Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Baen (1996), Edition: Reprint, Mass Market Paperback
Description
Fiction. Science Fiction & Fantasy. HTML: When the Cetagandan empress dies, Miles Vorkosigan and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda for her funeral as diplomatic representatives of Barrayar. Upon arriving, the two men are inexplicably attacked by a servant of the late empress. When the same servant turns up dead the next day, Miles and Ivan find themselves caught in the middle of a mystery. Miles tries to play detective in a strange, complicated, and deceptively alien culture, while lascivious Ivan manages to get himself involved with several noble females at the same time, a diplomatic no-no of the first order. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that it's up to Miles to save the empire. With her usual skill, Bujold addresses timeless issues of human identity through the personal dramas of her characters..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: The Cetagandan Empire may be Barrayar's main military rival, but when the Cetagandan Empress dies, political niceties must still be maintained. In this case, the young officer Miles Vorkosigan, son of the Barrayaran Prime Minister, and his cousin Ivan are sent to Cetaganda to attend the
Miles and Ivan are torn about how to report this incident, and to whom, and puzzled as to how they've acquired such obviously powerful enemies so quickly. Also puzzling is the mysterious object left behind: a seemingly inert rod bearing the seal of the Star Crèche -- the elite genetic repository for the Cetagandan upper class. The Cetagandan aristocracy is rigidly stratified, with the Ghem Lords in charge of the military, and the Haut Lords ruling the Ghem. The Haut exist in such luxury and seclusion that Haut Ladies travel everywhere inside opaque force-field bubbles, seen in the flesh by no one outside the Haut.
With that social system in mind, Miles is shocked when a Haut Lady corners him to demand the return of the missing object. But given that he still doesn't know why he and Ivan were attacked in the first place, Miles is unsure whom to trust, even as he uncovers a plot that could shatter the very foundations of the Cetagandan Empire.
Review: The more I listen, the more I realize that the Vorkosigan Saga books come in several distinct types, and Cetaganda has confirmed that I prefer the books that are centered around a mystery more than the books that focus heavily on military strategy. Sleuthing beats spacefights, at least on my own personal scale. Cetaganda takes place almost entirely planet-side, and it's got a good and delicious mystery at its core. It's well paced, with each fresh revelation only leading to a deeper mystery, so that you're left feeling satisfied yet intrigued throughout. Clues are sprinkled around, although some of the more important ones are subtle enough that they can zip right past and be gone if you're not listening closely.
While Lois McMaster Bujold's familiar themes of identity and what makes a person who they are continue to be developed throughout the book, what I found the most interesting thematically was the development of the Cetagandan caste system and the relative role of gender. Bujold has built a society that takes traditional gender roles and power structures and gives them a new twist, taking them to their extremes in a way I've not seen before. The world of the unapproachable Haut Ladies actually makes a very interesting counterpoint to the all-male society of Ethan of Athos, which is the next book in the series' internal chronology.
This book also had a very interesting play on the political boundaries of the Barrayaran Empire. Barrayar and Cetaganda, while not (currently) active enemies, are tense rivals at best, and Miles finds himself in a position where he can choose to save the Cetagandan power base from falling into disarray. The ending of the book hints at the broader political implications of his choices, but I thought they could have been expanded upon more than they were.
The audio production was seamlessly enjoyable; Gardner's slightly sarcastic voice is a great fit both for Miles's character and for Bujold's dry wit. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Miles's background is less important to Cetaganda than it is to some of the other mid-series Vorkosigan novels, so it could ostensibly be read on its own. However, it's a lot richer for knowing more about the rest of the Galactic worlds, to better bring Cetagandan society into contrast.
