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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #7-12
Liaden Unibus II
Includes the second six chapter books in the Adventures in the Liaden Universe. Loose Cannon (chap book #7), Shadows and Shades (chap book #8), Quiet Knives (chap book #9), With Stars Underfoot (chap book #10), Necessary Evils (chap book #11), and Allies (chap book #12).
ebook
First published July 1, 2007
65 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
169 books790 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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June 8, 2015I individually rate and review the stories I've read, rather than giving the collection a rating. These previously published short stories will fill a new collection, either ( A Liaden Universe Constellation: Volume I) or in A Liaden Universe® Constellation: Volume Two. Anyway, here are my thoughts about the stories in this collection:
Heirloom (4.5 stars). Previously published in Shadows and Shades, this story is quite good. Shorts are not easy to write, but the authors pulled this one off beautifully. It felt complete (but keep in mind, I have read most of the series, including all the full-length novels, with only a few shorts left to go).
According to the timeline, Pat Rin yos'Phelium is 23 and his cousin Nova yos'Galan is 12. I felt sorry for Pat Rin, yet respected him. He keeps failing the pilot test, but meanwhile, his beautiful and lightning fast young cousin passes the exam. He tries not to feel bitter, nor to take it out on her, but why is HE the only Korval who cannot pilot?
One day, when the two cousins are alone, a nasty situation develops, potentially dangerous. Pat Rin handles it admirably. Nova discovers something new about herself.
Nicely done. Good tension and pacing. Solid characterization of Pat Rin (not as thorough for Nova). We learn how the bel'Tarda line came to become a lesser branch of Clan Korval. Luken bel'Tarda plays a slight but vital role in the story. Er Thom yos'Galan (Nova's father) plays a small role, as does the unlikeable Lady Kareen, Pat Rin's mother. Oh, yes. A cat. Of course.
Quibble: I expected Er Thom to
********************
Lord of the Dance (3.5 stars) This title was removed from the official series because it conflicts slightly with Dragon Ship. Details below.
This fun little story is seen through Pat Rin's eyes. It is set on Surebleak during Korval's first winter.Lord of the Dance explains a lot about Pat Rin's failure to pass the piloting tests in his youth. Characters: The whole Korval clan except Anthora and her lifemate Ren Zel, discounting all the sleeping children and youths. Also some friends, including Clonak the Scout Master, Colonel Andy Mack, Audrey and her doorman Villa. Also, Cheever McFarland (Boss Conrad's hand) plays a key role, calling out the steps of the dance.
Timeline Discrepancy: There is a slight disconnect with how this fits in the series, because Miri has recently had her baby, so Daav should still be off-world, but he plays an active part in this story. This conflicts with Dragon Ship, a full-length book.
****************
4.5 stars for Veil of the Dancer: Set in a male-dominated theocratic society reminiscent of some Middle East nation, this is the story of a brilliant young girl, Inas Bhar, age 14, veiled like all females, and beloved of her scholarly father. He gives Inas a gift that sets her future in motion, to someday become Natesa, the Assassin, Juntavas Sector Judge. This added a good deal to the characterization of a key Korval player. It is cohesive, comprehensible, and heartwarming. Plus, the POV and setting stays in one place.Read this in e-book format of Quiet Knives.
**********
Barely 3 stars for Quiet Knives: The tale of Captain Rolanni (briefly mentioned in Carpe Diem), called upon to answer a promise she made years and worlds ago. This story includes Juntavas chairman Grom Trogar, Sambra Reallen, and Clutch turtles. It supposedly sheds light on the Juntavas system of judges, but I found it too obscure. This story added little or nothing to the series, and was only mildly interesting. The POV hops from setting to setting, which I find annoying, especially in such a short story. Read this in e-book format of Quiet Knives.
**********
Four stars for The Beggar King, set on Liad. Chi yos'Phelium is Korval's Delm. Her son Daav is visiting home, on leave from the Scouts. Chi asks him to find out what is happening to the pilots, diappearing after they leave the Low Port casinos. (I expect they are being drugged and programmed to work for the Dept of the Interior as Agents of Change, but this is never stated.)
Daav meets the new Juntavas Boss while sleuthing around the Low Port. I liked the dialogue when they first met. Hah! This is a young Clarence O'Berin, red hair, blue eyes, and tough. Together, Daav and Clarence try to catch a pilot-napper....
I liked seeing a first-hand glimpse of Chi in this story, since she is only a passing reference in other books. Lively, warm-hearted, and mischievous, she appears to be the opposite of Petrella, her twin, who forbade Er Thom from marrying Anne Davis, in Local Custom. But Petrella was dying, in such pain...
