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I’ve read this was not a favourite book in this series for a lot of readers; they consider it a filler or a transition book which essentially only exists to establish Miles’s new career and introduce his potential new girlfriend. I do get their point with the transition tag-I think most of the book is showing us that Miles has grown up-but, overall, Komarr has got a lot of hidden depth which they’ve failed to mention.
I’ve said all along that I’ve preferred the planetside mysteries with a touch of political intrigue to the space action/adventure books of the series, so Miles’s new career as an Imperial Auditor suits me just fine. I can’t quite think of an equivalent of the auditor role in real life at the moment, but I guess it’s best described as a detective with unlimited authority and resources.
This book shows us the prejudice and bias Miles faces whilst settling into this new role. The job traditionally carries an air of respect and awe about it and auditors are automatically obeyed but, in Miles’s case, there’s the constant question of whether or not he was appointed simply due to his exalted surname. Most of his previous experience is classified and therefore, he can't reveal any details in his defence. Nevertheless, I think Young!Miles would have shown off to all and sundry without any forethought and this new mature Miles is a nice contrast, picking and choosing his moments which results in a much more effective result. (I also love how often LMB makes Miles’s past adventures amusing - his quip about being an expert when it comes to drainage and pipes, for example -- never gets old!)
The setting for the book’s investigation is the planet Komarr of the title which also comes with an extra set of prejudices for Miles to face. His father is known to the locals as the infamous ‘butcher of Komarr’, the man they mistakenly think ordered a massacre of their peoples when the Barrayarans conquered the planet. There’re actually some really great poignant moments and brilliant quotes from Miles when he is forced to speak on behalf of his father. All in all, Miles’s behaviour in Komarr shows without doubt that he has finally become the man we all thought he’d be.
The second point of the book is, as I said, to introduce readers to Miles’s new love interest. I was surprised that LMB actually gave us Ekaterin’s point of view (in alternate chapters with Miles’s pov). The only other time LMB has used another’s POV was in Mirror Dance (and that was Mark’s, Miles’s clone twin, whilst Miles was indisposed), so I don’t think it’s any type of spoiler to say that LMB was setting up Ekaterin as the romantic heroine for readers to cheer on. In true LMB fashion, she doesn’t make this a conventional romantic meet-cute or Ekaterin the typical female lead.
Ekaterin is married, for starters, to a Vor administrator stationed in Komarr. She is also the niece of one of Miles’s fellow auditors and therefore, invites Miles and her uncle into her home when they come to the planet to investigate a ship’s crash, which might be an accident or might be a prelude to a terrorist act. (If you’re not such a sappy romantic as me, I promise you there’s plenty technical scifi mystery plot to keep you happy.)
At face value, Ekaterin comes across as naive, ignorant and old fashioned, believing she must follow quite a few Vor traditions that have been left behind by most Barrayans. I was at first confused by this attitude until I realised that LMB was presenting us with a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse. No, her husband does not hit her (there’s a fabulous section featuring this thought) but she has been systematically abused by her husband for almost their entire marriage. Strong female characters are LMB’s speciality and Ekaterin’s personal journey to discovering her relationship is not normal and moving to free herself from it is wonderful.
Miles has fallen in love several times during this series but LMB makes it pretty clear that Ekaterin is the real deal. Giving us Ekaterin’s inner thoughts, we get to learn just what she thinks of Miles and his appearance, and it’s so real and true, I just couldn’t help but fall in love with her just from that alone.
I obviously now can’t wait for A Civil Campaign.
5 out of 5
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Top reviews from other countries
- Pat HarperReviewed in Canada on 8 February 2020
Science fiction at it's best
Verified Purchase - J. HeritageReviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2016
Must stop reading for long enough to post this review!
Verified Purchase - Previna D.Reviewed in Germany on 7 October 2015
Very good
Verified Purchase - ParallaxReviewed in the United States on 29 November 2024
This book is not short, it's Concentrated!
Verified Purchase - Jean CorbelReviewed in France on 19 December 2013
A very good Bujold
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