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Liaden Universe Publication Order #21
Neogenesis
Menace from Back Space Looming out of the Dust of Time
The Complex Logic Laws were the result of a war waged hundreds of years in the past, when two human powers threw massive AI navies at each other and nearly annihilated themselves. Being human, they blamed their tools for this near miss; destroyed what was left of the sentient ships, and made it illegal to be, manufacture, or shelter an independent logic.
Strangely, however, the Free Ships and other AIs did not turn themselves in or suicide, they merely became wary of humans, and stayed under their scans. A clandestine support network grew up, including hidden yards where smart ships were manufactured, and mentors, humans specially trained to ease a new intelligence into the universe, socialize them, and teach them what they needed to know to survive.
Among those with a stake in the freedom of Independent Logics is Theo Waitley, who is somewhat too famously the captain of intelligent ship Bechimo. Theo's brother, Val Con yos'Phelium, presides over a household that has for a generation employed an AI butler. Recently, he approved the "birth" of the butler's child, who was sent, with human mentor Tolly Jones, to rescue or destroy an orphaned AI abandoned at a remote space station.
Then there's Uncle, the shadowy mastermind from the Old Universe, whose many projects often skirt the boundaries of law, both natural and man-made – and the puppet-masters at the Lyre Institute, whose history is just as murky – and a good deal less honorable.
All have an interest in the newly-awakening Self-Aware Logic that is rumored to have the power to destroy universes.
The question is: Who will get to it first?
About Dragon in Exile:
“[S]prawling and satisfying. . . . Space opera mixes with social engineering, influenced by Regency-era manners and delicate notions of honor. . . . [I]t’s like spending time with old friends . . .”—Publishers Weekly
About Necessity's Child:
“Compelling and wondrous, as sharp and graceful as Damascus steel, Necessity's Child is a terrific addition to Lee & Miller's addictive series.”—#1 New York Times best seller, Patricia Briggs
About the Liaden Universe® series:
“Every now and then you come across an author, or in this case, a pair, who write exactly what you want to read, the characters and personalities that make you enjoy meeting them. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.”—Anne McCaffrey
“These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.”—Elizabeth Moon
“[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. It’s all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Miller’s own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle. Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition can’t help but like the Liaden Universe.”—Analog
“[T]he many fans of the Liaden universe will welcome the latest…continuing young pilot Theo Waitley’s
adventures.”—Booklist on Saltation
“[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained. . .[T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.”—Publishers Weekly on Lee and Miller’s popular Liaden Universe® thriller, I Dare
The Complex Logic Laws were the result of a war waged hundreds of years in the past, when two human powers threw massive AI navies at each other and nearly annihilated themselves. Being human, they blamed their tools for this near miss; destroyed what was left of the sentient ships, and made it illegal to be, manufacture, or shelter an independent logic.
Strangely, however, the Free Ships and other AIs did not turn themselves in or suicide, they merely became wary of humans, and stayed under their scans. A clandestine support network grew up, including hidden yards where smart ships were manufactured, and mentors, humans specially trained to ease a new intelligence into the universe, socialize them, and teach them what they needed to know to survive.
Among those with a stake in the freedom of Independent Logics is Theo Waitley, who is somewhat too famously the captain of intelligent ship Bechimo. Theo's brother, Val Con yos'Phelium, presides over a household that has for a generation employed an AI butler. Recently, he approved the "birth" of the butler's child, who was sent, with human mentor Tolly Jones, to rescue or destroy an orphaned AI abandoned at a remote space station.
Then there's Uncle, the shadowy mastermind from the Old Universe, whose many projects often skirt the boundaries of law, both natural and man-made – and the puppet-masters at the Lyre Institute, whose history is just as murky – and a good deal less honorable.
All have an interest in the newly-awakening Self-Aware Logic that is rumored to have the power to destroy universes.
The question is: Who will get to it first?
