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Liaden Universe, Chronological #27
Diviner's Bow
NEW ENTRY IN THE BEST-SELLING LIADEN UNIVERSE® SERIES
A world divided cannot stand.
A people divided cannot thrive.
The Oracle has Seen the end of Civilization, and the end of the Haosa, too. Reactions to this are—mixed.
On the one hand, foresight is a notoriously erratic Gift. On the other, can Civilization—or the Haosa—afford to assume that the prophecy is an error?
And if the Oracle has Seen truly—is it possible to alter the future?
While well-meaning people struggle to implement change that might, at least, mitigate a disaster, others are looking toward the profit they can make from the end of the world.
In the meantime, the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Team has concluded its whole port inventory, and is about to propose Colemeno as a trade-hub and anchor to a brand-new route. Padi yos’Galan is preparing to step into new roles, personally, and in trade.
And the lives of two small children may be the thread that binds the future—or unravels it.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Praise for the Liaden Universe
“I love the Liaden Universe books for their complex weaving of cultures and manners and the dangers of space travel. I was fascinated by Ribbon Dance’s focus on the careful work of establishing trade with a long-isolated world where psi powers are common. At play are the differences between offworld procedures and the traditions and suspicions of the planetary society. And an elderly, politely demanding norbear.” —Kathryn Sullivan, Talking to Trees
“Time spent with the Tree and Dragon is always a joy. Ribbon Dance is a marvelous tale, a feast for Liaden fans. And everyone should be a Liaden fan.” —#1 New York Times Best Seller Patricia Briggs
“Space Opera as finely crafted as a Tree-and-Dragon trade deal. Lee and Miller always deliver the goods.” —Jack Campbell, author of In Our Stars and Implacable
“Breathtaking, innovative, and absolutely charming!” —Lawrence M. Schoen, award-winning author of The Elephants’ Graveyard
“A brilliant entry in the Liaden series, with romance, intrigue, new friends and old, and a new world to test Clan Korval!” —Ryk Spoor, author of Choosing the Players and the Demons of the Past trilogy
“Starts fast and runs hot and true. Perhaps Lee & Miller’s strongest work to date. Space opera the way it should be.” —James D. Macdonald, coauthor of The Price of the Stars
“Deftly written, with politics, passion and power winding together to create an incredibly satisfying story that spans generations, cultures, and worlds. What a treat. Sure to satisfy long-time readers and newcomers alike!” —C.E. Murphy, author of The Walker Papers series
Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 1980s to bring the world the story of Kinzel, an inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband and wife have written dozens of short stories and more than two dozen novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®.
A world divided cannot stand.
A people divided cannot thrive.
The Oracle has Seen the end of Civilization, and the end of the Haosa, too. Reactions to this are—mixed.
On the one hand, foresight is a notoriously erratic Gift. On the other, can Civilization—or the Haosa—afford to assume that the prophecy is an error?
And if the Oracle has Seen truly—is it possible to alter the future?
While well-meaning people struggle to implement change that might, at least, mitigate a disaster, others are looking toward the profit they can make from the end of the world.
In the meantime, the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Team has concluded its whole port inventory, and is about to propose Colemeno as a trade-hub and anchor to a brand-new route. Padi yos’Galan is preparing to step into new roles, personally, and in trade.
