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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #23
Change Management
Times are perilous, violence rife, and the future uncertain. Success and the survival of all you hold dear may hinge on how you manage change. Some people advise that we “Embrace Change!” Other people realize that change has edges, and if you embrace it the wrong way, it may feel a lot more like a knife than a bromide when it touches your guts. Here are two Lee and Miller stories set in the Liaden Universe®, "Street Cred," original to this chapbook; and "Wise Child," reprinted from Baen.com. Both stories with the complications arising from decisive change, and decisive Change Management at the point of peril.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2017
62 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
166 books788 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 4, 2017
It was good to see Miri and Val Con on Surebleak again! I enjoyed Tolly's story too!
December 19, 2017
4 stars
First story "Street Cred" is an outtake from Neogenesis about a couple of Liadens seeking Balance with Val Con and Miri on Surebleak. Given that all Balance was supposed to be wiped when Clan Korval left Liad and the concept of Balance doesn't work the same on Surebleak, they had to come up with a different and quite drastic solution.
Second story "Wise Child" is a support story for Alliance of Equals about how Tolly Jones escaped from the Lyre Institute with the help of a newly awakened sentient ship.
Both stories provide further details that were not given in the main books, which is always good for fans of the series.
First story "Street Cred" is an outtake from Neogenesis about a couple of Liadens seeking Balance with Val Con and Miri on Surebleak. Given that all Balance was supposed to be wiped when Clan Korval left Liad and the concept of Balance doesn't work the same on Surebleak, they had to come up with a different and quite drastic solution.
Second story "Wise Child" is a support story for Alliance of Equals about how Tolly Jones escaped from the Lyre Institute with the help of a newly awakened sentient ship.
Both stories provide further details that were not given in the main books, which is always good for fans of the series.
June 23, 2018
So glad to have a story of Tolly. Would love to see more of him.
May 10, 2017
Two short stories set in the Liaden universe. I enjoyed them both!
1) STREET CRED
Fits in with Gathering Edge and Neogenesis. Winter snow shuts down Surebleak, freeing up Val Con and Miri, Delm of Korval and Street Boss of Surebleak. A snow day! But, alas! Danger! The Council of Clans (on Liad) is up to their old tricks. It was interesting to see how Team Korval handles the problem. Hopefully, a lasting solution, but I'm not holding my breath.
Characters include Val Con, Miri, Beautiful Nelirrik, Cheever McFarland, some locals, and the street qe'andra program, featuring Ms. kaz'Ineo and her sensible apprentice Joey Valish (Boss Kalhoon's hand, from Ghost Ship).
2) WISE CHILD
Supporting material for Tolly Jones in Alliance of Equals, but not directly in the timeline. Tolly Jones (see Dragon in Exile, Alliance of Equals) is compelled to work as a trainer/ mentor at the hateful Lyre Institute (this organization/technology could perhaps be behind the DOI brain washing). As ordered, Tolly awakens Disian A, a newly "born" sentient ship, kidnapped before awakening. Tolly is ordered to teach Disian to completely obey her Captain. And he does so. But somehow, she learns more than that.
I hope we see more of these characters in future novels.
**********
A fun excerpt from STREET CRED, with Val Con and Cheever McFarland:
"I am told it is equally likely that I will be killed for my jacket as for my boots."
McFarland tipped his head, his face taking on a thoughtful cast, as if he gave the question serious consideration. "Maybe a little more likely for the jacket. Them boots are kinda small for your average 'bleaker, and they don't look like they'd be good in the snow."
"Thank you, Mr. McFarland. Your insights are always welcome."
The big man threw back his head and laughed. "Sounded just like Boss Conrad, right there, and no mistake!"
"I hear that the family resemblance is strong," Val Con said sourly. "Indeed, the boss and I could be brothers."
Cheever, still grinning, shook his head.