About Dragon in Exile:
“[S]prawling and satisfying. . . . Space opera mixes with social engineering, influenced by Regency-era manners and delicate notions of honor. . . . [I]t’s like spending time with old friends . . .”—Publishers Weekly
About Necessity's Child:
“Compelling and wondrous, as sharp and graceful as Damascus steel, Necessity's Child is a terrific addition to Lee & Miller's addictive series.”—#1 New York Times best seller, Patricia Briggs
About the Liaden Universe® series:
“Every now and then you come across an author, or in this case, a pair, who write exactly what you want to read, the characters and personalities that make you enjoy meeting them. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.”—Anne McCaffrey
“These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.”—Elizabeth Moon
“[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. It’s all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Miller’s own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle. Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition can’t help but like the Liaden Universe.”—Analog
“[T]he many fans of the Liaden universe will welcome the latest…continuing young pilot Theo Waitley’s
adventures.”—Booklist on Saltation
“[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained. . .[T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.”—Publishers Weekly on Lee and Miller’s popular Liaden Universe® thriller, I Dare
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 2, 2018
113 people are currently reading
375 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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March 21, 2024
The Liaden Universe: the Artificial Intelligence edition
If Clan Korval isn't careful, they will end up completely responsible for the whole universe! But this volume deals primarily with the AIs involved with the clan. The first chapters kindly remind us of many of the organic members of the family. These books have many characters who are all quite active, so the memory nudge was welcome.
The largest concern is the impingement of the Pre-Migration Universe on the currently inhabited universe. How will it be prevented from killing everyone through crystallization? There are several groups acting from different angles on this matter: members of Korval, the Uncle and his sister, and the space station Tinsori Light (an AI creation of the Uncle which is degrading rapidly). And perhaps the Lyre Institute, who strive to capture and control artificial intelligences. And speaking of the Uncle, he must find a way to reunite Daav yos'Phelium and Aelliana Caylon, newly revived, to their clan while dealing with all of these situations.
The Scouts are split after Korval's relocation to Surebleak and those who remained on the Liaden homeworld are in hot pursuit of Theo Waitley and her sentient ship Bechimo, which they seek to prosecute under the Complex Logic Laws. On one of Theo's previous adventures, she helped to create the AI known as Colonel Bunter, whose sanity has required the work of two Mentors, with unexpected complications. The Korval's AI butler, Jeeves, has a “daughter" Tocohl who is a pilot and involved in several of these issues. The complication of two members of the proto-Yxtrang, rescued by Theo, to find a place in the new universe provides an additional wrinkle. Meanwhile, Val Con and Miri are trying to shepherd the planet of Surebleak through an inspection to upgrade their status as a port and trade centre. Each time they think the way is smooth, the clan throws them another curve. As Val Con muses, “First we conquer a planet, then at once we save the universe and overthrow a space station—all unwitting, but who will believe it?”
This is not the volume to plunge into the series if you are unfamiliar with it. There are threads that lead all the way back to the first volumes, and connecting to most of the previous books. There is even a call-back to Jethri Gobbelyn! Newly begun readers would be bamboozled by the flood of details that one is assumed to be knowledgeable about.
Book number 516 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
If Clan Korval isn't careful, they will end up completely responsible for the whole universe! But this volume deals primarily with the AIs involved with the clan. The first chapters kindly remind us of many of the organic members of the family. These books have many characters who are all quite active, so the memory nudge was welcome.
The largest concern is the impingement of the Pre-Migration Universe on the currently inhabited universe. How will it be prevented from killing everyone through crystallization? There are several groups acting from different angles on this matter: members of Korval, the Uncle and his sister, and the space station Tinsori Light (an AI creation of the Uncle which is degrading rapidly). And perhaps the Lyre Institute, who strive to capture and control artificial intelligences. And speaking of the Uncle, he must find a way to reunite Daav yos'Phelium and Aelliana Caylon, newly revived, to their clan while dealing with all of these situations.
The Scouts are split after Korval's relocation to Surebleak and those who remained on the Liaden homeworld are in hot pursuit of Theo Waitley and her sentient ship Bechimo, which they seek to prosecute under the Complex Logic Laws. On one of Theo's previous adventures, she helped to create the AI known as Colonel Bunter, whose sanity has required the work of two Mentors, with unexpected complications. The Korval's AI butler, Jeeves, has a “daughter" Tocohl who is a pilot and involved in several of these issues. The complication of two members of the proto-Yxtrang, rescued by Theo, to find a place in the new universe provides an additional wrinkle. Meanwhile, Val Con and Miri are trying to shepherd the planet of Surebleak through an inspection to upgrade their status as a port and trade centre. Each time they think the way is smooth, the clan throws them another curve. As Val Con muses, “First we conquer a planet, then at once we save the universe and overthrow a space station—all unwitting, but who will believe it?”