And the lives of two small children may be the thread that binds the future—or unravels it.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Praise for the Liaden Universe
“I love the Liaden Universe books for their complex weaving of cultures and manners and the dangers of space travel. I was fascinated by Ribbon Dance’s focus on the careful work of establishing trade with a long-isolated world where psi powers are common. At play are the differences between offworld procedures and the traditions and suspicions of the planetary society. And an elderly, politely demanding norbear.” —Kathryn Sullivan, Talking to Trees
“Time spent with the Tree and Dragon is always a joy. Ribbon Dance is a marvelous tale, a feast for Liaden fans. And everyone should be a Liaden fan.” —#1 New York Times Best Seller Patricia Briggs
“Space Opera as finely crafted as a Tree-and-Dragon trade deal. Lee and Miller always deliver the goods.” —Jack Campbell, author of In Our Stars and Implacable
“Breathtaking, innovative, and absolutely charming!” —Lawrence M. Schoen, award-winning author of The Elephants’ Graveyard
“A brilliant entry in the Liaden series, with romance, intrigue, new friends and old, and a new world to test Clan Korval!” —Ryk Spoor, author of Choosing the Players and the Demons of the Past trilogy
“Starts fast and runs hot and true. Perhaps Lee & Miller’s strongest work to date. Space opera the way it should be.” —James D. Macdonald, coauthor of The Price of the Stars
“Deftly written, with politics, passion and power winding together to create an incredibly satisfying story that spans generations, cultures, and worlds. What a treat. Sure to satisfy long-time readers and newcomers alike!” —C.E. Murphy, author of The Walker Papers series
Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 1980s to bring the world the story of Kinzel, an inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband and wife have written dozens of short stories and more than two dozen novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®.
579 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2025
140 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
169 books790 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 16, 2025
Just finished reading the e-ARC of Diviner's Bow and was sorry to find I had reached the end. I want to live in the Liaden Universe and know these characters as friends Another great read from Lee and Miller
August 26, 2025
Lovely conclusion to the story arc started in Trader's Leap and continued in Ribbon Dance.
Great to see young Padi come into her own, personally and professionally.
Great to see young Padi come into her own, personally and professionally.
May 4, 2025
4.5 stars
And the Redlands story is tied up neatly in the end, with satisfying contracts, a surfeit of dragons, a world transformed and a bonding party! Typical Korval chaos - can I repeat again, how much I adore Shan, Padi and crew…
There was one thread we could have gone without, IMO (Vyr’s short tale).
I expect the next story to take us back to Tinsori Light, and Korval efforts in that sphere.
And the Redlands story is tied up neatly in the end, with satisfying contracts, a surfeit of dragons, a world transformed and a bonding party! Typical Korval chaos - can I repeat again, how much I adore Shan, Padi and crew…
There was one thread we could have gone without, IMO (Vyr’s short tale).
I expect the next story to take us back to Tinsori Light, and Korval efforts in that sphere.
April 22, 2025
Needs less talk and more action
I have enjoyed immensely this series of books, but the last few do not seem to engage my enthusiasm as the earlier books. Too much talk and not enough action.
I have enjoyed immensely this series of books, but the last few do not seem to engage my enthusiasm as the earlier books. Too much talk and not enough action.
April 8, 2025
"Diviner's Bow" is the twenty-seventh novel set in the Liaden Universe, a collection of books that have brought me joy over many years. This installment continues the adventures of Padi, Tekelia, Shan, and other familiar characters, adding in a few new characters for good measure (or at least I think they were new, but I am fallible and forgetful!)
There are persons of ill intent and moments of peril, but mostly the book has people of good heart helping and befriending other good people. And by people I include norbears, who are wonderful as always. I only regret that no novel-length work has yet had norbears as its principal characters. Alas, no turtles in this novel, but one cannot have everything.
If you have not yet sailed in the Liaden Universe, I encourage you to step aboard.
Four out of five dancing 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 are persons of ill intent and moments of peril, but mostly the book has people of good heart helping and befriending other good people. And by people I include norbears, who are wonderful as always. I only regret that no novel-length work has yet had norbears as its principal characters. Alas, no turtles in this novel, but one cannot have everything.
If you have not yet sailed in the Liaden Universe, I encourage you to step aboard.
Four out of five dancing 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).
April 8, 2025
Very satisfying book 3 in the arc beginning Trader’s Leap
I did go back and reread Trader’s Leap and Ribbon Dance (with great pleasure) after a false start with this third volume, Diviner’s Bow. There are a lot of people to keep track of.
However, it is the charm of Miller and Lee’s universe that the characters are lively and rounded - quickly they are once again familiar. A particular delight in this book is seeing Padi maturing, growing in skill and confidence and self acceptance.
