Anyway, for that time in your life several years from now when you have time to try out Bujold books, I recommend the Vorkosigan series. Everyone in my family read them in the order she wrote them, which I personally think is a fun way to take in the story in the same sequence she felt the need to create it. This means that until the later books, they’re not actually in chronological order in terms of the story (but it really doesn’t matter). So I would start with “Shards of Honor,” then “The Warrior’s Apprentice,” which actually *are* in chronological order, and which get you to Miles, who much of the rest of the series focuses on (and who is one of those memorable and fabulous characters that you can’t get enough of). If you like those, then I can fill you in on the rest.

So put ‘em on your list, and someday let us know what you think.

While I’m a little embarrassed to admit that before Beguilement I’d only ever read your Miles universe books, I really wasn’t expecting Beguilement to be one. It has its own flavor and characters, and those are good things. I can become just as attached to certain characters as the next guy, but I like to see authors branch out in new directions and offer up new characters to enjoy.

It’s interesting to learn that you really consider the duology “one book” — I had an inkling of that when I read the first one. Legacy is on my reading stack right now, and I’m looking forward to it.

Let me reassure you, your review was just fine; I merely linked it because it was an especially clear example of one of the two reading-stances the books were trying to blend. (The one of _Legacy_ from, iirc, Coffeetime was an especially clear example of the other extreme.) I’m not up for a long essay this morning, but some of “What the heck was she thinking?” may be found in this interview:

http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/41673-chronicles-interview-with-lois-mcmaster-bujold.html

Main point I want to make is that with _Beguilement_, you’ve only read half the book. _Legacy_ starts with, effectively, Ch. 20 of the book-as-a-whole. TSK won’t turn into a Miles book no matter how long you keep reading, but you really do need to read both halves before deciding whether it works for you or not as either romance or fantasy (or both, or neither).

Carry on…

bests, Lois.

Jacob: Bujold is one of those writers whose books you can pick up to start, and before you know it, it’s 3 o’clock in the morning and you’ve read the entire thing through without looking up because you get so immersed in the story. Poor writing (or even mediocre writing) pulls me out of the story and makes me notice the language being used. With Bujold’s books, I have to actively think about noticing the writing to see how she does it, because it flows so well I hardly even notice I’m reading. She’s one of my very favorite authors, and I’ve read books by a lot of people. Go forth and try! (Curtis or I could point you in the right direction for where to start, if you are actually interested)

*:This is what we call “humor” in mathematics.

Kathryn: I’m not sure I deserve such praise, but thanks for the compliment! I’m glad you like the site.

Jacob: Sorry man, but I think you missed the ball here on a couple points. My comment spam has reduced almost to nil without any action. What I’m talking about here is my email spam. You know, the “enlarge your member, refinance your home, and get free psychotropic medication while you’re at it!” kind of spam. In my inbox. So Akismet isn’t really going to help.

Honestly, the whole Bujold thing? I’d wager that all the angst is in my own head. She didn’t really attack my review, just used it as an example of a review that focused on the “skiffy” side of things, rather than the romantic aspect. It wasn’t exactly like she lashed out at me. All the drama pretty much came from my reaction to realizing that she’d actually read it. I’m leaving the review as it is not because I feel it’s a way to stand up to her, but because I have to be honest and really say what’s on my mind any time I write a review. That’s the problem with writing reviews as a non-professional: while I’m learning, I don’t have the experience to always see things from their intended perspectives. I’m going to miss things. Case in point: My Halo 3 review. That game wasn’t made for people like me, who really like single-player games and strong storylines — it was made for the people who will log hundreds of hours online in multiplayer matches. I’m never going to be the perfect reviewer, but my intention has always been to simply present my opinion as a semi-normal person. All things considered, when you look at the other “skiffy” reviews mine seems the most reasonable (and positive) of the bunch.

As for your final comment… well, let’s just say that while there are authors whose books I’ve picked up and thought, “I could write better than that,” Bujold has never been one of them.

Second major point: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Use Akismet. Since installing, I’ve had two spam messages make it as far as my moderation queue. The other 3,933 (to date)? Stopped cold in their tracks. And the number of legitimate messages trapped? Zero. Unless you really like wading through comment and pingback spam, I recommend it. I wouldn’t want to deal with the 50 or so spam attempts I get per day.

Third: This is why it’s prudent not to use your full name on your website, lest it come back to haunt you.

Fourth: Good for you for standing your ground. Bujold might be a famous author (although I’ve never heard of her), but she’s just human. That means two things: her ego is just as vulnerable as yours or mine, and her word is worth just as much. So, she read your review and got her panties all twisted up because you didn’t fall over it, and she lashed out at you somewhat. And so what? You don’t have to like her book, and you don’t have to take her response as the Word of God. She’s just a person, and just one writer. Maybe not as good a writer as you, even. But that remains to be seen.