Title: CryoBurn
Author: Lois McMaster Bujold
First published October 19, 2010
345 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781439133941 (ISBN10: 1439133948)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
Miles Vorkosigan, the Barrayaran Imperial Auditor, has always lived his life with the belief that cheating death is fair play. So when he is sent by Emperor Gregor to investigate the expansion of a Kibou-daini cryocorp into the Barrayaran Empire, Miles can hardly disapprove.
However, upon arriving at Kibou-daini, Miles discovers that the planet’s obsession with cheating death has led to generational conflict over resources, refugees displaced in time, and dangerous secrets. Amidst bribery, corruption, conspiracy, and kidnapping, Miles finds himself in the middle of trouble as he tries to unravel the mysteries of Kibou-daini.
From a young boy with a passion for pets to a Snow White trapped in an icy coffin, to a mysterious crone who embodies the warning “Don’t mess with the secretary,” Miles must navigate his way through a web of deceit to bring justice to Kibou-daini.
About the Author
Born in 1949, Lois McMaster Bujold was raised by an engineering professor at Ohio State University who instilled in her a love for science fiction. Now residing in Minneapolis, Bujold is a proud mother of two grown children.
Her impressive collection of fantasy novels published by HarperCollins includes the critically acclaimed Chalion series and the Sharing Knife tetralogy. Additionally, her science fiction novels published by Baen Books have seen great success, particularly the bestselling Vorkosigan Saga.
Bujold’s work has been translated into more than twenty languages.
For a comprehensive list of Bujold’s awards and nominations, please visit this page:
To read interviews with Bujold, check out this page:
Fans of Bujold’s work may also be interested in visiting The Bujold Nexus, a website run by dedicated fans of her writing.
Editoral Review
Lois McMaster Bujold’s CryoBurn is a gripping addition to the sci-fi genre that will leave readers wanting more. This 2010 novel, set in the distant future, explores complex and thought-provoking themes such as human ethics and morality, intergalactic politics, and class struggle, while keeping the readers at the edge of their seats with its gripping pacing and likable characters.
CryoBurn is the 14th book in the popular Vorkosigan Saga series, however, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. The series, written by Bujold, has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards over the years, and it’s easy to understand why.
CryoBurn showcases Bujold’s skillful storytelling, and she expertly weaves together multiple narrative threads to create a tapestry that is both cohesive and engaging.
The novel follows the journey of Miles Vorkosigan, a charismatic former military commander, who is sent on a diplomatic mission to Kibou-daini, a planet that has achieved economic and technological prosperity through cryonics.
Vorkosigan quickly discovers a darker side of the planet, where cryonic preservation is used as a tool for corrupt financial gain, and the poorest citizens are commodified and exploited in the process. Miles soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous conspiracy, and he must use all his skills and wits to survive.
Bujold excels in character development, and CryoBurn is no exception. Miles is a fully realized character, with flaws and complexities that make him relatable and likable.
The supporting cast is equally engaging, and each character feels authentically unique and human. Bujold also addresses bigger societal issues through her characters.
The conversations about cryonic preservation will leave readers pondering the ethics and implications of such technology long after they finish the book. The pacing of CryoBurn is excellent, and Bujold easily holds the reader’s attention from the first page to the last.
The plot twists and turns, and the tension builds steadily throughout the book. The themes and motifs are well-developed and thorough, elevating this book beyond just thrilling science fiction.
That said, CryoBurn is not without its flaws. The world-building of Kibou-daini feels underdeveloped, and the political systems and social hierarchies are not fully realized, leaving readers wanting to know more about the planet and its culture.
Additionally, some readers may be disappointed by the somewhat ambiguous ending, which leaves some plot points unresolved. Overall, CryoBurn is an excellent addition to the Vorkosigan Saga series, and a delightful read for anyone who loves science fiction.
Bujold’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make this a must-read for genre fans. While the world-building may be lacking in some aspects, the exploration of complex themes and intricate plot twists make up for it.
Therefore, we highly recommend CryoBurn to all science fiction enthusiasts, and rate it a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its excellent writing, well-crafted characters, and thrilling plot.
