'The Warrior's Apprentice' in the 'Vorkosigan Saga' introduces readers to the young Miles Vorkosigan, a teenage hero who relies on his wits rather than his physical abilities. Born malformed on a world that shuns physical irregularity, Miles sees service in the Barrayaran military as a way to prove himself. After failing to enter the Barrayaran Imperial Service Academy due to his physical limitations, Miles embarks on a series of adventures that lead him to pose as a mercenary leader, unintentionally building a mercenary fleet. The book follows Miles as he navigates complex situations, tells escalating lies, and unravels a conspiracy against him and his family, all while showcasing Bujold's deft combination of humor, action, and suspense.
The writing style in 'The Warrior's Apprentice' is described as fast-paced, character-driven, and engaging, with moments of touching insight into human nature. The plot is lauded for its humor, action, and suspense, with a smart yet vulnerable protagonist, Miles Vorkosigan, who learns from his mistakes. Despite some coincidences that strain credulity, the book is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged and entertained throughout the story.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of disability, political violence, and socio-political discussions that may be sensitive for some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance; it figures into the character’s motivations but is not the primary focus of the plot.
From The Publisher:
Discharged from the Barrarayan academy after flunking the physical, a discouraged Miles Vorkosigan takes possession of a jumpship and becomes the leader of a mercenary force that expands to a fleet of treasonous proportions.
With an all-new introduction by Lois McMaster Bujold.
About Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga:
"The pace is breathless, the characterization thoughtful and emotionally powerful, and the author's narrative technique and command of language compelling. Highly recommended."-Booklist
"[The Warrior's Apprentice] would work just fine. . . as the introduction to the series as a whole. I suspect that anybody who reads one will be as charmed as I was and want to pick up the rest."-SF Site
"If you love solid space opera rooted in strong character, you can't go wrong. . . . The Warrior's Apprentice already displays the craft and the heart which would soon make Lois McMaster Bujold one of the most feted talents in SF."-SF Reviews
About Vorkosigan series entry Diplomatic Immunity:
"Bujold is adept at world-building and provides a witty, character-centered plot, full of exquisite grace notes. . . fans will be thoroughly gripped and likely to finish the book in a single sitting."-Publishers Weekly
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
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen
Ratings (34)
Incredible (10) | |
Loved It (17) | |
Liked It (6) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (50):
Read It (33) | |
Want To Read (12) | |
Not Interested (5) |
3 comment(s)
characters were really cool
I AM OBSESSED.
Our main character, Miles, is so driven and motivated you can't help but root for him.
Contributing to the entertainment is the plot that keeps getting more and more wild as coincidences conspire to make the quest as hard as possible. This combines with Miles' foolhardy decisions to provide both problems and solutions in great packages of irony.
Warrior's Apprentice was my introduction to Lois McMaster-Bujold, and I've been in love with her work ever since. The Vorkosigan saga is my favorite series. The author combines a great futuristic environment with amazing characters and allows all of them to grow within the series. Even with the story being in the science fiction category, so much of the universe feels real and relatable to our world.
The primary character, Miles Vorkosigan, is born into privilege, but he isn't accepted by his peers because of issues outside of his control. Through the series he struggles with this theme, trying to find a way to fit into his society.
What can you read after
The Warrior's Apprentice?
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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