Quote:
Originally Posted by OverHaze
Vorkosigan has been on my reading list for years. Given the huge number of books involved how consistent is the series's quality?
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They're pretty variable, depending on your tolerance for complete escapist fantasy, 1-dimensional characters, preachiness and rape/torture. They are all definitely adult books though, the lowest age I would go is upperclassperson in high school, and then only with a discussion about how real relationships work. Bujold also has a definite agenda and gets kind of pushy with it. That said, they can be a lot of fun.
I'd skip the ones before Miles Vorkosigan is born (badly done relationships, torture/rape, just not good). Also skip the last one, it wasn't good enough to disguise the fact that her characters are often cardboard cutouts.
Here are the ones I'd read, taking the political and social commentary with a huge grain of salt:
The Warrior's Apprentice
The Vor Game
The Mountains of Mourning - all the above three are action
Cetaganda - detective
Brothers in Arms - action
Memory - detective
Komarr - detective
A Civil Campaign - hilarious social comedy
Diplomatic Immunity - detective novel
Cryoburn - detective
I'd characterize Bujold as a high midlister author for when I want to not think. She's not innovative or interested in deep questions but she's generally a good bet for entertainment so long as you don't mind her prejudices. Much like David Drake, David Weber or Jon Scalzi.