Miles, Mystery & Mayhem

Really interesting collection of stories about what it means to be human. Bujold teases with ideas of biological and social determination in fun and poignant ways. Perhaps the most interesting moment of these three stories is Miles' realization that Taura can speak, and the immediate shift in perception (and tactic) he has because of it.

I also really liked that Bujold gives us the opportunity to visit other planets. She states in the afterword that with Cetaganda she wanted to make the Cetagandans more interesting than just a stock enemy that's trying to take over the galaxy, a goal she accomplishes it skilfully. Bujold particularly excels at creating, and showing, realistically complex political systems and intertwined personal relationships and motives without getting bogged down in dry exposition.

I have to admit, I kept waiting for Miles to appear in Ethan of Athos, which probably says more about me as a reader than anything else. However, I think it was good to have kept the story focused on Ethan and Elli — the latter of which I had no idea would be making a return, after having last "seen" her several novels ago without a face. And of course, I can only wonder at this point what other minor characters may reappear to seize the stage...