, his clone-brother Mark, and his cousin Ivan also have their own romantic plans, and their various romantic intrigues collide not only with each other, but with the ambitions of various scheming nobles who are fighting over the inheritance of two titles, the plans of Ekaterin's idiotic relatives, and the attempts to do their job of two luckless Escobarran policemen.

At one point, Miles' mother Cordelia has to sort out the angry parents of Miles' childhood friends the Koudelka sisters. If you want to understand some of the references here, you will have to read the story of how the previous generations of Vorkosigans and Koudelkas got together, which can be found in the books "Shards of Honor" and "Barrayar (Vorkosigan)." These two books have been published individually, and also together in one volume as "Cordelia's Honor (Shards of Honor & Barrayar)".

Sound complicated? It is. That's why there is a lot to be said for reading these stories in sequence. Having said that, you can read this book on its own and it is still funny.

The full sequence of books in this Universe is

"Falling Free" (set 200 years before Miles is born)

The story of the romance between Miles' parents:
"Shards of Honour"
"Barrayar"
(Published in one volume as "Cordelia's Honour")

The Miles Vorkosigan adventures:

"The Warrior's Apprentice"
"The Vor Game"
"Borders of Infinity"
"Cetaganda"
"Brothers in Arms"
"Mirror Dance"
"Memory"
"Komarr"
"A Civil Campaign"
"Diplomatic Immunity"

And a separate adventure for Miles' friend Elli Quinn:
"Ethan of Athos"

All these books are excellent and strongly recommended.

I'm probably committing heresy by saying that I generally like Bujold's fantasies better than her space operas, but I am really sold on this episode in the life of Miles Vorkosigan. The audible download file is about18 hours long and I gulped it down in two sessions, one beginning Saturday afternoon and then finishing up on Sunday.

The reader, as in the other Miles books I have listened to, was Grover Gardner. While I'm not as keen on his narration as I was on Lloyd James' reading of The Curse of Chalion, he does a good job in distinguishing the characters by voice without going overboard.

While some people want to focus on the various love stories in this book, my favorite part was the political wrangling that is tied to together oh, so neatly in the end. There's a good bit of comedy as well as action and mystery.

I've read some of the Miles books but thought this one did a good job of standing alone with just enough information to help the reader understand who is who in the large cast of characters.

Something I really did not like was the cover used for the audiobook. The backlit bride and groom facing away from the viewer is rather puzzling given that the only person actually getting married in the story is the Emperor Gregor. If the male figure is meant to be Miles, it honestly doesn't look like the various descriptions given by Bujold. In fact, if required to describe the male character on the cover it would be as an old geezer, not Miles in his mid 30's.

Anyway, highly recommended. And the audio download from audible is a bargain compared to the price of the CD.

Actually, if you are a fan of the series, you have probably discovered and read this series. This book was mentioned to me by a fellow fan of Georgette Heyer (we were both under 30 at the time).

The problem I had when I picked this book up was that it is almost impenetrable for newcomers to the series, since its jokes and whole plotline is based on having read the earlier books (at least from BROTHERS IN ARMS, if not earlier). What you will need to have read to appreciate most of the jokes are the following books - BROTHERS IN ARMS (Miles Bk 3), MIRROR DANCE (Miles Bk 4), MEMORY (Bk 5) and KOMARR (Bk 6). [Miles becomes the protagonist from THE WARRIOR'S APPRENTICE, then in THE VOR GAME, then in CETAGANDA, then in BROTHERS IN ARMS, and so forth]. The first two books introduce Mark, Miles's cloned brother, and narrate how Miles met a fatal accident during a rescue operation. In the third book, Mirror Dance, Miles must cope with the consequences of that accident both medically and emotionally. In the fourth book, Komarr, Miles takes up a government position as Lord Auditor on the second planet of the Barrayaran empire, Komarr. [His family has an interesting and strange history with that planet, referred to in earlier books and this one]. Here, he meets Ekaterin Vorsoissoin, the first woman of his caste and planet who has appealed to him.

In A CIVIL CONTRACT, for the first time, we see Miles attempting to court Ekaterin, now a widow, and doing it ineptly (to say the least). None of his previous successful courtship strategies work this time, partly because his previous lovers were military types. To add to the plotline, there is his brother Mark's problems with his "in-laws" (the parents of *his* lover), his near-disastrous attempts to set up in business on Barrayar (creating food substitutes from insect products!), and his emotional distance from his family. There is also the Emperor's forthcoming wedding; perhaps this is the couple featured on the cover in what appears to be the Mirror Dance. Most Bujold fans agree that the cover is truly dreadful (and was apparently designed to appeal to romance fans). Lois had no choice in the cover, contrary to what some might think. [For more, see her website [...]

This is only part of the plotline, with at least four separate romances and one potential romance entertwined, plots against Miles (and two heirs to counts), the organization of the Imperial Wedding, and more.

To comment briefly on some criticisms by another reviewer: Most fans are aware of the similarities between Tsarist Russia (with the emperors, if not the Council of Counts) and Barrayar. It makes sense, given that most Barrayarans were descended from colonists of Russian stock. Furthermore, the word "Vor" used to name the Barrayaran aristocracy as well as a prefix for their surnames (e.g. Vorbarra for the imperial house, Vorkosigan for Miles's family) makes sense. The original counts were tax collectors, the original Vor were probably robber barons who became respectable. Vor means thief in Russian. Bujold might be commenting on the way in which kingship (and aristocracy) develops in societies all over the world. For more on that, read serious histories on aristocracies and kingship (Reinhard Bendix has a good book).

Lois McMaster Bujold has written science fiction or fantasy. The romantic element in most of her books is present but lightly sketched. A CIVIL CAMPAIGN (which is about Miles's courtship) is one exception, as is its sequel DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY (more about a conspiracy, than about Miles and Ekaterin).

I don't like everything about this book (although I have a good time snickering over that dinner party each time), or about Bujold's world-building. For one thing, Beta Colony is strangely underdeveloped. Barrayar is more developed (at least by this book, where there has been considerable devolution of power to the Counts, ala the experiment in the Russian Federation circa 1991). In earlier books, Cordelia seems strangely naive for a woman of 34 (but it can happen). She is also alarmingly outspoken for someone who rose to such a high position in the Betan Astronomical Survey. Here, we see a mature Cordelia, very sure of herself (unlike the Cordelia in SHARDS OF HONOR). Both she and Aral have grown into their characters. Miles finally gets his comeuppance in this book, in that his romantic efforts as "General Romeo Vorkosigan" are thwarted by happenstance. It is nice to see Miles failing without fatal results (as in MIRROR DANCE) and becoming more like the rest of us.

The Vorkosigan series has been described as overblown, impossible, based on remarkable coincidences and worst-case scenarios. Some of the books are more frenetically paced than others. I notice that I tend to re-read the more slowly paced books such as MEMORY or the novella THE MOUNTAINS OF MOURNING more often. Sometimes I wish Bujold would have slowed down here and there in her earlier books. But I do not regret having found her, nor having bought her books first in paper and now in e-books.

She is not everyone's cup of tea. She does not need to be. While fans of hardcore SF might feel she was an undeserved winner of Hugos and Nebulas, most people who read SF start out with fantasy or with classic SF such as Jules Verne. [No one complains that Verne's machines are impossible]. Hardcore SF has its fans (some of whom also like space opera and military SF). Judging this book by its own merits (as part of a series, and the penultimate Miles book), it does quite well.

- Written by bookjunkiereviews 18 February 2006

For fans of Ms. Bujold in general, and her highly popular character Miles Vorkosigan in particular, this book takes her writing to a new level as we go on a highly entertaining adventure, following Miles Vorkosigan as he wages war against an enemy unlike any he's ever faced before--Love.
For those unfamiliar with this series, "A Civil Campaign" is set on the planet Barrayar, a conservative, militaristic society with a turbulent past. It's slowly being transformed into a modern, liberal society, much of which is caused by Miles' mother, Cordelia Naismith, who comes from the highly liberal society of Beta Colony. The relationship that formed over thirty years ago between her and Miles' father, Aral Vorkosigan, the legendary war hero often referred to as "the Butcher of Komarr," resulted in an upheaval that over the years has opened Barrayar's once closed society, a transformation whose growing pains still show today.
Miles Vorkosigan is a member of the powerful Vorkosigan family. He's a living example of Barrayar's violent history, having been poisoned while still in his mother's womb. The attack resulted in Miles being being born with many handicaps, including dwarfism and extremely brittle bones. Driven by the desire to live up to his father and grandfather's military legacy, Miles managed to over-achieve, using a combination of strategic brilliance, indomitable spirit, and more than a little luck to carve out his own legacy as a member of the Barrayan secret service.
After an incredible galactic military career, Miles is discharged, having survived death itself, but resulting in crippling seizures, a result of being frozen and later revived. He then finds himself grounded on Barrayar, but still highly involved in the inner intrigues of the government, serving as a Lord Auditor, one of the legal justices of the Emperor.
After his first task as Lord Auditor in the book Komarr, where he meets Ekaterin. Miles later returns home, and in A Civil Campaign, launches his greatest strategic assault ever, to win the love of the recently widowed Ekaterin, who's currently struggling to find her own identity after years with a domineering husband. Of course, nothing ever comes easy for Miles. In the course of trying to win Ekaterin's heart, they both become embroiled in political intrigue and a wild business venture by Miles' clone brother Mark, who's also pursuing a lady love of his own.
This book has romance, politics, humor, and above all, characters that you'll fall in love with in just a few pages. The book stands well on it's own, but if you ever pick this one up, you'll find yourself in the bookstore looking for the rest of the series. I'm a long time reader of SF, and this is one of the most creative and fun series I've ever read.
Give A Civil Campaign a try!

Did you think that Miles was the definitive example of how far the Vor will go to be Vor? You were wrong. Someone else has Miles beat by, um, miles. But that's okay; Miles, as usual, has his own problems. There's his brother Mark's new business venture, which involves some rather unattractive bugs, currently stashed in an old laundry room in Vorkosigan House. There's convincing Ekaterin that the fact that she made a mistake in marrying Tien at twenty doesn't mean that she's forever incapable of making good marital choices. There's convincing Ekaterin that he's not trying to manipulate her, which is tough, because he is. He's Miles, after all; it's easier for him to skip breathing for a few days than to skip manipulating people for a similar period. There's Miles' old friend Count René Vorbretten, whose unfortunate and previously unsuspected Cetagandan ancestry is endangering his possession of the countship--and risks turning that vote in the Council of Counts over to the Conservative Party. There's the rumors going around that Miles murdered Ekaterin's first husband. There's the other countship that's in dispute, with one of the putative heirs trying to blackmail Miles to force the Vorkosigans to support him when the Council of Counts votes on who's the real Count. There's the most disastrous dinner party in, possibly, the history of Barrayar. (Well, perhaps not. Nobody dies, after all. It's just that some people wish they had.)

And he can't even run away to be Admiral Naismith anymore. Aside from the fact that Admiral Naismith is dead and everyone knows it, his uniform doesn't even fit anymore.

No one has time to give him any sympathy; everyone has their own problems. Ekaterin has persistent unwanted suitors, and annoyingly helpful relatives and in-laws. Mark has his business partner Enrique, and his on-again off-again romance with Kareen Koudelka, and Kou and Drou's reaction when they find out. Ivan has been formally assigned as an aide to Lady Alys, while she manages the arrangements for Gregor and Laisa's wedding. And then there's the startling discovery he's made about his old love, Lady Donna Vorrutyer...

Great fun. And I don't recommend that you annoy any Lady Vorkosigan, present or future; it seems to be bad for your career prospects.

