Mirror DanceMirror Dance
Score Modern
What it's about
Miles Vorkosigan, born with brittle bones and a body that never grew to full height, leads a double life as a mercenary admiral. Mark, his clone, was created by enemies to murder and replace him, and has escaped them. Mark now sets out to prove himself with a rescue mission of his own, impersonating Miles, and the result changes both brothers forever.
Why it's worth reading
It won the Hugo Award, and many readers consider it the best book of Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. It's a thrilling adventure and a profound story about identity and family.
You'll love it if you liked
Barrayar
The Vor Game
Ender's GameGood to know
It's best read after the earlier Miles books, especially Brothers in Arms, which introduces Mark. It's dark in places.
By the numbers
- Readers92 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics56 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller16 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #34 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #40 of the 459 fantasy books we rank
- #174 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #345 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Adventurous
More by Lois McMaster Bujold
Barrayar
Paladin of SoulsThe Vor Game
MemoryIf you like this, read next
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The Fifth Season
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Quick answers
Is Mirror Dance worth reading?
Yes. It won the Hugo Award, and many readers consider it the best book of Bujold's Vorkosigan Saga. It ranks #345 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 80.8 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Mirror Dance about?
Miles Vorkosigan, born with brittle bones and a body that never grew to full height, leads a double life as a mercenary admiral. Mark, his clone, was created by enemies to murder and replace him, and has escaped them. Mark now sets out to prove himself with a rescue mission of his own, impersonating Miles, and the result changes both brothers forever.
How long does it take to read Mirror Dance?
About 15 hours (613 pages), or about 4 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has Mirror Dance won?
Hugo Award winner (1995).
What should I read after Mirror Dance?
If you liked it, try Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold, The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold or Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.