Review of 'Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga #1)' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
4.0 stars
313 pages
English language
Published April 22, 1991
Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga #1)
4 stars
(6 reviews)
Shards of Honor is an English language science fiction novel by Lois McMaster Bujold, first published in June 1986. It is a part of the Vorkosigan Saga, and is the first full-length novel in publication order. Shards of Honor is paired with Bujold's 1991 Barrayar in the omnibus Cordelia's Honor (1996).Bujold had written Shards of Honor, its sequel The Warrior's Apprentice and the standalone Ethan of Athos before all three were sold and published in 1986.
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.
Review of 'Shards of Honor (Vorkosigan Saga #1)' on 'Storygraph'
3 stars
I liked it. It is a rich universe with politics, history and conflict.
The main character, Cordelia Naismith, is the captain of a survey ship from the peaceful Beta Colony. And there is Lord Aral Vorkosigan who is the leader of a secret military mission from the planet Barrayar. It starts with an attack to Cordelia's base camp that leads here into the hands of Vorkosigan, as a prisoner. There is a subtle tension between the two characters as they have to team together to stay alive. The plot brings discussions about honor, xenophobia, war crimes and cultural differences.
There is moderate action, lots of politics and just a hint of romance.
