“Character development is absolutely on point here, and the Vicereine, Admiral Jole, and Miles Vorkosigan show their colors as they have throughout the saga…Packed with action…Bujold tests the boundaries of romance in the science fiction genre, as usual, with a bit of a twist that goes down very well in a particularly poignant scene. Romantic realism at its best.”

“In some ways, Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen reads like Bujold is bringing the series to a close. But it’s also a quickening, a fresh take on an epic saga whose author clearly has a lot more stories to tell. That’s why it’s a great place to enter the Vorkosigan Saga, as well as an unexpected delight for people who have been there all along.”

“The tender feelings and humor add up to a droll tale…like a space opera written by Jane Austen.”

“Bujold has had great success in the past writing romance featuring mature adults (Paladin of Souls), and Oliver and Cordelia make a lovely couple, albeit one with more baggage than most. A welcome addition to a series that is always a delight.”

“Bujold’s follow-up to Cryoburn is a romantic romp with life-affirming changes in wait for fans of the series, not to mention the entire Vorkosigan clan…Fans will want to see how Miles deals with these new developments.”

“Narrator Grover Gardner’s faintly ironic intonations, just short of outright humor, capture the tone of Bujold’s writing style. One can almost see his lips twitching. Bujold’s space opera series involves fully formed characters in highly political and dangerous situations. They’re the type who often smile before a fight. Gardner accomplishes character differentiation without significantly altering his vocal patterns as two of the series’ more prominent players engage in a series of trysts and fall in love.”