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Liaden Universe, Chronological #stories
A Liaden Universe Constellation: Volume 3
BOOK 3 in the multivolume Liaden Universe ® short fiction collection. Tales of the Liaden Universe® brought together for the first time. Space opera and romance on a grand scale in a galaxy full of interstellar trading clans.
The nationally best-selling Liaden Universe® novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world-building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge-of-the-chair action.
Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe® with the excitement, action, and romance that readers of the hit series have come to adore. Contains all new entries published after 2011
Contents:
Code of honor --
Guaranteed delivery --
Intelligent design --
Out of true --
Roving gambler --
King of the cats --
Kin ties --
Eleutherios --
The rifle's first wife --
The space at Tinsori Light --
Landed alien --
Moon's honor --
The nationally best-selling Liaden Universe® novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world-building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge-of-the-chair action.
Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe® with the excitement, action, and romance that readers of the hit series have come to adore. Contains all new entries published after 2011
Contents:
Code of honor --
Guaranteed delivery --
Intelligent design --
Out of true --
Roving gambler --
King of the cats --
Kin ties --
Eleutherios --
The rifle's first wife --
The space at Tinsori Light --
Landed alien --
Moon's honor --
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2015
60 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
166 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 42 reviews
July 24, 2022
A welcome collection of 12 short stories, some of which I've already read. Some get 5 stars, some fewer, so I average to 3.5. All of these titles have been published before, if only online at Baen.com or at the authors' wonderful Splinter website. Some have been published previously in digital two-fer chapbooks and/or in larger anthologies. So, paying twice for the same story.
Each story and some previous publication info:
"Code of Honor” was first published on Spinter Universe, May 2014. It takes place on Liad and Surebleak. “Even now, reduced as they are, Korval has the qe’andra in their pocket,” his grandfather put in. “Why, dea’Gauss is the chair of their council! The Terran mercenaries have no qe’andra .”
“Which does not make them guilty of war crimes, sir!” Tom Lei felt ill. What did his grandfather hope to gain from this?
“Eleutherious” was first published on www.Baen.com, January 2013. This story is part of the Liaden Universe, but there are no Korval characters. It sheds light on the Bedel people. Cross references with terms seen in Necessity's Child and Dragon in Exile: Bedel, Luthia, kompani, gadje
“Guaranteed Delivery” was first published on Splinter Universe, September 2011, and also published in Courier Run two-fer and in a larger anthology. As newlyweds, a younger Daav and Alliana deliver a courier package off-world. I enjoyed the story well enough, but it kinda went nowhere.
“Intelligent Design” was first published on www.Baen.com, July 2011. (Very good! We learn why Jeeves is devoted to Val Con, and to Clan Korval. We learn what he is — an Independent Artificial Military Module (IAMM) — and get a sense of his vast age and experiences.)
Excerpt: He felt . . . movement, or perhaps it was his dying intelligence describing its last spiral. He sank, struggling . . . Perhaps, indeed, he slept, for suddenly he wakened. Wakened to a slow and steady trickle of energy. He sought the source, found the physical connection. Humans wept at such moments.
“Kin Ties” was first published on Splinter Universe, July 2011. Also published in Courier Run, with Guaranteed Delivery. It takes place soon after Korval moved to Surebleak. Ren Zel is sent to handle Korval trading business on his home planet. A place of loss, treachery, and abandonment. Good story.
“King of the Cats” was first published in The Cats’s Job, SRM Publisher, Ltd., 2002. This story features Miri Robertson and Val Con soon after they met in Agent of Change. There is also Kenzi, a hapless but kindly wizard from some other book. Oh, and about 140 cats. Of course it would be cats. Never dogs. No parrots. Or bunnies. Not even the adorably ferocious dust-bunnies featured in the romantic sci-fi world of Jayne Castle, like After Dark.
“Landed Alien” was first published on www.Baen.com, October 2012. This book features Theo's friend Kara from the piloting academy. Kara’s story
“Moon’s Honor” was first published on Splinter Universe, February 2013. Shan as Lute and Priscilla as moon goddess. Meh. I like Shan and Priscilla, but not interested in their alter-ego counterparts.
“Out of True” was first published on www.Baen.com, October 2013. This book features norbears and is set around the time period of Balance of Trade.