This is not the volume to plunge into the series if you are unfamiliar with it. There are threads that lead all the way back to the first volumes, and connecting to most of the previous books. There is even a call-back to Jethri Gobbelyn! Newly begun readers would be bamboozled by the flood of details that one is assumed to be knowledgeable about.
Book number 516 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
August 11, 2022
Beware Spoilers
Spoilers ahoy!
So an engineered soldier and an engineered human saved the universe, with help from the wizards, including a dramliz to rival the great Rool Tiazan, and a tree. Sound familiar? A fitting return to Crystal Dragon.
I think Stost and Chernak (and Grakaw cat) should stay aboard Bechimo as general hands, security guards / extra pilots/, especially if Theo builds a trading loop and sets up pavilions at trade expos. Bechimo needs security and more crew. The pathfinders need to see the worlds, learn the new universe.
Across books, it seems odd that we never read of Miri spending social time with Liz Lizardi, her foster mother.
I was kinda sorta disappointed, to be honest. Breaks my heart to say so, but there it is. Prolly we just had too much anticipation, too much waiting around for certain characters to emerge and plot lines to take shape. Years.
Good to see some forward momentum in some of the varied plot threads.
Lots of scene hopping and POV jumping, as usual, but at least the shifts were organized by chapter title, which really helps this poor feeble reader. The book includes many pleasant, enjoyable, and homey scenes on Surebleak -- that nevertheless felt like filler -- until about 55%, when various plot threads come to a slow simmer. Not really a big boil.
The universal resolution felt too easy and quick when placed against the potential for cosmic-scale catastrophe. But hoorah anyway! Warrior Tree!
Loved the character development for Complex Logics. Great characterization especially for Tocohl. And for Admiral Bunter. Loved the scenes involving Jeeves, too. I even felt compassion for Inki. The authors portrayed her terrible dilemma admirably. Even Bechimo seemed to grow in character when he talked with Val Con and heard from Jeeves. We even get a glimpse of the charming AI ship Disian, from short story WISE CHILD.
I was disappointed in how things were resolved for the Pathfinders's future (see The Gathering Edge). I also felt they were greeted with no surprise, curiosity, warmth, or questions about the old universe, the Enemy, the past. Just a sense of "another problem to solve" and ho-hum "bidness" as usual, what's on Miri's desk today, besides a cat?
Nothing came of Trang Ambassador Vepal from prior book yet.
Theo still hasn’t met her niece Lizzie. She’s clueless. Daav Aelli also haven’t met their granddaughter. Lol!
Nobody welcomed little tree. Nobody even visited tree in the ship. Not even Val Con, who went inside Bechimo. They just left him in there, alone, after coming so far in space and time. What the ell? If the authors had spent less time on Daav and Aelli recovering, exercising, relaxing, in the first half of the book....
And where was the joyous homecoming scene for two lost clan members? Just tedious talk around what seemed to me an obvious solution to their identity.
The Light has certain unusual and unique abilities, according to the short story (included, appended to novel). I wish the authors had integrated those properties into plans for the future. I wasn't sure if those capacities are still intact? Can it move without a tow?
Looking forward to the next book, but with some hesitation. After Neogenesis, we get one more book in the 5-book dash (Dragon in Exile, Alliance of Equals, Gathering Edge, Neogenesis, unnamed TBA) in the Liaden universe. After that, the authors say there will be more Liaden series books.
Spoilers ahoy!
So an engineered soldier and an engineered human saved the universe, with help from the wizards, including a dramliz to rival the great Rool Tiazan, and a tree. Sound familiar? A fitting return to Crystal Dragon.
