
"Shards of Honour" by Lois McMaster Bujold is a space opera that follows the story of Captain Cordelia Naismith of the Betan Expeditionary Force and Captain Aral Vorkosigan of the Barrayaran Imperial Navy. When their paths cross on an unexplored planet after facing different challenges, they must work together to survive and navigate through war, love, and complicated loyalties. The book introduces the readers to the origins of Miles Vorkosigan's parents and sets the stage for a series of adventures in a universe filled with political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and unexpected romance.
The narrative of "Shards of Honour" is driven by well-developed characters like Cordelia and Aral, who are portrayed as mature, complex protagonists with interesting dynamics. The writing style is described as engaging, with elements of romance, action, and adventure interwoven into a science fiction setting. The story explores themes of survival, love, and the clash of cultures, offering a blend of character-driven storytelling and intriguing world-building that sets the foundation for a long-running series.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Warnings include discussions of sexual assault, wartime violence, and trauma, which may be distressing for some readers.
Has Romance?
The romance between Cordelia and Aral is central to the story, marking it as a significant aspect of the plot.
From The Publisher:
FIRST BOOK FEATURING CORDELIA NAISMITH. Journey back to where it all started, from multiple New York Times best selling author, Hugo Award winner, Lois McMaster Bujold.
When Cordelia Naismith and her survey crew are attacked by a renegade group from Barrayar, she is taken prisoner by Aral Vorkosigan, commander of the Barrayan ship that has been taken over by an ambitious and ruthless crew member. Aral and Cordelia survive countless mishaps while their mutual admiration and even stronger feelings emerge.
About Shards of Honor:
"All in all, Shards is a worthy effort, and worth reading for any fan of SF romance."-Analog
About Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga:
"Bujold mixes quirky humor with action [and] superb character development…[E]normously satisfying."-Publishers Weekly.
"One of sf's outstanding talents . . . an outstanding series."-Booklist
". . . an intelligent, well-crafted and thoroughly satisfying blend of adventure, sociopolitical commentary, scientific experiments, and occasional perils . . . with that extra spicing of romance. . . ."-Locus
The Vorkosigan Series in Story-based Chronological Order
Falling Free
Shards of Honor
Barrayar
The Warrior's Apprentice
The Vor Game
Cetaganda
Ethan of Athos
Borders of Infinity
Brothers in Arms
Mirror Dance
Memory
Komarr
A Civil Campaign
Diplomatic Immunity
Captain Vorpatril's Alliance
CryoBurn
MILES, MYSTERY & MAYHEM
contains Cetaganda, Ethan of Athos
YOUNG MILES
contains The Warrior's Apprentice + stories
CORDELIA'S HONOR
contains Shards of Honor, Barayarr
MILES, MUTANTS & MICROBES
contains Falling Free, Diplomatic Immunity
MILES IN LOVE
contains Komarr, A Civil Campaign
MILES ERRANT
contains Brothers in Arms, Mirror Dance
Ratings (72)
Incredible (16) | |
Loved It (21) | |
Liked It (23) | |
It Was OK (7) | |
Did Not Like (3) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (193):
Read It (72) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (64) | |
Did Not Finish (5) | |
Not Interested (51) |
3 comment(s)
Too much space politics, was rlly nice but just just couldn't get into it
awfull flat characters, romance
It's amazing how even tho I know this story already from reading its sequels, it still managed to surprise and enchant me
About the Author:
A science fiction and fantasy legend, Lois McMaster Bujold has won seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. Her Miles Vorkosigan saga is a massively popular science fiction mainstay. Her many New York Times bestsellers include previous series entries Cryoburn, Diplomatic Immunity, and Captain Vorpatril's Alliance. In 2020, Ms. Bujold was named the 36th Damon Knight Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
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