“Roving Gambler” was first published on Splinter Universe, April 2014. Adding nothing new to the series-wide plot, this story was slow and somewhat boring. It features Quin, who might have the luck of his father, Pat Rin. He meets Villy Butler, who works at the sticks table in the Emerald Casino. We know from Dragon in Exile that Quin and Villy have a fling.
“The Rifle’s First Wife” was first published on Splinter Universe, January 2014. This somewhat sweet little piece features Diglon, a Rifle-class Yxtrang soldier, now devoted to Korval. He plays poker, and assists a biologist Scout named Alara. A frustratingly inept attempt at romance, the pace is slow, the romance swamped by inner reflections and cultural protocols. But still, I liked it.
“The Space at Tinsori Light” is intriguing and mysterious, with potential for more to come in future novels on the topic. It was first published on Splinter Universe, November 2011. It's a little spooky, with dark tech. From the preface: "The first mention of Tinsori Light is in the heading preceding chapter twenty-nine of Scout’s Progress . The heading purports to be part of a beam-letter sent from Jen Sin yos’Phelium to his delm, complaining of the cost of repairs at, and impugning the reputation of the keeper of, the Light. It was meant to illustrate the use, and worth, of a Jump Pilot’s Ring, which figures in the storyline of the novel. We never intended to write a story about the Light, or the Keeper. Well. It turns out that Tinsori Light has a mind of its own."
Space is haunted. Pilots know this; station masters and light keepers, too; though they seldom speak of it, even to each other. Why would they? Ghost or imagination; wyrd space or black hole, life— and space— are dangerous. The usual rules apply.
Each story and some previous publication info:
"Code of Honor” was first published on Spinter Universe, May 2014. It takes place on Liad and Surebleak. “Even now, reduced as they are, Korval has the qe’andra in their pocket,” his grandfather put in. “Why, dea’Gauss is the chair of their council! The Terran mercenaries have no qe’andra .”
“Which does not make them guilty of war crimes, sir!” Tom Lei felt ill. What did his grandfather hope to gain from this?
“Eleutherious” was first published on www.Baen.com, January 2013. This story is part of the Liaden Universe, but there are no Korval characters. It sheds light on the Bedel people. Cross references with terms seen in Necessity's Child and Dragon in Exile: Bedel, Luthia, kompani, gadje
“Guaranteed Delivery” was first published on Splinter Universe, September 2011, and also published in Courier Run two-fer and in a larger anthology. As newlyweds, a younger Daav and Alliana deliver a courier package off-world. I enjoyed the story well enough, but it kinda went nowhere.
“Intelligent Design” was first published on www.Baen.com, July 2011. (Very good! We learn why Jeeves is devoted to Val Con, and to Clan Korval. We learn what he is — an Independent Artificial Military Module (IAMM) — and get a sense of his vast age and experiences.)
Excerpt: He felt . . . movement, or perhaps it was his dying intelligence describing its last spiral. He sank, struggling . . . Perhaps, indeed, he slept, for suddenly he wakened. Wakened to a slow and steady trickle of energy. He sought the source, found the physical connection. Humans wept at such moments.
“Kin Ties” was first published on Splinter Universe, July 2011. Also published in Courier Run, with Guaranteed Delivery. It takes place soon after Korval moved to Surebleak. Ren Zel is sent to handle Korval trading business on his home planet. A place of loss, treachery, and abandonment. Good story.
“King of the Cats” was first published in The Cats’s Job, SRM Publisher, Ltd., 2002. This story features Miri Robertson and Val Con soon after they met in Agent of Change. There is also Kenzi, a hapless but kindly wizard from some other book. Oh, and about 140 cats. Of course it would be cats. Never dogs. No parrots. Or bunnies. Not even the adorably ferocious dust-bunnies featured in the romantic sci-fi world of Jayne Castle, like After Dark.
“Landed Alien” was first published on www.Baen.com, October 2012. This book features Theo's friend Kara from the piloting academy. Kara’s story
“Moon’s Honor” was first published on Splinter Universe, February 2013. Shan as Lute and Priscilla as moon goddess. Meh. I like Shan and Priscilla, but not interested in their alter-ego counterparts.
“Out of True” was first published on www.Baen.com, October 2013. This book features norbears and is set around the time period of Balance of Trade.
