What do you think?
Rate this book
Adventures in the Liaden Universe #18
Courier Run
Adventures in the Liaden Universe Number 18.
Two new Liaden Universe® adventures! Novelette "Kin Ties" explores the ties that bind beloved kin -- and desperate enemies. Short story "Guaranteed Delivery" is a tale of love, leadership, and insurance fraud. Both stories appeared in slightly altered form on the authors' Splinter Universe website.
Liaden Universe is a registered trademark belonging to Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Two new Liaden Universe® adventures! Novelette "Kin Ties" explores the ties that bind beloved kin -- and desperate enemies. Short story "Guaranteed Delivery" is a tale of love, leadership, and insurance fraud. Both stories appeared in slightly altered form on the authors' Splinter Universe website.
Liaden Universe is a registered trademark belonging to Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2011
31 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
166 books788 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 22, 2024
4 stars.
The first story is about Aelliana and Daav and a somewhat dangerous courier job they took on as courier pilots on Ride the Luck. It's nice to see them again as new lifemates before all the weird stuff that happened afterwards.
The second story is about Ren Zel, forced to be declared dead by Clan Jabun for killing their daughter, his contract wife and who subsequently cursed that whole Clan in "Changeling" with his new dramliza powers. After Korval was told to leave Liad, Anthora and Ren Zel were charged to fly around to confirm Korval's relationships with their outworld partners. The route took them back to Ren Zel's old world where Anthora wanted to Balance with his family. It was here as well that he felt the presence of the last member of Jabun and the matter of Balance between them must also be settled.
The first story is about Aelliana and Daav and a somewhat dangerous courier job they took on as courier pilots on Ride the Luck. It's nice to see them again as new lifemates before all the weird stuff that happened afterwards.
The second story is about Ren Zel, forced to be declared dead by Clan Jabun for killing their daughter, his contract wife and who subsequently cursed that whole Clan in "Changeling" with his new dramliza powers. After Korval was told to leave Liad, Anthora and Ren Zel were charged to fly around to confirm Korval's relationships with their outworld partners. The route took them back to Ren Zel's old world where Anthora wanted to Balance with his family. It was here as well that he felt the presence of the last member of Jabun and the matter of Balance between them must also be settled.
June 17, 2018
What can I say? Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.
June 23, 2013
Two short stories of Korval: Guaranteed Delivery and Close Kin. Just 3 stars for Guaranteed Delivery. It features young Daav and Aelliana on a courier run that goes bad. There's a fight scene and some mildly smexy moments. I was not interested in any of the secondary characters, and found this story unsatisfying. However, it was nice to see Daav and Aelliana again, if only for a moment, and Daav acquitted himself with guts and intelligence.
Both stories in this Kindle e-book contain some typos and formatting glitches. Distracting, but not too bad.
3 solid stars for Close Kin. It takes place right after I Dare. The Korval delms (Val Con and Miri) require Anthora and Ren Zel to visit various business partners across the galaxy, to assure them that Korval is still able to fulfill contractual agreements, even though they have left Liad under a literal cloud. A stink even.
So, where must they go, on Korval business, but to Casiaport?? This planet is Ren Zel's home, his family seat. Or it was home, until he was booted out of Clan Orbelt (albeit kindly) and made clanless, the walking dead, all thanks to the vile Delm Jabon.
Ren Zel, usually so responsive to Korval's wishes, resists this trip. He fears humiliation and rejection from his ex-kin and former acquaintances on Casiaport. I don't blame him. Authentic portrayal of dread.
I didn't much care about the secondary characters, Bethy and Sal (why should I care?) nor did I see any point to the plot digression with a would-be rapist. A more satisfying read would have focused on only the Orbelts and the Korvals, especially given the limited word count.
Kinda fun, when Anthora was holding three _____ in her hand, towards the end. But if she could do this particular magic trick here, in this scenario, why not in I Dare, when she was down in the tunnels, confronted by the Commander of Agents??