It is intriguing to see Shan struggle and succeed…with help, rather than merely always succeeding. For me, this was an exciting book, with interesting people and customs.
A very satisfying read, and a satisfying ending, that yet opens a few glimpses of what may come next, without leaving the reader teetering on a deplorable cliffhanger.
I loved it, and I hope you will, too.
I did go back and reread Trader’s Leap and Ribbon Dance (with great pleasure) after a false start with this third volume, Diviner’s Bow. There are a lot of people to keep track of.
However, it is the charm of Miller and Lee’s universe that the characters are lively and rounded - quickly they are once again familiar. A particular delight in this book is seeing Padi maturing, growing in skill and confidence and self acceptance.
It is intriguing to see Shan struggle and succeed…with help, rather than merely always succeeding. For me, this was an exciting book, with interesting people and customs.
A very satisfying read, and a satisfying ending, that yet opens a few glimpses of what may come next, without leaving the reader teetering on a deplorable cliffhanger.
I loved it, and I hope you will, too.
April 2, 2025
This story is the third in the story arc that begins with Trader's Leap and continues in Ribbon Dance. The setting is Colemeno where society is divided into three groups - the Civilized, the Haosa, and the Deaf. A prophecy saying that the end of Civilization and the Haosa is in sight causes all sorts of reactions. A small group of the Civilized think re-enslaving the Deaf and destroying the Haosa is a good idea. Padi and Tekelia continue their relationship. Majel and Blays begin one. Another excellent story.
April 18, 2025
Trader's Leap (bk 23), Ribbon Dance (bk 26), and Diviner's Bow (bk 27) follow young Padi yos’Galan's story. She becomes a Trader in her own right in Trader's Leap (even though her father is the primary protagonist of Trader's Leap), starts to come into her own in Ribbon Dance, and Diviner's Bow is the story of Padi finding her life's work on the planet Colemeno (newly restored to the rest of the spacefaring Trading community).
I definitely enjoyed all three books and Diviner's Bow has plenty still to figure out & wrap up for Padi. I found it a greatly satisfying read.
Colemeno (the planet where these three books take place) has a VERY active atmosphere. In fact, the atmosphere (called the Ambient in these books) directly interacts with the people on the planet. Some people feel overwhelmed, so they live "under the Grid". The Grid literally keeps out the more intrusive aspects of the Ambient.
Some people feel nothing at all. These folks are literally considered Deaf, not because their ears don't work, but because the Ambient has no effect on them.
And then there are the ones who directly AND enthusiastically interact with the Ambient. These are called the Haosa. The Haosa are considered Wild by the ones living "under the Grid" (who consider themselves the Civilized).
No one understood what young Padi's Gift might be in the first book Trader's Leap. Her father Shan is a powerful Healer. It isn't until Padi gets to Colomeno that Padi's psychic talents have the opportunity to blossom.
Highly recommended for all fans of the Liaden Universe (with their Liaden emphasis on manners and Balance), series fans, space opera fans, and fans of well-told stories!
I definitely enjoyed all three books and Diviner's Bow has plenty still to figure out & wrap up for Padi. I found it a greatly satisfying read.
Colemeno (the planet where these three books take place) has a VERY active atmosphere. In fact, the atmosphere (called the Ambient in these books) directly interacts with the people on the planet. Some people feel overwhelmed, so they live "under the Grid". The Grid literally keeps out the more intrusive aspects of the Ambient.
Some people feel nothing at all. These folks are literally considered Deaf, not because their ears don't work, but because the Ambient has no effect on them.
And then there are the ones who directly AND enthusiastically interact with the Ambient. These are called the Haosa. The Haosa are considered Wild by the ones living "under the Grid" (who consider themselves the Civilized).
No one understood what young Padi's Gift might be in the first book Trader's Leap. Her father Shan is a powerful Healer. It isn't until Padi gets to Colomeno that Padi's psychic talents have the opportunity to blossom.
