After the disappointing "Gentleman Jole and the Red Queen" I read this novella. It started slow and for a while I feared another disappointment. After all, I was not exactly clamoring for more of the butterbugs, particularly if they are not treated as comedic relief (which they aren't here). Fortunately, this time there was a plot. It quickly found its feet and ended up being about the radioactive parts of Vorkosigan county and the plight of mutants. As such, it reminded me of the novella The Mountains of Mourning, and was an entertaining read although, as usual lately, Miles was just a supporting character. ( )

3.5* for this audiobook edition, narrated by Grover Gardner.

This is a long short story or a short novella. In any case, while I liked having a tale told from Ekaterin's point of view, I felt that it wasn't quite as good as the similar plot in "The Mountains of Mourning". ( )

A great quick visit into Vorkosigan space. Love this series and while this was very short, it was just lovely to experience these characters again. Only for those who have read all the rest though. ( )

A surprising but apt exercise for Ekaterin in her role as Mistress of the Vorkodign Estates ( )

Short novella where Ekaterin explores the radioactive parts of Miles's district with a view to rehabilitating them with butter bugs. A nice story, which complements the Mountains of Mourning. ( )