“Roving Gambler” was first published on Splinter Universe, April 2014. Adding nothing new to the series-wide plot, this story was slow and somewhat boring. It features Quin, who might have the luck of his father, Pat Rin. He meets Villy Butler, who works at the sticks table in the Emerald Casino. We know from Dragon in Exile that Quin and Villy have a fling.
“The Rifle’s First Wife” was first published on Splinter Universe, January 2014. This somewhat sweet little piece features Diglon, a Rifle-class Yxtrang soldier, now devoted to Korval. He plays poker, and assists a biologist Scout named Alara. A frustratingly inept attempt at romance, the pace is slow, the romance swamped by inner reflections and cultural protocols. But still, I liked it.
“The Space at Tinsori Light” is intriguing and mysterious, with potential for more to come in future novels on the topic. It was first published on Splinter Universe, November 2011. It's a little spooky, with dark tech. From the preface: "The first mention of Tinsori Light is in the heading preceding chapter twenty-nine of Scout’s Progress . The heading purports to be part of a beam-letter sent from Jen Sin yos’Phelium to his delm, complaining of the cost of repairs at, and impugning the reputation of the keeper of, the Light. It was meant to illustrate the use, and worth, of a Jump Pilot’s Ring, which figures in the storyline of the novel. We never intended to write a story about the Light, or the Keeper. Well. It turns out that Tinsori Light has a mind of its own."
Space is haunted. Pilots know this; station masters and light keepers, too; though they seldom speak of it, even to each other. Why would they? Ghost or imagination; wyrd space or black hole, life— and space— are dangerous. The usual rules apply.
May 12, 2016
Quite good, now I wait till the next Liaden series book..
September 11, 2015
A few interesting stories in this volume. I particularly enjoyed the one with the Light Keeper and the one with the Bebels and the church organ. Also, the one with Jeeves' orgins was very enlightening.
May 23, 2024
I read half of this before I went to Japan and just now finished it, so while I don't quite remember all of the first bit I still feel fairly certain that I enjoyed it enough to give it five stars. This universe is just such a well lived-in, comfortable thing: the product of two people devoting their lives to it for years and years.
This is probably why these books are the ONLY ones that I can more than tolerate the concept of life-mates/ fated mates, which usually earns a huge eye-roll from me. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller truly were life-mates, and this is why I was and am extra-saddened by his recent passing.
This is probably why these books are the ONLY ones that I can more than tolerate the concept of life-mates/ fated mates, which usually earns a huge eye-roll from me. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller truly were life-mates, and this is why I was and am extra-saddened by his recent passing.
February 20, 2022
2022 bk 42. Another of the short story collections. This included a story of the bedarii that was wonderful and included music, the story of Diglon Rifle becoming more at ease in his new role and no longer a soldier. An honest, ethical mercenery dismayed at how corrupt his delm has become and other tales of the Liaden and Moonhawk. A good read.
November 7, 2017
More Liaden stories are always welcome, and this installment has a decent ratio of good to great stories for readers to enjoy. As would be expected, if you don't have a previous knowledge of the Universe and it's many books, most of these stories will not be fully appreciable.
I most enjoyed: Intelligent Design which sees the origin story of Jeeves, Korval's robot butler;
Roving Gambler, wherein we learn about Quin (Pat Rin's son and heir); King of the Cats, which was a fun crossover with Val Con and Kinzel meeting unexpectedly; Kin Ties about Ren Zel and Anthora, which fills in their backstory a little bit more, Eleutherios, which explores more about the Bedel and could be read without any previous story knowledge; The Space at Tinsori Light, also a good stand alone story for the uninitiated, which has a somewhat unexpected and creepy ending; and lastly Moon's Honor, which I ended up enjoying more than I expected and also would be a good one to read as a standalone, as Moon and Lute don't figure much into the Liaden universe.
These will hopefully tide over readers anxious for the next installment in their ongoing space opera!