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galactic funeral proceedings. However, they've barely made it off their spaceship -- and haven't, to their knowledge, offended anyone yet -- when they're attacked by a servant of the late empress… The same servant who is later found in the middle of the mourning procession with his throat cut.Miles and Ivan are torn about how to report this incident, and to whom, and puzzled as to how they've acquired such obviously powerful enemies so quickly. Also puzzling is the mysterious object left behind: a seemingly inert rod bearing the seal of the Star Crèche -- the elite genetic repository for the Cetagandan upper class. The Cetagandan aristocracy is rigidly stratified, with the Ghem Lords in charge of the military, and the Haut Lords ruling the Ghem. The Haut exist in such luxury and seclusion that Haut Ladies travel everywhere inside opaque force-field bubbles, seen in the flesh by no one outside the Haut.
With that social system in mind, Miles is shocked when a Haut Lady corners him to demand the return of the missing object. But given that he still doesn't know why he and Ivan were attacked in the first place, Miles is unsure whom to trust, even as he uncovers a plot that could shatter the very foundations of the Cetagandan Empire.
Review: The more I listen, the more I realize that the Vorkosigan Saga books come in several distinct types, and Cetaganda has confirmed that I prefer the books that are centered around a mystery more than the books that focus heavily on military strategy. Sleuthing beats spacefights, at least on my own personal scale. Cetaganda takes place almost entirely planet-side, and it's got a good and delicious mystery at its core. It's well paced, with each fresh revelation only leading to a deeper mystery, so that you're left feeling satisfied yet intrigued throughout. Clues are sprinkled around, although some of the more important ones are subtle enough that they can zip right past and be gone if you're not listening closely.
While Lois McMaster Bujold's familiar themes of identity and what makes a person who they are continue to be developed throughout the book, what I found the most interesting thematically was the development of the Cetagandan caste system and the relative role of gender. Bujold has built a society that takes traditional gender roles and power structures and gives them a new twist, taking them to their extremes in a way I've not seen before. The world of the unapproachable Haut Ladies actually makes a very interesting counterpoint to the all-male society of Ethan of Athos, which is the next book in the series' internal chronology.
This book also had a very interesting play on the political boundaries of the Barrayaran Empire. Barrayar and Cetaganda, while not (currently) active enemies, are tense rivals at best, and Miles finds himself in a position where he can choose to save the Cetagandan power base from falling into disarray. The ending of the book hints at the broader political implications of his choices, but I thought they could have been expanded upon more than they were.
The audio production was seamlessly enjoyable; Gardner's slightly sarcastic voice is a great fit both for Miles's character and for Bujold's dry wit. 4 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Miles's background is less important to Cetaganda than it is to some of the other mid-series Vorkosigan novels, so it could ostensibly be read on its own. However, it's a lot richer for knowing more about the rest of the Galactic worlds, to better bring Cetagandan society into contrast.
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LibraryThing member ragwaine
My god this woman can write. I mean I'm sure it helps that I've read a bunch of her Miles books, but to be trite, "she really has a way with words". That said, I got kind of lost in this one, as I have in some of her other books. Starting to think that maybe reading her books in physical form might
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be a better idea than listening to them on audio. They just get really complex sometimes with lots of characters with strange names and all kinds of intrigue going on. Show Less
LibraryThing member jimmaclachlan
While this was another fun addition to the series, it struck me as a bit too convoluted & convenient to really work at times. Much hinged on security & technology gaffs that didn't fully make sense, still it was a fun trip featuring Miles & Ivan. They're great characters & if you just go along for
It was also nice to get a better look at Ceteganda. They're mentioned quite often in other books, but this is the first time we get to see the beasts in their natural habitat. Their philosophy, culture, & world is interesting.
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the ride, it's quite entertaining.It was also nice to get a better look at Ceteganda. They're mentioned quite often in other books, but this is the first time we get to see the beasts in their natural habitat. Their philosophy, culture, & world is interesting.
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LibraryThing member MrsLee
Miles and Ivan are sent to attend the state funeral of the Empress of Cetaganda. Much to Ivan's chagrin, they soon find themselves embroiled in secrets, intrigue and a murder investigation.