This review contains a minor spoiler for the previous book in the Miles series, "Komarr."
"Dear me. I think I'm beginning to like this Ekaterin. And I haven't even finished being properly introduced to her yet. `I'd like you to meet...she's getting away!' seemed a little...truncated." Cordelia Vorkosigan
This book has everything you could want. It has romantic tangles, political intrigue, a little bit of action, and some of the most wonderful characters that I've ever read about. Anybody who's been following my reviews knows that I think Miles is one of the best characters in science fiction today. He approaches most things in a military point of view, including his love life. He hatches tactical plans, strategic withdrawals and schemes in order to win Ekaterin. Unfortunately for him, these tend to blow up in your face when they're applied to the dating game. The plan culminates in a dinner party of huge comedic proportions. First, Mark's business plan ends up interfering in it, then a misplaced word here and there creates chaos. I was literally laughing out loud for four straight pages.
The other plots are winners too. Bujold effortlessly weaves her tale among five narrators. This is the first time she's done that, as she usually just uses one. It's nice to get other people's viewpoints finally, especially the outsider's view of Miles. This is the first book where we've seen Ivan's point of view, and it's a classic. In previous books, we've only seen Miles and his exasperation at Ivan's antics. This time, we see it from the inside, and his view of Miles is just great. Ivan's always getting trapped in Miles' schemes, and it's great fun watching him try to avoid it, only to get trapped in his own.
The best character in the book, though, is Cordelia. Miles' mother has always been wonderful (so wonderful that Bujold went back and told the story of how she and Aral Vorkosigan met and fell in love). She is smart, sarcastic, always able to hit the problem on the head. She looks on knowingly, but she never butts in until she's either asked, or she realizes she has to. Personally, I think she's the best character Bujold has created, and I always want to see more of her.
Don't worry if you're turned off by mushy romance dialogue and situations. Bujold handles them all so they don't become sickeningly sweet or cloying. Believe me, I don't really care for romances that much, but I would read anything on the subject by Bujold. She has a way of making it palatable. Instead, you get to revel in the fun of watching these events unfold, watching all of the mistakes get made, and wondering if the situations are going to turn out for the best. She's not afraid to take her characters in different directions, unlike most series writers. I won't say whether or not things turn out all right in the end, but the good thing about Bujold is that you don't know.
This is definitely not a book you want to start with in the Vorkosigan series, though. While it is perfectly understandable without reading anything else, you will miss out on a lot. At the very least, read the previous book, Komarr. That book is where Miles first meets Ekaterin. If you do read this book first and get entranced with the characters, read the rest of the series and then read this one again. But, that being said, this is definitely a book you want to read if you like to be entertained.

To fully appreciate this book, it helps to have read Miles's previous adventure, "Komarr", which ends just about exactly where this one picks up. However, Ms Bujold does include enough backstory in this volume to get by on.
The author's dedication includes several ladies listed only by first names -- among them "Jane" (Austen) and "Georgette" (Heyer). Certainly, the ladies' spirits are hovering close ocer this story, because it is a thoroughly enjoyable Comedy Of Manners from start to finish.
Part of the fun, though one tends to cringe as one looks ahead, is in watching the step by step manner in which Miles Vorkosigan, the resourceful former covert ops whiz and youngest Imperial Auditor, who *always* comes out ahead no matter how hopeless the situation, meticulously setting up an inevitable Hideous Flaming Social Disaster for himself. Only the truly brilliant can be truly stupid when they Miss The Point and push on, anyway, and Miles is beyond brilliant.
Miles, you see, has Fallen In Love. For real and for permanent, this time, it looks like. And he has no clue at all as to how normal people connect up and pair off in the Real World.
Of course, he has helpers, partners and accomplices in setting up his own humiliation -- his clone-brother Mark arrives with a true Mad Scientist in tow and sets up a lab in Miles's basement.
Three beautiful sisters with conflicting motives and plans for various of the male characters help to stir the brew.
And then there are the butter bugs... but we won't talk about the butter bugs here, except that they are Rather Important to the plot.
"Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet... She's getting *away*!"
If you enjoy a romp through society's ins and outs; if you have enjoyed Georgette Heyer's wonderful Regency romances, then you must try this book.
And if you like it as well as i think you will, and decide you *must* know more about Miles and his family and Barrayar, then either jump *all* the way back to "Cordelia's Honor", which is the two novels that are earliest in series order ("Shards of Honor" and "Barrayar"), or you might want to jump back to "The Warrior's Apprentice", which is the beginning of Miles's adventures.
Or you might just want to pick up any of the series and enjoy yourself.

The latest entry in the Vorkosigan Saga is a return to form for Bujold, after some recent entries that I felt were not quite up to her standard, and a continuation of the evolution of the series from its space opera origins.
The early volumes of the Miles Vorkosigan series emphasized action with lots of space battles and narrow escapes. In the more recent volumes, Miles has been forced by politics and injuries to end his career as a mercenary admiral and return to his homeworld of Barrayar. The most recent books, "Memory" and "Komarr", were essentially detective stories with Miles unraveling plots against the Barrayar Imperium. Although Bujold's first attempt at combining the SF and Mystery genres, the novella 'In the Mountains of Mourning' from "Borders of Infinity" is the finest blend of the two styles I've ever read, better than Asimov's Robot mysteries, these books never quite took off.
In "A Civil Campaign", Bujold adopts yet another genre and writes a 'comedy of manners and biology' with a dedication to 'Jane [Austen], Charlotte [Bronte], Georgette [Heyer] and Dorothy [Sayers?]'. The result is a brilliant success, in many ways the best book in this superior series. For all her gifts and all her skill in describing high society dinner parties, Jane Austen regrettably never stopped to consider the possible ways they could be thrown into chaos by sex-change operations or genetic engineering run amok. Bujold does, and the disastrous party in the center of this novel is, all by itself, worth the price of admission.
The action that dominated earlier installments and slowed down in recent ones is altogether gone in "A Civil Campaign". There is one ambush, where Miles is not present, and a 'battle' fought with tubs of bugbutter, a gooey product of genetically redesigned bugs off which Miles's clone brother Mark hopes to make his fortune.
The slower pace and greater length of this book allow for further development of the characters. Miles is developed, of course, but his longtime sidekick, Ivan Vorpatril, also is very visible, and for the first time playing an independent part. Cordelia is back, more prominent than she has been for some time, and the Koudelka daughters make their first appearances as prominent adult characters, with various adult romantic entanglements. Comic situations often appeared in earlier installments, but usually as bits of relief thrown in between the action sequences. Here the comic situations are also more fully developed than in earlier volumes, producing the funniest Vorkosigan novel to date.
This book is heavily dependent on the complex back story created in earlier volumes and would probably be frustrating for a reader not familiar with the series.

We meet Miles again soon after we left him after Komarr, where he first met Ekatarin. They’re back in Barrayar and the countdown is on for Gregor’s marriage to Laisa which means everyone is coming in for the big event. Mark returns after some time with his grandmother on the free-thinking Beta Colony along with Kareen and neither of them are overly happy to be back on the judgey Barrayar. Their parents Aral and Cordelia are on their way back, and their night of return is about as ill-timed as possible.

But before all that, Miles is helping Ekatarin and Nikki settle in. He offers her a slice of the Vorkosigan grounds to create a public garden for everyone to enjoy and Nikki has free reign of the household and the nearby kids (mostly that of the staff) to play with. This, of course, doesn’t mean that he has a monopoly on her interests. Despite her mourning attire and the fact she tries her best to brush off any attempts at holding her interest, several other men arrive on her doorstep to try to charm her away. Barrayar has had far too many years of seeking only men for their progeny and now of course, the field for appropriate wives as at an all time low.

Meanwhile, Mark and Kareen along with the bizarre Enrique have brought a business venture to Barrayar that involves some kind of bug that it nutritious and not appalling to eat… it just looks gross. Personally I pictured an crunchier version of a witchetty grub (found in central Australia, which, incidentally tastes like a kind of nutty chicken if my memory isn’t playing tricks on me, I confess it’s probably been 15+ years since I’ve had any) anyway, with this venture, Ekaterin again, comes in handy.

Basically, anything and everything that is thrown at her only shows time and time again just how suited she is to the role of Lady Vorkosigan in ways Elli never wanted to. Other than the way she quite rightly storms off when it turns out that Miles asked her to create the garden so they could have an excuse to stay close together first, rather than firstly appreciating her abilities.

We see Miles’ parents elegantly handle the troubles that plague both their sons, Gregor continue to be surprisingly elegant, level headed, caring and intelligent, and a reveal of the lovely Ivan that had me clapping.

Overall, highly enjoyable. Even if at one point I had to put the book down thanks to such a high feeling of fremdschämen I really thought there was no possible way I could read on.

One of the tricks in a comedy of errors is to compound problems. You start with something small and then see how you can make it worse. Bujold does this excellently. One such example is Miles's dinner party.
I do not agree with some reviewers that Bujold is misandrystic. Aral Vorkosigan is anything but a bumbling fool who needs to be saved by strong women, nor is Simon Illyan, nor was Admiral Sung of the Dendarii, who helped educate and mentor Miles into a competent military leader.
But young men *are* bumbling. And Miles is... Miles. He's a hyperkinetic force of nature with a mind to match, and it is not so much that he needs a woman to take him in hand, he merely needs a more grounded counterpart whose strengths complement his own rather than competing with them. And by force of his personality, he has had to find someone with the strength of character to be able to be his equal, not his subordinate.
For example, he may have had an infatuation for Elena Bothari Jesek, but their history from childhood was that she and Ivan Vorpatril followed Miles's lead. Elli Quinn, Sgt. Taura... great women, but never in Miles's league. It was not until Ekaterin Vorsoisson that Miles had really met a challenge he could not scheme his way through.
The true magic of this novel is that for once Miles's enemy is not a clear-cut, tangible opponent. His enemy is his having to adapt from a life of command that began as a teenager to a more civilian life. Though politics is offered by Bujold as a replacement for the military as an outlet for his scheming mind. The rest of his life cannot operate in the same way and his challenge is not to pull off a grand military operation, but to adapt to his new circumstances as his father's voice in the council and to trying to woo a woman he cannot command.
In a way, at 30 years old, he is finally having to become a "man."
I have enjoyed this book and have Bujold's next Miles book on pre-order.

The writer has, in other books such as Mirror Dance, planned her plots on unbelievable coincidences. In Mirror Dance (a Hugo Award winner), there are enough of these in the first 50 pages to do for five books. I forgive her. Her emotional and social intelligence (as understood by this psychologist)are way out of my league though I can follow her - mostly. Maybe I will learn to be better at these. She skewers people as well or better than Miss Manners, my heroine in matters of taking the puff out of puffed-up people. I am afraid she will never get the credit she is due, despite many Hugo and Nebula awards. Serious literature at present does not make room for happy endings, all frayed strings of plot neatly tied up, though never as hilariously as here. I wish that I had taken her books in some order, but I have bought all of them and will have many happy hours. I can only agree with Anne Mccaffrey - boy can this woman write.

A few months ago, a friend gave me a birthday present, a copy of THE WARRIOR'S APPRENTICE. "First time's free," he leered.

Since then I've raced through Lois McMaster Bujold's series about Miles Vorkosigan, watching the manipulative dwarf go from military school reject to Imperial Auditor, the second highest political position on his world. I've followed him through desperate battle and political intrigue, and enjoyed every page.

Now Miles Vorkosigan faces his greatest adversary -- himself. He is hopelessly in love, and has a cunning plan to seduce the object of his affections into marrying him. It doesn't occur to him to she might respond to a straightforward approach.

Meanwhile, his cousin Ivan is mixing up Miles's life for the fun of it; his clone brother Mark is trying to get rich off 'butter bugs,' which would be the perfect food source if they weren't revolting; a Vor lord has discovered an unexpected use for artifical wombs; a woman whose brother was a Vor noble is attempting an end run around a male only inheritance rule; social change is hitting the planet Barrayar very hard, people who thought they were 'progressive' are deciding they've had too much of a good thing, political plot and counterplot goes on, ... WOW!

It's hard to summarize this novel, because I just want to describe one hilarious scene after another, such as the Dinner Party from Hell. Suffice to say I've read most of Bujold's work, and this is her best ever. A stunning change of pace, like nothing previous in this series, and yet growing out of it naturally. My highest recommendation, whether you've read any of the stories of Miles or his parents before.

