After finishing all of the books in her World of the Five Gods series, I've decided to give this science fiction series by Lois McMaster Bujold a try. Her writing is so wonderful and adds an extra dimension of enjoyment to each book I have read by her. This particular story was quite intense at times, which is a bit tricky for me with an audiobook because you can't casually glance ahead to check on the outcome if you need reassurance. I should have trusted that Bujold wouldn't cross the line (for me - I'm sure some other readers feel differently). If you are someone who avoids certain content,

there is a very intense almost rape scene, and, for me, at least, an even more distressing part where the main character is treated very poorly by mental health professionals and almost involuntarily committed to an institution for continuation of same

. I LOVED Cordelia - give me a smart, adult woman protagonist who can take care of herself any day. I also enjoyed the small details added to the story that gave it realism and sometimes humor - like how all of the Betans, when discussing their president, claim, "I didn't vote for him." I was a little confused by the Aftermaths section, though, so if anyone can shed light on that, I'd love to hear it. Grover Gardner does an excellent job with the narration, and it was a delight to hear his voice again after recently finishing the Penric and Desdemona series (which he also narrates). I am already getting started on the next book.