I most enjoyed: Intelligent Design which sees the origin story of Jeeves, Korval's robot butler;
Roving Gambler, wherein we learn about Quin (Pat Rin's son and heir); King of the Cats, which was a fun crossover with Val Con and Kinzel meeting unexpectedly; Kin Ties about Ren Zel and Anthora, which fills in their backstory a little bit more, Eleutherios, which explores more about the Bedel and could be read without any previous story knowledge; The Space at Tinsori Light, also a good stand alone story for the uninitiated, which has a somewhat unexpected and creepy ending; and lastly Moon's Honor, which I ended up enjoying more than I expected and also would be a good one to read as a standalone, as Moon and Lute don't figure much into the Liaden universe.
These will hopefully tide over readers anxious for the next installment in their ongoing space opera!
August 28, 2022
This is the third collection of Liaden short stories and novellas in the series called Liaden Universe Constellation. It contains twelve stories and, surprising to me since I thought I never missed a story, had a couple of stories that I hadn't read before.
I liked Intelligent Design which tells the story of how an AI former war machine came to be the butler for Korval. There was also a story which starred the Bedel on a world other than Surebleak. I liked Roving Gambler which stars Quin and tells us a lot more about him than we learned in other stories where he appeared. I also enjoyed King of the Cats which combined two of the authors' fantasy worlds by combining Val Con and Kinzel on Kinzel's world.
This collection also included Moon's Honor which is another Lady Moon Hawk and Lute story and talks about their meeting. I thought it gave quite a different take on them than Crystal Dragon - the novel where they also make appearances. I prefer their appearances in the short story and wish that novel starring them could have sold and therefore been written.
All in all, it was an enjoyable collection. I'm glad to have a convenient source of all of the stories on my Kindle.
I liked Intelligent Design which tells the story of how an AI former war machine came to be the butler for Korval. There was also a story which starred the Bedel on a world other than Surebleak. I liked Roving Gambler which stars Quin and tells us a lot more about him than we learned in other stories where he appeared. I also enjoyed King of the Cats which combined two of the authors' fantasy worlds by combining Val Con and Kinzel on Kinzel's world.
This collection also included Moon's Honor which is another Lady Moon Hawk and Lute story and talks about their meeting. I thought it gave quite a different take on them than Crystal Dragon - the novel where they also make appearances. I prefer their appearances in the short story and wish that novel starring them could have sold and therefore been written.
All in all, it was an enjoyable collection. I'm glad to have a convenient source of all of the stories on my Kindle.
April 25, 2020
With all due respect to other writers, reading a Liaden Universe tale is like traveling First Class after a lifetime of being relegated to the baggage compartment. Each story is a glittering jewel.
Laughter, tears, loves, and ... not loves. Pilots (of course, Pilots), bakers, soldiers, children, scoundrels and nobles. These stories are not written to be read in a day; they were created to be savored ... and loved enough to be enjoyed over and over again.
Laughter, tears, loves, and ... not loves. Pilots (of course, Pilots), bakers, soldiers, children, scoundrels and nobles. These stories are not written to be read in a day; they were created to be savored ... and loved enough to be enjoyed over and over again.
April 20, 2024
IntVolume 3 of the anthology series. They are:
1. Code of Honor - How Tommy Lee came to leave his clan and work for Korval on Surebleak.
2. Guaranteed Delivery - the story of the fourth courier run of Daav and Aelliana's business, on a world where social media rules.
3. Intelligent Design - The story of how Jeeves became Korval's "butler."
4. Out of True - How Squithy and Klay first met norbears, and the norbears came to be spacefarers.
5. Roving Gambler - a story of Quin after arriving on Surebleak and how he and Villy met.
6. King of Cats - a story that has Val Con traveling to a fantasy world where a rather inept wizard needs help.
7. Kin Ties - The last of the story about Ren Zel's beginnings.
8. Eleutherios - a story of a monastery, the Bedel, and a pipe organ.
9. The Rifle's First Wife - Diglon Rifle settles in to life on Surebleak.
10. The Space at Tinsori Light - Jen Sin first comes to the Tinsori Light space station.
11. Landed Alien - what happened to Kara after Theo got thrown out of the pilot school on Eylot.
12. Moon's Honor - an alternate story of how Lute and Moonhawk meet.
1. Code of Honor - How Tommy Lee came to leave his clan and work for Korval on Surebleak.
2. Guaranteed Delivery - the story of the fourth courier run of Daav and Aelliana's business, on a world where social media rules.
3. Intelligent Design - The story of how Jeeves became Korval's "butler."
4. Out of True - How Squithy and Klay first met norbears, and the norbears came to be spacefarers.
5. Roving Gambler - a story of Quin after arriving on Surebleak and how he and Villy met.
6. King of Cats - a story that has Val Con traveling to a fantasy world where a rather inept wizard needs help.
7. Kin Ties - The last of the story about Ren Zel's beginnings.
8. Eleutherios - a story of a monastery, the Bedel, and a pipe organ.
9. The Rifle's First Wife - Diglon Rifle settles in to life on Surebleak.
10. The Space at Tinsori Light - Jen Sin first comes to the Tinsori Light space station.
11. Landed Alien - what happened to Kara after Theo got thrown out of the pilot school on Eylot.
12. Moon's Honor - an alternate story of how Lute and Moonhawk meet.
January 18, 2018
Good collection of stories, I enjoyed them all mostly.
- Code of Honor: 5 stars
- Guaranteed Delivery: Quite convoluted story of people using other people, 4 stars.
- Intelligent Design: I enjoyed it, but I didn't grasp how Balance was achieve through employing Jeeves, 4 stars.
- Out of True: 4 stars.
- Roving Gambler: 5 stars.
- King of the Cats: I didn't liked it much, a mixed story. 2 stars.
- Kin Ties: 5 stars.
- Eleutherios: 5 stars.
- The Rifle's First Wife: 5 stars.
- The Space at Tinsori Light: 4 stars.
- Landed Alien: 5 stars.
- Moon's Honor: 3 stars.
- Code of Honor: 5 stars
- Guaranteed Delivery: Quite convoluted story of people using other people, 4 stars.
- Intelligent Design: I enjoyed it, but I didn't grasp how Balance was achieve through employing Jeeves, 4 stars.
- Out of True: 4 stars.
- Roving Gambler: 5 stars.
- King of the Cats: I didn't liked it much, a mixed story. 2 stars.
- Kin Ties: 5 stars.
- Eleutherios: 5 stars.
- The Rifle's First Wife: 5 stars.
- The Space at Tinsori Light: 4 stars.
- Landed Alien: 5 stars.
- Moon's Honor: 3 stars.
April 7, 2018
I like these short stories. They give background to a character skimmed over in a novel. I keep trying to get the older stories about my favorites but the electronic world we live in now is getting rid of actual books. People will be sorry when they have a book burning like "Fahrenheit 400" described in a future world and they are not allowed to own books anymore. I'm old and I still like the feel of books in my hands.
January 1, 2019
This is a collection of short stories based in the Liaden Universe. It is very good and ties up or starts several story lines from the main series of books. As a fan of the universe, it is too long between new books in the series, although I know the authors have to have time to write the books. I eagerly look forward to each as they come. As I wait for the next book in the series, I am happy to reread the short stories in this collection.
February 20, 2021
Excellent science fiction
I love the Constellations, because when I'm reading a main Liaden book, I often wonder what happened to a secondary character or how that character got sucked into Korval's orbit. And these short stories are great to read before I fall asleep. I've read all the Constellation multiple times.
I love the Constellations, because when I'm reading a main Liaden book, I often wonder what happened to a secondary character or how that character got sucked into Korval's orbit. And these short stories are great to read before I fall asleep. I've read all the Constellation multiple times.
not-for-me
November 17, 2021Bought in a weak moment as I’d always wanted to read one of the stories in it. Threw up my hands 20 pages in though. The writing is so intensely mannered. I enjoyed, even loved, the first few books in part because of the manneredness. But this is like a cupcake smothered in a gallon of mannered icing. I have no patience to wade through this overwritten stuff.
Never again.
Never again.
July 26, 2025
Another fun collection of stories from the Liad Universe. If you are new to the series, definitely don't start here, but if you've read a good chunk of the books, this helps flesh out and give a little more background on the world. It's a little hit and miss, as short story collections tend to be, but an enjoyable collection.
November 2, 2019
Another collection of interesting stories
I love how these short stories can fill in bits of the Universe, while tellings tales all their own. Very well written, fun, and intriguing.
I love how these short stories can fill in bits of the Universe, while tellings tales all their own. Very well written, fun, and intriguing.
September 20, 2017
Most enjoyed the stories about Clan Korval
May 5, 2018
So many origin stories!
July 21, 2019
An excellent compliment to the Liaden Universe novels. Side characters, what-if's and other points of interest are found therein.
March 7, 2020
4.5* Reading these anthologies enriches the Liaden experience, really fantastic short stories.
October 2, 2020
Several good origin series here: Jeeves, norbears, and the partnership of Lady Moonhawk and Lute.
January 28, 2023
Mofibo lydbog
August 29, 2024
Another anthology which includes such gems as how Lute and Moonhawk got together, and more information about many other characters. Very satisfying.
April 29, 2016
[If you’re already a fan of the Liaden Universe series, don’t read the rest of this. You know it already].
Confession time. From the time I picked up “Conflict of Honors” for the first time, I have been a total fangirl of all Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's books, particularly the Liaden Universe series. Their world building is so detailed and appealing and I never want to leave the company of their characters, particularly Daav (spot the crush), Er Thom and Val Con. The tone of the books is always spot on - more than a little like Georgette Heyer, but in space. These authors really inhabit their world and take the reader with them.
I'm positively greedy about their stories - I wait for months for the next book, pounce on the Amazon parcel as if it's the last volume in a literature-starved universe, stay up half the night reading and then sulk because I have finished it and now I have to start waiting all over again.
This latest collection of their short stories is no exception. I had meant to keep it for next month's book tag on PBT [series], but it was magnetically attracted to my hands. Then I genuinely tried to read just one story a day but there it is. Sitting on the kitchen bench. Finished. (*Correction: my mother has just nicked off with it).
It didn't let me down. This is a lovely, varied, and balanced group of stories. Sure, I'd read most of them before: if they're published as separate stories rather than in anthologies, I've probably got them on the iPad. But it's so much easier to indulge in a paper copy.
"Intelligent Design" is probably my favourite (relating the genesis of Jeeves the robot butler who is more than he appears to be). But I loved all the others too: "The Space at Tinsori Light" - an earlier member of the Korval clan; "Guaranteed Delivery" - a clever courier story featuring Daav and Aelliana; "Moon's Honor" - Lute meets Moonhawk for the first time; "The Rifle's First Wife" - about the Yxtrang Diglon, which is unexpectedly funny; "Eleutherios" - starring a person of the Kompani.
Various other stories flesh out some less emphasised (though important) characters like Pat Rin's son Quin in "Roving Gambler" or Ren Zel in "Kin Ties". Others explain an episode that's only fleetingly referred to in one of the central novels ("Code of Honor" that follows on from Korval's encounter with the Department of the Interior in I Dare; or "Landed Alien" that follows Kara after the end of Saltation
Animals feature, as usual: in "The King of the Cats", Val Con acquires yet another title, and "Out of True" introduces us to a certain species of small furry empathic creatures.
No dragons, though. I'm sure they could have found space for a dragon or two.
Good grief, I managed to find a criticism.
Confession time. From the time I picked up “Conflict of Honors” for the first time, I have been a total fangirl of all Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's books, particularly the Liaden Universe series. Their world building is so detailed and appealing and I never want to leave the company of their characters, particularly Daav (spot the crush), Er Thom and Val Con. The tone of the books is always spot on - more than a little like Georgette Heyer, but in space. These authors really inhabit their world and take the reader with them.
I'm positively greedy about their stories - I wait for months for the next book, pounce on the Amazon parcel as if it's the last volume in a literature-starved universe, stay up half the night reading and then sulk because I have finished it and now I have to start waiting all over again.
This latest collection of their short stories is no exception. I had meant to keep it for next month's book tag on PBT [series], but it was magnetically attracted to my hands. Then I genuinely tried to read just one story a day but there it is. Sitting on the kitchen bench. Finished. (*Correction: my mother has just nicked off with it).
It didn't let me down. This is a lovely, varied, and balanced group of stories. Sure, I'd read most of them before: if they're published as separate stories rather than in anthologies, I've probably got them on the iPad. But it's so much easier to indulge in a paper copy.
"Intelligent Design" is probably my favourite (relating the genesis of Jeeves the robot butler who is more than he appears to be). But I loved all the others too: "The Space at Tinsori Light" - an earlier member of the Korval clan; "Guaranteed Delivery" - a clever courier story featuring Daav and Aelliana; "Moon's Honor" - Lute meets Moonhawk for the first time; "The Rifle's First Wife" - about the Yxtrang Diglon, which is unexpectedly funny; "Eleutherios" - starring a person of the Kompani.