This is the first book I read in the Vorkosigan saga, I first heard it on audio and it sent me scurrying off
This is the first book I read in the Vorkosigan saga, I first heard it on audio and it sent me scurrying off
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to find all the novels. I am not a scifi fan, but I love these. Miles and those around him are real fleshed out characters I enjoy spending time with. I am now reading them through chronologically. Show Less
LibraryThing member satyridae
This entry in the Vorkosigan Saga struck me as a little lighter than the others. It was very enjoyable, full of sparkling dialogue and the oversized personality of Miles. They mystery at the heart of the story was a bit contrived, I thought, and this one's not going to be my favorite.
LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
Cetaganda is the fifth story in the Vorkosigan Saga, a space opera series by Bujold. By this time a whole lot of story has passed, and I wouldn't try reading this novel as a standalone. This is a favorite series of mine, primarily for it's foremost character, Miles Vorkosigan. Miles is born with
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near-crippling physical disabilities, short, brittle-boned and hunchbacked, into a military culture that prizes physical vitality and good looks. That means he has had to work hard for acceptance and respect--and to compensate for his physical drawbacks with a very canny mind. The man can talk his way into and out of almost everything, and that's a lot of what makes this fun to read. This also presents an interesting society on the planet Cetaganda--a very hierarchical and tightly controlled society. They're the traditional enemies and rivals of Mile's Barrayar, and Miles and his cousin Ivan are there as part of a diplomatic delegation attending a state funeral. While there Miles is caught up in a murder mystery that could bring war between their two planets and goes up to the highest levels of Cetaganda society. Like all the Vorkosigan stories I've read thus far, this is a fun, entertaining fast-paced read as well as a solidly written mystery. Show Less
LibraryThing member VVilliam
Another great book in the Vorkosigan saga that is exciting to read from the sci-fi elements and an intriguing mystery.
LibraryThing member Fledgist
Miles solves a crime in the heart of the Cetagandan court and is suitably punished or rewarded for it.
LibraryThing member MrsLee
Two ambassadors head to a former enemy planet to attend the funeral of its empress. Before they can even land, an event happens which could put the two empires at war again. Now it is up to Miles Vokorsigan to unravel the mystery and put the spark out before it catches.
This was the first book by
This was the first book by
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Bujold I have read, and one of the very few sci-fi books I have enjoyed. The wry humor, mystery and action were a treat. The narrator of this (I listened to the audio version) did not have a voice I enjoy, but he read well and the story overcame that. I'm looking forward to more! Show Less
LibraryThing member love2laf
Good Miles story, but perhaps, I've read too many in a row? Or Cetaganda is just not a planet to my taste with haut, ghem, and bas.
LibraryThing member JenneB
I thought it was interesting--the Cetagandan society reminded me of Heian Japan (not an accident, I'm sure).
Still, the main mystery of the book wasn't especially thrilling.
Still, the main mystery of the book wasn't especially thrilling.
LibraryThing member RGKronschnabel
The only other Lois McMaster Bujold book I have read was "Ethan of Athos". The idea there was good but I found it not a "page turner". So I have not picked up any of Lois's other books.
And then I met her at Gaylaxicon in Sept. 2009. We talked she recommended "The Curse of Chalion". Great! Read the
So, then someone in one of the other SciFi groups in town here told me to pick any of the Miles Vorkosigan adventures. So I read this one. I loved it. EX 90.
Lots of thought went into the background. Think Dune, in terms of density of ideas (but it is certainly not Dune). Great characters. and not only great characters, but personalities that play off of one another. Also unexpected plot twists.
An Excellent Read.
And then I met her at Gaylaxicon in Sept. 2009. We talked she recommended "The Curse of Chalion". Great! Read the
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next one: "Paladin of Souls". Haven't read the third in the trilogy yet, but plan to pick it up soon. So, then someone in one of the other SciFi groups in town here told me to pick any of the Miles Vorkosigan adventures. So I read this one. I loved it. EX 90.
Lots of thought went into the background. Think Dune, in terms of density of ideas (but it is certainly not Dune). Great characters. and not only great characters, but personalities that play off of one another. Also unexpected plot twists.
