Miles Vorkosigan--CETAGANDA - any final thoughts?

[Stefan, Group Founder + Moderator (Retired)]

We're starting with the next book in the series, Ethan of Athos, on Sunday, so... any final thoughts about Cetaganda?

(And I really hope some of you are still reading along! Many people consider the books after Ethan of Athos to be the best part of the series...)

[[deleted user]]

Not just reading along, I re-read the Miles books when we started and they really gave me a lift. I didn't read Ethan of Athos then so I got it and will be reading it soon, after I finish the Wheel of Time series re-read I'm on before I read the book that just came out, The Gathering Storm. Really enjoying my reading lately! I did enjoy Cetaganda when I read it. Bujold has such a dry wit!

[Kelly]

I enjoyed Cetaganda too, Miles is an irresistable character.

[Carolyn]

I've been enjoying them so much that I've been reading ahead!

I just started Diplomatic Immunity last night and I'm trying to read slower to make it last longer, since it's the last one. = (

[Ken]

When I read this one I liked it. It was a break from Naismith, we got to see more of the "real" Miles. I enjoyed it.
After reading Jo Waltons review I would have to say I could see where fans reading the books as they were published would be a little put off, its a bit different that Mirror Dance and Brothers in Arms.

[Kathi, Moderator & Book Lover]

Ken wrote: "It was a break from Naismith, we got to see more of the "real" Miles.."

As fun as Naismith & the Mercenaries are, I prefer Miles as Miles and that's why I liked this book so much.

[William]

As fun as Naismith & the Mercenaries are, I prefer Miles as Miles and that's why I liked this book so much.
"

I agree, I don't think Bujold could have written such a long, interesting series just focusing on Admiral Naismith. He is an entertaining persona, and his fleet does have some good plotlines, but the series has most depth when Miles is being Miles Vorkosigan. There's also not really as much opportunity for character development when focusing on Naismith, since he isn't a real character and Miles has to keep up a certain facade at all times when he is the admiral.

[Shel, Moderator]

Piping in late again... I just finished this, and I really liked it. I loved the world-building and was fascinated by the Cetagandan culture. I liked the smaller-scale focus of the book, and there were a lot of very funny parts. Ethan of Athos next! :)