Miles Vorkosigan was born on Barrayar, a planet only recently connected to the rest of the colonized galaxy via a new wormhole gate. It’s isolated status lead to the development of a fiercely militaristic and hierarchical society. Miles was born into both privilege and disadvantage; his family is one of the most politically powerful in the empire, but he himself suffers from many birth defects including brittle bones which shatter with any impact and extremely short stature. In the first chapter Miles fails the physical health entrance to the military academy and has to figure out what he will do with the rest of his life, when his only desires are to fly spaceships and finally impress his stern and imposing grandfather. The answer is wilder and more surprising than even Miles dared to dream. I've read this book three times now and every time my toes curl up in delight over its twists and turns.