1) STREET CRED
Fits in with Gathering Edge and Neogenesis. Winter snow shuts down Surebleak, freeing up Val Con and Miri, Delm of Korval and Street Boss of Surebleak. A snow day! But, alas! Danger! The Council of Clans (on Liad) is up to their old tricks. It was interesting to see how Team Korval handles the problem. Hopefully, a lasting solution, but I'm not holding my breath.
Characters include Val Con, Miri, Beautiful Nelirrik, Cheever McFarland, some locals, and the street qe'andra program, featuring Ms. kaz'Ineo and her sensible apprentice Joey Valish (Boss Kalhoon's hand, from Ghost Ship).
2) WISE CHILD
Supporting material for Tolly Jones in Alliance of Equals, but not directly in the timeline. Tolly Jones (see Dragon in Exile, Alliance of Equals) is compelled to work as a trainer/ mentor at the hateful Lyre Institute (this organization/technology could perhaps be behind the DOI brain washing). As ordered, Tolly awakens Disian A, a newly "born" sentient ship, kidnapped before awakening. Tolly is ordered to teach Disian to completely obey her Captain. And he does so. But somehow, she learns more than that.
I hope we see more of these characters in future novels.
**********
A fun excerpt from STREET CRED, with Val Con and Cheever McFarland:
"I am told it is equally likely that I will be killed for my jacket as for my boots."
McFarland tipped his head, his face taking on a thoughtful cast, as if he gave the question serious consideration. "Maybe a little more likely for the jacket. Them boots are kinda small for your average 'bleaker, and they don't look like they'd be good in the snow."
"Thank you, Mr. McFarland. Your insights are always welcome."
The big man threw back his head and laughed. "Sounded just like Boss Conrad, right there, and no mistake!"
"I hear that the family resemblance is strong," Val Con said sourly. "Indeed, the boss and I could be brothers."
Cheever, still grinning, shook his head.
February 25, 2017
Coming from me, any rating or review of anything Liaden has to start with - I love these stories!
With that out of the way, this is a small chapbook, containing two short stories. One of them was previously published at Baen.com. The other was, according to the authors, woven out of bits of an upcoming novel that had to be taken out.
The older story, Wise Child, is the story of a sentient spaceship who has fallen into the hands of an evil organization, that wants her to be a slave.
The new story takes place on Surebleak, and is just a delightful little story about how the clan Korval changes Surebleak, and is changed in return.
There is something in me that wanted to say that this chapbook is only for Liaden completists, but that is not true. These two stories are fine examples of the craft. If you know nothing about Lee and Miller and Liaden society and Korval and sentient spaceships, you would still encounter characters that you will care about, and they will have problems, which they will resolve in ways that fit their character. These are very good short stories. They do not tell you as much about characters as a novel would. But they tell you enough that the characters feel real, and enough that you understand their current predicament and how they resolved it.
Now, I should give a warning. If you are new to Lee and Miller's work when you read this, there is a good chance that you will want to know more about these characters. And there is more - a lot more.
With that out of the way, this is a small chapbook, containing two short stories. One of them was previously published at Baen.com. The other was, according to the authors, woven out of bits of an upcoming novel that had to be taken out.
The older story, Wise Child, is the story of a sentient spaceship who has fallen into the hands of an evil organization, that wants her to be a slave.
The new story takes place on Surebleak, and is just a delightful little story about how the clan Korval changes Surebleak, and is changed in return.
There is something in me that wanted to say that this chapbook is only for Liaden completists, but that is not true. These two stories are fine examples of the craft. If you know nothing about Lee and Miller and Liaden society and Korval and sentient spaceships, you would still encounter characters that you will care about, and they will have problems, which they will resolve in ways that fit their character. These are very good short stories. They do not tell you as much about characters as a novel would. But they tell you enough that the characters feel real, and enough that you understand their current predicament and how they resolved it.
Now, I should give a warning. If you are new to Lee and Miller's work when you read this, there is a good chance that you will want to know more about these characters. And there is more - a lot more.
February 24, 2017
Nice little tidbits to enjoy.
I always enjoy the little stories that, while not central to any of the longer book stories, give us a glimpse of what some of our favorite characters are doing while we're focused somewhere else.
I always enjoy the little stories that, while not central to any of the longer book stories, give us a glimpse of what some of our favorite characters are doing while we're focused somewhere else.
September 29, 2019
Well worth reading
I love these stories that fill in gaps and round out the details. These are, as usual, well written and entertaining examples of the species.
I love these stories that fill in gaps and round out the details. These are, as usual, well written and entertaining examples of the species.
November 2, 2018
Another pair of good stories in the Liaden series.
June 9, 2017
Eh, ehm. I recommend this book.
So, first, as with all of Lee and Miller's work, I recommend this book to you, it is well written and full of wit.
I, ah, also wish I had read wise child before I attempted to listen to alliance of equals. I would have, perhaps, not been as confused about where the heck tolly jones came from as I ended up being, and hence, uhm, abandoned that book for quite awhile before I came back to it. I am sure that is why I bought this book, that it was recommended to me, and me being me, just let it drift in my to-be-read pile until now.
Anyway, despite me being an idiot, this "chapbook", which contains two new to me stories, is a good read, and I encourage you to buy this book.
So, first, as with all of Lee and Miller's work, I recommend this book to you, it is well written and full of wit.
I, ah, also wish I had read wise child before I attempted to listen to alliance of equals. I would have, perhaps, not been as confused about where the heck tolly jones came from as I ended up being, and hence, uhm, abandoned that book for quite awhile before I came back to it. I am sure that is why I bought this book, that it was recommended to me, and me being me, just let it drift in my to-be-read pile until now.
Anyway, despite me being an idiot, this "chapbook", which contains two new to me stories, is a good read, and I encourage you to buy this book.
May 8, 2017
Two Little Gems
Two excerpts/stories that explore the progress of Clan Korval and Tolly Jones. Entertaining read which helps fill that annoying gap between reading speed and writing speed.
Two excerpts/stories that explore the progress of Clan Korval and Tolly Jones. Entertaining read which helps fill that annoying gap between reading speed and writing speed.
March 11, 2017
2 shorty stories set in the Liaden Universe. The first story called "Street Cred" is a new Chapbook. The second story called "Wise Child" was previously published. I really enjoyed them both!
July 4, 2017
Love the out takes!
It's always nice to see what happens to the minor characters. Great writing can't wait to read the rest of the series!
It's always nice to see what happens to the minor characters. Great writing can't wait to read the rest of the series!
March 15, 2017
, manners, power and sentient beings. These authors will not spoon feed the readers. They engage the reader and provide interesting ways to solve problems. Other reviews will give you a synopsis of the stories. I will not. Once you decide that how people think, and solve problems, and learn to live together is more interesting than how people shoot, then you are a perfect fit for these authors. Even when they write solo, people are central to their works.
A lovely read. Other reviewers will give you a synopsis. I will not. I want to speak to potential readers. These are character driven stories that engage the reader. Indeed, the authors will not spoon feed you, so you must engage the story. That is one of my favorite parts! Too many stories today are shallow and repetitious. If you have never read a Lee and Miller story, you are in for a treat. There are layers upon layers. The action is subtle. How do other people solve conflicts involving commerce, racism, people who are easily offended, immigration, and sentient beings? In the Liaden Universe the authors have created a fascinating series worthy of your time. Readers of Anne McCaffrey or Elizabeth Moon should try this series.
A lovely read. Other reviewers will give you a synopsis. I will not. I want to speak to potential readers. These are character driven stories that engage the reader. Indeed, the authors will not spoon feed you, so you must engage the story. That is one of my favorite parts! Too many stories today are shallow and repetitious. If you have never read a Lee and Miller story, you are in for a treat. There are layers upon layers. The action is subtle. How do other people solve conflicts involving commerce, racism, people who are easily offended, immigration, and sentient beings? In the Liaden Universe the authors have created a fascinating series worthy of your time. Readers of Anne McCaffrey or Elizabeth Moon should try this series.