Science Fiction doesn't get any better than this.

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 infautated 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 preceeds 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 clamatic scene at the Council of Counts. And I always cry at weddings!

Miles Vorkosigan has got to be one of the most brilliant characters ever unleashed on the unsuspecting reading public. Dwarfed before birth by an assassination attempt upon his pregnant mother, Miles has every reason to shun public life and duty; instead he drives his crippled body mercilessly through a career as a military secret agent. Medically discharged before thirty due to seizures, Miles has become a special Auditor for his cousin the Emperor, prying into suspicious cases and hunting trouble. This brought him into the life of lovely Vor widow Ekaterina in the last book, KOMARR. Miles at war is an unstoppable force, or almost. Miles in love is a different story. Perhaps someone should have advised him that laying siege to a woman's heart is only a figure of speech? Bujold is always amusing, but seldom comical; thus it slipped up on me. Add in the continuing saga of Miles' clone Mark, always on the lookout for a money-making scheme, and his bioengineered butter bugs, which make a sort of yogurt instead of honey. Mark's in love, too, and her parents aren't thrilled. Add in Lady Donna's scheme to inherit her brother's title and you have the guest list for a dinner party of apocalyptic proportions. I laughed like hell, but there's a serious side to this foolishness: Miles really loves the girl. If he blows this one it's going to be a long lonely life. Mark's no better off with his dilemma, since few women can really relate to his dwarfed body and unstable mind. And fans of Ivan Vorpatril will find him in top form, casually drifting along ogling the women and ducking responsibility. Tangled political maneuvering, strong characters, and a complicated emotional situation; just what I expected from Bujold, who also gives us men a look at how the fair sex see our foibles. Lucky Miles and Mark; mother Cordelia is still a force to be reckoned with in this universe, and after the bug butter is all mopped up and everyone's had their share of humiliation there's still a good chance of a happy ending. Not many authors can keep a character like Miles alive and growing through this many sequels; Bujold's done a great job of making him plausible, one broken bone at the time.

I almost made a mistake. I almost failed to read this book. As a big fan of the Miles' series, I was dismayed and disappointed to read that A Civil Campaign would be a romance. A romance! I do not like romances! But a friend loaned it to me, and I grudgingly opened it and...and...the book reached out, grabbed me and wouldn't let go until I finished it. Bujold takes the romance conventions and simply uses them to frame a wonderful story. There's a dinner party that I can only compare to Charlie Chaplin at his best, i.e. just when you think nothing else could go wrong--something else does until just about every guest at the dinner party is just about ready to kill every other guest. This is definitely a "don't miss" for Miles fans. I would not recommend it though to beginners in the series. I think it would be hopelessly confusing. For anyone who hasn't read the series, I suggest starting with Shards of Honor and working your way down through the series. Know that I and the other fans envy you as you read these stories for the first time. But for long-time fans like me, don't let the fact that its a romance stop you. This actually is one of the best in the series. My only concern is that Bujold is tying up all the loose ends too well. Is the series ending?(Tell me it ain't so!)

This book proves that there is life beyond the nerve disrupter!
I don't think that Bujold has written her best book yet, but it's so reassuring to see that characters can still grow & plots can still be hatched without the familiar (even comfortable) background of the Dendarii... Miles is enough of a person to survive on his own merits, with or without a small(ish) Mercenary fleet for support.
Other reviewers appears to have been offended by Miles' seemingly clumsy and ham-fisted behaviour towards Ekaterin - Haven't any of you ever been in love, and didn't any of you read the bit where Mark so succinctly puts his finger on the problem - to paraphrase - "he's always gone for women who know what they want and how to get it, for the first he time has to do the running and he doesn't know how!" Poor Miles!
I think that the next book(s) will reinforce that Bujold is a master of her craft, and even if "A Civil Campaign" doesn't win the Hugo, there's plenty of life left in Miles for her to work on - and of course, there's always Ivan's story. He's going to come of the metaphorical closet soon, I can just feel it!
A very entertaining read-in-one-sitting book (many thanks to Baen for their generosity in pre-publishing...)

Every now and then a dream comes true. There it was, a brand new Miles saga on the shelf! Glad as I am to have it, I nonetheless felt it was more in the style of "Cetaganda" than the rip-roaring "Brothers in Arms" or "Warrior's Apprentice." It is indeed a regency romance, with shades of a gothic governess who only seems to own two dresses. Characters do grow (Ivan may blow his cover at this rate) and the society faces mixed blessings with Galatic technologies. How ya gonna keep 'em down on the District after they seen The Orb?
While I may quibble about some predictable slapstick with the bug butter, there were still marvelous, breath-taking moments of amazement and laughter as when Ekaterin briefly meets Admiral Naismith(!) As always, Bujold inserts lessons for living, in this case how to recognize when strengths are inappropriately used and become liabilities.
Question: is that really supposed to be Gregor and Laissa on the cover?? I thought Mark had lost weight and gotten leg bones extended---and it sure looks more like my image of Kareen than the short, pleasingly plump new Empress.
Average for Bujold would be anyone else's masterpiece. I will cheerfully read anything she writes. Long live the Vorkosigan saga!!

If you've never read encountered Lois McMaster Bujold before, I strongly urge you to lay hands on any volume bearing her name. The adventures of Miles Vorkosigan top the list, however. With charm, a lively sense of adventure and ripping humor, Bujold chucks her hero into the breech and we anxiously wait to see whether he sinks or swims. Miles' successes are as monumental as his screwups. Miles suffered teratogenic (*not* genetic) damage before birth and has had to find ways to overcome his brittle bones, lack of height, innumerable surgeries, and cryo-revival in a society that has a history of killing mutants at birth. He's a "hyperactive little git", a genius, and incredibly lucky. His defects neatly balance his assets, so it is easy to cheer him on. He's not a perfect hero.
As usual, there are many situations going on in this book. The Emperor is getting married, Miles' clone-brother is starting up a business in Vorkosigan House, genetics interfere (once again) in the political world of the Counts, and Miles is on a single-minded hunt to make a lovely widow his Lady. This book is great as a stand-alone volume, but it does help to have read the other books in the series first.
I love this series and am not-so-patiently waiting for the next installment.

This is a bit of a departure for Miles and Bujold, a novel neither about war nor political intrigue (well, some anyway), but about romance.
It's impossible to do justice to all of the plot threads in this story, but the main one involves Miles setting his sights on a certain young lady and engaging in his usual complex plotting to achieve what he wants to happen. However, romance is not a battle, and the whole thing blows up in his face - somehow Miles has problems dealing with real life, and he ends up having to all but grovel before his intended before it all works out.
Other plot threads involve other romances, a soupcon of political intrigue (some of which hinges on the outcome of the romances), and a plan to sell bug poop for profit. (Don't ask, just read the book.)
So, don't get this book and expect the usual Bujold/Vorkosigan fare. In fact, don't make this your first Vorkosigan at all - start at least with Komarr, the prequel to this one, if you're not prepared to go through the entire rest of the series first (which I should say are well worth it). And be prepared for a book that's scarcely sf at all (except for the trappings) but nonetheless most enjoyable.

The saga of Miles Vorkosigan continues, in the space opera tradition of the earlier books in this series. As we've come to expect, there's action, adventure, humor, and a bit of romance. This time, though, the balance is different. The action is mostly political infighting and backbiting, and romance takes center stage.

Well, as romantic as Miles ever gets. That means reconnaisance, strategy, and a series of graduated attacks on the target of his affections, ineptly weilding gifts and notes instead of the usual weaponry. Miles being Miles, the results are about the same, including a predictable success in the end. Comic relief comes largely from the absent-minded professor and the fruits of his life-work: big ugly bugs, for which he has fatherly fondness.

This installment doesn't fall into the "military SF" category as squarely as other books in the Vorkosigan series. Still, it's all you'd hope for; feel-good stories about grand lords and ladies, and everyone (good or bad) getting what they deserve in the end.

//wiredweird

This is a hugely entertaining read. Bujold has created vivid characters and placed them in extraordinary dilemmas. She whisks the story through several remarkably charged scenes, and doesn't let the reader relax.
A reader who is new to the Vorkosigan series (like I was), will probably be immensely frustrated at the huge amount of back story that surrounds the players. The crucial details are eventually explained, though, in some respects, the reader is left in the dark in ways that certain characters are, so, no, it doesn't make a good "starting point." New readers may find themselves scratching their heads. Unfortunately, despite her apparently devoted fanbase, none of Bujold's ardent readers have seemed to built up an up-to-date web-site reference to Vorkosigan universe.
But the real point of the novel, despite its obvious fixture as a shifting point in an epic series, is the development of the characters. It is clear that Bujold gives great thought to the emotional drives of each person she writes about. This is the value of the story, and where it shines.

Loved it, but I pretty much think that Bujold can do no wrong. The Vorkosigan books are among my favorites across all genres. A CivilCampaign was a fun, funny, romanti adventure (even if it didn't have a big "Miles mission" in it). This is something like book 14 in the series, so it's nice to see all the familiar/favorite "faces" (Ivan, Gregor, Miles parents, Mark, Simon etc) getting closure and happy endings. I've been reading a lot of books lately where the heroes all die, and sometimes it's just nice to see characters you love get what they want and deserve.

This book is just awesome. It has everything you could ask for in a book: lovable and complex characters, humor, and a great plot. Miles in romeo/domestic mode is just plain hilarious. Using his Admiral Naismith-methods of wooing Ekaterin, a widow who has sworn off marriage, he causes scene after scene of humor, disasters, and clumsiness. Combine that with Mark's get-rich-quick scheme involving bugs that make butter, strong female characters, and a fight in corriders of a high Vor house involving "bug butter" splashing... and you have the recipe for a great book. I mean, Miles' parents meet the girl with an introduction from Miles of "Let me introduce you to.... she's getting away!"
There isn't so much scifi to this book as there is romantic comedy. But, it isn't just for girls. It has political intrigue and a good strong plot as well. It's a chance for the readers to see Miles struggling to be something besides a soldier, and Bujold does a beautiful job.
Unfortunately, the Vorkosigan saga (and this book in particular) has set a new standard for me with the scifi genre. Now I want everything, especially a unique society such as the Vor one. So I find myself unhappy with most of my books, feeling they just aren't putting enough effort in.

I'm a huge fan of Lois Bujold's writing and of the Vorkosigan series in particular, and I think this may be my favourite title in the series (although with such competition it would be awfully difficult to choose). Don't be put off by the awful cover art - it's really not a Harlequin romance!

Ms Bujold's books are always well written, with meticulous world-building and really rich characterization - the characters in this series really live for me. The early books in the series were essentially space opera, but the characters and the world have built in complexity as the series has progressed and this book defies insertion in to any neat genre pigeon-hole. There's very little space opera in this one (which I suspect accounts for the very few negative reviews here, which I presume are largely from teenage boys who missed the space battles and didn't really get the humour). It's part science fiction, part political thriller, part romance, part comedy of manners, and wholly entertaining - I just couldn't put it down once I started. There are some definite echoes of Jane Austen in the love story (oh, the letter!), including the deliciously subtle wit and observation of character.

The book contains one of my favourite scenes from any book - the Dinner Party - which had me laughing out loud and re-reading it repeatedly, and the climax scene in the Council of Counts had me cheering out loud.

I can't reccomend this series, and this book in particular, too highly. This is science fiction for grown-ups. A terrific read.

Perhaps the title should have been "Civil Campaigns," becasuse there are more than one. Miles and Mark are each engaged in a civil campaign. The course of love does not run smooth for either. Miles is the target of blackmail by a Vor lord who wants to be confirmed as a Count, and Miles' love quest is unintentionally sabotaged by one of his friends. The would-be Count learns that Miles' response to attempted blackmail is not quite what he had anticipated, he attempts revenge with surprising, delightful, and hilarious results.

You will enjoy this book more if you have already read the other Vorkosigan books. Start with Cordelia's Honor if you can, and read the rest in order. Every one is a delight. And, speaking of Honor, check out the Honor Harrington books by David Weber, beginning with On Basilisk Station (Honor Harrington Book 1) also great fun to read.

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Lois McMaster Bujold has been the best writer of characters in science fiction for years, but with this book she moves completely away from action and into the never-before written area of drawing room-SF-comedy. Delightfully plotted, wonderful characters, great plot twists. It's as good as her best books (probably *Barrayar* and *Memory* -- but my opinions change depending on what I read most recently). It seems odd to say so, but this is the closest to a Jane Austen book ever attempted in science fiction, I'm sure.
Over the years, I've read each of Lois's books at least twice. Her weakest books are still pretty entertaining, and her best books shine in the memory for weeks afterwards. At times the world of Miles Vorkosigan seems as real as my own.
You can't start with this book; but please go back to her earlier books. And don't plan anything else for a few weeks.

Picks up steam after a somewhat slow start, then you can't stop. I was a bit concerned about the "romance" bit, but this is no sappy tearjerker. (Miles Vorkisogan and Ekaterin Vorsoisson have their feet too close to the ground for that.) Perhaps the most humorous of the series: the scene where Viceroy and -reine Vorkosigan return to the mansion to find [no, I won't give this away] is pure slapstick, as is a scene where Ivan meets a former (voluptuous female) lover who returns after a gender change operation. And there are enough other sub-plots to keep you entertained. If you own part or all of Bujold's books, you'll certainly want to buy this one. For a first read, I would rather recommend "Cordelia's honor" (a joint reissue of the first two books) or the awesome "Mirror Dance". Yet I can't bring myself to give out less than five stars.

Lois McMaster Bujold has long ago become my favorite author. This is certainly one of my favorite Miles Vorkosigan adventures also. In this book you won't find dendarii mercenaries nor even a huge lord auditor investigation...just good old Miles screwing his love life. In the romantic scene of the Imperial wedding Miles is set on conquering the heart of Ekaterin, whom he met on Komarr. Unfortunately, conquering is too precise a word and Miles will hit quite a few walls in his lame attempts. LMB again unfolds her magic in showing us yet another side of Miles. As in Memory he will face situations that will require he takes a close look at himself and either grow and learn or... But Miles is not alone! Mark rejoins House Vorkosigan with quite a love problem of his own and Ivan can't seem to settle down. And along these problems of the heart the Barrayaran political scene is in turmoil and the council of counts is in full activity. This book is a true adventure of the heart, mind and soul. Nobody does it better than LMB. She conceives wonderful and entertaining plots but the stars are her characters: they live and breathe.

Aptly subtitled "a comedy of biology and manners", A Civil Campaign is probably the best volume in the Vorkosigan series since Mirror Dance.
A Civil Campaign has Miles, Mark, Ekaterin, Ivan, Kareen, and a surprisingly large number of the series' supporting characters(almost all of them, except for the Dendarii)entangled in romantic confusion and intrigue related to two cases of succession for countship on Barrayar.
And it's a delight, from beginning to end.
A word, if you are new to the series: this is not the best place to start reading Miles--I'd advise reading all of the books prior to this one (start with The Warrior's Apprentice) before diving deep into it. But please do so. Once you get the forward momentum, you won't be able to stop.
The best book I have read this year, after Vernor Vinge's A Deepness in the Sky. And that is saying a lot.

If this book was a Shakespeare play, it would be "Much Ado About Nothing". It's like extracting all the light moments from all the death and mayhem of the previous Vorkosigan books and concentrating them into into one -- and five stars for that, because it's been done so well. Bujold tends to make her characters realistic, believable people, even the minor ones. The one part which I think goes over the top in silliness is the bug butter.

That said, this is not a good entry point to the Vorkosigan series, because if you're not familiar with the background, you'll be wondering why Bujold chose to write SF if she just wanted to write a romance novel with a minimum of spaceships and plasma arcs. But for those who are fans already, well, we've all wanted to see Miles find a Lady Vorkosigan at last.

In my opinion the series peaked with Mirror Dance, and althoughthe last three books were enjoyable none of them really comparedwith it. Mainly, I thought, because of too little action and a bit too much romance. Therefore I wasn't expecting much more from A Civil Campaign after reading the subtitle (A Comedy of Biology and Manners). It is an understatement to say that my expectations were exceeded.
This was one of the best romantic comedies that I have ever read. Chapter 9 (the dinner party) took me over a half hour to read as I was interrupted every minute by another bout of uncontrolled laughter! This is a brilliantly written book. I only have two cautions. The first is that if you got into the series because of the action and adventure, and have found the recent books annoyingly gun free, well, this is probably the worst of the lot. My other caution is that the book throws a number of characters from earlier books (esp. Memory) at you, so you might want to do some rereading while waiting for A Civil Campaign to arrive. I highly recommend this book to fans of the series!

Having read the book a second time I have to admit that my first impression two years ago was wrong. Then I felt somewhat let down, because it was not so strong a book as "Komarr" or "Memory". Well, that may still be so but now I discovered what a brilliant book this is.
It's subject is not only the campaign Miles wages to capture Ekaterine's heart and hand, there is much more: sub-plots and stories about Mark, Ivan, a count's succession struggle, the Imperial wedding ... It's just a great panorama of Barrayar: colorful, full of suspense and romance.
Oh, and then this is probably the funniest Vorkossigan book of them all. Some of the scenes are just hilarious! Some are almost too much: the scene when Miles gets his Ekaterin could be from a Frank-Capra-movie.
My advice: buy it, read it, enjoy it!

I don't knwo how she does it, but Bujold has delivered another tour de force. That phrase is really getting redundant with her! This is another welcome addition to the Vorkosigan saga, but it can also be a good place to start for those who haven't read her. I have read entire works of authors that don't have one scene in them as good or as funny as the dinner party scene. And there are some truly startling and intriguing characters devloped in here, including some really good strong female characters like she does so well. Good strong female characters in an ostensibly patriarchal society is a fruitful situation for Bujold. This book meets my ultimate test of a truly memorable novel; I pick it up and read sections out of it, or just read the whole thing over again. She goes down easy, and you don't necessarily consciously realize the points she's getting across until you read them again. I only have one minor quibble with this book, and it's not with the book at all, it's the cover illustration. For some reason, the publishers or whoever switched cover artists on this one, to someone who has not only obviously never read a single Miles Vorkosigan story, but learned his anatomy from chickens! The cover illustration is TERRIBLE! But buy the book anyway, it's a great read. I'd love to see her do another fantasy novel.

Being a long time reader of Ms. Bujolds work I was very excited when the book came out..not having expected another for some time. So I was somewhat disappointed with the slow start of the novel. But confident that Ms. Bujold would continue in her habit of writing excellent books with a lavish touch of humor and a wry sensible wisdom I bent my eyes to the page and continued...
What a MISTAKE! Shortly afterwards..perhaps 1/4 to 1/3 of the way into the novel it did the usual trick that Miles Vorkosigan books perform...it grabbed hold and wouldnt let go for love, money, or lack of sleep. Needless to say...I finished it in one night.
The book picks up perhaps 3-6 months after the last book left off..at this point while the novel *might* be understandble from a stand-alone point I wouldnt count on it..go back and read the others..starting from Shards of Honor...or if you're pressed for time from Warriors Apprentice...trust me..you wont be sorry you did. Whee! Run-on sentences are so much fun! At any rate Miles is preparing for two distinctly different campaigns..the wooing of Ekaterin Vorsoisson, a young widow introduced in the previous book, Komarr, and plotting his assault on the bastions of power..namely inserting himself into the political process of Barrayar. Taking on either of these tasks might be considered foolhardy for your average human being..and taking them both together sheer hubris..but if there is one thing Miles posesses it is hubris.
The book then wends its way through the slow build-up..starting to pick up speed as Miles attemps to woo Ekaterin..without telling her about it. This tactic brings about a crashing defeat..ushering in the second half of the book. At this point the action begins to pick up..Mile's courtship of a widow whose husband's death he was involved in having attracted the notice of those he is politicking against. This..combined with two very touchy subjects for the upcoming Council of Counts brings matters to a head. Ivan..Mile's cousin..always before portrayed as a less than stellar officer in the Emperor's service is fleshed out a bit more in this book...giving you a closer look at Ivan's inner self..with some surprising results. Mile's clone-brother also returns and adds some of the necessary levity the yarn..lightening the mood and adding another thread to the plot.
Readers who have read the entire series including Shards of Honor and Barrayar will be particularly amused by one scene involving Mark and his intended..Kareen Koudelka. All in all A Civil Campaign was an excellent book with the sole complaint that it was a little bit slow in starting..but the ending is emminently satisfying for those who have been following Miles throughout the series. As usual a must read by Ms. Bujold.

The allusions to previous episodes in the life of Miles make the story richer (as in when the Vicerene drags out a certain old couch), but it has all the hallmarks of a classic, self contained "Miles" story. All of the old gut-wrenching changes in altitude and attitude - and a deft handling of character and life that I am just now (after 10 books and mumble-many years) beginning to appreciate.
Miles finds his road to maturity rocky. . . dosen't everyone? But with an assured happy ending, it *still* took me by surprise at the way it all worked out with logic, self-consistency, and characters that ring true. If you don't know what you're missing, think back to the last novel that made your heart ache for the fictional characters as much as it does for real ones in your own life. I cannot stress this enough - READ THESE BOOKS.

The author is just a genious, capable of substituting starships with butter bugs, and come ahead!
I laughed myself silly over that dinner scene, that lends itself wonderfully to, uh, live action with small characters inside the reader's head. And I was adequately serious and moved when the book was so. I believe the greatest strenght in the book is the characterization, not only of the main characters but of a surprisingly rich cast of supportiong ones, long known or just introduced. I did an all-nighter on this book; by the end I was so engrossed that I ate whole the Council of Counts scene, that wasn't very logical. I wonder what can she do for an encore, but I will be arround, waiting...

This was the first book that i read in the Miles Vorkosigan series. I know, I should have started with the first. However, it doesn't matter. It's a fabulous book. You could read it all by itself without the other prequels. But... I didn't do that. AS soon as I read this one, I went out and got Cordelia's Honor, The Warrior's Apprentice, and Vorkosigan's game. And read them. Is there more Miles to come? I hope so, and it is totally greedy of me, but I hope for a VERY long time.
A Civil Campaign is hilarious, I especially loved everything about the butter bugs. All the characters and their interactions are wonderful. The political scene is a romp. And Ivan's ex-lover's sex change and his reaction to it are...let me just say humorous would be an understatement. I am happy to say everything is carried off with a flourish and the story has an happy ending.

The allusions to previous episodes in the life of Miles make the story richer (as in when the Vicerene drags out a certain old couch), but it has all the hallmarks of a classic, self contained "Miles" story. All of the old gut-wrenching changes in altitude and attitude - and a deft handling of character and life that I am just now (after 10 books and mumble-many years) beginning to appreciate.
Miles finds his road to maturity rocky. . . dosen't everyone? But with an assured happy ending, it *still* took me by surprise at the way it all worked out with logic, self-consistency, and characters that ring true. If you don't know what you're missing, think back to the last novel that made your heart ache for the fictional characters as much as it does for real ones in your own life. I cannot stress this enough - READ THESE BOOKS.

The author is just a genious, capable of substituting starships with butter bugs, and come ahead!
I laughed myself silly over that dinner scene, that lends itself wonderfully to, uh, live action with small characters inside the reader's head. And I was adequately serious and moved when the book was so. I believe the greatest strenght in the book is the characterization, not only of the main characters but of a surprisingly rich cast of supportiong ones, long known or just introduced. I did an all-nighter on this book; by the end I was so engrossed that I ate whole the Council of Counts scene, that wasn't very logical. I wonder what can she do for an encore, but I will be arround, waiting...

This was the first book that i read in the Miles Vorkosigan series. I know, I should have started with the first. However, it doesn't matter. It's a fabulous book. You could read it all by itself without the other prequels. But... I didn't do that. AS soon as I read this one, I went out and got Cordelia's Honor, The Warrior's Apprentice, and Vorkosigan's game. And read them. Is there more Miles to come? I hope so, and it is totally greedy of me, but I hope for a VERY long time.
A Civil Campaign is hilarious, I especially loved everything about the butter bugs. All the characters and their interactions are wonderful. The political scene is a romp. And Ivan's ex-lover's sex change and his reaction to it are...let me just say humorous would be an understatement. I am happy to say everything is carried off with a flourish and the story has an happy ending.

It just blows me away how Bujold can write excellent military SF, mystery stories, social comedies, and do it all in the same series! Every time I read the latest Miles Vorkosigan novel I think it's the best one yet, and Civil Campaign is no exception. I definitely have to rate it highest for humor, based on the fact that I laughed so hard I nearly fell out of my seat while reading about Miles' dinner party--not wanting to give too much away, I'll just say that everything that can go wrong for him, does, in the funniest possible way. Bujold balances Miles' social difficulties with his political ones so adroitly that they merge seamlessly into a unified plot line. If you haven't read the Vorkosigan series before, do so--they are the best SF series out there.

Ms Bujold does it better and better!
I must admit, that I had already considered Ms Bujold to be on my top writers list and was prepared to buy just about anythig as soon as it is out in hardback. But even after pice-by-piece readin of first 20 chapters I was not completely prepared for such a glorious as a whole book. I think now, the best way to get hooked on Bujold is to read Memory, than Komarr and than, for a killer - A Civil Campaign. The storylines are seemingly predictable, but you can never be absolutely sure..The dialogues are brilliant, some characters are so real you can say, Hey, that's my Sgt. Bot! And .. well.. you should read it!

To enjoy this book to its fullest, the reader must be among those who have read other books in the series, AND also reads and enjoys Regency Romances. Judging from the other reviews, there are a number of her readers that fit in this category. If you have not yet read this book and fit into the catagory as well, rush to acquire the book. For those who understand what is going on in Mile's life and the conventions of a Regency Romance, A Civil Campaign is the funniest book ever. I read it when it first came out at the World Con, and made quite a spectacle of myself in the lounge reading and chortling away. The people who panned it need to become more ecclectic in their tastes -- most of us who liked this read military SF, which is why we are reading the Miles books, and Regencies as well. You are missing out in life that you have never read even one Georgette Heyer book.

The Vorkosigan saga is by far the best series I've ever had the pleasure to read. Miss Bujold has a way of getting inside her characters so deeply that we feel we can relate to their every thought and action. In one book I found my self relating to a man with four diferent personalities! He was utterly insane, yet I connected with him... that got to me. Well, that having been said, the Vorkosigan saga is a long adventure (cronologically speaking, not real-time wise, I read all 12 books in three weeks!) spanning fourty to fifty years, with tragedy, war, and politics, so when we get to the last book in the series (for now, anyways), Miss Bujold decided to end it with a smile. In all of the previous books, I laughed quite a bit, yet with Civil Campaign, I lost my place a few times when I dropped the book and rolled on the floor laughing! You trully grow to love Miles and all his friends, family, and even enemies... Read the rest of the series first, and if you do, I assure you that I won't need to remind you to purchase this one. "Forward Momentum!"

I am truly astonished to say that I did not enjoy A Civil Campaign. I have loved virtually everything else Bujold has ever written. She manages toturn characters she's built and nurtured over all the succeeding novels into clowns, caricatures, or ciphers. The main characters - Ekaterina, Miles - suffer by far the worst.
Ekaterina, who I previously believed to be strong and damaged (but recovering), comes off here as a heroine from the pages of the very worst kind of romance novel. She actually does press her loved one's letter to her bosom. And you can hear her breathing the words "Oh, how I want him. How I love him. But it can never, never be." Her bosom would probably be heaving while she uttered it, too. Please.
Miles, who has carried every novel but the first two (in the chronology of the series) with his wit, intelligence, and planning, appears as understanding nothing at all about human nature or about strategy. This, I must note, from a man who is an incredibly skilled judge of character and a brilliant strategist. His behavior while in pursuit of romance is sillier than that of any teenager's, anywhere. What kind of person decides to befriend his beloved first, so that she may learn to love him as he loves her, seducing her steathily, and then tells everyone he's ever met? Certainly not a skilled covert operative who has lived for a decade with secrecy and deceit.
The novel does show that Bujold retains her touch with dialogue.

I have read all of Lois McMaster Bujold's books and have enjoyed them all. While this is not my absolute favourite it's near the top of the list. I enjoy all her characters and like the way that Miles has matured as he has progressed through his books. I felt this book was more amusing than the others - I particularly liked Pym's description of the attack on the drains. Bujolds skills in writing just seem to improve with each book. I saw traces of both Jane Austin and Dorothy L Sayers in her handling of relationships and mature attitudes. I just hope she keeps on writing and that her next novel won't be too long a wait.

This has got to be the best Vorkosigan book ever. I wouldrecommend this to anyone who loves to read, even if they've never read SF before. I love how Bujold creates a true story. It has everything you could want, from true Milesian strategy, imperial politics, and technological consequences to intimate romance (that doesn't have to mean sex), the human condition and bug butter wrestling. If you've never read a Vorkosigan book, I'd suggest reading Komarr first, but even without that Civil Campaign is enjoyable. For all of you who have read all the books(and I know there's a lot of you out there.) Bujold seamlessly meshes references to previous events that make you fall down laughing. I just CAN'T WAIT for the next book! I have a feeling it could include a confrontation between Mile's new life and his old. That would be perfect. There are so many ways to continue the story, I can't stand it. I agree with all previous reviews that compare Bujold to Jane Austin. Bujold has the characters as the most important part of the story. She gets inside them, so you see out of their eyes. I love the not so abject letter "...possess the power of your eyes...". There's something in this for everyone. You have to read it!

Bujold's Vorkosigan series is one of the best things going in science fiction. This entry is lighter, less serious, and somewhat less exciting than others. While not reaching the heights achieved by classics such as The Warriors Apprentice and Vor Game, this book still entertains. While at times the book strains to achieve a consistent tone, it is filled with humor, well-drawn characters, and Bujold's trademark epigrams.
If you haven't read the other Vorkosigan books, I wouldn't recommend starting here. If your not sure whether you'll like this book, the publishers web site has 10 chapters online...

I would not recommend this book as a starting point for those who have not read any of the other volumes in the Vorkosigan saga. At the minimum you should read the previous book, Komar. But for those who, like me, have read all the previous books (in my case several times)I don't see how this book can fail to entertain. Although it has very little action (one brief gunbattle with stun guns, it is highly entertaining in all other respects. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count, and there were occasionally tears in my eyes that I could not ascribe to the laughter. If you know and love Miles, his friends, and his family, you can't help but be amused and moved by this story. My only complaint is that now I have to wait untold months before another volume of the saga comes out. Meanwhile I will go back and reread the entire series from start to finish once more. And here's hoping ImpSec is keeping close watch to make sure nothing stops the delightful Ms. Bujold from the swift completion of the next book, and the next, and...

Since my intoduction to Miles in Warriors Apprentice, I have read all of the books in the series. Each book is different, which is necessary, because the character grows up and changes in each book. In Civil Campaign, the author has set a new high. Miles has outgrown his past and has settled into his new life and he has a new love. The only problem is that he has told everyone about his plans, except her. Miles, being Miles has a great plan, but he has forgotten that great plans can be disastrous if they don't work! Predictably, the plan fails and that is the last predictable thing about the book. This book has everything from sex changes to the sins of countesses long dead and it all fits together. This is the best book yet. But a word of advice, read it twice - you miss too much at one reading. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK.

LMB has done it again. This latest adventure in the Vorkorsigan series has Miles trying to court the lovely Ekaterin without her knowledge. Events proceed to a dinner party, where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Does Miles get Ekaterin? Or does she go the way of Eli Quinn. I won't tell you here; read the book. I will tell you I'm waiting impatiently for Bujold's next book. She has two ways to continue this series: either a straight sequel, or a novel that goes back into the history to expand on an anodote that Miles mentions to his father. I want both.

I consistently laugh aloud every time I re-read this book, which I've done a few times now. It's always somewhere in the dinner-party scene.

It's a gutsy move to take your military space opera series and write a comedy-of-manners book in it, and I know not every fan was delighted. I include myself among those who were.

The dinner party is an absolute perfect storm, and the butter-bugs are hilarious.

What happens when a hyperactive, self-obsessed, results-oriented genius, who is also a bit dwarfish, the son of the ex-regent of his planet, and former commander for a group of galactic mercenaries decides to court a widow that is sour on marriage? Well, it has to be comedy, there is just no other choice.
A Civil Campaign (A Comedy of Biology and Manners) is all about Miles Vorkosigan, and his somewhat inept efforts at courtship. Add to the mix, his brother's newest business endeavor, butterbugs (bugs that produce food), combine a dash of political intrigue, a sex change operation and some dense relatives, and the results are hilarious.
I found this book vastly entertaining. It made me laugh. It made my heart ache. It made me cry. I loved it.
If you don't know Miles Vorkosigan already, this book probably isn't the best one to start with. But if you know him, and love him, read it. If you haven't experienced the Vorkosiverse, do it now, as this series is fabulous. Start with Shards of Honor, Barrayer, The Warrier's Apprentice, etc. and read them all. It will be a treat.
These books are so well written, I read them over and over again, and am always entertained. In some ways I envy those who have not read these books, because the experience is fabulous. I've introduced several folks, and they are now confirmed addicts.

As usual, the critical voices are few and far between. And their criticisms lack substance. One negative reviewer obviously did not even read this book, basing her review entirely on the cover and her own antipathy towards short men and popular culture.

In this volume, Bujold treads new ground with Miles. This book is about relationships, not space battles. Again, widget-lovers should go elsewhere. Based on the negative review that I read I hazard that pretentious blowhards should stay away as well.

Here in the past month Bujold hooked me into the Vorkosigan saga (how have I managed to miss it for so many years?) and I'd thought I'd seen every twist there was. Now she gives us a Sci Fi Regency! And a great one! Certainly this is one of the most fun books of the series: hilarious, touching, imaginative, and all written in LMB's exquisite style. Even the dialogue tags made me laugh! Thank you, LMB, for a wonderful reading experience. I hope many more Miles books are coming. (PS: Please do something to help poor "idiot" Ivan!)

Like many people, I have read all 9 Vorkosigan books, and was waiting for this one. And like many others, I hope no newcomer reads this one first. If you don't know the Vorkosigan's already, this is not the place to start.
This book shows Miles at his most mature and immature both/ While it is not as action packed as the others, it does show a lot of "mind action" - a comedy of manners and biology truly. We finally get to see everyone grow up, and get on with their lives. I can't wait to see what's next!

I have read every word I can find in print that this woman has written. I have done tis with only one other SF author, Robert Heinlein. Why? Simple, the characters and the stories . In not so simple words it is becasue I like the way her characters think. To me there is no higher praise for an author than to say that I would pay full price for one of their books. I would do so for anything she has written as they are that good. This one has some great humor and still keeps Miles life moving forward. Bravo Zulu! I can't wait for the next one....

This is just a short rebuttal to Gerald Ludwig's review to offer a different point of view. There are some spoilers, so don't read the last paragraph unless you want to know the ending.
Sure, I like the adventure and the comedy and the formidable girlfriends Miles had in the earlier books, but what I enjoy most is how clever he is ... often too clever for his own good when it is coupled with his manic behavior. But I also like seeing him grow up, accept responsibility, and apply his, er, ingenuity, to different kinds of problems. This seems entirely appropriate given his age and medical status.
There were times in the earlier books where I wanted to slap him out of his adolescent self-centeredness, but I knew that his actions and maturity were representative of his age at that time. In "A Civil Campaign" he finally grows up, and it's fun to watch.
I also find the criticism of Ekaterin to be missing the point. She is more than just a gardner ... she's brilliant and creative in her own right. She exhibited bravery and determination in "Komarr" ... even if she doesn't have weapons training. In "A Civil Campaign" she offers solutions that Miles didn't even think of.
I've enjoyed all of Bujold's books in the Vorkosigan universe (usually reading them in a day or two) and I think longtime fans will not be disappointed, unless they can only appreciate the adolescent Miles and need to see things blowing up literally (as opposed to figuratively ... Miles still creates the crash and burn scenario par excellence, but not in any military action.) I think of this book as a gift to the fans, since we finally get to see Miles keep a girlfriend (so far). You have to be happy for the little guy!

The book is great, really funny, happy endings anywhere you look.. and you have to look, cuz if you don't you'll start tripping over them..happy endings..oh no! Horrors! Everyone's getting married and striving for "unalleviated domestic dullness"! Miles has really retired from his space opera life style! He's out of Impsec, mixing with the Vor in the council of Counts, at peace with the Cetagandans, Naismith is really dead, & Miles is about to get domesticated! The clones are comfortable, Commander Koudelka's all blond commando team too are all portioned off..But Ivan is still loose- Ivan could be a contender! Ivan finally woke up & got the Emperor's ominous nod of approval- Hey, maybe Ivan will get a life of his own ! since Miles is evidently going to calm down, get all stuffy, Ivan can pick up where he left off. Then he can make Aunt Alys happy, marry a galactic femme fatale, and when Nikki grows up HE can move into the top spot.. It's the only hope I see for the continuing saga.. please, Madame Vorbujold, don't stop here!

I've read each of the Bujold books several times and I think that this is the best one so far. Bujold manages to create fascinating, tense and often hilarious storylines. More importantly, her characters have a depth and complexity that is rare in science fiction. I think that this is why Bujold appeals to people who would normally avoid science fiction. I've introduced Bujold's books to two ex-girlfriends, my fiance and my fiance's grandmother. Each has eventually bought copies of the entire series for themselves, yet none of them normally even read science fiction. A previous reviewer accused Bujold of misandry (hatred of men) in her writings because males were supposedly incompetent without their wise, ultracompetent women. I am left completely befuddled by this accusation. Yes, Bujold's female characters are often quite remarkable, whether heroes (ie Cordelia) or villains (ie Cavilo), but who are these foolish men? The Vorkosigan men are three generations of the most brilliant political and military minds of their world. Yes, Cordelia rescues Aral, but never has to save him from his own incompetence. Aral without Cordelia may be a washed up drunk (at least for a while), but Cordelia without Aral is in Betan therapy. For someone who supposedly has a grudge against men, bujold certainly writes amazingly sympathetic characters. When Miles Vorkosigan is cut, you bleed for him. (to paraphrase Cordelia). OK, enough of my ranting. Read the Vorkosigan series. Start with Shards of Honor, because you really want to experience the evolution of these characters and the later books have so many inside jokes that you don't want to miss.

This is a great book. The story of Miles' flows without difficulty into this work. We see the definate end of one chapter of his life, and the beginning of another. While I was greatly dissapointed that Elli Quinn chose to remain with the Dendarii a few books back, Ekaterin is a suitable replacement. I look forward to getting to know more about her in future books. (Assumptions made with that last sentence). I was also thrilled to the parents return to the plotline. Having started with 'Barrayar,' Cordelia's and Aral's characters are what drew me to read more of the Vorkosigan saga. If you liked any of the other Vorkosigan books, you will love this one.

Bujold does it again, absoluotly priceless.
Haveing read Warrior's Apprentice when first published I have to say that Bujold is one of three authors I would reccomend as must read SF. (Harry Harrison's Stailess Steel Rat series and C J Cherryh's Company , Chanur, and Foriegner series are the others).
I loved Warrior's Apprentice. I fell in love with the series at the epilouge of Shards of Honor. (made me cry, no BS... and me a { now former}soldier ). Fans of swashbuckling space opera may be a bit put off by the lack of violence but it's a nice change of pace from so much of the tripe that is out there. The dinner scene was priceless. "should prove popular with the...Miles, WHAT has that animal got in it's mouth..." had me in tears. I should have known better than to take a Bujold book to work. How does Bujold do it? How does a mom of two in MN write so damn convincinyly in the mind of not only a certain pint sized Imperial Auditor but all the other charactors in this book and the past ones? (Mark on Jackson's Whole..) To the detractors of this book: All I can say is please go out immediately and buy up Cordelia's Honor (Shards of Honor and Barrayar all in one) and Young Miles (first three Miles books) and get back to me. Better yet, finish up with Brothers in Arms, Mirror Dance, ( how did she get the multiple personality part so right?) Memory and Komarr. Then get back to me. This book is so rich with bits from the past books I could have died.
"Her parents looked nothing so much like, hmmm... like two teenagers caught screwing on the living room couch." Priceless.
One worrysome note, I hope Bujold doesn't end the Vorkosigan series here. One thing I'd like to see is stories of the "history" of Barrayar. these teasing bits of history in the story like "Lord Midnight, who always voted Neigh..." are soooo tempting. Might we see a young Count General Piotyr during the Cetagadan Occupation or possibly Young Aral during Mad Emperor Yuri's rein? Vorkosigans of the time of Isolation? Dorca the Just? It all beggs for futher detail. A few volumes of short stoies from leading Authors would be welcome. Something on the line of the Bolo short story series first created then edited by Laumer.
Please, Ms Bujold. Don't leave me hanging for my fix...

If you are a Miles Vorkosigan fan, then you don't need any review beyond - Wow! Bujold has outdone herself. 'Nuff said.
If you have no idea who this Miles guy is or why he has such a funny last name, please, please, PLEASE do NOT start with this book. Start with Shards of Honor or Barrayar or even The Vor Game, but not here with this book.
Oh, I don't doubt A Civil Campaign can stand on its own as an entertaining read, but even so, the climax of this book cannot possibly be nearly as satisfying if you don't know all the background. Don't cheat yourself.

After reading this book, which is an emotional roller coaster that will have you grinding your teeth, laughing, screaming, wincing in sympathy and just counting the seconds before you get to watch the charaters realize they've walked off the cliff with out noticing. It will leave you thoroughly glad Lois (delightfully evil woman that she is) isn't in charge of your love life. And then you like me, will wonder where you are going to find the money to give copies to all your friends and family.

Lucky selhat to get a complete advance copy of "A Civil Campaign"; my comments are based only on the first nine chapters currently available on Baen's website.
But believe me, the hook is set deep and I'll be paying hard cash to finish this book.
As an unabashed admirer of Miles Vorkosigan and Lois Bujold's writing, it would be tough for me not to want to buy the book. But thinking of coming cold to the universe Ms. Bujold has created, I think any sci-fi reader would first want to find out how this particular story worked out, and second go out and buy all the other stories in the series (lucky you for not having to wait all these years for the whole series to expand as all the committed fans have done.)
What happens? The hero, Miles Vorkosigan, a 30-year-old near-Count in a fuedal society turning Galactic, wants to marry a widow who doesn't think she will ever marry again. His clone brother is trying to make a buck with a gene-adapted bug modeled on a honey-bee. His hunky cousin Ivan is beginning to despair of a permanent relationship in a society which is short of females. And if that doesn't make you laugh, there are complications more to make this truly a comedy of manners in a society whose rules resemble very little those in force in late 20th century America.
"A Civil Campaign" should appeal to any reader who enjoys the worlds of fantasy but who will accept the lack of magic---and to the reader of hard science fiction who will accept that certain aspects of current-world limitations will eventually be explained (perhaps we will find "wormholes" to make "jumps" through to other parts of the sky). I think you'd pass only if you require your hero to overcome a life-threatening force closing in on him (there's enough of that in earlier Vorkosigan adventures...starting with his mother).
Not since reading Larry Niven in the 1980's have I found such enjoyable, credible writing. I look forward to finding out how it all turns out.

I love to read, but once in a while a book will cause me to read it through in one setting. Not only did I read this book in one setting but within the week, it was re-read 6 more times within the week.<it has been re-read more since.> This book takes your emotions on a rousing roller coaster ride. Lois McMaster Bujold outdid herself on this "campaign" (I have all her books). The various plots kept you thinking "what else can happen now?" While the dinner was "delicious" in a mini-denouement, my vote went to goes to the voting of the counts chapter as one of the great denouements.<love re-reading this chapter.> I love Miles' adventures and he certainly gets into some sticky ones. He lives up to the adage that it is better to be lucky than good. Rousing story! My hat is off to Ms Bujold.

I love all the Miles books but this is by far my favorite. It is a clever witty comedy of manners. Despite being Sci-fi, it calls to mind other very different writers, including Georgette Heyer. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard at any scene in a novel as at the famous dinner party scene in this novel. Highly recommended, even for those who are not normally fans of science fiction or fantasy.

I just discovered Ms Bujold's work last month. Having blazed through the books, A Civil Campaign provided a more than nice finish. I was so pleased by the book that I refused to go to sleep last night until I finished - and though it was late this was no struggle. A compelling romance, this book lacks some of the elements that might draw others in. I was overjoyed, truly, by this book, but I imagine if I had been waiting for a year after reading Komarr (instead of 5 min.)I might have been a little disappointed. No swashbuckling, no space - no matter. I found this book to occasionally move me to tears and to outspoken delight - remember that? Remember when you were 12 and so wrapped up in characters and plot that key moments would elicit unbidden exclamations from your excited lips? This book can make you 12 again. Take this with the caveat that not much actually happens - it is the least eventful of the books. Nonetheless, I found that I perhaps enjoyed this more than any of the other books. Indeed it was the perfect end to my recent immersion in the Vorkosigan world. I eagerly await the next installment - and there are so many threads available for Ms. Bujold to exploit and develop now. I am sure she will capitalize on a few and there will be action galore in the future!

The good news is that this is probably the best yet of the Vorkosigan books, with the possible exception of the novella "Borders of Infinity". It eschews spiffy technology and saving-the-world for a very well-done romance novel and comedy of manners. I can easily believe that the book is a deliberate homage to Dorothy Sayers' Wimsey-and-Harriet books.
The bad news is that you really can't follow the characters at all unless you have read several of the earlier books in the series, not all of which are up to the same standard. Still, the rewards of the later books are very much worth the trouble of slogging through some of the earlier ones -- and not all of the earlier ones are bad, either.

Miles is out to conquer the world -- or at least his lady's heart. But, its not just a romance, but a complex social and political restructuring that requires Miles to maintain his wits about him. And, with the hapless mistakes of a youngster in love, he loses his wits frequently. So he tumbles through the arena he's previously sailed through -- providing us with a unique perspective on the beloved character. I highly recommend this book, but suggest starting with the first of this series, so that the comparisons are more clear.

This is the best Vorkosigan book yet from LMB. While _Mirror_Dance_ was excellent, it did not have the same emotional rollercoaster effect as ACC. I'm using the term advisedly -- think of your favorite rollercoaster, and how it feels out of control while guiding you safely around curves, dips, and loops.
In the course of Miles' "best damn abject ever seen" apology, I was choking down laughter half a page before tears were pouring from my eyes. Brava, Lois, Brava. :-)

I just finished this book late tonight. I began reading this book online at the publisher's website and was so enthralled by the first 9 chapters that I haunted every bookstore in town to get a copy as soon as it came out. This is truly an impressive book, Ms. Bujold sincerely deserves all the glowing reviews posted on this site. Her writing style, while deceptively easy to read, manages to convey an astounding array of emotion and symbolism. This book is a lively and complicated story of romance, biology and, and political intrigue. At times I found myself simultaneously cringing at the terrible predicaments the characters had put themselves in and rolling on the floor with laughter at how gut-wrenchingly funny it all was. A Civil Campaign is an exceptional introduction to an exceptional author for those new to Ms. Bujold's work, but it is also full of allusions to previous books in the series and delightful inside jokes to thrill readers already familiar with the series. If you don't read this book, you are missing one of the best books of any genre written in years. Five stars aren't nearly enough to express how fantastic and impressive this book is.

