Book number 523 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
What an excellent idea the author had to change things up a bit in the Vorkosigan universe—a book following cousin Ivan Vorpatril. Ivan has been a consistent presence in Miles Vorkosigan's life, the tall, handsome cousin who shows up Miles' shortness and oddness of appearance. Ivan has been presented to the reader as a handsome, slightly dim, unambitious womanizer. In this volume we learn why.
I had not really absorbed the hints of how close Ivan and Miles were/are to the throne, before Gregor had children. With Ivan being favoured because of Barrayaran sensibilities regarding mutations. We, the loyal readers, know that Miles is not a mutie, but public opinion being what it is, Ivan has had to live with the knowledge that he could disastrously end up with the keys to the kingdom. No wonder he underachieved so determinedly! Don't build a strong CV for a job you don't want. Hence, no wife, no pursuit of position, no startling brilliance.
At least until Byerly Vorrutyer appears at his rental suite on Komarr requesting Ivan's assistance with an espionage mission—keeping track of a lovely young woman, judged to be just his thing. However this woman, Tej Arqua, turns out to be from a very prominent Jacksons Whole family, on the run from those who would kill or capture all of the Arquas. Things get complicated in a hurry and Ivan does something very Miles-like: to prevent Tej from being taken into custody, they perform an impromptu Barrayaran marriage ceremony, with the understanding that they will divorce on Barrayar when Tej's future moves are determined.
As circumstances evolve, Ivan reveals that he has been hiding his light under a bushel. He shows that he can plot and plan, improvising when necessary, with the rest of the clan. Now what will he do with his newfound Lady Vorpatril? Who had no idea from Ivan's low key demeanour which strata of Barrayaran society she was hitching her wagon to? There is a point where Ivan wonders how he ended up in his predicament without Miles being anywhere near him.
Chronologically set before CryoBurn, but published after it, causing me a bit of angst until I figured that out. Very, very enjoyable. Miles aficionados be warned that he appears only briefly close to the book's beginning.
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