March 8, 2017
A new Liaden Universe story? Yes, please!
Sharon alee and Steve Miller are two of my favorite authors. Their characters are people I would instantly know if I met them. Their universe is one I could happily live in. I visit it as often as possible!
Sharon alee and Steve Miller are two of my favorite authors. Their characters are people I would instantly know if I met them. Their universe is one I could happily live in. I visit it as often as possible!
May 20, 2018
two good short stories about characters in other books. good reading as usual from Lee and Miller.
February 24, 2017
Two pieces of the Liaden Universe
If you are not already a fan of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, these stories are not the place to start. Go read Agent of Change (where It All Began), or Fledgling, or look at Korval.com for some hints. But oh, if you are a fan, here you will find the very workings of the authorial mind in action. Some scenes that didn't fit in another book become an update of how the Clan and Surebleak progress. And a tale of the backstory of a character we know introduces first one and at the very end another person we want to know better.
Many years ago a publisher told Lee and Miller there wasn't a market for their work. In cyberspace they found a large number of people who disagreed, myself among them. These story collections have long been a way for the authors to explore the boundaries of the universe they have created and take their fans along for the ride. Enjoy!
If you are not already a fan of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, these stories are not the place to start. Go read Agent of Change (where It All Began), or Fledgling, or look at Korval.com for some hints. But oh, if you are a fan, here you will find the very workings of the authorial mind in action. Some scenes that didn't fit in another book become an update of how the Clan and Surebleak progress. And a tale of the backstory of a character we know introduces first one and at the very end another person we want to know better.
Many years ago a publisher told Lee and Miller there wasn't a market for their work. In cyberspace they found a large number of people who disagreed, myself among them. These story collections have long been a way for the authors to explore the boundaries of the universe they have created and take their fans along for the ride. Enjoy!
February 25, 2017
"Street Cred" : Val Con and Miri, together Delm of Korval and Street Boss of Surebleak, deal with a contract for their assassination. The Council of Clans on Liad -- again -- fails to fully uphold its own Ruling. Val Con & Miri; yay! Just. Yay!!
"Wise Child" : Tolly Jones, a slave Mentor for the Lyre Institute, awakens Disian, a newly born sentient ship. His assignment is to educate her and to acclimate her to obey her Captain in all things. But can Tolly teach Disian ALL that she needs to know before they take him away or kill him?
As ever, the plots are interesting and entertaining, the characters are fully realized and admired, loved or hated, and the dialogue is scintillating.
Bravo, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller!!
"Wise Child" : Tolly Jones, a slave Mentor for the Lyre Institute, awakens Disian, a newly born sentient ship. His assignment is to educate her and to acclimate her to obey her Captain in all things. But can Tolly teach Disian ALL that she needs to know before they take him away or kill him?
As ever, the plots are interesting and entertaining, the characters are fully realized and admired, loved or hated, and the dialogue is scintillating.
Bravo, Sharon Lee & Steve Miller!!
February 26, 2017
More, please!
These two lovely stories from Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's universe dazzle as I've come to expect from them. First we visit Surebleak in the "present" of their timeline, then we go to the past in space with mentor Tolly Jones. I lost sleep because I couldn't put the book down, of course, and now I'm left wanting more, more, more!
These two lovely stories from Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's universe dazzle as I've come to expect from them. First we visit Surebleak in the "present" of their timeline, then we go to the past in space with mentor Tolly Jones. I lost sleep because I couldn't put the book down, of course, and now I'm left wanting more, more, more!
February 27, 2017
Both good stories, but I kind of liked the first one better. I was sad that Tolly couldn't stay with the ship in the second story.
March 22, 2017
I alway enjoy seeing the characters featured in the Liaden Universe. Wise Child was first published on Baen's website and is the story of a sentient spaceship and the person who brought her to life. Street Cred features Val Con and Miri on Surebreak. Things are changing but maybe not as much as they wish. There are side stories in the Liaden Universe and are for fans of the series. They are not a good place to start.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews