Plan B

Liaden Universe, Chronological #12

by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller, Andy Caploe (Narrator)

How can a series with terrific character development, witty dialogue, and high adventure fail? Lee, Miller, and dedicated fans refused to believe it could, and after 10 years, the Liaden Universe has returned from book limbo! If you can find them, look for other books in the series: Partners in Necessity, an omnibus of the first three novels, another omnibus containing two prequels, and the fifth book, I Dare. But feel free to start here: Plan B stands alone, though previous books provide rich back-story.

Meet Val Con yos'Phelium of Clan Korval. Val Con was once an "agent of change": recruited by Liad's Department of Interior (DOI) and redesigned--his memories blocked, his emotions suppressed--into a precision killing device. Val Con's sanity was saved by his lifemate, Miri Robertson. She's a half-Terran former mercenary sergeant even shorter than Val Con, and almost as deadly in combat. Miri also has Liaden dramliza (wizard) blood from her mother's family, Clan Erob. In Liaden society, one's melant'i (roughly: reputation, or face) is preserved by appropriate speech and behavior, including honor duels when a Balance is owed. Miri is nervous but Val Con says: "'Together, cha'trez, we are--' he bent his head, put his mouth next to her ear and breathed '--hell on wheels.'"

DOI has plotted to destroy Korval; Korval now invokes Plan B: retreat strategically, trust no one, prepare for all-out war. Val Con and Miri are trapped by an invasion force of the militaristic Yxtrang as they await Val Con's foster siblings, who are arming the clan. And of course their adopted Clutch brothers, Edger and Sheather, who resemble giant turtles, are also on their way. Somewhat more slowly. Can everybody stay alive long enough to reunite?

If you love Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles Vorkosigan books, visit Liad. This is space opera at its best. --Nona Vero

Genres: Science Fiction, Space Opera, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Ebooks, Space

14 pages, Audible Audio

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Sharon 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.

Reviews

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I become more and more fond of these tales of the Liaden universe. I also found myself thinking often of Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles Vorkosigan, especially her Komarr and A Civil Campaign novels. There is a similar combination of espionage, battle details, meetings between families, and an undercurrent of romance. In fact, Val Con yos'Phelium very carefully binds to himself a disgraced Yxtrang explorer. This is a very Miles Vorkosigan thing to do.

Just like many of the strays that Miles has bound to himself over the course of the books, Nelirikk Explorer (the Yxtrang in question) is now fanatically loyal to the yos'Phelium line. Funny how being treated fairly and having your skills and knowledge appreciated can inspire devotion, something that many managers should take notice of.

If one ever had any doubt in the plotting and planning abilities of House Korval, this novel will dispense with them. It rapidly becomes apparent that plans have been laid for generations, leaving the reader to wonder exactly what the family is involved in that requires these sorts of machinations. For suddenly Plan B is activated, bringing Val Con and Shan together under less than ideal conditions, unable to enjoy their reunion. Why is the Liaden Department of Interior pursuing them so determinedly and violently?

Needless to say, the desire to read on is strong! Soon, Liad, I will return to see what is happening with my favourite renegade family.

Book number 391 of my Science Fiction & Fantasy Reading Project.

Cross posted at my blog:

https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too much fun! Among the best in this enormous series so far. Somewhat a fave, I read it repeatedly, but only give it 4.5 ⭐️stars because of the abrupt scene hopping. This is a mixed genre: Space opera with magic. I enjoyed the character redemption, the reunion of brothers, the brief battle scenes, and the tastefully handled sex scene.

One of the prequels, "Agent of Change" is FREE on Amazon, and at Baen.com. I also enjoyed the sequel, I Dare.

In Plan B, while Anthora, Merlin the cat, Jeeves, and Tree🌳 guard Jelaza Kazone from the murderous Department of the Interior, nearly everyone else from Clan Korval is converging against the Klingon-like Yxtrang warriors on planet Lytaxin. Lytaxin is the far-flung planet where Clan Erob settled. Clan Erob are the red-haired wizardly descendants of Rool Tiazan from about 1000 years ago (a guess, author aren't clear on dates).

"Erob is Korval's most ancient ally. The family diaries speak of Rool Tiazan and his life mate, leaders of the dramliz, who chose to evacuate the Old World on the ship piloted by Cantra yos'Phelium.".

