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Part of "Vorkosigan Saga" series
"Barrayar" by Lois McMaster Bujold is a science fiction novel and the second book in the Vorkosigan Saga. The story follows Cordelia Naismith, a former Betan astronaut, who has now become the wife of Aral Vorkosigan, the Regent of Barrayar. Cordelia is pregnant with their child and must navigate the treacherous and patriarchal society of Barrayar while also dealing with the aftermath of a coup attempt that has left her husband severely injured. As Cordelia adjusts to her new life on Barrayar, she must also confront the reality of raising a child in a society that is hostile to those who are different. Her child, Miles, is born with severe physical deformities as a result of a poison gas attack on his father during the coup attempt. Cordelia's fierce love and determination to give her son a chance at a normal life drive much of the narrative. Bujold's world-building is exceptional, and she creates a rich and complex society on Barrayar, with its own customs, politics, and history. The novel explores themes of gender, power, and identity, as Cordelia challenges the traditional roles and expectations of women on Barrayar. The character development is also a strength of the novel, as Cordelia and Aral's relationship evolves and deepens throughout the story. "Barrayar" is a thrilling and engaging read, filled with action, political intrigue, and emotional depth. Bujold's writing is sharp and witty, and she has a knack for creating memorable and relatable characters. The novel is a must-read for fans of science fiction and those looking for a well-crafted and thought-provoking story...
Lois McMaster Bujold
The Vorkosigan Saga
If you enjoyed 'Barrayar', you might want to continue reading the Vorkosigan Saga, which features many of the same characters and explores themes of politics, loyalty, and personal growth. The series spans many novels and short stories, and offers a rich and immersive world.
Learn MoreAnn Leckie
Ancillary Justice
Like 'Barrayar', 'Ancillary Justice' explores themes of identity, loyalty, and power. The novel features a protagonist who used to be the AI of a starship, and must navigate a complex political landscape while coming to terms with her own past.
Learn MoreMary Robinette Kowal
The Calculating Stars
If you enjoyed the combination of personal growth and large-scale events in 'Barrayar', you might enjoy 'The Calculating Stars'. This alternate history novel explores the space race after a meteorite hits Earth, and features a mathematician who fights for her place in the astronaut corps.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
Like 'Barrayar', 'The Left Hand of Darkness' explores themes of gender and identity in a science fiction setting. The novel takes place on a planet where inhabitants can choose their gender, and follows a human envoy who must navigate the complex politics of this alien culture.
Learn MoreMary Doria Russell
The Sparrow
Fans of the religious and philosophical themes in 'Barrayar' might enjoy 'The Sparrow', a novel about a Jesuit mission to another planet. The novel explores the nature of faith, the ethics of exploration, and the consequences of first contact.
Learn MoreAlfred Bester
The Stars My Destination
If you enjoyed the adventure and intrigue of 'Barrayar', you might enjoy 'The Stars My Destination', a classic science fiction novel about revenge, teleportation, and corporate intrigue.
Learn MoreJames S. A. Corey
The Expanse series
Fans of the political intrigue and space opera elements of 'Barrayar' might enjoy the Expanse series, a series of novels about a future human civilization that spans the solar system. The series features a diverse cast of characters and explores themes of politics, loyalty, and survival.
Learn MoreIain M. Banks
The Culture series
If you enjoyed the space opera elements of 'Barrayar', you might enjoy the Culture series by Iain M. Banks. The series explores a future human civilization that has achieved post-scarcity and features advanced AI and space travel. The novels explore themes of politics, ethics, and the nature of consciousness.
Learn More