Due to a botched attempt on his mother’s life while she was pregnant, Miles Vorkosigan was born with severely weakened bones and unable to walk without extensive surgeries. He’s also born as a member of a warrior caste on a planet that’s just emerged from isolation, and only a generation ago would have exposed Miles when he was born.
What Miles lacks in strength, he makes up in brains, and this omnibus has two books and a short story of his exploits early in life, both before the Barrayar academy, and just after he graduates. They’re great stories. Miles more or less happens into some insane adventures. He’s way too smart for his own good, and can talk himself into or out of any situation. When he’s kicked out of the academy, on a short visit off world to visit his grandmother, he manages to find himself in command of an entire mercenary fleet. And that’s just the beginning of the story.
I can’t believe I haven’t read these books before. I love Bujold’s fantasy, and her sci fi is just as good.