This is the first time I remember an ethnicity or culture from Earth influencing the story, but it is clear from the names and the language that Kibou-daini is populated by the descendants of the people of Japan.īujold drops a bombshell at the end of the story that probably deserves more buildup but her technique mirrors the random ways that major life events often strike in our lives, so it works. Most notably, Roic, refers to Miles as m'lord, while Jin calls him Miles-san. The narrative is in the third person, but the language changes depending on the point of view. He is assisted by Jin and by armsman Roic, Miles's right-hand man.Īlthough Miles is the focus of much of the story, the point of view switches mostly between Jin and Roic. McMaster takes us on a fun journey as Miles tries to unravel the conspiracy on this planet. He is rescued by Jin, an orphan and runaway, who is hiding in an underground operation that uses technology to 'freeze' the terminally ill until a cure for their disease can be found. In 'Cryoburn', Lois McMaster Bujold continues the adventure of Miles Vorkosigan, the diminutive galactic Lord and Imperial Auditor.Īfter being drugged and kidnapped while investigating corruption on the planet Kibou-daini, Miles awakens in a semi-abandoned building to discover a plot to cover up corporate bungling that will result in the death of thousands. Sometimes, the last few pages overshadow the rest of a book - even when those pages have nothing to do with the rest of the story.

Cryoburn by lois mcmaster bujold