A Vorkosigan series book without any of the Vorkosigan clan. Good story exploring new environments. The first is a planet without women. The second a space station not orbiting any planets. Bujold shows us how different settings really impact the story. Great characters, fast-moving plot, suspenseful situations. A fish out of water story with lessons for us all.

Meet Dr. Ethan Urquart. See him at work, at home, then on a vital mission for his planet far from all he knows. He meets new and different people. Has adventures that he never wanted. And find some special people who will change his life (and possibly the galaxy) forever.