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Borders of Infinity
320 pages
A brilliant, hyperactive mind tackles impossible odds in a universe that constantly underestimates him, delivering equal parts thrilling action and profound empathy.
What it feels like
Reading this collection feels like strapping into the passenger seat next to a genius who is making up a brilliant, desperate plan as he goes. The pacing is wonderfully brisk, driven by a hyperactive protagonist whose physical vulnerabilities are constantly at odds with his towering intellect and fierce moral compass. The atmosphere shifts from the quiet, mournful tension of a rural murder investigation to the claustrophobic dread of a brutal POW camp, yet the underlying current is always one of deep, abiding compassion. Bujold's prose is sharp and dialogue-heavy, sparkling with wry humor even in the darkest moments. It is a deeply satisfying experience for anyone who loves character-driven space opera where empathy and cleverness are the ultimate weapons against cruelty and prejudice.
- Mood
- triumphant
- tense
- empathetic
- action-packed
- Tone
- wry
- compassionate
- earnest
- adventurous
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- the burden of leadership · overcoming prejudice · physical vulnerability · the cost of duty · defining humanity
- The writing
- Sharp, dialogue-heavy, and deeply anchored in the protagonist's hyperactive, brilliant internal monologue.
- The arc
- Moves from heavy, grief-tinged responsibility through high-stakes tension to a hard-won, deeply satisfying sense of justice and triumph.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love character-driven space opera anchored by a hyper-competent but deeply flawed and physically vulnerable protagonist.
Content notes
- infanticide
- ableism and prejudice
- prisoner of war camps
- violence
- grief
About the book
This collection of short stories includes tales that take place before The Vor Game and others extending past Brothers in Arms. The variation in tone across the tales is handled exceptionally well, as we see Miles mourn and get a better look at his relationship with Illyan. The stories include Miles's first outing as a detective, in which he's faced with a case of infanticide in the mutant-phobic hill country; his largest rescue mission ever; and the most distressed damsel for whom he ever played the knight.
Description from Open Library.
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