Also, the text says it had been "a dozen Standards" since Ren Zel had left Casaport, but that does not add up, since Changeling states he was 21 at the time, making Anthora ~24, Val Con ~29, Shan ~34. It could only have been a few years since Ren Zel "died" to his clan. See birthdates in timeline in Shadow and Shades chapbook.
This is the long-awaited sequel to Changeling— a much more satisfying narrative, IMO.
My review of Changeling: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Both stories in this Kindle e-book contain some typos and formatting glitches. Distracting, but not too bad.
3 solid stars for Close Kin. It takes place right after I Dare. The Korval delms (Val Con and Miri) require Anthora and Ren Zel to visit various business partners across the galaxy, to assure them that Korval is still able to fulfill contractual agreements, even though they have left Liad under a literal cloud. A stink even.
So, where must they go, on Korval business, but to Casiaport?? This planet is Ren Zel's home, his family seat. Or it was home, until he was booted out of Clan Orbelt (albeit kindly) and made clanless, the walking dead, all thanks to the vile Delm Jabon.
Ren Zel, usually so responsive to Korval's wishes, resists this trip. He fears humiliation and rejection from his ex-kin and former acquaintances on Casiaport. I don't blame him. Authentic portrayal of dread.
I didn't much care about the secondary characters, Bethy and Sal (why should I care?) nor did I see any point to the plot digression with a would-be rapist. A more satisfying read would have focused on only the Orbelts and the Korvals, especially given the limited word count.
Kinda fun, when Anthora was holding three _____ in her hand, towards the end. But if she could do this particular magic trick here, in this scenario, why not in I Dare, when she was down in the tunnels, confronted by the Commander of Agents??
Also, the text says it had been "a dozen Standards" since Ren Zel had left Casaport, but that does not add up, since Changeling states he was 21 at the time, making Anthora ~24, Val Con ~29, Shan ~34. It could only have been a few years since Ren Zel "died" to his clan. See birthdates in timeline in Shadow and Shades chapbook.
This is the long-awaited sequel to Changeling— a much more satisfying narrative, IMO.
My review of Changeling: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
January 13, 2022
Two Liaden stories, telling some of the backstory of some major characters.
In "Guaranteed Delivery,"Aeilliana and Daav are just starting to build their reputation in their courier business in Ride the Luck. They take on a contract to carry ao valuable family jewel to another family location. They of course take out insurance to protect against any loss, even though they have no intention of allowing that. It's not entirely a surprise when they are ambushed when they enter the port, headed for their ship. Someone else does get a surprise, however.
In "Kin Ties," set right after the events in I Dare, Ren Zel and Anthora are sent out to visit Korval allies and business partners, to assure them that Korval is still able to fulfill existing contracts, despite having been banished from Liad in disgrace. One of their stops is Casia, to call on Clan Obrelt. Ren Zel dea'Judan, now Anthora's lifemate and a member of Clan Korval, was once Ren Zel dea'Judan Clan Obrelt, who contract married, at his Delm's direction, a member of Clan Jabun.
When his contract wife is killed in an accident that badly injures him, Clan Jabun demands his death as Balance. Since Jabun can destroy Obrelt and is completely ready to do so, Delm Obrelt reluctantly declared him dead. Clan Jabun has fallen on hard times, but there's still someone left ready to pursue the vendetta. More immediately worrying to Ren Zel, he has no idea how his own former clan will receive him.
"Kin Ties" is the more substantial story (as well as longer, a novelette compared to the short story "Guaranteed Delivery"), but "Guaranteed Delivery" is a lot of fun. Both give us a look at something of the background of major characters before the point in their lives when they become the major characters we know.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
In "Guaranteed Delivery,"Aeilliana and Daav are just starting to build their reputation in their courier business in Ride the Luck. They take on a contract to carry ao valuable family jewel to another family location. They of course take out insurance to protect against any loss, even though they have no intention of allowing that. It's not entirely a surprise when they are ambushed when they enter the port, headed for their ship. Someone else does get a surprise, however.
