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Any Lois McMaster Bujold fans around for a chat about her books?

36 replies

UnaOfStormhold · 26/11/2021 11:44

I discovered yesterday that there's a new Penric and Desdemona novella out (Knot of Shadows) - I really enjoyed it as I have the whole series, but as she is self-publishing these books in ebook form there's not much fanfare when they come out so I thought there might be other fans of hers who had missed it too. Penric has to be one of the sunniest characters I've ever met in a book, and always a delight to read about.

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EllieQ · 28/11/2021 08:42

I’ve only read about half the Penric novellas so far, but I really enjoy them. I just wish they were published in paper form as I prefer paper books to e-books. I follow LMB on Goodreads and she announces the new books there, but has said she’s glad not to have to continually promote books like new writers do.

I love the Vorkosigan series too, but do feel the overall story has reached a natural stopping point. Though in some ways I think Cryoburn would have also worked as an ending (the last line in the book, before the epilogue, breaks my heart ever time).

The Chalion books are great too. Ista is one of my favourite characters.

TeaAndStrumpets · 28/11/2021 08:30

I agree Una, the next generation will maybe be a lot of fun, but it is satisfying to end it where it is.

One of Bujold's strengths is her secondary characters, who pop up at intervals in the series...which is why it pays to reread the books many times! Gentleman Jole is a good example.

So pleased to see the love for Cotillion. Freddy isn't one of Heyer's Alpha male heroes, but he is a wonderful character in his own modest way. And I LOVE his father. Again, the care over minor characters which marks out a great book.

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UnaOfStormhold · 28/11/2021 08:04

No I don't think there's anything more in the Vorkosigan series in the works. I'm a bit tirn - yes I would love more but I feel Gentleman Jole rounds out Cordelia's story so well, bringing things back to Sergyar, and I would like to think of them all having happier lives rather than new traumas!

Knot of shadows isn't quite as satisfying as the longer Assassins of Thassalon but lovely to spend a bit more time with Pen and Des. And it's another example of how well she writes about being a parent and how that changes you.

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Nowisthemonthofmaying · 27/11/2021 22:22

Ooh I didn't know this, I love Penric & Desdemona. Will check it out!

Didn't know about the Heyer connection so I shall have to add those to the list too...

@UnaOfStormhold Cotillion and The Grand Sophy are two of the best!

nythbran2 · 27/11/2021 22:19

Is there a new Vorkosigan in progress?

TeaAndStrumpets · 27/11/2021 20:29

Venetia is fab. Sensible heroine and unrespectable hero. There is a scene which strongly reminds me of Aral being somewhat the worse for wear during a pivotal romantic moment in Shards of Honour.

For pure farce Cotillion is wonderful. (My DH usually turns to PG Wodehouse when in need of cheering up, but has read Cotillion several times during CovidSmile)

Actually they're all great!

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UnaOfStormhold · 27/11/2021 19:33

I keep meaning to read some Georgette Heyer, purely because of A Civil Campaign. Where would you recommend starting?

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TeaAndStrumpets · 27/11/2021 15:32

Oh I know! A great homage to Georgette Heyer! Another writer I read and reread.

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UnaOfStormhold · 27/11/2021 14:59

Good to find another fan! I confess I keep going round in circles with the Vorkosiverse, they just seem to improve on re-reading. I love the audio books too. A Civil Campaign is probably my absolute favourite, that dinner party...

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TeaAndStrumpets · 27/11/2021 13:08

I am a huge fan! I have enjoyed her fantasy books and buy each ebook as it comes out.

The Vorkosigan books are my favourites, I have been buying them since they were first published, and have quite a few signed first editions. Every so often I reread them, but of course once I finish Shards of Honour I am mesmerised and have to binge the lot Grin

Original poster
UnaOfStormhold · 27/11/2021 12:34

Bump.

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