An Excellent Read.
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LibraryThing member laura1814
What happens to humans after more than eight centuries of genetic engineering? How might a society evolve when all births are in vitro and all genetic matings are pre-approved? Throw in an Empress's funeral attended by intergalactic diplomats, a murder mystery, and a brilliant but physically
This is one of my favorite books in the Miles Vorkosigan Adverntures series, but I am rereading the whole series now and frequently my "favorite" is the one I happen to be reading at the moment!
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damaged (quite literally) protagonist, and you have Miles Vorkosigan on the planet Cetaganda. I could say more at length but you want to read this one without spoilers!This is one of my favorite books in the Miles Vorkosigan Adverntures series, but I am rereading the whole series now and frequently my "favorite" is the one I happen to be reading at the moment!
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LibraryThing member Finxy
Miles tries his hand at another bit of detective work again in this one. He's on a diplomatic mission to Cetaganda with his 'a bit thick but handsome' cousin. He's not even off the shuttle before he's knee deep in intrigue and murder, dodging potentially fatal traps as he goes. Spending time in
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Miles head is always enjoyable and fun. I also enjoyed trying to imagine how beautiful the Cetagandan Haut women were. Probably similar to trying to imagine what Galadriel looked like - an enjoyable exercise but ultimately a futile one. Show Less
LibraryThing member iayork
Great Audio Book, minor quibbles....: I must preface this review by stating that this is my FIRST Miles Vorkosigan audio book, but that I really enjoyed it. The Plot: Miles, a member of an elite security force is sent to a planet where he must act as ambassador. He is chaperoned/accompanied by his
What I didn't like? Storywise: I was very surprised that Miles didn't take advantage of the Haut ladies superior genetic knowledge to have some of his own physical abilities looked into. Any society which can bio-engineer its own people to the degree the Haut lords and ladies did, certainly could help Miles's strengthen his bones and straighten his spine.
On to the quality of the tape: While I enjoyed the voice of the male reader, who had quite a range, the female reader read every character in exactly the same voice, which sounded sort of like that of an elderly granny. It was definitely NOT a voice I expected to hear for sexy bombshell Haut women. Also, because the tone of her voice did NOT change, sometimes I was left wondering WHO was speaking half the time. I found this distracting. What was the purpose of having a female reader at all if there was no variance? Also, the tape did not have a: "Insert tape 2" message or "this is the end of side 1" Message at the end of each section to let the listeners know that they were at the end of each section. This was particularly bad at the END of the book where the story just ends, with no music, no end credits NOTHING, I had to fast forward to make sure that I had listened to it all. Poor design.
Overall, I loved this NOVEL and would LOVE to listen to the rest of the series. I recommend this to sci-fi fans, looking for something fun to sink their teeth into.
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amorous cousin Ivan. During the process, Miles makes friends, enemies, and manages to solve a mystery which could damage relations between Cetaganda and his homeworld.This is a light-hearted comedy, thoroughly enjoyable, and, I found Miles and his cousin Ivan to be quite amusing. Miles himself is a refreshing character who is strengthened by his disabilities and not overcome by them. I particularly enjoyed the scenes in the garden where Miles and Ivan are viewing the Kitten tree, and the intelligent plants. Just too bizarre. Ivan's exploits with the Ghem women was also VERY funny.What I didn't like? Storywise: I was very surprised that Miles didn't take advantage of the Haut ladies superior genetic knowledge to have some of his own physical abilities looked into. Any society which can bio-engineer its own people to the degree the Haut lords and ladies did, certainly could help Miles's strengthen his bones and straighten his spine.
On to the quality of the tape: While I enjoyed the voice of the male reader, who had quite a range, the female reader read every character in exactly the same voice, which sounded sort of like that of an elderly granny. It was definitely NOT a voice I expected to hear for sexy bombshell Haut women. Also, because the tone of her voice did NOT change, sometimes I was left wondering WHO was speaking half the time. I found this distracting. What was the purpose of having a female reader at all if there was no variance? Also, the tape did not have a: "Insert tape 2" message or "this is the end of side 1" Message at the end of each section to let the listeners know that they were at the end of each section. This was particularly bad at the END of the book where the story just ends, with no music, no end credits NOTHING, I had to fast forward to make sure that I had listened to it all. Poor design.