In "Kin Ties," set right after the events in I Dare, Ren Zel and Anthora are sent out to visit Korval allies and business partners, to assure them that Korval is still able to fulfill existing contracts, despite having been banished from Liad in disgrace. One of their stops is Casia, to call on Clan Obrelt. Ren Zel dea'Judan, now Anthora's lifemate and a member of Clan Korval, was once Ren Zel dea'Judan Clan Obrelt, who contract married, at his Delm's direction, a member of Clan Jabun.
When his contract wife is killed in an accident that badly injures him, Clan Jabun demands his death as Balance. Since Jabun can destroy Obrelt and is completely ready to do so, Delm Obrelt reluctantly declared him dead. Clan Jabun has fallen on hard times, but there's still someone left ready to pursue the vendetta. More immediately worrying to Ren Zel, he has no idea how his own former clan will receive him.
"Kin Ties" is the more substantial story (as well as longer, a novelette compared to the short story "Guaranteed Delivery"), but "Guaranteed Delivery" is a lot of fun. Both give us a look at something of the background of major characters before the point in their lives when they become the major characters we know.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
July 12, 2019
Another lovely short story.
Keeping you guessing till the very end - like the very best of stories. Well written as expected from these authors.
Keeping you guessing till the very end - like the very best of stories. Well written as expected from these authors.
July 7, 2017
Two chapbooks in one - "Guaranteed Delivery" and "Kin Ties".
"Guaranteed Delivery" stars Aelliana and Daav on Ride the Luck from the decades predating "I, Dare". The backstory does not influence anything else in the Liaden Universe and can be ignored. My low rating is based on worldbuiling; the unique society based on social media ratings ends up feeling like a poor Liaden knockoff. The people within the society speak very much like the Liaden and have similar social actions. I would have preferred more variations off the main Liaden society - like Humans and Yxtrang and the Clutch Turtles. As I mentioned in previous reviews, I have found Sharon Lee and Steve Miller work better the more space they have to play with and this is one of their shortest stories. The underlying thriller and love interest aspects make it a likable enough read, but "Guaranteed Delivery" is far from their best work.
"Kin Ties" carries on the Ren Zel's story found in "Changeling" (#6 of the Liaden Universe Adventures) where his kinsmen were forced to declare him dead. He returns home, a deadman walking through the doors at the behest of his lifemate and his delm, hurting on levels he did not know from his loss. Another on the planet similarly aches from the damage done, for a wrongful death affects all, and she seeks Balance for herself and her lost kin.
"Kin Ties" is a strong side road to the Liaden Universe (unlike "Guaranteed Delivery" which is little more than a dirt path) and may, long-term, impact the novel portion of the universe. So a reader-fan of the universe should read this story at some point. But the story is no where near as strong or moving as "Changeling", and, in fact, the story does not stand on its own. The end-scene motivations are a little to obscure even with the background of the greater Universe and adventure #6. I would have like to know a little more about the Jadun's delm's decision making process. I think she choose wisely; but I do not see why she came to that choice.
So neither of the chapbooks are the best by Lee & Miller, but they are not bad either. A little confusing and a little mediocre. Another dozen or so pages for each of the books likely would have solved the issue; longer is better for Lee & Miller. Both have nice romantic and thriller portions to them.
"Guaranteed Delivery" stars Aelliana and Daav on Ride the Luck from the decades predating "I, Dare". The backstory does not influence anything else in the Liaden Universe and can be ignored. My low rating is based on worldbuiling; the unique society based on social media ratings ends up feeling like a poor Liaden knockoff. The people within the society speak very much like the Liaden and have similar social actions. I would have preferred more variations off the main Liaden society - like Humans and Yxtrang and the Clutch Turtles. As I mentioned in previous reviews, I have found Sharon Lee and Steve Miller work better the more space they have to play with and this is one of their shortest stories. The underlying thriller and love interest aspects make it a likable enough read, but "Guaranteed Delivery" is far from their best work.
