Shards of Honor

by Lois McMaster Bujold
Shards of Honor cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical
  • ID: 2569
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • ISBN: 9781625780294
  • Publisher: Spectrum Literary Agency, Inc.
  • Reviews: 3

When Cordelia Naismith's survey crew is ambushed by Barrayan renegades, she finds herself a prisoner of Aral Vorkosigan, a commander whose ship has been seized by a power-hungry subordinate. As they evade peril together, an unexpected bond forms between them, blending action, emotion, and the complexities of honor and duty. This Hugo and Nebula Award-winning novel by Lois McMaster Bujold is the first in her celebrated Vorkosigan Saga, a series that has captivated readers with its richly imagined future history and unforgettable characters. Bujold's background in science fiction, inspired by her father's engineering career, lends authenticity to her world-building, making this a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-15
fantastic 4.75

The characters are fascinating and the plot is engaging, making it a book worth rereading. The reviewer looks forward to the next installment in the series.

This reviewer was captivated by the fascinating characters and engaging plot, which made the book a joy to read. They mentioned that they have reread this series about every six months, highlighting its lasting appeal. The reviewer is already looking forward to the next installment, indicating a high level of satisfaction with the story and characters.

Quick quotes

    Fascinating characters; engaging plot.

    Looking forward to the next one already!

    Looks like I've reread this series about every six months for the past couple of years.

The Frumious Consortium · 2024-09-14
good 4.00

The book feels self-contained and doesn't read like the start of a long series, which is a strength. It stands well on its own while still leaving room for further stories.

The reviewer noted that Shards of Honor doesn't feel like the beginning of a lengthy series, which they saw as a positive. They appreciated that the story is self-contained and can be enjoyed on its own, even though it leaves room for further exploration. This approach allows the book to shine as a standalone narrative while still setting the stage for future adventures.

Quick quotes

    Shards of Honor does not read like the start of a series that would grow to well more than a dozen books.

    Its ending is open, but it's generally self-contained.

    The book stands on its own, which is a refreshing change.

Markus McDowell · 2023-09-13
excellent 4.50

The plot moves along beautifully with excellent pacing, balancing quick action with moments of reflection. The story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a compelling read.

This reviewer was impressed by the pacing of the story, noting how Bujold skillfully balances fast-moving action with slower, more reflective moments. They found the plot engaging and well-crafted, highlighting the author's ability to keep the reader hooked. The reviewer also appreciated the depth of the characters and the way their relationships develop throughout the story, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    The plot moves along beautifully.

    Bujold has an excellent sense of pacing, moving quickly and then slowing us down for a break.

    This all drives the story along at a brisk clip, making it a compelling read.

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