I read the first 11 chapters of this book on the internet (...). I was hooked. I waited on tenterhooks for the book to be released, purchased it as soon as possible and... LOVED IT! I laughed myself silly all through the fateful dinner, party, worried as Miles tried to patch up his ailing lovelife, and marveled at the byzantine turns of Barrayaran politics. If you've never read Lois' books before, this is a great one to start with, because you'll never stop. Each book just get's better, and now MIles is setlling down, it offers a greater scope for 'Milesian mayhem' than ever before. For die-hard Bujold fans, great news. Want to know what happens on the honeymoon? The next book is out March 2002, titled "Diplomatic Immuntiy". (...)

This is another slam bang smash by Lois. I cannot begin to describe how incredibly funny, happy, sad, intricate and just plain magnificent this book is. If you're a Vorkosigan fan, this is IT. If you're wondering what all the hoopla is about, you should read Komarr first. (That's according to the author). Unlike most Science Fiction, Bujold writes a book that is long on interpersonal interaction and short on My Eyes Glaze Over. The science that is in her books, though, is very good and central to the story. The plot about the Butter Bugs is sure to resonate through the rest of the Miles books.
Oh, and I've never seen a better disastrous sad/farcical scene than the dinner in ANY book.
Damn Fine Read Lois. Great Job!

Love A Civil Campaign & the book right after it, Diplomatic Immunity? Well -- through the magic of out-of-order authorship, we can now go back and enjoy the period *between* those two books!
Bujold has written a new Miles novella called Winterfair Gifts. It's in the anthology Irresistible Forces by Jennifer Roberson, et al., to be released February 3, 2004. The story reportedly covers . . . events presaged in A Civil Campaign.

Despite the cataclismic changes in his life over the past few years, Miles is still, well, Miles. Miles as a politician is the best thing to ever happen to Barrayar. It's heartbreaking to watch the boy work to gain the affection of a woman he loves for the first time in his life. All this talk of weddings makes me think of guest lists... (Uh, Taura, Elli, Elena, Baz-can he even come back to barrayar?, Tung) Taura at least, seems to have a surefire chance of showing up somehow. Ekaterin is exactly what Miles needs. A keeper. This is by far the best Vorkosigan book I've read, but I think the drain incident could have used a little more illustration, but oh well.

I read the first 11 chapters of this book on the internet (...). I was hooked. I waited on tenterhooks for the book to be released, purchased it as soon as possible and... LOVED IT! I laughed myself silly all through the fateful dinner, party, worried as Miles tried to patch up his ailing lovelife, and marveled at the byzantine turns of Barrayaran politics. If you've never read Lois' books before, this is a great one to start with, because you'll never stop. Each book just get's better, and now MIles is setlling down, it offers a greater scope for 'Milesian mayhem' than ever before. For die-hard Bujold fans, great news. Want to know what happens on the honeymoon? The next book is out March 2002, titled "Diplomatic Immuntiy". (...)

This is another slam bang smash by Lois. I cannot begin to describe how incredibly funny, happy, sad, intricate and just plain magnificent this book is. If you're a Vorkosigan fan, this is IT. If you're wondering what all the hoopla is about, you should read Komarr first. (That's according to the author). Unlike most Science Fiction, Bujold writes a book that is long on interpersonal interaction and short on My Eyes Glaze Over. The science that is in her books, though, is very good and central to the story. The plot about the Butter Bugs is sure to resonate through the rest of the Miles books.
Oh, and I've never seen a better disastrous sad/farcical scene than the dinner in ANY book.
Damn Fine Read Lois. Great Job!

Love A Civil Campaign & the book right after it, Diplomatic Immunity? Well -- through the magic of out-of-order authorship, we can now go back and enjoy the period *between* those two books!
Bujold has written a new Miles novella called Winterfair Gifts. It's in the anthology Irresistible Forces by Jennifer Roberson, et al., to be released February 3, 2004. The story reportedly covers . . . events presaged in A Civil Campaign.

Despite the cataclismic changes in his life over the past few years, Miles is still, well, Miles. Miles as a politician is the best thing to ever happen to Barrayar. It's heartbreaking to watch the boy work to gain the affection of a woman he loves for the first time in his life. All this talk of weddings makes me think of guest lists... (Uh, Taura, Elli, Elena, Baz-can he even come back to barrayar?, Tung) Taura at least, seems to have a surefire chance of showing up somehow. Ekaterin is exactly what Miles needs. A keeper. This is by far the best Vorkosigan book I've read, but I think the drain incident could have used a little more illustration, but oh well.

Miles has his lady on Barrayar at last, but it requires a covert agent to court her -- it's a good thing Miles had thirteen years in covert ops (or is that oops?). Will he win his lady? Will the Vorkosigans' reputation as galactic-class warriors and statesmen be overshadowed by the infamy of infesting all of Vorbarr Sultana with the most disgusting bug in history? Read it and find out. You won't be disappointed. My word on it.

I have just completed "A Civil Campaign" and while I thoroughly this novel I must admit I wish there were more. I have been waiting for this since "Komarr" and I was definitely not disappointed. This mixes many of the elements common to Miles Vorkosigan stories. I highly recommend this but only after "Komarr." You need it as a warm up to this wonderful story.

This book lacks the mystery and explosions that are such a large part of the previous books in the series. I will miss the Dendarii but am looking forward to Miles' life of wedded bliss... and just how much trouble he can attract just because he is Miles Vorkosigan. 'A Civil Campaign' is typical Lois Bujold - humor, intrigue, intelligence, and with little life lessons peppered throughout. A wonderful addition to the series.

All these people who complain or warn that this isn't a shoot-'em-up book... For goodness sake. Is there only one kind of book in the world? Lois McMaster Bujold has written several hilarious action books and now she's written a hilarious peacetime book. It's still got the same great writing, the same Barrayaran politics, and would any of these books be the same without the unique characters?

When I first read the cover slip and all the talk about romances I settled in for a long, boring read. Well, I finished it in one day. Very amusing. And entertaining, which surprised me cause there are no space battles or the like. I envision Ms. McMaster Bujold writing about the Vorkosigan family for years to come. Miles deserves to be a parent of some kind of misfit kid.

The above is a desprite warning from one who has been there. This book is absolutly Incredible. The way Bujold breathes life into the pages of her books has in the past been noted - but this drives the point home. Bujold has won 4 hugos for her works, only Heinlein ties her, and if this doesn't win her her fifth, well... The book packs all of the usual elements, Political Intrigue, Well dipicted action scenes, and Bujolds sudden Humor - Humor that takes you by surprise and keeps you there page after page. Also it's got EVERYBODY - The Count, His Captian, Mark, The Koudelka's, Miles and His crush, Gregor and his Bride-To-Be. And of course Ma Kouskes Cooking! Enjoy!

"A Civil Campaign" is another masterpiece from Lois McMaster Bujold. In fact, I believe that it is the finest thing she has ever done. In addition, I believe (pending re-reading) that it is one of the two or three finest books I have ever read.
I neither cry nor laugh out loud when reading. This book had me doing both within the span of 3 pages.
If "A Civil Campaign" does not win this year's Hugo Award, I will be shocked and stunned. Buy this book! Buy two copies and give one to someone who has never read any Science Fiction. It has everything. A great story, deep understanding of human nature, humor, drama. Just buy it!

This book covers Miles learning about romance and politics. It is fast paced, the character development is full and rich and consistant with other books about Miles' World. The Story line keeps you hopping from one area to another. The book teachs us a lot about ourselves and our current world even though the book is set in the future on another planet.

The readers of the Science Fiction Romance newsletter voted A Civil Campaign the best Science Fiction Romance of 1999.
Personally, I'm glad I didn't read it in public, because the disasterous dinner scene, the bug butter fight, and numerous other highlights had me howling with laughter, and many key points had me shouting, "No, Miles! Don't!"

I was at first really puzzled by the way Miles was acting. Like, really pompus and strange. We're so used to seeing Miles the adventurer or the investigator. Miles the courter is darned awkward and not very respectful to his lady. But I eventually got into the rythm of the book. Personally, I loved the bugs. They are the thread that hold all of the characters together. A brilliant move on Ms. Bujold's part. Still, I can't wait to see Miles in Adventurer mode again.

I have been reading sci-fi since I could read, and this is a total rarity a sci-fi comedy, with a wonderful plot, characters, the whole nine yards. I have lost track of how many times I have read this book, and re-reading it again always makes my sides ache, it so funny.Funny, romantic,a wonderful story, once again, READ THIS!!

For anyone caught up on the brilliant series, this may be one of the most entertaining books ever written. While there are not a lot of spaceships being blown up (uh. none come tho think of it), it has some of the funniest and best written scenes in the English language.

_A Civil Campaign_ is simply wonderful. Bujold has come up with science fiction's answer to Jane Austen (and Georgette Heyer, Dorothy Sayers, and Charlotte Bronte, to whom she's dedicated the book). Miles is dithering--madly in love with Ekaterin and desperately wanting to court her, but not wanting to pressure her. Mark is busy juggling true love and entrepreneurship. Gregor is finally getting to marry his lady-love, so long as they survive all the pomp and circumstance leading up to the wedding. And poor Ivan! His new commanding officer is his mother, and his old flame, Lady Donna, isn't quite what she used to be. Buy this book now, pick up some pastries at the best bakery in town, and treat yourself to a Ma Kosti-type tea and a lovely read.

Simply the best book I have read in years; perhaps the best I've ever read. LMB writes so elegantly (yes - in a Science Fiction book no less!)and her characters are wonderfully human and funny. I discovered A Civil Campaign by accident and was immediately hooked. I've laughed until tears streamed down my face even on the umpteenth reading of the dinner party sequence and the Ivan/Donna/Dono scenario. Mile's courtship of Ekaterin, planned like one of his military campaigns, is a gem from his first nervous visit, through many ups and downs (that marvellous "abject" letter), to the final page. As Miles would say "No battle plan survives the first encounter with the enemy" and this battle plan goes awry in so many hilarious ways. Read this book (and all of her others) and enjoy!

I've been an avid reader for 50+ years, and in all that time I can remember laughing out loud only 3 or 4 times while reading a book. The dinner party scene in Vorkosigan House had me in stitches, and earned me some strange looks from my wife. Along with other reviewers, however, I would caution you that for maximum enjoyment of this book you should really work your way through the entire series. Afer reading Komarr I anxiously awaited this sequel - I wasn't disappointed, and I eagerly look forward to her next installment. Lois is an outstanding writer, and over the years it has been a joy to watch her growth. Her handling of dialog and character, while very good in her early works have steadily improved with every book published.

I just finished an "advanced reader" copy, and this is Lois McMaster Bujold's best novel yet. Even when she's writing a romantic comedy, Ms. Bujold still manages to ask Questions: big questions, small questions, and all sizes in between. This book made my mind itch and my heart sing. I can give it no higher praise.

Alright, despite about what some reviews whine, there IS a shoot-em-up. Which is far, far from the point. This is a delightful, funny book containing some of LMB's most brilliant zingers ever ("It can't be THAT couch, can it ... ?" exploded in my brain at a certain point). It's also quite faithful to her characters. Look, despite Miles' history, John Christian Falkenberg he isn't -- he wins on forward momentum and playing situations on his veins, not on being the ruthless strategist possessed of crystalline cold logic, and being helplessly in love doesn't change him. Thank heavens.

My favorite of all the Vorkosigan novels, in this installment Miles focuses his strategems on the wooing of a lovely young widow. Who else but Bujold could endow a dinner party with the excitment and panash of interstellar conflict? Witty and enjoyable from cover to cover!

I love this series, but this is the first time I laughed out loud while reading about Miles (at the dinner party). Start with"Cordelia's Honor" and then read all the Miles books. My husband just did (after my burst of laughter during the news one nite) and now I have him hooked on the Honor Harrington series.

I have been a Miles junkie from way back, but the more recent offerings in this series have served to wean me off the addiction. I understand that the types who like cute and clever romance love this book, and that's all well and good, but I misstrhe real Miles. I'm sorry.
The book is entertaining, and there are a few passages that are quite funny. But unlike Elizabeth Hayden, who infuses humor into romance, action, reflection and history with stellar characters, I feel that Bujold has sold Miles out a little. Still, it's worth reading. It just doesn't merit all the adulation.

This book was great. It had it all, and then some. I normally only like to read hardcore sci-fi and fantasy, and while this was more domestic that galactic, it was still very fine to read. I really do hope that she writes more!

A joy. Easily the most finely plotted book she's written, and also the funniest: bringing characters from the dozen-odd previous books in the series together to deeply satisfying effect. Bujold fans will have seen this one coming a long way off - the book where Miles finally sorts his love life out, yes! - and will have high expectations. Bujold exceeds them. Love, politics, high drama... and, of course, butter bugs.

My best friend introduced me to LMB's books in 1992... and I've hung with baited breath for each subsequent release since. In Mirror Dance I feared along with Mark, in Memory I felt desperation and identified with Miles as he (and I) ended our military careers, In Komarr I wept with Ekaterin in frustration with her imprisoning marriage. After the last few books I couldn't conceive of how LMB could wring more raw emotion from me. Now I know... and the emotion is joy.

I want MORE...whats next? What ELSE could Miles possibly get involved in? Bujold manages to make political infighting fun, funny, entertaining and exciting. I want to know what happens to the Better Butter Bugs, I want to know how Mark does from here, I want to know what happens to Nikki, is Ivan gonna get Miles' job after what he manages to pull off? I WANT MORE MILES!!! :) Thank you to Bujold for a wonderful cast of characters that never fail to entertain.

Some people say this book was disappointing and bad, but I LOVED IT!!!!! It was the funniest book, and I am so happy for all the people who got engaged or married (there are a ton). Read this book, it's great.

I have read all the Vorkosigan books and have loved each and every one (excepting Ethan of Athos). I LOVE Miles!! This one was a bit different from the others and to me the most fun to read. It was just plain enjoyable. I can't wait until Ms. Bujold releases the next one. My husband and I are both addicted and it is one of the few books we obtain in hard cover and as soon as it reaches the shelves. Thank you Ms. Bujold for writing this book as well as all the others.

This latest journey through the byzantine politics and mores of the developing planet Barrayar is liberally spiked with Bujold zingers and other jokes and is good for more than a few laughs. It is also an important entry in the continuing saga of Miles Vorkosigan. Its dominant theme is "bumbling men chase superfantastic women." That is carried to unnecessary extremes and enters the realm of male-bashing.

This is only the second book I've read in the Vorkosigan series, but I am dying to see if all of Ms. Bujold's other Vorkosigan books are of the same caliber. There is humor, excitement, romance, and science fiction all rapped up in the same fantastic package. The character development is superb, and the plot twists are surprising yet believable. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy read jam-packed with action and excitement. . .

Okay, I said that about Komarr, too. It just keeps getting better.
The Vorkosigan books started out as fine space opera, and they've continued being excellent stories while the author's use of the language has improved even beyond the best subtlety of Jane Austen. The dialogue is fantastic. What else can I say? It's worth the read no matter who you are.
Drop everything and read this whole series immediately.

Delectable, tart and fulfilling... Bujold's new book is all that and more. How does she do this time after time?
This book is marvelous. The characters continue to develop and grow in wisdom, teaching us the secrets of life on the way.
Please read this series. Few authors can touch your heart the way Bujold can. (Or tickle your funny bone with such finesse.) Don't wait, read now!

Miles VorKosigan has always been one of my favorite reads, starting with The Warrior's Apprentice and continuing on to A Civil Campaign. I even made the effort to read all the other works by Lois McMaster Bujold and finally think I understand her time line. The last two Miles books have been fantastic. I hope Ms. Bujold continues with the maturing of this wonderful character and his family, friends, and enemies.

Miles & Ekaterin's courtship, Liveried Vorkosigan Vomit bugs (courtesy of Lord Mark's bioengineering entepreneurship), and the Emperor's wedding mix well in this continuation of Komarr. I ignored my family for two days to finish it, chuckling non-stop.
I wish the next book were out now. But next time, I'd like more action. Maybe Bujold can do another novel about Quinn....

Okay, I said that about Komarr, too. It just keeps getting better.
The Vorkosigan books started out as fine space opera, and they've continued being excellent stories while the author's use of the language has improved even beyond the best subtlety of Jane Austen. The dialogue is fantastic. What else can I say? It's worth the read no matter who you are.
Drop everything and read this whole series immediately.

Delectable, tart and fulfilling... Bujold's new book is all that and more. How does she do this time after time?
This book is marvelous. The characters continue to develop and grow in wisdom, teaching us the secrets of life on the way.
Please read this series. Few authors can touch your heart the way Bujold can. (Or tickle your funny bone with such finesse.) Don't wait, read now!

Miles VorKosigan has always been one of my favorite reads, starting with The Warrior's Apprentice and continuing on to A Civil Campaign. I even made the effort to read all the other works by Lois McMaster Bujold and finally think I understand her time line. The last two Miles books have been fantastic. I hope Ms. Bujold continues with the maturing of this wonderful character and his family, friends, and enemies.

Miles & Ekaterin's courtship, Liveried Vorkosigan Vomit bugs (courtesy of Lord Mark's bioengineering entepreneurship), and the Emperor's wedding mix well in this continuation of Komarr. I ignored my family for two days to finish it, chuckling non-stop.
I wish the next book were out now. But next time, I'd like more action. Maybe Bujold can do another novel about Quinn....

The best yet from this great author. I followed the preliminary chapters and could not wait to get my hands on the book. I had been out of the country for a week and with jetlag and all I never closed my eyes until this book was finished. This is a first rate buy just to relieve the stress with laughter.

I've found that the best way to think of this book is not as a comedy of manners by Bujold, but as SF military fic by Jane Auston. It lacks some of searing psychodrama of the last few books (It is not Mirror Dance, which put me in a haze for two weeks), but it is _endlessly_ funny, entertaining, and manages to be really sweet and romantic, too.

This book has a major problem, IT ENDS. I started reading LMB with The Warrior's Aprentice and have since read all she has written, and she has never dissapointed me. ACC is no exception. In, what for me, has been a very good summer for the type of science fiction that I like ACC is the icing on the cake. I can not recommend it highly enough

I absolutely love this book, but I don't recommend that anyone reads this as their first novel in the Vorkosigan series (at least read Komarr first).
There's a lot going on in this book, but I would rather not ruin it for anyone. However, if nothing else, Mile's dinner party is worth the price of the book.

The best thing about Bujold is that she gets to the bloody point. She follows the golden rule of good science fiction. if you remove all the science you still have good fiction. Miles Vorkosigan is the most delightful literary character i've ever met. i hope he lasts forever.
Chris Land

Lois McMaster Bujold writes about well-developed characters in an interesting sci-fi background. This book continues to develop the characters in a very plausible and extremely funny manner. She's great! It's a wonderful read. Enjoy.

If you like a chick, occasionally it is a good idea to tell her.

Especially before you are in the middle of a formal situation and the M word might blurt out. A pretty lightweight part of the series this one, and you could easily skip it, as both of the M brothers try and sort out themselves and the various female acquaintances that they are keen on.

In this situation, they decide to become mummy's boys so she can use some of her wiles against the various potential in-laws standing in the way.

Bujold continues to deliver in this fun filled story! It is great the way the characters have deleloped since the first Miles books while still maintaining a sense of humor. Would recomend the series to anyone!

The last book of Miles saga is definetly the most disapointing. I used to be a great fan of Miles an Bujold serie. But this time I found nothing relevant in the story, no real character development, nothing.

The book is a collection of love stories about Miles, Gregor, and the Koudelka sisters. The typical action sequences in other Bujold books do not start here until page 338 in the 405 page hardcover edition.

Well, I love the book, read it four or five times already butI've only got one complaint....too many typos that just jar me forsome reason. Little things, but still jarring to my trained eye. I suppose that's the price you pay for getting a first edition, let's hope they fix them in the later printings.

I really liked this series until this book. This book should be titled Sex changes and Miles acts emotionally like a women". In all fairness, this is a common issue I have with most female authors, but usually there is enough action & adventure that it does not bother me much. I would guess that many women feel the same way about how male authors portray females in their books. Hope the next book in this series is better or it will be the last one for me.

I thought that Bujold's early books -- The Warrior's Apprentice and Shards of Honor -- were appealing, but like a lot of authors who start making the big $$$$ from writing ENDLESS series, her work has gone alarmingly downhill. I don't see how this can be called science fiction with a straight face.

Obviously the many positive reviews here (which mostly sound as if written by one person, using different psuedonyms, and undoubtedly in the employ of Ms. Bujold's publicist) demonstrate that loyal fans just want to see their favorite character(s) in similar situations over and over again, no matter how tired or lame. This phenomenon was richly explored in the many film and book adaptation of the Star Trek series -- a TV show that was actually good and ground-breaking...IN ITS DAY. However, when tired jokes and relationships are exploited to the maximum for the sole purpose of trotting out the aging tired actors for another "go-round", the whole thing became painfully embarassing. Such is the current state of the Miles Vorkosigan saga.

Just look at the cover -- OK, I know the author doesn't design the cover. But Ms. Bujold is a very popular, famous, award-winning author and she udoubtedly has a lot of clout with the publishing house. WHY WHY WHY does the book jacket depict a man of normal height and handsome looks, dancing with a beautiful girl? This is a classic cover ripped off of any standard Harlequin romance (dear readers, just step one or two aisles over). Who the hell is it supposed to depict? It can't be Miles, because he is a 4'9" hunchbacked dwarf with spindley limbs. It can't be his clone brother Mark, because he is a FAT dwarf. Who is the woman? Why are they wearing clothing from approx. 19th century Europe anyhow?

Am I the only one reading these books who realizes that the "so-called" futuristic sci fi setting is actually a loose adaptation of Tsarist Russia, right down the estates, the nobleman, emperor (tsar), etc.? Even many of the names are Russian -- Ekaterin, Ivan, Gregor -- or East European.

I think for all her Hugos and Nebula's, Lois Bujold is nothing more than a frustrated romance writer. Maybe she is actually off writing genuine historical romances under another name! I hope so for her sake, because she is clearly bored out of her mind with the usual elements of sci fi, the spaceships, time travel, strange new worlds and all that. This book is nearly devoid of any sci fi elements whatsoever.

I think Bujold gives it all up in the dedication, which coyly mentions by first name Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer etc. (Does anyone under 50 remember Georgette Heyer? In her day, she was a prolific and very popular writer of just this kind of whimsical period romance, where the struggle is whether a couple will get together or not -- sort of Austen-light.)

To get back to the book jacket: I think this actually reveals the fact that neither the author nor fans have really sat down and pictured what Miles would really look like in the arms of a normal woman. You don't see a whole lot of deformed-dwarf/regular-gal hook-ups in the real world, and this is why. There are...ummm. let's just be kind and say "physical impediments" to a satisfying relationship. (To confess, at 5'6", I once dated a perfectly normal man who was 5'2" and it felt like I was molesting a 12 year old boy.) Actually dealing with this real world problem would skim a lot of charm off the series, so the author dodges it for a visit to fantasy island.

I've wondered all along why Bujold can't imagine Miles, or Mark for that matter, hooking up with a similarly handicapped or physically challenged woman (and I don't mean an 8ft tall Wookie). I guess that's not "romantic" -- men can be shrimps (i.e., Napoleon) and rule the world...but God forbid that female protagonists be anything but pretty, pretty, pretty.

At any rate, "A Civil Campaign" is only science fiction, if your standard is the OLD Battlestar Galatica series or maybe Lost in Space...and it's only witty or charming, if your standard is "Gilmore Girls".

All I can say about Ms. Bujold anymore is "Cha CHING!" You go, babe! Living well is the best revenge! (But it doesn't make for good literature.)