"Kin Ties" carries on the Ren Zel's story found in "Changeling" (#6 of the Liaden Universe Adventures) where his kinsmen were forced to declare him dead. He returns home, a deadman walking through the doors at the behest of his lifemate and his delm, hurting on levels he did not know from his loss. Another on the planet similarly aches from the damage done, for a wrongful death affects all, and she seeks Balance for herself and her lost kin.
"Kin Ties" is a strong side road to the Liaden Universe (unlike "Guaranteed Delivery" which is little more than a dirt path) and may, long-term, impact the novel portion of the universe. So a reader-fan of the universe should read this story at some point. But the story is no where near as strong or moving as "Changeling", and, in fact, the story does not stand on its own. The end-scene motivations are a little to obscure even with the background of the greater Universe and adventure #6. I would have like to know a little more about the Jadun's delm's decision making process. I think she choose wisely; but I do not see why she came to that choice.
So neither of the chapbooks are the best by Lee & Miller, but they are not bad either. A little confusing and a little mediocre. Another dozen or so pages for each of the books likely would have solved the issue; longer is better for Lee & Miller. Both have nice romantic and thriller portions to them.
February 4, 2012
Rating: 4.5
The two stories in this chapbook both feature characters from the authors' Liaden series.
The first story, "Guaranteed Delivery", is set during the time frame of the novel Mouse and Dragon and features Daav and Aelliana as they develop their interplanetary courier business. I am a big fan of the Liaden series and these are two of my favorite charactes, but I also think this story could stand alone for people who are not familiar with the series.
The second story, "Kin Ties", features Ren Zel and Anthora travelling to Casiaport, Ren Zel's planet of origin. This story may be more accessible to people who have previously read the novella Changeling which tells Ren Zel's history before meeting Clan Korval.
The authors do an excellent job of world building, using new characters to develop the culture of other planets and societies.
I have a small quibble with the layout of the book: The copyright page lists "Kin Ties" first, but the first story is "Guaranteed Delivery". In the epub edition the story titles are not in a larger font than the text. I missed the title at first and got confused about which story I was reading.
The two stories in this chapbook both feature characters from the authors' Liaden series.
The first story, "Guaranteed Delivery", is set during the time frame of the novel Mouse and Dragon and features Daav and Aelliana as they develop their interplanetary courier business. I am a big fan of the Liaden series and these are two of my favorite charactes, but I also think this story could stand alone for people who are not familiar with the series.
The second story, "Kin Ties", features Ren Zel and Anthora travelling to Casiaport, Ren Zel's planet of origin. This story may be more accessible to people who have previously read the novella Changeling which tells Ren Zel's history before meeting Clan Korval.
The authors do an excellent job of world building, using new characters to develop the culture of other planets and societies.
I have a small quibble with the layout of the book: The copyright page lists "Kin Ties" first, but the first story is "Guaranteed Delivery". In the epub edition the story titles are not in a larger font than the text. I missed the title at first and got confused about which story I was reading.
September 3, 2013
When I think about reading I mean novels. Anthologies have always held second place. However, in Science Fiction I am finding myself constantly perplexed by authors who anthologize a single story in multiple volumes. Mike Resnick, Keith Laumer Christopher Anvil, James Schmitz, and Poul Anderson immediately come to mind. So here on Goodreads I surrender.
October 7, 2013
Read (2) Times
Loved Guaranteed Delivery and Kin Ties!!!
Loved Guaranteed Delivery and Kin Ties!!!
December 16, 2020
A story about Aelliana and Daav from when they were couriers on Ride the Luck and a more recent story of Ren Zel and Anthora. Enjoyed the second more than the first.
November 8, 2015
Good background stories about characters in the Liaden Universe!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews