Barrayar Audiobook By Lois McMaster Bujold cover art

Barrayar

A Vorkosigan Adventure

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Barrayar

By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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Political intrigue, culture clash and romance make a stirring mix in this award-winning follow-up novel to the acclaimed Shards of Honor.

In the wake of interplanetary war, former commander Cordelia Naismith has deserted her own planet to marry the leader of the defeated enemy, Aral Vorkosigan. On his home planet of Barrayar, two rival factions are eyeing the recently vacated throne, and Aral, recently appointed Regent of Barrayar by the Emperor on his deathbed, must stand between them.

Lord and Lady Vorkosigan, Aral and Cordelia struggle to establish stability in a fragile government thrown into confusion by the transition of power and the threat of civil war. When a palace coup endangers the government, their lives, and her unborn son, Cordelia takes action to secure the safety of her new family and new home.

Hi-fi sci-fi: listen to more in the Vorkosigan saga.©1991 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Science Fiction Fiction War Fantasy Adventure

Critic reviews

1992 Hugo Award, Best Novel

Featured Article: 12 of the Best Sci-Fi Series in Audio


From the furthest reaches of space to the microbiology of pandemics and gene manipulation, to the future implications of technology for societies similar to our own, science fiction is a fascinating genre that offers listeners a wide variety of ways to access its themes. In looking for the best sci-fi audiobook series, it can be difficult to know where to start due to the genre's sheer number of iterations and variations. But what these series have in common is an acute devotion to telling a good story, as well as fully building out the worlds therein. The writing is enhanced by the creative and impassioned narration.

Featured Article 12 of the Best Sci Fi Series in Audio
Complex Characters • Political Intrigue • Strong Female Protagonist • Cultural Contrasts • Engaging Plot
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An excellent back-fill of Miles' origins. I really liked how characters that play a big role later in Miles' life are introduced and developed here. Cordelia is also interesting as a character on her own - trying to make it in a world very different from her home planet.

There is no confusion as to what political stance Bujold holds, but it isn't overwhelming or condescending. There's enough action and suspense to keep the story moving forward, but the book has a huge character and society development component to it. After the denouement there is still quite a bit of "story" to read - there is no action or suspense in this part, but it's very interesting if you really want to know how Miles (and his compatriots) came to be.

The narrator is the same as in the rest of the Miles' books - he does a good job but, since the main character is Cordelia, it was a bit odd to hear the voice I associated with Miles in the other books when Cordelia was talking.

Excellent backfill story

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I love these stories, super characters, well fleshed out and brought to life by Grover Gardeners reading.

I love the Vorkosigan stories

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Predictable plot, but still entertaining. The narrator performed well and made the story worth listening to.

Good story

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This is the novel that got me started on the series. Talk about STRONG female leads!

Lady Cordelia goes Shopping

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I enjoyed the first (free) book so much that I signed up for this. The story is well written and flows wonderfully. The narrator is excellent.

It's worth it

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Would you consider the audio edition of Barrayar to be better than the print version?

yes

What did you like best about this story?

it's often surprising, and funny, and gives great insight into the characters, with lots of action, too

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

great with the voices, the pacing ... making the book even better, without putting his performance in the forefront.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I've read them all, and the audio versions are even better than print.

My favorite, of the whole Vorkosigan series

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Characters are interesting and intriguing. A great collection of space operas across the Bariarian galaxy.

Love the Vorkosian books

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The entire series including this book is well written in every way and narrated masterfully. I’m listening to it for the 3rd time.

The best series you could choose

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An absolutely gorgeous space opera. Bujold’s world building is so dynamic and richly appointed. I cannot get enough of her writing.

Amazing and Vibrant

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Series is quickly climbing up to my favourite scifi series list, best book so far without a doubt

If I trusted hollywood I'd want this as a film

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