Overall, I loved this NOVEL and would LOVE to listen to the rest of the series. I recommend this to sci-fi fans, looking for something fun to sink their teeth into.
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LibraryThing member DNWilliams
I love Ivan. I love when Miles and Ivan have to work together. Throw in a planet full of Cetagandans and yet another plot against Barrayar and you have a winner.
I feel so sorry for Ivan. If Miles weren't in the picture, Ivan wouldn't have anything to live up to and would be perfectly happy in his
I feel so sorry for Ivan. If Miles weren't in the picture, Ivan wouldn't have anything to live up to and would be perfectly happy in his
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life. But despite Miles' physical appearance, Miles intelligence and drive to overcome his appearance (and Barrayar's prejudice) means that Ivan's only defense is to appear dumber than he appears, which means that in this instance Miles is free to work behind the scene and foil every attempt to frame Barrayar and the Count. Miles never wavers in his determination, even when it saving Barrayar means he must save the Centagandan Empire, too. And, of course, Ivan has no choice but to fall in behind Miles and help him save the day. Show Less
LibraryThing member infjsarah
Bujold is a brilliant writer and the adventures of Miles Vorkosigan are always fun. This book is almost impossible to find in the UK but I managed to scrape a copy. It is a fun, light read with Miles as usual unable to avoid interfering in events around him on a world where the true power is hard
I will be hunting Brothers in Arms next.
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to define.I will be hunting Brothers in Arms next.
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LibraryThing member ShiraC
Another lesser book in the series. The description of Cetagandan "post-human" society had its moments, though. And Ivan for once gets to prove his worth, or at least his talents.
LibraryThing member crazybatcow
The story stands alone even though it is part of a long series (or perhaps collection is a better term) of books that contain many of the same characters.
It is a mystery/detective novel set on a different planet. The main character, Miles, solves this puzzle and saves the day.
The world is
It is a mystery/detective novel set on a different planet. The main character, Miles, solves this puzzle and saves the day.
The world is
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well-drawn, the characters are interesting, and there is just the right amount of humor to make it a tad funny even though the story itself is not meant to be humorous. Show Less
LibraryThing member mossjon
3.8 stars
Miles and Ivan travel as diplomatic representatives of Emperor Gregor to the home world of the Cetagandan Empire for the funeral of the Empress. A ten-day trip to observe and enjoy social customs (and parties) quickly turns sour when Miles become embroiled in a mystery and suicide/murder
Miles, being Miles, convinces himself, and Ivan, that only he can save Barrayar's honor and salvage the Cetagandan society from destruction or evolving into a more aggressive and expanding threat to Barrayar. Miles manages to unravel the tangled web of political intrigue, gender and caste mores and sidestep his own ImpSec watchdogs.
Of the five Vorkosigan Saga novels I've read, Cetaganda is probably my second favorite, right after Barrayar The mystery muddled me, the bioscience intrigued me and the Cetaganda society bemused me. I didn't roll my eyes or suspend my belief at Miles antics or the situations he found himself in. I can't say the same for Ivan, but then he's a healthy young male besieged by breathtakingly beautiful women and succumbs to the obvious.
Cetaganda also stands alone very well. I can comfortably recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery in a space opera setting.
Miles and Ivan travel as diplomatic representatives of Emperor Gregor to the home world of the Cetagandan Empire for the funeral of the Empress. A ten-day trip to observe and enjoy social customs (and parties) quickly turns sour when Miles become embroiled in a mystery and suicide/murder
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that threatens to frame him, and by implication Barrayar, for a treasonous usurpation plot. Miles, being Miles, convinces himself, and Ivan, that only he can save Barrayar's honor and salvage the Cetagandan society from destruction or evolving into a more aggressive and expanding threat to Barrayar. Miles manages to unravel the tangled web of political intrigue, gender and caste mores and sidestep his own ImpSec watchdogs.