This story plays up Daav's serious dislike of Liad, perhaps foreshadowing...
Ps. This "missing pilots" plot thread continues with Daav and his life mate, Alleanne, in Mouse and Dragon. And continues for Val Con in Agent of Change...and continues. Three decades later, it still continues, even as Clarence becomes copilot to Theo, Daav's daughter, in Ghost Ship (Theo Waitley, #3).
***********
Barely 3 stars for Necessary Evils, which wasn't my cup of tea, not being a fan of horror, titilating sex, and torture. It takes place at a vineyard, back in the old universe, before Korval piloted humanity to Liad (see Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2)).
The synopsis says it takes place "in the time and space before Clan Korval, when the universe was degenerating into chaos" (True, BUT there is no hint of world-ending chaos in this story). Given the setting, I had hoped it would reveal something about Uncle, who is, after all, a "scientist" -- but no. Definitely not. And the "slave" is not a cloned batcher.
A human chemist is falsely accused. In punishment, ceramic beads are sewn under her skin, like a necklace. The beads control her, and can be used to torture. Her master is the Marquis de'Sade. Three human-plant hybrids play a major role. Kind of gruesome, but funny, like a B movie or a Greek myth.
It does, perhaps, shed some light on the unique abilities and the passionate vine-love manifested by the master vintner at Irikwae, in Balance of Trade? I think his name was Ren Lar Merrileux, or something like that.
*******************
3.5 stars for Prodigal Son Published previously in Allies. While Miri plays Delmae and grows large with child on planet Surebleak, Val Con and Nelirikk rush to planet Vandar, the primitive world where he and Miri lived in Carpe Diem. Val Con must confront the intruding Department of the Interior, protecting all of Vandar and especially his friends.
Prodigal Son was okay, but not worth the $$, for it didn't add enough to what I had already read, incorporated into the full-length novel, Ghost Ship (Theo Waitley, #3). However, it was good to see Nelirikk in action again!
*******************
4 stars for Fighting Chance Published earlier in Allies. The authors describe young Miri Robertson's last days on Surebleak. I think she is about 15 years old, and already fiercely devoted to those she loves, and just plain...fierce. We get a taste of the ugly nature of Surebleak, providing some perspective on I Dare. We meet the vile Mr. Robertson and her loving, heroically enduring mother. We also meet Liz Lizardi, and a young Penn Calhoun.
*******************
Summaries below from Wikipedia, describing the other short stories in this collection. Either I have not read them yet, or have not yet reviewed them.
A Matter of Dreams The oft-disappointed crew of an itinerant spaceship find that magic and dreams can come face to face with the reality of money and power—and that power abhors an honest confrontation; meanwhile the young Moonhawk begins her spiral of trouble… (from Loose Cannon, #7)
Phoenix Artists and the abandoned must struggle to survive in the impoverished outskirts of Liad's greatest spaceport. (from Loose Cannon, #7)
Naratha's Shadow first appeared in Such a Pretty Face via Meisha Merlin Publishing. It is very short, describing Healers and Scouts confronted by a malign bit of shereika technology. I skimmed it quickly. There are no characters from Clan Korval in it, but supposedly a song woman, mentioned early in Crystal Soldier (from Shadows and Shades #8)
This House A retired Healer is presented with his most challenging case: a young lady who only he might be able to help—who also happens to be his ex-lover's new lover. No Korval characters. (from With Stars Underfoot #10)
Heirloom (4.5 stars). Previously published in Shadows and Shades, this story is quite good. Shorts are not easy to write, but the authors pulled this one off beautifully. It felt complete (but keep in mind, I have read most of the series, including all the full-length novels, with only a few shorts left to go).
According to the timeline, Pat Rin yos'Phelium is 23 and his cousin Nova yos'Galan is 12. I felt sorry for Pat Rin, yet respected him. He keeps failing the pilot test, but meanwhile, his beautiful and lightning fast young cousin passes the exam. He tries not to feel bitter, nor to take it out on her, but why is HE the only Korval who cannot pilot?
One day, when the two cousins are alone, a nasty situation develops, potentially dangerous. Pat Rin handles it admirably. Nova discovers something new about herself.
Nicely done. Good tension and pacing. Solid characterization of Pat Rin (not as thorough for Nova). We learn how the bel'Tarda line came to become a lesser branch of Clan Korval. Luken bel'Tarda plays a slight but vital role in the story. Er Thom yos'Galan (Nova's father) plays a small role, as does the unlikeable Lady Kareen, Pat Rin's mother. Oh, yes. A cat. Of course.
Quibble: I expected Er Thom to
********************
Lord of the Dance (3.5 stars) This title was removed from the official series because it conflicts slightly with Dragon Ship. Details below.
This fun little story is seen through Pat Rin's eyes. It is set on Surebleak during Korval's first winter.Lord of the Dance explains a lot about Pat Rin's failure to pass the piloting tests in his youth. Characters: The whole Korval clan except Anthora and her lifemate Ren Zel, discounting all the sleeping children and youths. Also some friends, including Clonak the Scout Master, Colonel Andy Mack, Audrey and her doorman Villa. Also, Cheever McFarland (Boss Conrad's hand) plays a key role, calling out the steps of the dance.
Timeline Discrepancy: There is a slight disconnect with how this fits in the series, because Miri has recently had her baby, so Daav should still be off-world, but he plays an active part in this story. This conflicts with Dragon Ship, a full-length book.
****************
4.5 stars for Veil of the Dancer: Set in a male-dominated theocratic society reminiscent of some Middle East nation, this is the story of a brilliant young girl, Inas Bhar, age 14, veiled like all females, and beloved of her scholarly father. He gives Inas a gift that sets her future in motion, to someday become Natesa, the Assassin, Juntavas Sector Judge. This added a good deal to the characterization of a key Korval player. It is cohesive, comprehensible, and heartwarming. Plus, the POV and setting stays in one place.Read this in e-book format of Quiet Knives.
**********
Barely 3 stars for Quiet Knives: The tale of Captain Rolanni (briefly mentioned in Carpe Diem), called upon to answer a promise she made years and worlds ago. This story includes Juntavas chairman Grom Trogar, Sambra Reallen, and Clutch turtles. It supposedly sheds light on the Juntavas system of judges, but I found it too obscure. This story added little or nothing to the series, and was only mildly interesting. The POV hops from setting to setting, which I find annoying, especially in such a short story. Read this in e-book format of Quiet Knives.
**********
Four stars for The Beggar King, set on Liad. Chi yos'Phelium is Korval's Delm. Her son Daav is visiting home, on leave from the Scouts. Chi asks him to find out what is happening to the pilots, diappearing after they leave the Low Port casinos. (I expect they are being drugged and programmed to work for the Dept of the Interior as Agents of Change, but this is never stated.)
Daav meets the new Juntavas Boss while sleuthing around the Low Port. I liked the dialogue when they first met. Hah! This is a young Clarence O'Berin, red hair, blue eyes, and tough. Together, Daav and Clarence try to catch a pilot-napper....
I liked seeing a first-hand glimpse of Chi in this story, since she is only a passing reference in other books. Lively, warm-hearted, and mischievous, she appears to be the opposite of Petrella, her twin, who forbade Er Thom from marrying Anne Davis, in Local Custom. But Petrella was dying, in such pain...
This story plays up Daav's serious dislike of Liad, perhaps foreshadowing...
Ps. This "missing pilots" plot thread continues with Daav and his life mate, Alleanne, in Mouse and Dragon. And continues for Val Con in Agent of Change...and continues. Three decades later, it still continues, even as Clarence becomes copilot to Theo, Daav's daughter, in Ghost Ship (Theo Waitley, #3).
***********
Barely 3 stars for Necessary Evils, which wasn't my cup of tea, not being a fan of horror, titilating sex, and torture. It takes place at a vineyard, back in the old universe, before Korval piloted humanity to Liad (see Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2)).
The synopsis says it takes place "in the time and space before Clan Korval, when the universe was degenerating into chaos" (True, BUT there is no hint of world-ending chaos in this story). Given the setting, I had hoped it would reveal something about Uncle, who is, after all, a "scientist" -- but no. Definitely not. And the "slave" is not a cloned batcher.
A human chemist is falsely accused. In punishment, ceramic beads are sewn under her skin, like a necklace. The beads control her, and can be used to torture. Her master is the Marquis de'Sade. Three human-plant hybrids play a major role. Kind of gruesome, but funny, like a B movie or a Greek myth.
It does, perhaps, shed some light on the unique abilities and the passionate vine-love manifested by the master vintner at Irikwae, in Balance of Trade? I think his name was Ren Lar Merrileux, or something like that.
*******************
3.5 stars for Prodigal Son Published previously in Allies. While Miri plays Delmae and grows large with child on planet Surebleak, Val Con and Nelirikk rush to planet Vandar, the primitive world where he and Miri lived in Carpe Diem. Val Con must confront the intruding Department of the Interior, protecting all of Vandar and especially his friends.
Prodigal Son was okay, but not worth the $$, for it didn't add enough to what I had already read, incorporated into the full-length novel, Ghost Ship (Theo Waitley, #3). However, it was good to see Nelirikk in action again!
*******************
4 stars for Fighting Chance Published earlier in Allies. The authors describe young Miri Robertson's last days on Surebleak. I think she is about 15 years old, and already fiercely devoted to those she loves, and just plain...fierce. We get a taste of the ugly nature of Surebleak, providing some perspective on I Dare. We meet the vile Mr. Robertson and her loving, heroically enduring mother. We also meet Liz Lizardi, and a young Penn Calhoun.
*******************
Summaries below from Wikipedia, describing the other short stories in this collection. Either I have not read them yet, or have not yet reviewed them.
A Matter of Dreams The oft-disappointed crew of an itinerant spaceship find that magic and dreams can come face to face with the reality of money and power—and that power abhors an honest confrontation; meanwhile the young Moonhawk begins her spiral of trouble… (from Loose Cannon, #7)
Phoenix Artists and the abandoned must struggle to survive in the impoverished outskirts of Liad's greatest spaceport. (from Loose Cannon, #7)
Naratha's Shadow first appeared in Such a Pretty Face via Meisha Merlin Publishing. It is very short, describing Healers and Scouts confronted by a malign bit of shereika technology. I skimmed it quickly. There are no characters from Clan Korval in it, but supposedly a song woman, mentioned early in Crystal Soldier (from Shadows and Shades #8)
This House A retired Healer is presented with his most challenging case: a young lady who only he might be able to help—who also happens to be his ex-lover's new lover. No Korval characters. (from With Stars Underfoot #10)
October 23, 2014
REREAD: 21 October 2014 -
Having just finished a reread of I Dare, I'm skimming/rereading the stories in here that I've read before and enjoying discovering the new ones that I haven't.
Read from October 09 to 13, 2012
I really enjoyed getting to read more short Liaden stories. As with Unibus I, I skipped anything set after I Dare and/or Plan B and I'll go back to those later. I also went on through the single chapbooks beyond this compilation, again reading the earlier chronological stories and skipping the ones I want to keep for later.
I always thought the Liaden chapbooks were a great idea, even if I hadn't finished them all. Now I think it even more and I hope Lee and Miller keep the tradition going, if they are superhuman enough to manage it around all the other things they seem to have on the go.
I'm now ready to go back to the main story with Carpe Diem, but the troubling question is whether I slip in a different book first as I had made the plan for the series reread. And if I do, how do I choose between Magic Bites which I've suddenly had the urge to go back and try again, Leviathan Wakes which I've had my eye on for quite a long time and finally bought because it was on special - and available in my geographical location for a change - or Captain Vorpatril's Alliance which I just bought from the Baen website. It's going to be a hard choice.
Votes are welcome to help me out.
Too many books, too hard to choose.
Having just finished a reread of I Dare, I'm skimming/rereading the stories in here that I've read before and enjoying discovering the new ones that I haven't.
Read from October 09 to 13, 2012
I really enjoyed getting to read more short Liaden stories. As with Unibus I, I skipped anything set after I Dare and/or Plan B and I'll go back to those later. I also went on through the single chapbooks beyond this compilation, again reading the earlier chronological stories and skipping the ones I want to keep for later.
I always thought the Liaden chapbooks were a great idea, even if I hadn't finished them all. Now I think it even more and I hope Lee and Miller keep the tradition going, if they are superhuman enough to manage it around all the other things they seem to have on the go.
I'm now ready to go back to the main story with Carpe Diem, but the troubling question is whether I slip in a different book first as I had made the plan for the series reread. And if I do, how do I choose between Magic Bites which I've suddenly had the urge to go back and try again, Leviathan Wakes which I've had my eye on for quite a long time and finally bought because it was on special - and available in my geographical location for a change - or Captain Vorpatril's Alliance which I just bought from the Baen website. It's going to be a hard choice.
Votes are welcome to help me out.
Too many books, too hard to choose.
December 1, 2013
"Chap books," not "chapter books"---this collection of a dozen short stories includes nary a dud, and is even artfully arranged so that, for instance, "Heirloom" both cements reader sympathy for Pat Rin and sets up his later liberation in "Lord of the Dance." The short stories also highlight the quality of writing and storytelling that makes this shared universe series exemplary.
March 21, 2012
Do not read this collection of short stories unless you have read the novels. They jump around through multiple generations of the family, filling in back story or fleshing out minor characters in a way that will be completely confusing to someone who isn't familiar with the main story line.
September 15, 2012
Don't read this collection until you've finished the series up to I Dare. The other collection can be read at any time, I think, but this one would spoil some events or cause you to be a bit lost.
I love Pat Rin. I was really happy to get a couple views of him here.
I love Pat Rin. I was really happy to get a couple views of him here.
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