Various other stories flesh out some less emphasised (though important) characters like Pat Rin's son Quin in "Roving Gambler" or Ren Zel in "Kin Ties". Others explain an episode that's only fleetingly referred to in one of the central novels ("Code of Honor" that follows on from Korval's encounter with the Department of the Interior in I Dare; or "Landed Alien" that follows Kara after the end of Saltation
Animals feature, as usual: in "The King of the Cats", Val Con acquires yet another title, and "Out of True" introduces us to a certain species of small furry empathic creatures.
No dragons, though. I'm sure they could have found space for a dragon or two.
Good grief, I managed to find a criticism.
May 1, 2017
l I keep enjoying these books.
July 20, 2015
This Liaden short story collection is like a box of tasty, tasty chocolates: I devoured one, then another, then another, each one with something yummy in the middle. Or maybe it's a ship, and I get to see where some passengers get onboard or go ashore, and every so often a door opens and I get a peek at the goings-on down the side passages.
So basically, if you've ever wondered "What happened to--" or "Where did so-and-so come from" or "But what about--," then this is for you. (As are the previous two volumes.)
But those who haven't yet encountered this universe, take heart! These are great short stories, full of interesting characters facing challenges.
So basically, if you've ever wondered "What happened to--" or "Where did so-and-so come from" or "But what about--," then this is for you. (As are the previous two volumes.)
But those who haven't yet encountered this universe, take heart! These are great short stories, full of interesting characters facing challenges.
January 21, 2016
I love the Liaden universe, their culture, and all those characters in all those books so I was happy to read another collection and add it to my bookshelves. All the stories are new except for King of the Cats, but I enjoyed rereading it. There are early and later stories focusing on various characters, and I enjoyed the updates and the new backgrounds. My favorites include Code of Honor (seeing Miri and Beautiful is always a treat), Guaranteed Delivery (fun), and Intelligent Design (I loved it! Great background!! A definite favorite), and... Wait. I think I loved them all. Oh, I guess I'll have to reread them to be sure...
July 23, 2015
If you're familiar with the Liaden Universe, I don't need to say anything beyond - another great collection of the short stories from the chapbooks and from the Baen website. If you're not..... stop reading this. Go and find a friend with the entire set, and book a week off work - you'll want it. These stories do stand alone, but they're SO much better when you know the characters. Lee & Miller's short stories are filling in the background of the universe, and each one is like a chocolate truffle - but stays in your brain not on your hips. You can't read just one...
July 31, 2015
I had read most of these stories before, but they all stand up well to re-readings, and it's nice to have them all in one book. I love Lee & Miller's books, and I have to say I absolutely agree that just because a character appears only on a couple of pages of a novel, that doesn't mean that character doesn't have her, or his own story.
You'll find some of those stories, here. Also some bits of a novel or two that never were. Very enjoyable from start to finish.
Of, course, this is a must for any Lee & Miller completists.
You'll find some of those stories, here. Also some bits of a novel or two that never were. Very enjoyable from start to finish.
Of, course, this is a must for any Lee & Miller completists.
July 30, 2015
Love these
As always Lee and Miller come through with a pack of varied stories in the Liaden Universe(R) that fill in gaps you didn't know you wanted filled. Kinda like your friend the good cook saying ,"Here, try this." And OMG! suddenly your taste buds are going dingdingdingding! And life is complete. No, really. They do this kind of stuff all the time while leaving you wanting to find the nearest taxi for Maine so you can respectfully sit and pet the cats and maybe make them bacon while waiting for the next book. We'll be quiet, we promise!
As always Lee and Miller come through with a pack of varied stories in the Liaden Universe(R) that fill in gaps you didn't know you wanted filled. Kinda like your friend the good cook saying ,"Here, try this." And OMG! suddenly your taste buds are going dingdingdingding! And life is complete. No, really. They do this kind of stuff all the time while leaving you wanting to find the nearest taxi for Maine so you can respectfully sit and pet the cats and maybe make them bacon while waiting for the next book. We'll be quiet, we promise!
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