Highly recommended for all fans of the Liaden Universe (with their Liaden emphasis on manners and Balance), series fans, space opera fans, and fans of well-told stories!
April 3, 2025
2025 bk 44. Padi yos Galen and her relationship with the Speaker for the Hausa are the main characters in this Liaden title. It was about time we see more of her - and see how she continues to grow into her roles - daughter of the house, Master Trader (at the beginning of her career), a stranger on a foreign world, diplomat, and lover. In addition to all of this, Padi is growing into her powers, not quite a healer like her father, but certainly one who can communicate and dance. The world on which she lives subjicates two groups of folks - ones who cannot build tools in their minds to deal with the ambient nature of the world and those who embrace the ambiance and their talents. The world is ready for change, to be open to trade and open to shutting down old prejudices, but there are first of all growing pains that have to be met. Well done. This was an excellent book for reading through the storms and hurricanes of last night - the shorter chapters allowed me time to look up and check where the storm was, and then go back and read to reassure myself that the Liaden Universe is alive and well. Excellent job!
May 4, 2025
Another excellent entry into the Liaden Universe
This is about a world that has ambient energy which allows certain people to be extremely powerful and gifted. This causes divisions and problems, but also opportunities if someone is willing to take those. A note on the series: I strongly suggest starting with the first book in the series and reading it all the way through. It's an incredible series with many characters about a trading family and the far future and all of the difficulties that they must endure. Plus, of course, having to explore the universe as trade routes develop. It's written in a wonderful style and I greatly hope that there will be more books in the series. I was horrified and saddened to find out one of the authors has died. This series is so incredible and moving and has changed my life. I really hope there are more books in this series forthcoming because they make me truly happy. I know that's selfish on my part, but I hold out hope that someday I will be able to read the next book in this series. If not, this was a truly beautiful bookend.
This is about a world that has ambient energy which allows certain people to be extremely powerful and gifted. This causes divisions and problems, but also opportunities if someone is willing to take those. A note on the series: I strongly suggest starting with the first book in the series and reading it all the way through. It's an incredible series with many characters about a trading family and the far future and all of the difficulties that they must endure. Plus, of course, having to explore the universe as trade routes develop. It's written in a wonderful style and I greatly hope that there will be more books in the series. I was horrified and saddened to find out one of the authors has died. This series is so incredible and moving and has changed my life. I really hope there are more books in this series forthcoming because they make me truly happy. I know that's selfish on my part, but I hold out hope that someday I will be able to read the next book in this series. If not, this was a truly beautiful bookend.
May 28, 2025
Tidy resolution this particular story arc. If I could give 3.5 stars, I would have.
Much as I like the resolution and some of the details about various dramliz considerations -- much as I enjoy reading about intergalactic trade -- I dunno. Having just read Ribbon Dance and then gone back to Trader's Leap for a memory refresh, I found myself impatient with the very tedious formality of language that the characters use with each other. This is of course a hallmark of Liaden culture so I guess it's not worthy of complaint. Chalk it up to overexposure.
There were an *awful lot* of names and characters to keep track of.
Some of the scenes went into more detail than necessary, like (I made this one up) "she-opened-the-drawer-and-found-a-beribboned-box-of-cookies-and-placed-six-of-them-on-a-plate-that-her-uncle-had-purchased-in-Cholsenta-several-decades-ago,-then-served-it-to-her-lifemate-with-a-smile,-who-said......." Anyway, I sometimes wondered if there was an editorial word count to be fulfilled.
Much as I like the resolution and some of the details about various dramliz considerations -- much as I enjoy reading about intergalactic trade -- I dunno. Having just read Ribbon Dance and then gone back to Trader's Leap for a memory refresh, I found myself impatient with the very tedious formality of language that the characters use with each other. This is of course a hallmark of Liaden culture so I guess it's not worthy of complaint. Chalk it up to overexposure.
There were an *awful lot* of names and characters to keep track of.
