I’ve heard a lot about Lois McMaster Bujold’s Vorkosigan Saga series of books. It was referred to me as a fun, intelligent space opera that isn’t just about ships fighting. So, I decided to start at the beginning (the first one in the series, not the first one in the book’s chonology), Shards of Honor. The book more closely resembles a romance set within a space opera. But, for those readers who aren’t into romance, it’s not like a Romance novel. It’s about the relationship between two should-be enemies who are a lot more alike than they would originally believe. Let’s check it out.

Betan Expeditionary Force Captain Cordelia Naismith leads a planet survey that goes awry when a Barrayaran ship lands. She orders her ship to leave and tries to hide with her away team. Things get complicated when the Barrayaran leader, Captain Aral Vorkosigan, is the victim of a mutiny. Now, the two enemies must struggle to survive a journey across the planet with a wounded Betan team member. The two should-be enemies bond during this time and this bond grows after Vorkosigan is able to retake his ship.

After being rescued, Cordelia realizes that she doesn’t fit in with the Betans any more. But, the Barrayarans have declared war on the Betans. From here, we get politics, betrayals, plans within plans and a blossoming romance along the way.

The plot isn’t that complex, but exists mainly to have a place for the romance to grow. The characters are wonderful, even with some over-the-top Barrayaran enemies (of both Cordelia and Vorkosigan). This relationship and characterization kept me reading along, even with the skimpiest of plots. Don’t go in expecting war stories and hard science, but read this book for the characters and their relationship and you won’t be disappointed. Recommended.