seriously though why isn't the Vorkosigan Saga more popular/well known in the sci fi canon?? it's shockingly ahead of its time, has brilliant world-building, some of the most compelling characters I've ever encountered in literature, and excellent top tier prose and plotting. it brilliantly tackles themes of gender, disability, politics, and family dynamics and has romance, action, mystery, intrigue, and did I mention incredible world-building??
it's like Game of Thrones meets Star Trek meets The Expanse meets Regency romance. it's incredible.
if you haven't heard of this AMAZING series by Lois McMaster Bujold, run don't walk and go read it immediately!!!!
also, fun fact, Lois Bujold got her start writing fanfic for Star Trek fanzines, which REALLY makes sense when you look at the content of her writing lol
the series wasn't written chronologically but it's definitely best to read it chronologically with one exception (which is to read Falling Free before Diplomatic Immunity).
here's my personal preferred reading order (with some notes):
Shards of Honor - 1986
start here! this book is about 33-year-old Cordelia, an astrocartographer from Beta Colony (Star Trek commie soyboy planet), and how she meets and falls in love with 44-year-old Aral Vorkosigan, a general from Barrayar (military aristocracy feudalism planet)
Barrayar - 1991
continues the story of Cordelia and Aral's romance, with many complications
The Warrior’s Apprentice - 1986
from this book onwards, the protagonist of the series shifts to Miles, Cordelia and Aral's disabled son. I was bracing myself for this switch because I was so attached to Cordelia, but 17-year-old Miles immediately jumps off the page here and quickly became one of my all time favorite literary characters. he's a disabled nepo baby from an extremely prejudiced and ableist society who may or may not have inspired Tyrion Lannister. he's incredible, character of all time, no notes
The Mountains of Mourning (novella) - 1989
this one is a novella that is part of The Borders of Infinity, which is a framing device for 3 novellas. the framing part of the book is set after Brothers in Arms, but I recommend reading each individual novella as it falls chronologically and then going back and reading the framing sections later
The Vor Game - 1990
Miles is 20 now
Cetaganda - 1995
a fun murder mystery starring 22-year-old Miles
Ethan of Athos - 1986
this book is somewhat of a detour because Miles isn't in it, but it heavily features a character who later becomes his girlfriend. it's set concurrently to Cetaganda
Labyrinth (novella) - 1989
another novella from Borders of Infinity which introduces Taura, a character who becomes very important to Miles
The Borders of Infinity (novella) - 1987
the final novella from the Borders of Infinity. it goes here chronologically. the framing device is technically set after Brothers in Arms, but it's fine to read here too if you want
Brothers in Arms - 1989
Miles goes to Earth in this one! kudos to Lois for pulling off one of my least favorite plot devices here (a secret clone) and making it an incredible and heart-breaking exploration of identity and character
Mirror Dance - 1994
this book is probably one of the best in the whole series. Lois was really cooking with this one! split POV between Miles and his clone brother, Mark
Memory - 1996
this book is a little quieter than the previous ones, but in a really good way
Komarr - 1998
introduces Miles primary love interest, Ekaterin, and splits POV between her and Miles. they're both 30 here
A Civil Campaign - 1999
this one is like, a classic Shakespearean comedy in terms of structure. apparently it was inspired by Regency romance. it's absolutely incredible and one of my favorites in the series
Winterfair Gifts (short story) - 2004
Miles and Ekaterin's wedding, told from the POV of one of their armsmen. sort of a Christmas special but in a good way!
Falling Free - 1988
another detour. this book is actually set 200 years before the events of the series, but it tells the origin story of the Quaddies and is relevant to Diplomatic Immunity, hence why I suggest reading it here
Diplomatic Immunity - 2002
32-year-old Miles and his wife untangle a diplomatic crisis with the Quaddies
Captain Vorpatril’s Alliance - 2012
told from the POV of Miles' cousin Ivan
The Flowers of Vashnoi (novella) - 2018
a novella about Ekaterin, Miles' wife
Cryoburn - 2010
get ready to WEEP
Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen - 2016
we're back in Cordelia's POV for this one. lots of spicy revelations about her and Aral's marriage (including a space throuple)!!!! we love to see it!!!
I read this series so insanely fast, like I was quite literally blasting through one book a day (each book is around 300 pages so it's not as crazy as it sounds), but that's honestly how good they are.
every single book has at least one moment that made me stop short and really think about my life. I would say the whole series is kind of a meditation on the concept of honor. and also gender issues and disability politics. some of the gender terminology is dated, but the sentiments are extremely forward-thinking, especially considering when these books were largely written. as I mentioned, the main character is disabled, and there are MANY queer and gender non-conforming characters throughout the series!
if you like Ursula LeGuin, you'll probably enjoy these! honestly surprised Bujold isn't as well-known/highly regarded as LeGuin, because imo they're very similar and very comparable!!!
again, run don't walk!!! these books need to be more popular so they get reprinted and I can buy a box set!!!! there should be an HBO show!!!!
