The previous entry in the series, Komarr, was not my favourite. When starting A Civil Campaign, I was afraid I was about to get more of the same. And indeed, for most of the first half of the story, I wasn’t that thrilled.

However, the story evolved before the halfway mark into something deeper, more interesting and actually quite riveting. In hindsight, I have to say that Bujold’s setting up was very well executed. This book is in good part a comedy of manners, but it evolves into something greater than that.

Ekaterin finally gets an interesting arch, and Miles faces his worst enemy: himself. It’s funny, touching, deep and even thrilling at times. Plus, Bujold explores gender identity and misogyny in ways she hadn’t done before, in a better way I believe. She cleverly knocks down conservative thoughts on such matters, while acknowledging where these thoughts come from. A difficult balance to strike, and I believe she nails it.

Certainly a different book than others in the series. Less action, more reflection. I did enjoy it a lot and am looking forward to the next entries in the series.