Barrayar cover art

Barrayar

A Vorkosigan Adventure

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Barrayar

By: Lois McMaster Bujold
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
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About this listen

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

Critic Reviews

1992 Hugo Award, Best Novel
All stars
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I like the main character's intelligence, acerbic wit, and the way she interprets Barrayarran culture.

The story kept my attention, as all McMaster Bujold's books do. The world building is convincing and flavourful, the characters are diverse and relatable.

The narrator's voice is too much like an older man's roughened voice for my liking, and doesn't suit the story, however I acknowledge that he has done a fine job of reading, the characters voices are very distinct from eachother, the emotions are clearly and appropriately conveyed, so I still give full points. If Arral had been the protagonist, Grover Gardiner would have been an appropriate narrator.

family scifi

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I wish it was more "Space Opera" THis story takes place exclusively on the titular planet. A good story, with nice action pieces, But more of a political drama than Shards of Honour. Grover Gardner is an excellent Narrator.

Good Sci fi

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I have read this book over and over. It has the power to make me laugh, cry, smile and the ending gives me chills of happiness. Such a good book!

Barrayar

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