Brothers in Arms (Hardcover)

In this story, Miles and the Free Dendarii mercenaries reach Earth on the run from Cetagandans bent on getting revenge for the mass prison break Miles engineered in Borders of Infinity. Miles is assigned to a junior position in the Barrayaran Embassy on Earth, where he finds himself making frequent quick changes between his two personnae of Lord Vorkosigan and Admiral Naismith. His intended vacation on Earth quickly turns into chaos, racing against enemies who are plotting against both Naismith and Vorkosigan.

The action has a wild pace, fueled by numerous plot twists. The complaint of one reviewer that the story relies on some implausible coincidences is justified, but I don't think most readers will be very troubled. What puts Bujold above almost all other writers of SF adventure is that her stories are grounded in strongly realized characters. The plots are planned out very carefully - in rereading this novel, I spotted numerous points where Bujold is foreshadowing not only events a few chapters later, but also events in the sequels. The result is a completely enjoyable read that is also substantive.

Well, for one, Earth has a Barrayaran embassy. And, lo and behold, Miles' handsome cousin Ivan just happens to be there. Miles reports into the chief of staff, Captain Galeni, who just happens to be from Komarr and whose family was butchered during the Komarr revolution. Walking on eggshells is something Miles was born to do, and he has ample opportunity to do just that.

Soon, there are complications. The promised payment from the Imperial headquarters does not arrive. Is it Galeni's fault or is something else going on.

On top of it all, Miles has fallen head over heals for Elli Quinn. She's one of the few who know the truth behind Naismith and Miles Vorkosigan. But Miles feels his grasp of his dual character is slipping, and even starts to see and feel like a double.

A bit of an unexpected twist in this story makes it feel like McMaster Bujold is reaching somewhat. Of course we'd all have liked a bit more of her view of what Earth has become, but there's precious little of that. Still, her writing is as skillful as ever, and the characterisation and dialogue, as always, are superb. A move forward in Miles' private life is long awaited and a welcome read.