Main characters: Val Con and Miri on Lytaxin; Shan and Priscilla on Dutiful Passage. Another key character is a Yxtrang (Nelirikk, aka Beautiful, aka No Troop, aka Explorer). Does this book suggest the inception of a Z-Strain, to outwit the misguided Yxtrang?

Secondary characters: Edger and Sheather (the Clutch turtles), Nova, Anthora, Commander Angela "Liz" Lizardi, Commander Jason Carmody, Clan Erob family members (including young Alys), Rusty, Seth, Gordy on Dutiful Passage, and a few more beloved characters.

Delighted at how this story links back to the beginning duology Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon, especially the connections to Rool Tiazan and Jela. I love ❤️Jela!

Some surprises, some wins, some sad losses. The battle scenes are a bit blurred at times, but that's okay — I'm not too keen on knowing all the details of tactical operations. I thought the scenes where the ancient Dragon's Tooth military device engaged the enemy battleship were clever and sufficiently detailed.

And FINALLY, in this particular sequel, things progressed as I always thought they should, in terms of Jela's sentient tree . The ssussdriad had indeed reproduced. A seedling from Jela's tree grows at the Erob / Tiazan holdings, on Lytaxin. More seedlings are kept in stasis, in many Korval ships. But where is there a forest of trees?

Quibbles: Too much POV hopping, with cliffhanger breaks at each scene. Some game-changing acts by goddesses and wizards. Not crazy about the whole goddess and magic trope.

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5; 5 stars; A+

(decided I should hide the whole review because some people would consider it too spoilerish)

After re-reading this novel I am happy to give a solid 5 star, A+ rating. Lee and Miller do a masterful job of keeping the threads of the story woven together, even though we are following events in space, with Dutiful Passage, on Lytaxin, with Clan Erob and the Lytaxin Irregulars, and elsewhere in the universe with Nova and Anthora and the evil Department of the Interior. I forgot how integral Nelirikk is to this part of the story and it was gratifying to watch him and Val Con and Miri form a solid team. After recently re-reading the Great Migration stories, I find it kind of amusing that everyone thinks that Yxtrang are an alien species when they are just descended from X strain soldiers, as Jela was of the M strain. It pays to keep track of your history!

Now, the first time I read this book, the Theo Waitly series hadn't been written. According to Sharon Lee's website, I should read Fledgling next, to follow the chronology. However, I think I'll start I Dare at the same time. After just getting Daav back with his kin, I don't want to put off the reunion.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of the Liaden Universe features Val Con and Miri continuing their adventures by going from being stranded to winding up in the middle of a war with the Yxtrang. Meanwhile, we are increasingly pulled into the stories of the remaining members of Clan Korval who are enacting Plan B ... and fleeing Liad. Breakneck adventure, many cliffhangers, and highly recommended.

This time through I am really enjoying Nelirikk Explorer and his observations of Val Con, Miri and the gang. It's rather like seeing Sheather's thoughts, also delightful in their interpretation of Terran and Liaden culture through the lens of their own cultures. I also especially enjoyed seeing Miri's true value to comrades and fellow mercs as she and Val Con are immersed in a war against the Yxtrang.

[Laura (Kyahgirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5; 5 stars; A

Plan B is and exhilarating and compelling story. This series is definitely one that a person has to read more than once because there is a lot of depth and a lot of detail. This review is of the audiobook. I read the paperback a couple of years ago.

This time through I was more aware of the big picture. The war on Lytaxin wasn't directly started by the Department of the Interior (DoI) but they had been pulling strings and stirring pots for so long it was clear that the war was the fruits of THEIR labours.

The thing I particularly enjoyed about this story is that EVERYONE is in it. The core Korval characters, the Xtrang, the Clutch, the tree, the Korval AI, and, of course, the evil DoI.

Andy Caploe's narration was stellar. He allows the listener to see all the various characters in their serious and not so serious moments.

This series is unusual in that it is not linear. Its a 'Universe', so there are things going on all over the place. To fully appreciate this book a person needs to read I Dare. There are things going on concurrently in both books that eventually tie together.

I love this series!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. The plot is scattered, the narrative assumes the characters' awesomeness rather than demonstrating it, and the stakes, though seeming high, are hollow - it's obvious that nothing bad is going to happen to the characters the authors love, and they don't bother making the reader care about anyone else. At one point, a named character dies heroically - but the reader has barely met him, the characters don't seem particularly bothered, and the authors skip over it in a short paragraph, so all the meaning is sucked out of the event. Ditto when a hundred civilians die, again heroically, except the paragraph is even shorter so we can get right back to the main business of the book, which appears to be clever dialogue and the distribution of cute nicknames.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korval's motto:"I dare" - thank you Sharon Lee & Steve Miller for "daring" to craft this wonderful universe, filled with characters who espouse the honor, character of heart, and decency that we all should emulate. 4/23/16 re-read: Such a great novel, a "beautiful" story, well worthy of the "explorer"!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 reread: I am loving this series all over again in preparation for reading the latest entry.
------------
Great follow-up to Carpe Diem and a big surprise in the final paragraph makes me eager for the next one!

[Julia\Glyneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I read this book, back when it came out or not long after. But like Carpe Diem, I don't remember all of it. I definitely remember Beautiful, and the ending scene, but the rest was lost to memory.

So I guess I got to be one of those people who was able to forget a book, so you could read it again as if for the first time!

And now, I Dare (haha, see what I did there?) to go into the rest of the series, which I have NOT done before.

I can't wait.

[Olga Godim · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
Too dark for me: too much fighting, too much danger, too much pain. And I hate the ending, where Val Con is grievously injured. I know he will recover in the next book, but I still hate it. Besides, the story is too disjointed. Too many POV jumps jerk the reader out of the flow of the story every few pages.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this action-packed entry in the Liaden Universe.

05/07/2018: Reading again.

05/08/2018: I have to say this: This series is wonderful, even reading a second time. I am already looking forward to reading it a third time.

03/11/2020: Re-read this again.

05/11/2023: Read this again. One of my favorites because the whole caste is here.

05/17/2024: Reading the series again, and again, this and I Dare (the sequel to Plan B), are just as good as the first read.

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth volume (out of five -- I think) in a first-rate space opera story arc, set in the Liaden Universe, that began with Conflict of Honors. It’s all about Clan Korval, one of the wealthiest and most powerful trade families around, and the people in it, and their growing struggle with the Liaden Department of the Interior (which has plans for running things their own narrow-minded way), and with the Juntavas (a sort of galactic Mafia), and their relations and alliances with various Terran groups and individuals.

Key to the multiple plots are Val Con yos’Phelium -- who becomes a Scout and then a spy, and then goes determinedly on the lam -- and his lady-love, Miri Robertson, a talented ex-mercenary who thought she was Terran (and still mostly thinks that way) but who has discovered she’s actually a lost member of Clan Erob, a smaller Liad family that is closely allied with Korval. Val Con and Miri, now lifemates, have gone to Erob to get her accepted back into the family, and things are moving along well. But what they don’t know is that the attempts by Clan Korval, back home, to locate Val Con (who is supposed to take over the family’s leadership, whether he wants to or not), have led to an unhealthy interest in Korval by the Department of the Interior. “This means war,” as they say.

The current First Speaker, Nova yos’Galan, invokes “Plan B,” which can be summed up in two words: “Everybody scatter!” The family’s flagship is even outfitted as a battleship -- and a very powerful one, too. And then all hell suddenly breaks loose, with an attack on Erob’s world by the dreaded Xytrang (a combination of Huns and Mongols, with a dash of Klingon), and Miri is suddenly pushed to the forefront, her mercenary experience in great demand. But things get even weirder when Val Con is able to recruit an Xytrang Scout-equivalent to fight on his side.

There are loads of interwoven subplots here, plus interestingly developed personal relationships, and lots of classic military ground action. Don’t even think about trying to read this volume first, because you will have no idea of what’s going on. Start at the beginning of the arc -- but keep all the volumes handy because you won’t want to wait to start the next volume!

[Wyrdness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was again an improvement on the previous two Liaden Universe books I've read (Agent of Change and Carpe Diem). I think that's quite possibly because there was a lot of action going on here which left less time for really confusing conversations. Mostly I have issues following the unexplained "futurisms" of concepts that don't exist in our world as well as half expressed conversations. Ex: Someone does something someone doesn't understand and they ask "what do you?", in this case it's easy to intuit that they meant "what are you doing?" but it's not always so easy and clear cut as that and I find it deeply frustrating to not be 100% sure I'm reading things correctly.

In this book a lot of threads finally come together and it feels like the story has taken a leap forward, bigger things are now afoot than a lone spy and ex-mercenary unintentionally creating havoc wherever they go. In spite of my continued ambivalence towards the writing I still love the characters of Miri Robertson and Val Con yos'Phellium and they're the only reason I've kept reading so far.

