If you read the whole series, make sure you don’t skip the short stories. Borders of Infinity is particularly good as an illustration of Miles’ cleverness.

By way of evidence, I tried to start my sister off with Cordelia’s Honor (to make things even more confusing, this is the omnibus version with Shards of Honor AND Barrayar).

Me: Tell me what you think! You loved it, right?
Her: Nah, not really my thing.
Me: You ungrateful brat! See if I ever lend you any other books.

*a couple of months later*

Her: Can I borrow some books pretty please?
Me: Not unless you give Young Miles a go first (bear with me, Young Miles is the omnibus version with The Warrior’s Apprentice AND The Vor Game – and I obviously hadn’t given up hope)

*a week later*
Her: So err… any more books in this series?
Me: What series? Oh, you mean the one you didn’t really care for? That one?
Her: Gimme. Now. All of them.

Yeah, I made her wait a bit. She deserved it for not loving Cordelia’s Honor straight off

So, a rather long-winded way of saying do start with The Warrior’s Apprentice. And Renee, DON’T start with Ethan because that’s more of a side-story.

Like right now, I’m writing a short story that takes place hundreds of years before the setting of Rampant, in a time when the unicorn hunters were all organized and knowledgeable and stuff, and it’s fine to read even if you haven’t read Rampant, but if anyone was going to ask reading order, I wouldn’t say “first” — I’d say “whenever.”

Diana – Yep, The Warrior’s Apprentice was published first and is the first book to introduce people to the star of the series, Miles Vorkosigan. BUT, there are four stories (two novels and two short stories/novellas) that are chronologically set before this book, and they deal with Miles’ parents. I’m not sure if the four stories were written before The Warrior’s Apprentice, but they were published afterwards.

Kind of confusing, I know. But I still say, start with Warrior’s Apprentice and go forward from there. Miles is so much fun, and really the heart and soul of the series. Plus, if your MIL loves him…

Thanks for that wonderful review, Rhiannon. I’ve had this series on my radar for ages, because of the number of spec fic authors who cite it as one of their favorites.

I’ve hesitated, because of my reticence about sci fi, esp “space opera” type stories. However, I’m currently working on it, by listening to Valor’s Choice by Tanya Huff (whose uf books I love).

I’ve had Ethan of Athos wishlisted at Audible (MV #1) but will definitely look into changing that to Warrior’s Apprentice and move it up my list.

Diana, so true. The Magician’s Apprentice indeed…

Sandy – I’m stoked that you made the switch over to sci-fi (and really, what better way than with the original star wars films and books!). I’m really trying to actively get more scifi in the review rotation here, so any suggestions are definitely welcome!

RKCharron – Oooh, more recommendations! Thanks, I’ll have to add those to my list too

Janicu – Awesome! Hope you enjoy it. Miles totally rules.

Patricia – Miles Vorkosigan is a fine place to start and get acquainted with scifi and with Ms. Bujold. I hope you enjoy!

Cara – Ok, it’s on! Emailing you about a dare…

Angie! You haven’t read Miles yet?!!? I swear that you had! Well, you really must get on board – because he is EXACTLY your cup o’ tea. Really. Listen to Li. You’ll love him, I know it!

Li – It’s all because of you that I picked up the Miles books in the first place, and I started with The Warrior’s Apprentice as well without any problems! (Which is why I pointed Rhiannon to start there too :p ) So really, again, it’s all thanks to you!

Diana – EXACTLY! You start your adventures in Narnia with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. No ifs ands or buts about it!

Danielle – For the love of pete, pick it up and dust it off! Hmm, physically ill from romance you say? I feel the same way about the lamentable covers, but I’m POSITIVE we can work something out…expect an email soon