Some of the scenes went into more detail than necessary, like (I made this one up) "she-opened-the-drawer-and-found-a-beribboned-box-of-cookies-and-placed-six-of-them-on-a-plate-that-her-uncle-had-purchased-in-Cholsenta-several-decades-ago,-then-served-it-to-her-lifemate-with-a-smile,-who-said......." Anyway, I sometimes wondered if there was an editorial word count to be fulfilled.
June 25, 2025
The last in the series so far! I still need to go back and read the prequels, but I feel accomplished to have reached the end, at least!
This nicely ties up the lingering issues on Colemeno in such a way that I expect the next novel to deal with either Tinsori Light or Padi's Loop trip (or both). Characters on planet are fleshed out further and Shan and Padi's relationships with those of Colemeno develop further as well. I liked this slightly better than the prior book, but it is similar in largely being about political developments and not a whole lot of action, though more than in the prior book. I enjoyed this sojourn to Colemeno, but I do feel that the story has spent enough time here at this point. Now seems like the right time to move on. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
This nicely ties up the lingering issues on Colemeno in such a way that I expect the next novel to deal with either Tinsori Light or Padi's Loop trip (or both). Characters on planet are fleshed out further and Shan and Padi's relationships with those of Colemeno develop further as well. I liked this slightly better than the prior book, but it is similar in largely being about political developments and not a whole lot of action, though more than in the prior book. I enjoyed this sojourn to Colemeno, but I do feel that the story has spent enough time here at this point. Now seems like the right time to move on. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
October 8, 2025
Continuation of Ribbon Dance on the planet Colemeno where the Ambient affects anyone with psy affinities. Ribbon Dance leaves off with an Oracle seeing the end of Civilization and the Haosa too; plays out that prophecy. The book advances the relationship between Trader Padi and Speaker for the Haosa Tekelia and also the one between Dyoli trade administer and Mary Tyn, who has an affinity to Luck that is enhanced by the Ambient and is more valued on Colemeno where they call him a Serendipitist. And then a new relationship is developed between Majel ziaGorn who is “deaf” and Blays ess Worthi, the Counsel to Chaos. The book follows so many story lines and is set into warp and weft of the Clan Korval and other events in the Liaden universe that, happily, an addendum of “People, Places, and Weird Words” is included at the end.
April 6, 2025
Lovely, and heart lifting
I love this universe and all of the arcs and books within it. This most recent arc with Padi and the group at Colemeno has been very exciting! (For those wondering, Ms. Lee had pointed out elsewhere that it's bow, as in bowing to your partner prior to a dance, vs other pronunciations). I love all the layers of the Liaden universe and the complex characters. Now more than ever, books that make you think and take you on adventures, and allow you to come to know characters more fully along the way, while being thoroughly entertaining, and thrilling and humorous are so very needed. I'm so glad that Ms. Lee is choosing to continue to carry on the work, and so beautifully!
I love this universe and all of the arcs and books within it. This most recent arc with Padi and the group at Colemeno has been very exciting! (For those wondering, Ms. Lee had pointed out elsewhere that it's bow, as in bowing to your partner prior to a dance, vs other pronunciations). I love all the layers of the Liaden universe and the complex characters. Now more than ever, books that make you think and take you on adventures, and allow you to come to know characters more fully along the way, while being thoroughly entertaining, and thrilling and humorous are so very needed. I'm so glad that Ms. Lee is choosing to continue to carry on the work, and so beautifully!
April 28, 2025
Like the previous book in this mini-arc, it moves at a leisurely pace, with plenty of breaks for tea and cookies. Also like the previous book, it's easy to lose track of the characters, in the way of Russian novels where people have first names, patronymics, surnames, nicknames, and titles. My favorite character here is the Deaf Councillor, who is quite resourceful in spite of having no magic whatsoever. That's him on the cover, by the way, along with his new love. Shan and Padi don't really have much to do here, and I wish, if qe'andra deaGauss was going to come onstage anyway, he could have impacted the story, since I've always liked him.
Apparently the next book is returning to Tinsori Light. I kind of hope we're done with Colemeno for good.
Apparently the next book is returning to Tinsori Light. I kind of hope we're done with Colemeno for good.
April 6, 2025
Awesome science fiction
As I read Diviner's Bow, one word stood out in my mind: kindness. Yes, there is adventure, found family and family, norbears, Gifts and gifts, danger, change, Shan's quirky humor, and romance. But, overall, there is a sense of kindness and caring. All of these characters, primary and secondary, are loveable (except the evil ones). The reader can't help but hope for the best outcome for all of them. The wonderful characters and the thrilling stories are the reason I have read the books in this series many times, and Diviner's Bow is a fantastic addition to this amazing world.
As I read Diviner's Bow, one word stood out in my mind: kindness. Yes, there is adventure, found family and family, norbears, Gifts and gifts, danger, change, Shan's quirky humor, and romance. But, overall, there is a sense of kindness and caring. All of these characters, primary and secondary, are loveable (except the evil ones). The reader can't help but hope for the best outcome for all of them. The wonderful characters and the thrilling stories are the reason I have read the books in this series many times, and Diviner's Bow is a fantastic addition to this amazing world.
April 6, 2025
A wonderful continuation of the Liaden series
Diviner's Bow is an excellent continuation of Padi's story. We get to see her blossom into an adult and full trader, see her gift mature and develop, along with meeting new friends and the broad strokes of the future going forward. I so look forward to the next book, loved the introduction of the new Dragon, the next new daughter of Yos Galen and Clan Korval. I have really loved the stories of Theo and Padi, and can hardly wait for the next books with Tinsori Light the new trade loops and more connections with the Denobli family.
Diviner's Bow is an excellent continuation of Padi's story. We get to see her blossom into an adult and full trader, see her gift mature and develop, along with meeting new friends and the broad strokes of the future going forward. I so look forward to the next book, loved the introduction of the new Dragon, the next new daughter of Yos Galen and Clan Korval. I have really loved the stories of Theo and Padi, and can hardly wait for the next books with Tinsori Light the new trade loops and more connections with the Denobli family.
May 31, 2025
The latest Liaden Universe tale by Sharon Lee and the late Steve Miller returns us to Colemeno where the ambient empowers psionic abilities driving some people mad. A grid was set up for Civilization, but many live as Haosa, unprotected by the Ambient and forsaking technology. Unfortunately, in a previous book, a seer has predicted the end of civilization, and bad people have evil plans to kill the Haosa. Caught up in this Diviner's Bow(hard from Baen) are the the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Team who want to make Colemeno into a trade hub, and two individuals who form a heart link. I always get a tear in my eye for many of the tales in this long running series.
July 16, 2025
This was…fine. Typical of a Liaden novel if slightly…less? I fear the loss of Steve Miller will be felt in subsequent novels even as I can’t help but wish for more. This book felt less propulsive in narrative, less engaging in plot and too fractured in viewpoint and engaged in side plots and characters that made this reader ask, did they care to know?
I give this novel grace as I am sure Sharon Lee is still adjusting to piloting the ship alone. I enjoyed getting to know Padi and spending more time with Shan and I think I’m ready to see what is happening at Tinsori Light, hopefully up next.
I give this novel grace as I am sure Sharon Lee is still adjusting to piloting the ship alone. I enjoyed getting to know Padi and spending more time with Shan and I think I’m ready to see what is happening at Tinsori Light, hopefully up next.
April 4, 2025
This finishes the story arc that starts with Alliance of Equals. Most of the action takes place on Colemeno, which is the same planet from Ribbon Dance. Lots of characters to track, with the POV changing frequently. Satisfying ending, with hints of more stories to follow.
April 13, 2025
I know when I pick up a Liaden Universe®️ book that I will love it and this was no exception. Now the question is what order I’ll reread the series in now that I’ve finished the latest book which picked up where Ribbon Dance left off. As always… HIGHLY recommend.
For the neurospicy who notice such things, I only found two typos. Which is amazing. In general, most high quality books will have 5-10.
For the neurospicy who notice such things, I only found two typos. Which is amazing. In general, most high quality books will have 5-10.
April 20, 2025
Fascinating New Trade World & Characters
Like real life, a series addition with time abd sheer loving experiences further develop characters we already cherish; a new trade world and whole sets of new challenges along with some old "human nature" ones...requiring solvings unique to a fascinating and different environment.
Well worth reading...even out of sequence, as I happened to do.
Like real life, a series addition with time abd sheer loving experiences further develop characters we already cherish; a new trade world and whole sets of new challenges along with some old "human nature" ones...requiring solvings unique to a fascinating and different environment.
Well worth reading...even out of sequence, as I happened to do.
September 30, 2025
Members of the Tree and Dragon find themselves in another corner of the universe where interesting humans and their problems exist. I enjoyed this one. I would not recommend starting here though because of the large cast of characters and complex back story. I love most of this series so highly recommend starting either at Agent of Change or at the real beginning with the Crystal Soldier/Crystal Dragon duology.
January 22, 2026
Its only us die-hards now.
Like the Foreigner series, you're only here if you want to see how things keep going; and you don't mind that half the book is pages of people serving tea.
There _were_ a few "but then", so its not lacking a plot altogether; though Vyr’s sudden leap to save the world turns into nothing.
Of course a broken bond is reformed, this isn't a 18th century tragedy. We like neat bows on our happy endings.
Like the Foreigner series, you're only here if you want to see how things keep going; and you don't mind that half the book is pages of people serving tea.
There _were_ a few "but then", so its not lacking a plot altogether; though Vyr’s sudden leap to save the world turns into nothing.
Of course a broken bond is reformed, this isn't a 18th century tragedy. We like neat bows on our happy endings.
April 3, 2025
love to see the universe grow and expand
This is the 27th book in the Liaden Universe. It is not a good place to start. For this particular Arc that would be Alliance of Equals. But if you know the characters and have followed along, this book is a treasure. Well worth your time.
This is the 27th book in the Liaden Universe. It is not a good place to start. For this particular Arc that would be Alliance of Equals. But if you know the characters and have followed along, this book is a treasure. Well worth your time.
April 14, 2025
I'm always drawn into the series. The characters are interesting and the plot filled with adventure. In a time of people being divided, it's good to read about what communities and individuals can do together for the betterment of all. This is not to say that the book is sanctimonious, but rather conveys the message in a feel good way.
April 25, 2025
Enjoying reading and re-reading this group of books, from Trader's Leap to Diviner's Bow. I'd very much like to read more about Padi and Tekelia, and see what happens when Civilization and the Haosa are no longer separate entities.
But I'm aware that there are other Liaden books waiting to be written, and I'm enjoying those story arcs too.
But I'm aware that there are other Liaden books waiting to be written, and I'm enjoying those story arcs too.
March 19, 2025
Another great entry in the Liaden/Clan Korval/Tree and Dragon Trade Family universe
Several ongoing threads were wrapped up and new threads were brought in. I look forward with interest to see how Colomeno grows and changes!
Several ongoing threads were wrapped up and new threads were brought in. I look forward with interest to see how Colomeno grows and changes!
April 3, 2025
Another outstanding Liaden universe book!
What a joy to have a new book in the series to read! Fabulous characters, exciting plot, the only problem was setting it down long enough to get some work done! Love it!
What a joy to have a new book in the series to read! Fabulous characters, exciting plot, the only problem was setting it down long enough to get some work done! Love it!
April 14, 2025
lovely installment
I am a fan of this book, the liaden universe and these incredibly talented and skilled authors. Thank you ms. Lee for continuing your incredible work. This most recent installment gave me great joy to read.
I am a fan of this book, the liaden universe and these incredibly talented and skilled authors. Thank you ms. Lee for continuing your incredible work. This most recent installment gave me great joy to read.
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