I'm not entirely sure what else to comment on that I haven't already said in my first two reviews. I don't think the feel of the books have really changed much, they're still space opera with not-quite-galaxy spanning plots, though they do seem to be getting less confusing and tighter focused as they go along.

[Jim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Plan B immediately after Partners in Necessity, despite my iffy review of PIN, because it was already on my shelf and I figured what the heck. Bottom line is that I think these books are wildly overrated. Clearly there are some true believers for this series, but for the life of me I can't figure out the draw. The writing is not particularly artful, the romances (which I gather are the big attraction for some people) are thin, the "science fiction" elements diluted, the plot arc is sluggish, and there are no overall themes I can discern apart from "stuff happens to people." New magic powers are constantly being pulled out of a hat to solve problems. The dialogue frequently is unintentionally hilarious, and the cover art looks like it was done by the authors' next door neighbor's cousin's son. I will not be moving on to the next volume.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the series, and more action-based than #2; it returns us to the more galaxy-wide focus, after the previous installment's more narrow scope. While I tend to like the sidestories in this universe more than the "main" plot, I still adore these.

One caveat; the Liaden Universe was built through short stories and novellas, and many of the events happening (particularly in this book, though overall in all of them) presume a level of familiarity with those side-stories that may have the reader reaching for copies of previous books in the series and flipping through them to figure out if they missed something. Just go with it; the information isn't critical to understanding what's going on, although it does provide extra depth if you have read those side works.

[Morgan Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pursued across space by the ultra-secret Department of the Interior, hunted by the galaxy-wide Juntavas syndicate, former Agent of Change Val Con yos'Phelium and his ex-soldier lifemate Miri Robertson have commandeered the only spaceship on Vandar and fled, seeding help from Miri's newly discovered kin on Lytaxin.

Elsewhere Clan Korval is in action. Scattered across space by the newly invoke Plan B, certain clan members pursue the search for the long-missing Val Con. First Speaker Nova yos'Galan returns to Lufkit, seeking clues, as Dutiful Passage, Korval's premier tradeship arms itself for war and discovers treachery.

Back on Lytaxin, Miri's homecoming is interrupted by a full-scale Yxtrang planetary invasion

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This science fiction novel takes place within the authors' Liaden Universe, where it is the third book in a story-arc that begins with "Agent of Change." I am very attached to the characters on the side of good, both major and minor, old and new. I found the scenes from the perspective of the Commander of Agents (who is, at least presently, on the wrong side) less engaging, but that is a petty gripe. There are fierce battles in space and on the ground, fierce loyalties, and the sense that the authors love these characters. Most satisfactory.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A familiar old friend. The third/fourth book in the series depending where you think the beginning is. I love the Liaden universe. This is great space opera with a strong romance. Things are heating up and the rest of Korval is getting involved in the machinations of the Department of the Interior. I reread this nearly every year. If you like sci fi or sci fi romance you should read this series.

[Scribal · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite Space Opera series!

On first read I found this book disappointing. The pace varies from treating large events in very few sentences to treating small ones in way too many. There's so much going on in the main series plot lines but what gets described in detail is often a side subplot. I wanted more of different things. On reread I could fill in a lot with what I knew about characters from other books, but I don't think it's a good place to start learning Liaden.

[Samuel Lubell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the previous book in the series, especially how they adopt an enemy scout and have him work with the good guys. It was a bit disappointing that Miri turns out to be, unknown to her, of Liaden origin since the culture difference between the two was one of the more interesting elements of the series.

[Paraphrodite · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Dec 2022 - re-listened. Had to upgrade my ratings again. :)

I'd forgotten how epic this was, with the Dutiful Passage turning from a trade ship into a battleship and taking on an Yxtrang invasion. This is also the one where Val Con's father Daav reappears after being presumed dead for years. So much happened in this book! Just wow!

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually own a compendium of "Plan B" and "I Dare" called "Korval's Game". This was a fun read...it was fun re-visiting characters I first learned about in "Conflict of Honors", "Agent of Change", and "Carpe Diem".

[Peter Tillman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up at about p.60: very slow start, dull characters, tedious info-dumps. Here's a sample:

"My Lord tel'Vosti."

"My Lord yos'Phelium."

"Er Thom yos'Galan? ... I may yet owe him a cantra."

