http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005 by the authors Fri, 17 Jan 2003 16:37:40 EST http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/01/15/064919.php#comment-2847 There are differing opinions as to starting points. On a Bujold list that I subscribed to a while back, there seemed to be a general consensus that <i>Ethan of Athos</i> was an unsuccessful book for hard-core fans only, but I would consider it one of the best starting points. Because Miles doesn't actually appear as a character, it requires less background knowledge than some of the other books, I think it works very well on its own, and the descriptions of Athos and Klein Station show Bujold's skill in developing logical and well-considered societies, which is one of her great strengths. My preference in approaching a new series is generally to read it in chronological sequence, even with authors such as Bradley or Lackey who wrote in some very different order - Bradley wrote the Darkover books frequently, but not exactly, in reverse chronological order. 2847@blogcritics.org Fri, 17 Jan 2003 16:37:40 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/01/15/064919.php#comment-2816 I just finished <i>Diplomatic Immunity</i> two nights ago, and you beat me to reviewing it. The only thing I might disagree with you on is a good starting point for reading Bujold's Vorkosigan series. I've recommended <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671720937/pageturners0c/">Borders Of Infinity</a> several times as a starting point, as it gives a bit of several different flavors and draws Miles' character well. Great review of a great book! 2816@blogcritics.org Wed, 15 Jan 2003 14:53:34 EST