Of the five Vorkosigan Saga novels I've read, Cetaganda is probably my second favorite, right after Barrayar The mystery muddled me, the bioscience intrigued me and the Cetaganda society bemused me. I didn't roll my eyes or suspend my belief at Miles antics or the situations he found himself in. I can't say the same for Ivan, but then he's a healthy young male besieged by breathtakingly beautiful women and succumbs to the obvious.
Cetaganda also stands alone very well. I can comfortably recommend this to anyone who loves a good mystery in a space opera setting.
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LibraryThing member lalawe
A fascinating look into the Cetagandans, the Barrayarans' most hated enemy. As usual, Miles (and cousin Ivan) don't disappoint!
LibraryThing member PiyushC
I think I am doing quite well with my schedule of reading the entire Vorkosigan Saga this year. I should also, perhaps, start my review by saying that this one, so far, stands out for me as the best in the series.
This was, perhaps the first Miles book I have read, where he is downside and is still
This was, perhaps the first Miles book I have read, where he is downside and is still
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full of his usual stratagems and blunderings. The Cetagandans, both the ghem and hauts, are delightful; and then there are the haut women; who reminded me of a cooler version of Aes Sedai, though without the superpowers. I shall refrain from speaking of their other virtues, which I think Miles's inner thoughts in the book have summed up quite well. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
Miles has grown into his role in this entry in the Vorkosigan series. The Cetagandans are an intriguing society and their obsession with their genetics is something that I can easily imagine growing out of our current Earth culture. Bujold does an amazing job of presenting this possible future
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while leaving the question of whether it is a desirable one for the reader to decide. Of course, Cetaganda is an enemy of our hero's home world of Barrayar, so there's a nudge to dislike it, but it is also a powerful and complex Empire, which demonstrates its success. Show Less
LibraryThing member clong
I am a big fan of Bujold's writing in general and just about everything in the Vorkosigan series in particular, and I recently picked up a few of the books I had previously missed in this series at one of our local used book stores. Before reading the new-to-me books, I thought it would be helpful
Upon a reread, this one strikes me as perhaps the weakest novel in the series. The Cetagandan society didn't felt plausible to me, the actions of key Cetagandan characters didn't feel convincing to me, the amorous adventures and aspirations of Miles and Ivan felt ridiculous to me, and the climax and denouement felt contrived to me.
Given the many positive ratings and reviews, I seem to be in the minority in this response.
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to go back and revisit several of the earlier novels in the series.Upon a reread, this one strikes me as perhaps the weakest novel in the series. The Cetagandan society didn't felt plausible to me, the actions of key Cetagandan characters didn't feel convincing to me, the amorous adventures and aspirations of Miles and Ivan felt ridiculous to me, and the climax and denouement felt contrived to me.
Given the many positive ratings and reviews, I seem to be in the minority in this response.
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LibraryThing member Phrim
Cetaganda places Miles in a diplomatic delegation at a state function in the foreign Cetagandan Empire. Of course, things can't go smoothly, and the Barrayaran delegation gets swept into an internal Cetagandan power struggle masterminded by a mystery imperial governor. While the intent was to use
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Barrayar as a scapegoat, Miles quickly sees through and thwarts this aspect of the plan. However, Miles can't leave well enough alone, and covertly and without the knowledge of his own government works with various Cetagandan factions to unmask the culprit and foil his plan. The whole book plays out like a mystery novel in the context of an incredibly foreign advanced society rooted in a genetic engineering-based caste system. While I found it frustrating that Miles continually refuses to consult with his seemingly competent superiors and insists on putting himself in harm's way, exploring the nuances of Cetagandan society while solving the mystery made for some compelling reading. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
1996-01
Physical description
352 p.; 6.72 inches
ISBN
0671877445 / 9780671877446