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Liaden Universe, Chronological #7
Scout's Progress
In the second novel of the Liaden Universe, Aelliana Caylon is a brilliant mathematician, but is convinced by her brother she has no worth beyond what value she might have in an arranged marriage. Then on a dare, she plays a game of chance and wins a starship. Now she must learn to fly if she is to escape her dastardly brother. Appeared in the omnibus "Pilot's Choice."
11 pages, Audiobook
First published April 30, 2002
66 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
168 books789 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 13, 2023
2023 Re-read
My special order came in at my favourite book shop, this book included in the haul. Naturally I grabbed this volume and settled in for a good re-read. I think I enjoyed it more than I did the first time around. The more of the series that I read, the more I see when revisiting the books that I read earliest.
I would probably never have discovered these books if I hadn't taken on my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project. My love for Lee & Miller's Liaden Universe is well worth the novels on that list that I have struggled to finish. It has been a long term project (begun in 2011 and continuing for at least another couple of years) but I am glad that I embarked on it.
Original Review
A flip of the traditional Cinderella story, where Cinderella knows who the prince is, but he has to investigate to identify her. In Scout’s Progress, Aelliana only knows who she is—a terrified woman trying to escape from an abusive relationship with her brother plus she is a brilliant mathematician. When she uses that mathematical talent to win herself a starship, she has no idea that the man helping her to get her pilot’s license is more than he seems. Daav yos’Phelium is head of the house of Korval, foremost house on the planet of Liad (a charming if not entirely handsome prince).
The stakes were pretty high for Cinderella—escaping from a life of drudgery, lorded over by the evil step-sisters—but for Aelliana it may actually be a matter of life and death. I found the portrayal of an abuse victim to be moving, especially as the friendly people around her start to put the pieces together and insist on helping her. One of my inner circle was in a mentally & emotionally abusive relationship, and I know from personal experience the frustration of being limited in what you can do to help. In short, the abused person must be “ready” in order to leave and they are the only ones who can determine when they have reached that point. It is difficult for friends and family to watch as that person prepares herself/himself. I was thankful that my loved one had an excellent councilor, who assured us that most women take at least 5 years to actually make the fateful decision to go—their abusers have them convinced that they are nothing on their own and that they will never survive outside the abusive relationship.
It was marvelous to watch Aelliana grow as a person and to realize her own worth, to gain skills and confidence. Since I’ve watched it in real life, complete with new, healthy relationship when the battle is over, I really enjoyed this fictional version.
My special order came in at my favourite book shop, this book included in the haul. Naturally I grabbed this volume and settled in for a good re-read. I think I enjoyed it more than I did the first time around. The more of the series that I read, the more I see when revisiting the books that I read earliest.
I would probably never have discovered these books if I hadn't taken on my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project. My love for Lee & Miller's Liaden Universe is well worth the novels on that list that I have struggled to finish. It has been a long term project (begun in 2011 and continuing for at least another couple of years) but I am glad that I embarked on it.
Original Review
A flip of the traditional Cinderella story, where Cinderella knows who the prince is, but he has to investigate to identify her. In Scout’s Progress, Aelliana only knows who she is—a terrified woman trying to escape from an abusive relationship with her brother plus she is a brilliant mathematician. When she uses that mathematical talent to win herself a starship, she has no idea that the man helping her to get her pilot’s license is more than he seems. Daav yos’Phelium is head of the house of Korval, foremost house on the planet of Liad (a charming if not entirely handsome prince).
The stakes were pretty high for Cinderella—escaping from a life of drudgery, lorded over by the evil step-sisters—but for Aelliana it may actually be a matter of life and death. I found the portrayal of an abuse victim to be moving, especially as the friendly people around her start to put the pieces together and insist on helping her. One of my inner circle was in a mentally & emotionally abusive relationship, and I know from personal experience the frustration of being limited in what you can do to help. In short, the abused person must be “ready” in order to leave and they are the only ones who can determine when they have reached that point. It is difficult for friends and family to watch as that person prepares herself/himself. I was thankful that my loved one had an excellent councilor, who assured us that most women take at least 5 years to actually make the fateful decision to go—their abusers have them convinced that they are nothing on their own and that they will never survive outside the abusive relationship.
It was marvelous to watch Aelliana grow as a person and to realize her own worth, to gain skills and confidence. Since I’ve watched it in real life, complete with new, healthy relationship when the battle is over, I really enjoyed this fictional version.
January 26, 2022
5/5; 5 stars; A+
Well, after re-reading this book, I've had to up my rating from 4 stars to 5. When your heart rate is up and you're all wound up as you're coming to the close of your book...you know you've been thoroughly entertained.
This book is not only an interesting and well paced adventure but it is even more, a close look at the human heart and soul, the power to heal, the value of friendship and community. In the Liaden universe, where I can't call the characters 'human' for they deny their ties to 'Terra' but the characterization is of humans. Some aspects of the society with its strict rules and adherence to 'Code' reminds me of the way 'Society' functioned in the early 1800s.
I found this story disturbing in that the authors very successfully portrayed the terror and anguish felt by someone who has been systematically abused. The darkness was,in part,balanced out by the warm and interesting friends that Scholar Caylon made throughout the book and the hopeful events leading her towards freedom. Nonetheless, its still felt dark to me.
The ending of this book seemed abrupt the first time and it did again this time but I was mollified to know I had the direct sequel waiting on my shelf.
Well, after re-reading this book, I've had to up my rating from 4 stars to 5. When your heart rate is up and you're all wound up as you're coming to the close of your book...you know you've been thoroughly entertained.
This book is not only an interesting and well paced adventure but it is even more, a close look at the human heart and soul, the power to heal, the value of friendship and community. In the Liaden universe, where I can't call the characters 'human' for they deny their ties to 'Terra' but the characterization is of humans. Some aspects of the society with its strict rules and adherence to 'Code' reminds me of the way 'Society' functioned in the early 1800s.
I found this story disturbing in that the authors very successfully portrayed the terror and anguish felt by someone who has been systematically abused. The darkness was,in part,balanced out by the warm and interesting friends that Scholar Caylon made throughout the book and the hopeful events leading her towards freedom. Nonetheless, its still felt dark to me.
The ending of this book seemed abrupt the first time and it did again this time but I was mollified to know I had the direct sequel waiting on my shelf.
May 31, 2015
I read this story in the The Dragon Variation e-collection. It's a solid story of breaking free and busting out. A romance set on a different planet. A brilliant scholar strives to free herself from a viciously abusive family and to forge a new life for herself, even if she must become "clanless" -- a fate worse than death, in many ways. Our heroine is a "math teacher" named Aelliana. This is her "coming-of-age" story, even though she is well into adulthood.
Lord Korval, going by simply Daav, incognito as a pilot, scout, and spaceship mechanic, is wonderful, helping her learn to trust. He's a bit slow to realize what a treasure he's found, but Tree sets him straight. (snort)
And that's funny -- the role Tree plays in this book. Jelaza Kazone has definite ideas about who Daav should marry. And doesn't hesitate to act on those ideas. (contrast this withLocal Custom, where Tree plays no role.)
Lots of fun secondary characters, especially the Scouts at Benjali Motors (Jon, Clonak, Trulli, etc.)
Great story, from start to finish (but it's not finished). The last 20% is intense, sexy, scary, poignant, and mildly humorous.
However, it ends too abruptly. In fact, this couple's story continues in Mouse and Dragon.
*****
Update: So, I read Mouse and Dragon. Disappointing. Too much family drama — a replay of the discord Er Thom and Anne Davis endured from Petrella and Kareen in Local Custom. Also, Daav's decision at the end seemed out of character and illogical.
Lord Korval, going by simply Daav, incognito as a pilot, scout, and spaceship mechanic, is wonderful, helping her learn to trust. He's a bit slow to realize what a treasure he's found, but Tree sets him straight. (snort)
And that's funny -- the role Tree plays in this book. Jelaza Kazone has definite ideas about who Daav should marry. And doesn't hesitate to act on those ideas. (contrast this withLocal Custom, where Tree plays no role.)
Lots of fun secondary characters, especially the Scouts at Benjali Motors (Jon, Clonak, Trulli, etc.)
Great story, from start to finish (but it's not finished). The last 20% is intense, sexy, scary, poignant, and mildly humorous.
However, it ends too abruptly. In fact, this couple's story continues in Mouse and Dragon.
*****
Update: So, I read Mouse and Dragon. Disappointing. Too much family drama — a replay of the discord Er Thom and Anne Davis endured from Petrella and Kareen in Local Custom. Also, Daav's decision at the end seemed out of character and illogical.
December 18, 2022
Like the Liaden Universe book I’ve read previously (Local Custom), I enjoyed Scout’s Progress enough, but…
I still felt there is something missing to make me swoon over the series. I can’t say what that missing ingredient is as the books should tick all my boxes.
I really like space scifi (I’m not into fantasy) and, with our leads being pilots, I was wholly satisfied there. There’s a great balance between the dramatic and romantic sub plots. This is a true slow burn romance and I don’t have to roll my eyes at any crazy sex scenes.
There’s one of my favourite tropes with our hero hiding his wealth and status from our heroine who, obviously, then thinks he’s just an everyday pilot. There’s diversity (our hero is bisexual, I would assume) and feminism (our heroine doesn’t know it, but she saves herself several times and doesn’t really ever rely on a ‘knight in shining armour’). The conflict and sad back stories of the characters are complex and feature topical themes such as domestic violence, found family and classism.
All in all, this is a 4 out of 5
But...
I just don’t feel like I’m in a rush to read the next book in the series which isn’t how I should feel upon finishing. I probably will at some stage but it’s not as much of a burning desire as it should be.
It seems, apparently, I’m still on the hunt for a good scifi romance (series or standalone), so if you have any recs, throw them my way.
I still felt there is something missing to make me swoon over the series. I can’t say what that missing ingredient is as the books should tick all my boxes.
I really like space scifi (I’m not into fantasy) and, with our leads being pilots, I was wholly satisfied there. There’s a great balance between the dramatic and romantic sub plots. This is a true slow burn romance and I don’t have to roll my eyes at any crazy sex scenes.
There’s one of my favourite tropes with our hero hiding his wealth and status from our heroine who, obviously, then thinks he’s just an everyday pilot. There’s diversity (our hero is bisexual, I would assume) and feminism (our heroine doesn’t know it, but she saves herself several times and doesn’t really ever rely on a ‘knight in shining armour’). The conflict and sad back stories of the characters are complex and feature topical themes such as domestic violence, found family and classism.
All in all, this is a 4 out of 5
But...
I just don’t feel like I’m in a rush to read the next book in the series which isn’t how I should feel upon finishing. I probably will at some stage but it’s not as much of a burning desire as it should be.
It seems, apparently, I’m still on the hunt for a good scifi romance (series or standalone), so if you have any recs, throw them my way.
April 24, 2020
It was so good! I heartily recommend this series! 4/20/16re-read: A superb story, with characters who endear, so enjoyable! 2019 re-read: I love becoming immersed in these stories, it is so wonderful to revisit old, dear, friends.
October 18, 2020
This is the second time I've attempted the Liaden Universe (I don't think I finished Local Custom?) and it was a completely different reading experience. This Universe is dense and the authors simply sink you into this world and the strict social conventions that dictate it. The first time I tried reading this, I found the world boring and restrictive, but this time, I appreciated the complexity of Liaden society (very reminiscent of historical fiction - the marriage mart, anyone?). Can't wait to dive deeper into this world!
November 27, 2017
Aelliana, our heroine, has a lot of problems. She's too thin,* and she has late-stage Fantasy Name Syndrome, and she needs a spaceship and a pilot's licence STAT. Will she get her ship and her licence, and, more importantly, the love of a hot man, before she expires from a fatal Vowel Surfeit? There's only one way to find out.
I did enjoy reading this while I was reading it but probs won't reread and am not in a rush to seek out others in the series.
* we all know the terrible social cost of being thin, how so many people see it as synecdoche for laziness and apathy--oh wait, hang on, this just in, that isn't actually the case? and in fact a lot of authors, particularly in fantasy, use "the heroine is painfully thin" as a way of showing that she's not ~*~conventionally attractive~*~ even though there's nothing more conventionally attractive than thinness? More on this surprising development at 11.
I did enjoy reading this while I was reading it but probs won't reread and am not in a rush to seek out others in the series.
* we all know the terrible social cost of being thin, how so many people see it as synecdoche for laziness and apathy--oh wait, hang on, this just in, that isn't actually the case? and in fact a lot of authors, particularly in fantasy, use "the heroine is painfully thin" as a way of showing that she's not ~*~conventionally attractive~*~ even though there's nothing more conventionally attractive than thinness? More on this surprising development at 11.
Read
November 4, 2009"This is one of my favorite sf romances of all time. If the word romance is putting you off - don't let it: the romance is a very minor part of the plot.[return][return]The real point of the book is the assertion of independence by a woman who has been kept thoroughly cowed by a dominating mother and a downright abusive older brother. It's not as simple as leaving, as it would be in our society; Liad is a clan-based society, where being clanless is akin to being dead. Striking out on one's own is virtually impossible. So watching a quiet ""mouse"" resolve to do so, and her rebellions against her family and society, are wonderful. Not to mention her exposure to other parts of her society, where the rules are not so rigidly adhered to. The growth of her character, and the gradual strength that she develops is fantastic to witness, and wonderfully written besides."
May 3, 2024
As good as the rest!
04/30/2018: re-reading. Loved it, again.
03/05/2020: re-reading.
08/05/2021: Daav and Aelliana are definitely one of my three favorite couples in the Liaden Universe, and I have the feeling I will be reading this series again and again.
03/25/2022: Yes, I re-read this again. Literary crack. I change the rating of the book to 5 stars, I love it each time I read it.
04/24/2023: This series is becoming a yearly read.
05/03/2024: Yes, I read this again. For me, this series is what reading is all about: likeable characters, page-turning, compelling plot, an immersive world.
04/30/2018: re-reading. Loved it, again.
03/05/2020: re-reading.
08/05/2021: Daav and Aelliana are definitely one of my three favorite couples in the Liaden Universe, and I have the feeling I will be reading this series again and again.
03/25/2022: Yes, I re-read this again. Literary crack. I change the rating of the book to 5 stars, I love it each time I read it.
04/24/2023: This series is becoming a yearly read.
05/03/2024: Yes, I read this again. For me, this series is what reading is all about: likeable characters, page-turning, compelling plot, an immersive world.
February 11, 2019
I loved the back story of Aelliana and Daav! Good read!
2019 re-read! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this!
2019 re-read! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this!
August 25, 2022
That ending! Very not like your typical romance. I definitely wanted more. Yet despite the sort of abrupt ending and the atypical romance, I loved the book. I had a knot in my stomach those last few chapters… so intense. Very glad I finally got around to reading it. Nicely narrated on audio, as well. **Just found out that there is a sequel, so I don’t feel as unsettled about the abrupt ending.**
March 18, 2010
As far as I'm concerned, this is Lee and Miller's finest work. The pacing is beautiful, the characters wonderfully portrayed. I find this and "Local Custom" to be far more satisfying reads than the more action-oriented books in their collection; the time we get to spend in the characters' heads, knowing what it is to be Liaden... that truely makes these a step above space opera.
In this book in particular the sequence of events flows very naturally and the dangers feel very real. The obstacles in the way of Daav and Aelliana's relationship are complex and indeed hardly surmountable.
I am OVERJOYED to note that a sequel is soon to be published! THANK YOU, Miller and Lee, for continuing the story of Daav and Aelliana.
The fascinating thing about this, in comparison with "Local Custom", is that there is again a clash of cultures only in this book it is Liaden vs. Liaden rather than Liaden vs. Terran - and in focusing on this aspect of culture the authors tell us so much about these Liadens and how they really do differ in their mode of operation from Terrans.
In this book in particular the sequence of events flows very naturally and the dangers feel very real. The obstacles in the way of Daav and Aelliana's relationship are complex and indeed hardly surmountable.
I am OVERJOYED to note that a sequel is soon to be published! THANK YOU, Miller and Lee, for continuing the story of Daav and Aelliana.
The fascinating thing about this, in comparison with "Local Custom", is that there is again a clash of cultures only in this book it is Liaden vs. Liaden rather than Liaden vs. Terran - and in focusing on this aspect of culture the authors tell us so much about these Liadens and how they really do differ in their mode of operation from Terrans.
December 22, 2024
Daav yos'Phelium, Delm Korval, needs to find a suitable woman to have a child for him and so enters into a contract with Samiv tel'Izik but is unhappy with this necessity. Aellaina Caylon, Clan Mizel, is being abused by her brother and wants to escape from Liad. She wins a jump ship in a card game and goes to Binjali's where the ship is kept. Daav is spending time at Binjali's with his friends to try to regain his balance of mind. They meet and become co-pilots. She is in lots of danger from her brother. He is trying to teach her that it is all right to trust - but he doesn't give her his complete name. She falls in love with Daav but doesn't know he is Korval. Great love story!
November 28, 2025
Space Opera gold.
August 16, 2018
There are some books I'm probably too close to to review objectively, and this is one of them- I am terribly fond of it, including the imperfections.
Serious trigger warning for physical and verbal abuse of the heroine by her brother, depicted multiple times on screen, negligence by other family members who let it go on including their mother, and references to a past abusive husband in a short-term contract romance.
Aelliana Caylon is a mathematician renowned for her revision of the critical tables of calculations used by pilots to navigate space and for the survival mathematics class she teaches at a technical college, but her life is tightly circumscribed by her abusive brother Ran Eld, their mother's chosen heir, who hates her and views her as a threat to his position in the succession after overhearing his aunt claim that Aelliana is the better choice for delm of the family, despite their mother's favoritism.
Aelliana keeps her head down and endures, going between her teaching job and home and forming close ties to no one until, wandering after an incident with her brother, a few of her students come upon her, invite her to join them at a new casino in town, and subsequently deploy her in service of a vendetta against a feckless aristocrat who takes pleasure in ruining the young and innocent at cards. Aelliana, whose thesis concerned the relevant game of chance, demolishes the man at his own game and wins a spaceship in the bargain and hope for escape from her brother, if she can only learn to properly fly it.
Daav yos'Phelium is the delm of Clan Korval, the Highest of High Houses and also, incidentally, the most eccentric of High Houses. His mother and elder cousin perished in an attack on the House years before that his aunt and foster mother barely survived, and since Local Custom she too has passed away, leaving the House woefully small and Daav in need of an heir to increase the numbers of the House as soon as possible. He finds himself in need of an escape from the pressures of his duties as Korval Himself, his impending contract marriage, and the defense of his beloved foster brother's new Terran lifemate, and so he retreats to the company of the Scouts that duty forced him to leave behind, working semi-anonymously as a mechanic in an old friend and teacher's repair shop to blow off steam.
Naturally, this is the warehouse where Aelliana's brand new ship is docked, and they grow closer as Aelliana befriends the crew at the repair shop who become as a found family to her and takes, very quickly, to piloting. But it's unlikely she can hide a whole ship from her brother forever...
This is a story about enduring abuse, about trying to rebuild oneself in stolen moments, about slowly reaching out to other people and building relationships, and confidence, and maybe even pride. Aelliana's development is wonderful to watch, as is her growing closeness with Daav, and there are a couple of well-handled subplots as well. It also hits a particular sweet spot for me as a people learning to do things/people working story with Aelliana's piloting endeavors and it's a nice continuation of certain elements from Daav's brother's story Local Custom, with which it was originally released together in the omnibus Pilots Choice.
This is a romance in that it has a happy ending where the couple ends up together, but it may frustrate romance readers because the book ends... in media res in a lot of ways with regards to the romance, though their commitment to each other is decisive. There is a much later written sequel, Mouse and Dragon, that I cannot recommend- I felt it handled the matter of Aelliana's abuse as poorly as Scout's Progress handled it sensitively, there were several smaller things that made Scout's Progress a retroactively weaker book knowing them, and, most grievous of all, a _key_ scene is completely omitted from the book and happens off-page because the events were chronicled in a previously published novelette, "Guaranteed Delivery". My recommendation is to avoid Mouse and Dragon and seek out the short story instead.
Serious trigger warning for physical and verbal abuse of the heroine by her brother, depicted multiple times on screen, negligence by other family members who let it go on including their mother, and references to a past abusive husband in a short-term contract romance.
Aelliana Caylon is a mathematician renowned for her revision of the critical tables of calculations used by pilots to navigate space and for the survival mathematics class she teaches at a technical college, but her life is tightly circumscribed by her abusive brother Ran Eld, their mother's chosen heir, who hates her and views her as a threat to his position in the succession after overhearing his aunt claim that Aelliana is the better choice for delm of the family, despite their mother's favoritism.
Aelliana keeps her head down and endures, going between her teaching job and home and forming close ties to no one until, wandering after an incident with her brother, a few of her students come upon her, invite her to join them at a new casino in town, and subsequently deploy her in service of a vendetta against a feckless aristocrat who takes pleasure in ruining the young and innocent at cards. Aelliana, whose thesis concerned the relevant game of chance, demolishes the man at his own game and wins a spaceship in the bargain and hope for escape from her brother, if she can only learn to properly fly it.
Daav yos'Phelium is the delm of Clan Korval, the Highest of High Houses and also, incidentally, the most eccentric of High Houses. His mother and elder cousin perished in an attack on the House years before that his aunt and foster mother barely survived, and since Local Custom she too has passed away, leaving the House woefully small and Daav in need of an heir to increase the numbers of the House as soon as possible. He finds himself in need of an escape from the pressures of his duties as Korval Himself, his impending contract marriage, and the defense of his beloved foster brother's new Terran lifemate, and so he retreats to the company of the Scouts that duty forced him to leave behind, working semi-anonymously as a mechanic in an old friend and teacher's repair shop to blow off steam.
Naturally, this is the warehouse where Aelliana's brand new ship is docked, and they grow closer as Aelliana befriends the crew at the repair shop who become as a found family to her and takes, very quickly, to piloting. But it's unlikely she can hide a whole ship from her brother forever...
This is a story about enduring abuse, about trying to rebuild oneself in stolen moments, about slowly reaching out to other people and building relationships, and confidence, and maybe even pride. Aelliana's development is wonderful to watch, as is her growing closeness with Daav, and there are a couple of well-handled subplots as well. It also hits a particular sweet spot for me as a people learning to do things/people working story with Aelliana's piloting endeavors and it's a nice continuation of certain elements from Daav's brother's story Local Custom, with which it was originally released together in the omnibus Pilots Choice.
This is a romance in that it has a happy ending where the couple ends up together, but it may frustrate romance readers because the book ends... in media res in a lot of ways with regards to the romance, though their commitment to each other is decisive. There is a much later written sequel, Mouse and Dragon, that I cannot recommend- I felt it handled the matter of Aelliana's abuse as poorly as Scout's Progress handled it sensitively, there were several smaller things that made Scout's Progress a retroactively weaker book knowing them, and, most grievous of all, a _key_ scene is completely omitted from the book and happens off-page because the events were chronicled in a previously published novelette, "Guaranteed Delivery". My recommendation is to avoid Mouse and Dragon and seek out the short story instead.
June 17, 2016
Aelliana Caylon has a problem, and it's her brother. He's abusive, contemptuous, and heir to the Delm of Clan Meisel. He cares nothing for the fact that she's a brilliant mathematician and revisor of the Ventura tables on which all pilots depend. He feels she's worth nothing except what she'd bring in a contract marriage--and the Delm, their mother, has granted Aelliana's plea that she be allowed to make no more contract marriages.
So brother Ran Eld is looking for other ways to humiliate her. He's also in serious need of funds, as a creditor with no sense of humor is demanding immediate repayment.
Meanwhile, Daav yos'Phelium is having his own problems. He's been negotiating a contract marriage of his own; as Delm Korval, he doesn't even have the option of letting it be someone else's decision. The bride he's found is utterly suitable in every way, except that they have no particular attraction to each other, and Korval's Tree has taken her in serious dislike.
Then Aelliana throws a monkey wrench in everyone's plans, when she accompanies two of her students to a gaming house and wins ownership of a jump ship, Ride the Luck, from the spoiled heir of another house. She starts sneaking off to the port to oversee the refitting of her ship, and to get the training she needs to become a licensed jump pilot. And while spending all that time there, she meets a casual employee of the shipyard where her ship is docked, who goes by the name of Daav. He, like the others at this yard, is an ex-Scout pilot. He's good company, a good teacher, and if he's a little vague about what his House is and other details, it doesn't seem important--right?
This story is a lot of fun, and while it's part of a larger series, it stands on its own well enough to enjoy even if this is your first encounter with the series. The Liaden universe and characters have a fairly rich, textured background, the good guys have solid values, and the bad guys are at least understandable. And did I mention it's a lot of fun?
Recommended.
I bought this book.
So brother Ran Eld is looking for other ways to humiliate her. He's also in serious need of funds, as a creditor with no sense of humor is demanding immediate repayment.
Meanwhile, Daav yos'Phelium is having his own problems. He's been negotiating a contract marriage of his own; as Delm Korval, he doesn't even have the option of letting it be someone else's decision. The bride he's found is utterly suitable in every way, except that they have no particular attraction to each other, and Korval's Tree has taken her in serious dislike.
Then Aelliana throws a monkey wrench in everyone's plans, when she accompanies two of her students to a gaming house and wins ownership of a jump ship, Ride the Luck, from the spoiled heir of another house. She starts sneaking off to the port to oversee the refitting of her ship, and to get the training she needs to become a licensed jump pilot. And while spending all that time there, she meets a casual employee of the shipyard where her ship is docked, who goes by the name of Daav. He, like the others at this yard, is an ex-Scout pilot. He's good company, a good teacher, and if he's a little vague about what his House is and other details, it doesn't seem important--right?
This story is a lot of fun, and while it's part of a larger series, it stands on its own well enough to enjoy even if this is your first encounter with the series. The Liaden universe and characters have a fairly rich, textured background, the good guys have solid values, and the bad guys are at least understandable. And did I mention it's a lot of fun?
Recommended.
I bought this book.
August 27, 2018
This is a separate novel set in the Liaden universe (not part of the Agent of Change arc), but it still involves Clan Korval, most powerful family unit on the planet. The focus this time is a generation earlier, the story of Daav yos’Phelium, delm of Korval, and Aelliana Caylon, mathematician and victim of a cruel and overbearing brother. (Daav and Aelliana will later become the parents of Val Con yos’Phelium.) Aelliana quite unexpectedly wins a spaceship in a card game and becomes liberated, step by step, as she passes the hurdles required of prospective pilots. She’s aided in this by Daav, who likes to unwind by doing grunt-level repair work at a facility run by his old Scout comrades, and whose clan affiliation she doesn’t discover until the very end. We get to see the less glamorous side of the highly stratified and stylized Liaden society through the eyes of a lesser family that largely depends for survival on its ability to place its daughters in contract marriages for the purpose of producing children -- something demanded of every male Liaden. It’s primarily a love story, and there’s a flavor of Jan Austen here, or perhaps Cinderella. Not as galaxy-spanning as some of the other Laden novels, but not bad at all.
August 25, 2008
Miller and Lee write great sci-fi. Their books have a terrific mix of action, espionage, witty dialogue, comedies of manners and romance.
This book is about Aelliana Caylon, a talented mathematician who is terribly abused by her domineering brother. She plots to escape her family by becoming a pilot, and during her training is befriended by Daav yos'Phelium, an ex-explorer, star pilot and adventurer who is also head of the most powerful family on Liad (Aelliana's world). But because he's incognito when she first meets him, for various reasons their friendship and budding romance becomes complicated.
Lots of fun. Any of the Liad books are great for curling up and reading when you want to stay indoors, and this one is no exception.
This book is about Aelliana Caylon, a talented mathematician who is terribly abused by her domineering brother. She plots to escape her family by becoming a pilot, and during her training is befriended by Daav yos'Phelium, an ex-explorer, star pilot and adventurer who is also head of the most powerful family on Liad (Aelliana's world). But because he's incognito when she first meets him, for various reasons their friendship and budding romance becomes complicated.
Lots of fun. Any of the Liad books are great for curling up and reading when you want to stay indoors, and this one is no exception.
February 4, 2019
[19 Dec 2016]
Another space romance, and I really enjoyed it. Both of the main characters are sympathetic and complex but flawed. Plot pretty good. It was an interesting lesson in some of the complexities and contradictions of Liaden culture.
[3 Feb 2019]
I think this is my third read and I enjoyed it just as much. But it's not complete. The story of Daav and Aelliana continues in Mouse and Dragon.
Another space romance, and I really enjoyed it. Both of the main characters are sympathetic and complex but flawed. Plot pretty good. It was an interesting lesson in some of the complexities and contradictions of Liaden culture.
[3 Feb 2019]
I think this is my third read and I enjoyed it just as much. But it's not complete. The story of Daav and Aelliana continues in Mouse and Dragon.
October 14, 2010
This was a gift from a more science-fiction savvy friend, and presents a complex society which is clan based. Interesting to see how the authors play with that theme and develop their heroine's confidence through the events that take place. Some scenes and humorous dialogue remind me very much of Georgette Heyer.
March 7, 2018
One of my favorite books. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2016
Fun reading as usual. Now I know how and why Daav became Jen Sar and why he had to go back.
September 12, 2019
Sept. 2019 reread: I am increasing my rating to 4.5*
November 15, 2025
My records show that I read this book back in 2002, along with six other books from the Liaden Universe, space opera par excellence. I remembered nothing from that read-through, but this time I found the story a delight, just exactly what I had wished, all unknowing, to read next. The authors have a happy knack for creating likable characters in a short space. This book has two main point-of-view characters, both a joy, and a slew of supporting cast, likewise a joy, barring the villains, of course.
There's a romance here, but I was warmed just as much by what would now be dubbed found family, but I think could simply be called friendship.
Sharon Lee's thoughts on good entry points into this series may be found on her website. I recommend this book (though not as the entry point), as I recommend the whole series.
Five out of five pikit stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
There's a romance here, but I was warmed just as much by what would now be dubbed found family, but I think could simply be called friendship.
Sharon Lee's thoughts on good entry points into this series may be found on her website. I recommend this book (though not as the entry point), as I recommend the whole series.
Five out of five pikit stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
March 8, 2022
Indira Varanasi-Lee
Scout's Progress
Do you like a book that has you reading on the edge of your seat? If so then you should read Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee. This book takes place in the Liaden Universe. Allenia a professor in mathematics at the school for scouts is on a adventure of her own. After having lived her whole life under the rules of her brother Ran Eld she is prepared to do whatever it takes to escape him. One night Allenia finds herself in a game wagering her quarter share. She wins the bet receiving a ship named ride the luck. This ship gives Allenia hope.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Allenia takes courses to train for her piloting license. She works hard skipping meals and training whenever possible. She meats Davv a pilot who is a former scout. Davv helps her in training to become a full fledged pilot. Allenia and Davv grow close and take an interest to each other. This book has a powerful meaning of self importance. If you like books with alot of drama then this book is for you.
Scout's Progress
Do you like a book that has you reading on the edge of your seat? If so then you should read Scout's Progress by Sharon Lee. This book takes place in the Liaden Universe. Allenia a professor in mathematics at the school for scouts is on a adventure of her own. After having lived her whole life under the rules of her brother Ran Eld she is prepared to do whatever it takes to escape him. One night Allenia finds herself in a game wagering her quarter share. She wins the bet receiving a ship named ride the luck. This ship gives Allenia hope.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Allenia takes courses to train for her piloting license. She works hard skipping meals and training whenever possible. She meats Davv a pilot who is a former scout. Davv helps her in training to become a full fledged pilot. Allenia and Davv grow close and take an interest to each other. This book has a powerful meaning of self importance. If you like books with alot of drama then this book is for you.
July 4, 2025
Not as good as Local Custom, I didn't think. I really enjoyed seeing more of Daav, and the secondary friends were entertaining. I just didn't find the MC interesting enough, and I didn't feel her family worked for me. There were a lot of complex dynamics in that family and barely any attention given to explaining them. For example, her mother's attitude made no sense, which frustrated me as I read.
Also, (slight spoiler) - I felt the story dragged because once the situation was set up, nothing really changed. I wanted to see the MC jump in her ship and take off to explore the world, but we stayed in one place with the situation never changing until the very end. And the MAry sUe nature of the MC lessened the value of her achievements considerably. So, as much as I enjoyed parts of it, ultimately I felt unsatisfied with this one. Still, I'm reading more.
Also, (slight spoiler) - I felt the story dragged because once the situation was set up, nothing really changed. I wanted to see the MC jump in her ship and take off to explore the world, but we stayed in one place with the situation never changing until the very end. And the MAry sUe nature of the MC lessened the value of her achievements considerably. So, as much as I enjoyed parts of it, ultimately I felt unsatisfied with this one. Still, I'm reading more.
April 19, 2021
A reread, this time I wasn't sure I could actually make it through, considering Aelliana's family. I was planning on skimming the hard parts. But they were fewer than I remembered, and I only had to skim the final one.
I do wish there was more in this beyond the end, but my husband tells me a novella picks up right after this, and I don't know if I read it. I'll have to go looking!
I do wish there was more in this beyond the end, but my husband tells me a novella picks up right after this, and I don't know if I read it. I'll have to go looking!
December 12, 2019
This is my favorite of my rereads in the series so far.
Aelliana Caylon is an appealing heroine as she learns to find herself again after being abused for years. The romance aspect was so low key I also really liked the way the situation with Daav's soon-to-be contract wife was handled. There's a comment about her from one of the other characters before the denouement, that she's slow to warm up, but all right once she does. Yes, indeed she is all right.
Aelliana Caylon is an appealing heroine as she learns to find herself again after being abused for years. The romance aspect was so low key I also really liked the way the situation with Daav's soon-to-be contract wife was handled. There's a comment about her from one of the other characters before the denouement, that she's slow to warm up, but all right once she does. Yes, indeed she is all right.
May 12, 2018
Book #6 (depending on how you count) of the Liaden series is a compelling look at the history of two characters that serve minor roles in previous novels, Aelliana and Daav. It serves as a prequel to the events of the previous books, but it also deepens and explains several key elements from those books. It's very well written, and made me keep wanting to get back to it. The characters are the best part, from the two main protagonists to the supporting characters, they're all well-rounded and made me want to learn more about them.
This series just gets better and better!
This series just gets better and better!
September 7, 2024
I confess I was worried about this one. The early books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller were marred by heavy coincidences and too many hairbreadth escapes, and "Scout's Progress" was the fourth book the due (or maybe just Lee) produced.
And then the foreword promised a romance novel, so I was not sanguine about my prospects -- but "Scout's Progress" was well done, and further filled out the backstory of Clan Korval and its place in the Liaden Universe.
Emboldened by the success of "Scout's Progress," I shall persevere in the series, and look forward to the next installment.
And then the foreword promised a romance novel, so I was not sanguine about my prospects -- but "Scout's Progress" was well done, and further filled out the backstory of Clan Korval and its place in the Liaden Universe.
Emboldened by the success of "Scout's Progress," I shall persevere in the series, and look forward to the next installment.
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