Good lord. "It's a sin to waste the reader's time" -- Larry Niven

[Debrac2014 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this addition to the Korval saga! The battle was very intense! Beautiful was a surprise character!

[Lianne Pheno · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://delivreenlivres.blogspot.fr/20...

On reviens sur un tome extrêmement fun et plein d'action ! Après la lenteur du tome précédent ça fait du bien. J'ai vraiment apprécié ma lecture, il est passé tout seul.

Pour l'instant la lecture de cette saga est faite de haut et de bas. Mais quand elle est vers le haut c'est vraiment du super sympa et fun. Exactement ce que j'aime en space opera avec une touche de magie.

On est ici dans la suite directe du tome précédent et donc le début de la mise en œuvre du plan B dans le Clan Korval. Ce plan est un plan d'urgence de retraite stratégique qui est mis en place lorsque la famille est entièrement menacée par une force supérieure et qu'il faut sauver le maximum de personnes.
Il a été déclenché dans le tome précédent quand la chef du clan c'est aperçu que le gouvernement Liaden ou du moins une de ses branches (le département de l'intérieur) irait jusqu'à détruire la famille entière si ça lui permettait d'atteindre Val Con un de nos personnage principaux qui leur a faussé compagnie. Hors ceux ci ont pas mal de secrets à cacher et donc on ne les quitte pas, si ce n'est dans un sac.

En attendant de trouver une solution les autres membres de la famille doivent se mettre à l’abri. Ils se donnent rendez vous sur Lytaxin qui est une planète éloignée sur laquelle le Clan Erob, le principal allié du Clan Korval, c'est installé. Mais une fois sur place un autre danger arrive car c'est à ce moment la que la planète se retrouve envahi par les Yxtrang, l'ennemi ancestral des humains et liadens ...

Les Yxtrang ce sont un peu les Klingons de cet univers, ils sont plus grand et plus forts que les humains, tout le monde à peur d'eux, ils sont très brutaux et ils adorent se battre. Mais contrairement aux Klingons les Yxtrang ressemblent beaucoup aux humains dans leurs traits généraux. Et une légende dit qu'en fait il y a des milliers années les trois races (humains, Liadens et Yxtrang) n'en faisaient qu'une mais qu'ils ont évolués distinctement de manière isolé dans des environnements très différents avant de se retrouver bien plus tard lorsque les 3 peuples ont repris leur expansion spatiale ....

Jusqu'ici un des thèmes de la série était justement le rapprochement entre les humains et les Liadens. Le Clan Korval est un clan qui comprend de nombreux semi Liaden car leur ancien chef c'est marié avec un humaine. Miri aussi est dans ce cas la, car en fait on c'est rendu compte que sa grand mère était une Liaden qui avait fuit et avait fini par s'intégrer parmi les humains.
Mais ce fait est très mal vu du reste de la population Liaden car le courant à la mode actuellement prône la pureté de la race.

Dans ce tome on se met donc à inclure les Yxtrang dans cette optique. Enfin, un Yxtrang en particulier que Val Con avait déjà rencontré un jour par hasard lors d'une de ses missions de reconnaissance. Ils vont se retrouver dans ce tome, Val Con va d'ailleurs le capturer et essayer de l'inclure dans sa grande famille en le convainquant qu'il a tout a gagner à changer de camp.
Il trouve tout naturellement sa place dans ma milice que Miri a monté en toute hâte quand l'annonce de l'arrivée des Yxtrang a été émise. Mais les autres Liaden qui en font parti, principalement le Clan Erob ne voient pas d'un bon œil l'arrivé d'un de leurs ennemis dans leurs rangs, entre autre ils le soupçonnent de les espionner.
La tolérance est donc un des thèmes fort de ce tome.

Une bonne partie du tome se passe pendant l'invasion Yxtrang et donc il y a pas mal de scènes de batailles ou d'action contrairement aux tomes précédent. Et j'aime bien ce changement. En fait on voit vraiment que ce tome a été écrit des années après les autres (10 ans entre la publication du précédent et celui ci) car il est finalement bien plus équilibré niveau rythme.

J'ai vraiment apprécia ma lecture, le rythme est bien plus vif que les tomes précédents, plus actif. Le thème de la tolérance et du rapprochement entres peuples est vraiment très central et donne du caractère à l'histoire. Et en plus il se termine sur un Cliffhanger !
Du coup j'ai hâte de lire la suite même si je vais devoir attendre avant d'en savoir plus vu que les tomes suivant dans l'ordre de publication sont des préquels.

16.5/20

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lol that title. What a ridiculous codename.

I’m still happily consuming this series, and I have no idea why I enjoy it so much. It is such a bizarre mixture of elements that absolutely should not blend well together, and yet it does. So many silly things, so many overly-honorable protagonists, so much complex lore, so many ill-explained character moments, and all presented with a disarming earnestness that should have bored me to tears, but I’m still reading. Like saltines crunched up and mixed with vanilla ice cream, I am eating it while knowing that this is an unhealthy and weird mix of things, and yet… salty, sweet, texture: it has it all. It’s not my go-to meal, but I surprisingly don’t hate it.

The series continues to be carried by the central couple, Val Con and Miri, whose love is so strong that it gives them magical superpowers. I know; that sounds so dumb that your eyes might roll out of your head, but seriously, you’ve got to try this saltine-and-ice-cream mix. It just works. I thought Sharon Lee and Co. would use this book to wrap up the big conspiracy that was launched against the Korval clan in the last novel, but they are not nearly that efficient. They are getting there, but their path to it involves a novel-length side quest. Our heroes escaped from the planet they were stranded on in the previous book, and they send a message to rendezvous with Val Con’s brother in a secret location so they can plan their counterattack against the sinister Department of the Interior. Unfortunately, just as the main players (and a few other good guys that Sharon Lee wanted to throw towards the planet just for funsies) show up, the whole planet is attacked and besieged by space pirates! And suddenly it’s a war novel.

Despite the fact that almost no significant plot developments happen, it was a rollicking good time. Scouts were recruited and suborned, aircraft were stolen, ambushes were foiled, and everyone was very stressed out about where their loved ones were and what they could do to protect them. Miri and Val Con are amusingly saddled with a series of new ducklings who begin to follow them around and that they must exasperatedly take care of, which was probably a good move. It expands the core cast of characters to something like a 5-man band, and their varying personalities clash well with each other. One can’t spend two novels in a row with nothing but the lead couple learning more about each other. This was once again an easy and fun read that left me shaking my head, but still hooked for the next installment. Let’s bring on the next bowl; I’m ready to watch this power couple take on the universe.

[Thomas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lee, Sharon, and Steve Miller. Plan B. Liaden Universe No.11. Ace, 2003.
Plan B comes in the middle of the Liaden chronology, but it was published before many of the others were written. The authors say the book was written after a long hiatus in their work. Frankly, I don’t think they were back in form when they wrote this one. I suspect they were working from old notes for stories they may have planned years before. The plot is a mess. I kept losing track of the story arc. Characters popped in and out of our attention, their place in things never quite registering. The dialogue, always pointedly formal in Liaden world, seemed stodgy self-parody. The usual series tropes were there, but the story never pulled them together. Two stars, because Lee and Miller didn’t bring their A-game.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this one took me a long time to finish. Started off listening to it on audio but it didn’t click because I didn’t care for the reader, so I switched to the kindle version. During all of this a trip happened, library books came in that needed to be prioritized, and the holidays happened, thus dragging my reading of this book out over about a 2 month period. That in no way reflects my enjoyment of the book, though I would have preferred to read it straight through. I liked it very much, though perhaps not quite as much as some of the others I’ve read before this one. I did like how it brought together a lot of the characters, though I could do with a family tree to help me keep the relationships straight both within and between generations.

[Tea73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun romp through the Liaden universe. The constantly changing scenes were sometimes confusing partly because this is a very hard book to savor and pay attention to. You just want to know what happens next darn it!

There some lovely scenes with Mira and Val Con - this life mating business is interesting. It certainly seems that a bit of dramliza blood on both sides makes a lot more possible. I have to say there is nothing more sexy than Val Con purring, "Together, cha'trez, we are... hell on wheels."

We get introduced to a new character, "Beautiful" who is Yxtrang, and it is really interesting to see how he thinks and feels.

On to the nest story!

[Clay Kallam · Rating 3 out of 5]

So after the first three Liaden books, the publisher dropped the series, and it took ten years before Sharon Lee and Steve Miller found a taker for book four -- and though it was a technical improvement on the first three (in publication order), there are still too many staggering coincidences and improbable situations and escapes.

I've read some of the books that were published later, and they're better, so I'm not dissuaded. The setup remains fascinating, and if Lee and Miller can try to not require so much suspension of disbelief, it could all come together. In "Plan B," however, it did not.