I think Stost and Chernak (and Grakaw cat) should stay aboard Bechimo as general hands, security guards / extra pilots/, especially if Theo builds a trading loop and sets up pavilions at trade expos. Bechimo needs security and more crew. The pathfinders need to see the worlds, learn the new universe.
Across books, it seems odd that we never read of Miri spending social time with Liz Lizardi, her foster mother.
I was kinda sorta disappointed, to be honest. Breaks my heart to say so, but there it is. Prolly we just had too much anticipation, too much waiting around for certain characters to emerge and plot lines to take shape. Years.
Good to see some forward momentum in some of the varied plot threads.
Lots of scene hopping and POV jumping, as usual, but at least the shifts were organized by chapter title, which really helps this poor feeble reader. The book includes many pleasant, enjoyable, and homey scenes on Surebleak -- that nevertheless felt like filler -- until about 55%, when various plot threads come to a slow simmer. Not really a big boil.
The universal resolution felt too easy and quick when placed against the potential for cosmic-scale catastrophe. But hoorah anyway! Warrior Tree!
Loved the character development for Complex Logics. Great characterization especially for Tocohl. And for Admiral Bunter. Loved the scenes involving Jeeves, too. I even felt compassion for Inki. The authors portrayed her terrible dilemma admirably. Even Bechimo seemed to grow in character when he talked with Val Con and heard from Jeeves. We even get a glimpse of the charming AI ship Disian, from short story WISE CHILD.
I was disappointed in how things were resolved for the Pathfinders's future (see The Gathering Edge). I also felt they were greeted with no surprise, curiosity, warmth, or questions about the old universe, the Enemy, the past. Just a sense of "another problem to solve" and ho-hum "bidness" as usual, what's on Miri's desk today, besides a cat?
Nothing came of Trang Ambassador Vepal from prior book yet.
Theo still hasn’t met her niece Lizzie. She’s clueless. Daav Aelli also haven’t met their granddaughter. Lol!
Nobody welcomed little tree. Nobody even visited tree in the ship. Not even Val Con, who went inside Bechimo. They just left him in there, alone, after coming so far in space and time. What the ell? If the authors had spent less time on Daav and Aelli recovering, exercising, relaxing, in the first half of the book....
And where was the joyous homecoming scene for two lost clan members? Just tedious talk around what seemed to me an obvious solution to their identity.
The Light has certain unusual and unique abilities, according to the short story (included, appended to novel). I wish the authors had integrated those properties into plans for the future. I wasn't sure if those capacities are still intact? Can it move without a tow?
Looking forward to the next book, but with some hesitation. After Neogenesis, we get one more book in the 5-book dash (Dragon in Exile, Alliance of Equals, Gathering Edge, Neogenesis, unnamed TBA) in the Liaden universe. After that, the authors say there will be more Liaden series books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
Very good, it tied so much together, well worth paying $15 for the eARC.
September 22, 2020
Many plot lines tied up and new ones threaded. Great addition to the overall plot arc!
The POV seems a bit hippity skippity but there's just a lot happening in a little time across large distances.
The POV seems a bit hippity skippity but there's just a lot happening in a little time across large distances.
September 24, 2017
An absolute must read. Run, don't walk to get hold of this, if you are a devoted fan!
This is a new favorite in a favorite series! Not an easy read for a reader new to the Lee and Miller's Liaden Universe novels, Neogenisis is an awesome rollercoaster ride for the intrepid series reader! One of the all time best in an amazing series, Neogenisis answers long standing questions for devoted fans - and brings up new gobsmacking plot points! From the very old, to the very newest characters and stories from the depths of the Universe its the most satisfying of cat's cradles. I wept and cheered!
This is a new favorite in a favorite series! Not an easy read for a reader new to the Lee and Miller's Liaden Universe novels, Neogenisis is an awesome rollercoaster ride for the intrepid series reader! One of the all time best in an amazing series, Neogenisis answers long standing questions for devoted fans - and brings up new gobsmacking plot points! From the very old, to the very newest characters and stories from the depths of the Universe its the most satisfying of cat's cradles. I wept and cheered!
October 8, 2017
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this, lots of things happening all over. Also, good to see that most of those dangling threads from the previous couple of books being neatly tied together in this installment. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next on Surebleak and the Clutch!
I really enjoyed this, lots of things happening all over. Also, good to see that most of those dangling threads from the previous couple of books being neatly tied together in this installment. Can't wait to see what's going to happen next on Surebleak and the Clutch!
June 30, 2019
It took me a little while to get into this book. I was almost ready to quit at about 25%, and this is an unusually long book for a Liaden novel. After that things began to pick up and get more interesting, but there were several seemingly separate plot threads and the book skipped around among them much too often. It was frustrating. It felt a little like I imagine handling a team of fractious horses using only your two hands. By the end, of course, the separate threads began to weave together and the plot became more suspenseful and engrossing. One of the most enjoyable things is some of the humorous interactions among the main characters, and the Tree.
This book seems to wind up some of the outstanding plot threads from previous recent Liaden novels and, unlike most Liaden books, I don't think it can be read as a standalone. There are two many things that would be unexplained if you hadn't read some of the other books. So I recommend it only for existing Liaden fans.
This book seems to wind up some of the outstanding plot threads from previous recent Liaden novels and, unlike most Liaden books, I don't think it can be read as a standalone. There are two many things that would be unexplained if you hadn't read some of the other books. So I recommend it only for existing Liaden fans.
May 8, 2023
I read the EARC! Wonderful story! Great ending! It ties up most loose ends, except for Brother Rys! Korval now has more clan members! I can't wait to find out what's up with the Clutch!
2023 reread for next book! I still want to find out what's up with the Clutch!
2023 reread for next book! I still want to find out what's up with the Clutch!
July 13, 2023
3.5 *
This latest entry in the Liaden series wrapped up several plot lines from the previous books (though not all). I would have liked more about the Clutch Turtles but given the ending, I anticipate they will be more involved in the next book...
This latest entry in the Liaden series wrapped up several plot lines from the previous books (though not all). I would have liked more about the Clutch Turtles but given the ending, I anticipate they will be more involved in the next book...
January 27, 2018
Loved it a lots! Tons of loose ends tied up neatly in a bow. Great depiction of the dissonance between Theo and Val Con. I loved all the characters. And the tree is great.
April 9, 2018
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This was an excellent addition to the series and read, right after, Alliance of Equals and the Gathering Edge, a very satisfying spot to leave the story for now.
I enjoyed revisiting Tinsori Light because I had read the short story years ago and always thought it was intriguing. Tinsori Light, the Uncle, Korval, and AIs play huge roles in this book as usual. The Tree, as always, is in the background, orchestrating great events and no small amount of havoc.
If a person, by this point, has not read the Crystal Soldier/Crystal Dragon duology, I think they would really benefit by doing so now. There is so much about the Old Universe and the Great Enemy that can’t really be understood without reading them. In fact in this book, I think it’s the first time I’ve seen the word Ilhoeen since reading the duology.
On an obliquely related topic, not really part of the review: there is one thing that has always been a niggle for me when reading these books and it presented itself here as well. I can’t as a reader, really swallow the extremes of parental detachment that is displayed over and over again. I mean, I see examples aplenty that the authors really “get” the human - animal bond, but the lack of parent - child bond in so many instances is kind of chilling. It’s definitely not central to the story by any means but, for me, it puts a barrier connecting with the characters. I can more easily see children blowing off their parents especially as they mature and go out into the wide world but things like the connection from Daav to Val Con or Theo, or Pat Rin to Quin are weirdly sterile. Like I say, just a niggle.
This was an excellent addition to the series and read, right after, Alliance of Equals and the Gathering Edge, a very satisfying spot to leave the story for now.
I enjoyed revisiting Tinsori Light because I had read the short story years ago and always thought it was intriguing. Tinsori Light, the Uncle, Korval, and AIs play huge roles in this book as usual. The Tree, as always, is in the background, orchestrating great events and no small amount of havoc.
If a person, by this point, has not read the Crystal Soldier/Crystal Dragon duology, I think they would really benefit by doing so now. There is so much about the Old Universe and the Great Enemy that can’t really be understood without reading them. In fact in this book, I think it’s the first time I’ve seen the word Ilhoeen since reading the duology.
On an obliquely related topic, not really part of the review: there is one thing that has always been a niggle for me when reading these books and it presented itself here as well. I can’t as a reader, really swallow the extremes of parental detachment that is displayed over and over again. I mean, I see examples aplenty that the authors really “get” the human - animal bond, but the lack of parent - child bond in so many instances is kind of chilling. It’s definitely not central to the story by any means but, for me, it puts a barrier connecting with the characters. I can more easily see children blowing off their parents especially as they mature and go out into the wide world but things like the connection from Daav to Val Con or Theo, or Pat Rin to Quin are weirdly sterile. Like I say, just a niggle.
November 12, 2017
I received an eARC from Edelweiss and Baen in exchange for an honest review.
Neogenesis is the 21st book in the Liaden Universe series and I read the whole thing today because I could not put it down. Now that I know What Happens, I'll go back and re-read it again a little more slowly in order to savor it more fully.
Lee & Miller did a masterful job of tying up the loose ends left from The Gathering Edge; we find out what happens to Tolly, Hazenthull, Tocohl, Inki after their rescue of Admiral Bunker, and the results of Theo's rescue of the two Xtrang Pathfinders that was left hanging. A good portion of the action also takes place on Surebleak and we catch up with Miri, Val Con and the other Yos Phelums who are living there. I really enjoy catching up with the characters lives; reading a Liaden book for me is like visiting with friends that I haven't seen in a year. There is plenty of action, as well as politics and the droll humor that so enjoy.
This is one of the better books in the Liaden Universe, and yes you can start here. Lee & Miller do a good job of filling in backstory without resorting to infodumps. After finishing this one, I have the urge to go back and read all the books in the series, and I'll definitely be buying this one when it is released in January 2018.
Neogenesis is the 21st book in the Liaden Universe series and I read the whole thing today because I could not put it down. Now that I know What Happens, I'll go back and re-read it again a little more slowly in order to savor it more fully.
Lee & Miller did a masterful job of tying up the loose ends left from The Gathering Edge; we find out what happens to Tolly, Hazenthull, Tocohl, Inki after their rescue of Admiral Bunker, and the results of Theo's rescue of the two Xtrang Pathfinders that was left hanging. A good portion of the action also takes place on Surebleak and we catch up with Miri, Val Con and the other Yos Phelums who are living there. I really enjoy catching up with the characters lives; reading a Liaden book for me is like visiting with friends that I haven't seen in a year. There is plenty of action, as well as politics and the droll humor that so enjoy.
This is one of the better books in the Liaden Universe, and yes you can start here. Lee & Miller do a good job of filling in backstory without resorting to infodumps. After finishing this one, I have the urge to go back and read all the books in the series, and I'll definitely be buying this one when it is released in January 2018.
January 29, 2018
4.5 stars
Oh, my! One of the best in this long-running series. I just gulped this one down and then went back to read it again to make sure I hadn't missed anything. {good book sigh}
Many of the story threads that have dangled through the last several books are tied off in this one. Hooray! But not without giving the long-time reader a jolt or two (or three...). And just so the reader doesn't get bored or complacent, another thread (or two) is introduced, leaving the reader to ask "what next?!"
I really enjoyed the way the authors are deftly weaving together bits and pieces from any number of their earlier Liad books and stories (some of which I remember better than others, of course). As a fine example of this we don't have to look any further than the short story 'The Space at Tinsori Light' (written in 2011), which is included included in the book. While the short story provides relevant background for part of the action in the 'Neogenesis, it also raises the question : did the authors know they would eventually need the Tinsori Light as a major player when they wrote it of it 6 years earlier? Hmmm...........
I do believe it is time to drag out my collection for a re-read.
Oh, my! One of the best in this long-running series. I just gulped this one down and then went back to read it again to make sure I hadn't missed anything. {good book sigh}
Many of the story threads that have dangled through the last several books are tied off in this one. Hooray! But not without giving the long-time reader a jolt or two (or three...). And just so the reader doesn't get bored or complacent, another thread (or two) is introduced, leaving the reader to ask "what next?!"
I really enjoyed the way the authors are deftly weaving together bits and pieces from any number of their earlier Liad books and stories (some of which I remember better than others, of course). As a fine example of this we don't have to look any further than the short story 'The Space at Tinsori Light' (written in 2011), which is included included in the book. While the short story provides relevant background for part of the action in the 'Neogenesis, it also raises the question : did the authors know they would eventually need the Tinsori Light as a major player when they wrote it of it 6 years earlier? Hmmm...........
I do believe it is time to drag out my collection for a re-read.
July 16, 2023
Scrumptious. The 21st, and next to last in this ongoing arc of the Liaden Universe brings many stories forward and allows us to see more about characters we'd nearly lost track of. Tocohl, Tolly (Tollance Berik-Jones), Hazenthull all get significant roles, as does Theo. The action takes place in multiple locations, including Surebleak, Bechimo, Admiral Bunter, Tarigan, and Tinsori Light. A thoroughly satisfying book, and an excellent precursor to the 'fifth of five' that is to follow. There are even some tantalizing hints to things we'd likely forgotten or thought unrelated. Highly recommended if you've been following the Liaden Universe at all.
Note: this review is based on the eARC version and will be updated, if appropriate, with the released version when it ships in January, 2018. This eARC version also includes the full text of the earlier published short story The Space at Tinsori Light.
Finished the final version. No change in the review, except to note that the Audible version, read by Eileen Stevens, is excellent.
Note: this review is based on the eARC version and will be updated, if appropriate, with the released version when it ships in January, 2018. This eARC version also includes the full text of the earlier published short story The Space at Tinsori Light.
Finished the final version. No change in the review, except to note that the Audible version, read by Eileen Stevens, is excellent.
March 7, 2025
4.5 stars.
March 2025 - re-listened.
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July 2023 - re-listened.
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Dec 2022 - re-listened.
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Re-listened Sept 2021. This is still one of the best books in the series. It's where so many threads converge together, with quite a few things being resolved but then introducing new threads.
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Refreshing myself with the Liaden Universe prior to the latest book. I still enjoyed this, although I think it's easier to read than to listen to with so many threads and jumps.
This is such a complex universe which makes it harder to keep track when you're listening, since you don't get the visual cues that come from the different text fonts.
I would love to see a GraphicAudio version of this series!
March 2025 - re-listened.
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July 2023 - re-listened.
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Dec 2022 - re-listened.
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Re-listened Sept 2021. This is still one of the best books in the series. It's where so many threads converge together, with quite a few things being resolved but then introducing new threads.
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Refreshing myself with the Liaden Universe prior to the latest book. I still enjoyed this, although I think it's easier to read than to listen to with so many threads and jumps.
This is such a complex universe which makes it harder to keep track when you're listening, since you don't get the visual cues that come from the different text fonts.
I would love to see a GraphicAudio version of this series!
September 25, 2017
Satisfying conclusion to the current Liaden Universe story arc. The various separate story threads combined nicely with only Shan yos'Galen and his crew missing. The story will clearly continue of course. After the ending, a related story previously available as a chapbook is included, which takes place earlier in the chronology.
I caught several amusing literary references, to stories by other SF authors and even to Monty Python.
You do not need to have read any of the other Liaden Universe stories before this one, although it would likely make it easier to keep the many characters straight. Highly recommended.
I caught several amusing literary references, to stories by other SF authors and even to Monty Python.
You do not need to have read any of the other Liaden Universe stories before this one, although it would likely make it easier to keep the many characters straight. Highly recommended.
January 4, 2018
First, let it be known that I am an unabashed fangirl when it comes to Lee and Miller. That much has long been established. Should they care to publish their grocery lists, I would most likely purchase and read them.
That said, Neogenesis is an amazing book, even among their other marvelous works. I just finished it, and already I am planning a re-read. It isn't a good entry point for their universe, admittedly, for it ties together many different plot threads that were first spun out in earlier volumes. Lee and Miller tie up those loose ends masterfully.
I am tickled to have this be my first book purchased and read in 2018!
That said, Neogenesis is an amazing book, even among their other marvelous works. I just finished it, and already I am planning a re-read. It isn't a good entry point for their universe, admittedly, for it ties together many different plot threads that were first spun out in earlier volumes. Lee and Miller tie up those loose ends masterfully.
I am tickled to have this be my first book purchased and read in 2018!
September 23, 2017
eARC consumed rapidly! I really enjoyed the newest book in the Liaden Universe series. This book wove together many threads from previous books. Not to worry, the Universe still has many adventures in store for us readers. I am anxiously looking forward to the next release...which is sadly a long way off...
February 13, 2018
It is very satisfying to have got myself caught up with this series again. Well technically, I'm almost caught up as I still have to read Trade Secret, which I missed somewhere along the way. And since there was a reference in this book that I think relates to that one, I'm going to try to get to it soon.
Everything is coming together and the only sad thing about being caught up is that I now have to wait until next year for the next one.
This is NOT the place to start this series, and if you've come this far, you probably already know it was going to be good, so I'm not going to belabour the point here.
Everything is coming together and the only sad thing about being caught up is that I now have to wait until next year for the next one.
This is NOT the place to start this series, and if you've come this far, you probably already know it was going to be good, so I'm not going to belabour the point here.
January 12, 2018
This is an answer to what happens next for many of the Liaden Universe story threads. The authors have spun a yarn to the completion of the equivalent of a complicated pattern without dropping a stitch. You have to concentrate to remember what happened before as the players come on the scene, but all becomes clear.
But wait, now that the universe is saved we have more questions in the wings. So it's not all over yet. Why did the Clutch ship land on the driveway? Will Xtrang become of more importance in the story or was this just more background character? What will the dire Lyre Institute do next?
Thank you to the cats for their help in manuscript completion.
But wait, now that the universe is saved we have more questions in the wings. So it's not all over yet. Why did the Clutch ship land on the driveway? Will Xtrang become of more importance in the story or was this just more background character? What will the dire Lyre Institute do next?
Thank you to the cats for their help in manuscript completion.
May 6, 2020
I rarely give out 5 stars, but the rating is for the series as a whole. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Liaden Universe is an exceptional read. Who can find fault with sentient trees, cats, spaceships, clutch turtles and computers?
I know I am odd about series. I love a first book, buy the rest of the series and many times I can't even make it through the second book. The Liaden Universe is different, I read the entire series in six weeks, and this was for most of the books a second read.
05/04/2020: I am starting this again. 05/06/2020: Once again, this entire series is amazing.
I know I am odd about series. I love a first book, buy the rest of the series and many times I can't even make it through the second book. The Liaden Universe is different, I read the entire series in six weeks, and this was for most of the books a second read.
05/04/2020: I am starting this again. 05/06/2020: Once again, this entire series is amazing.
January 3, 2018
Utterly brilliant! I just finished this book, and I am blown away! And the ending! I stayed up too late reading it,and it's worth it!
A more thoughtful review will follow, perhaps tomorrow at my website -
https://www.sctechsorceress.net/
A more thoughtful review will follow, perhaps tomorrow at my website -
https://www.sctechsorceress.net/
April 2, 2019
I've been waiting for Neogenesis since The Gathering Edge, which I did not enjoy as much. The story moves from character to character and location to location. I remembered most of the characters, including some of my favorites: jeeves, the Tree, Nelirikk, the Korval clan, Yuri Shaper, the Bedels, Admiral Bunter, Daav and Aelliana (newly returned), the two Pathfinders, and more--even the Uncle (he grows on you). And the new villain, the Lyre Institute and its minions, is scary. Their threads are woven into an exciting and satisfying story; and so many challenges must be met by almost everyone. Suspense, danger, death, surprises, and the Shadow fill the pages. So many scenes come to mind that I would love to share, but I won't spoil your enjoyment. And I am going to reread it.
Note 1: I was pleased to see on the Thanks page at the beginning that Lee and Miller included James H. Schmitz, Goth, the Leewit, and other of Schmitz' characters from The Witches of Karres. (Track down his other books too!)
Note 2: I enjoyed rereading The Space at Tinsori Light. Thanks for including it here.
Note 3: I got the idea for Taboo Tech from the Liaden stories. Thank you both for that and all the enjoyment that your stories have given me.
Note 1: I was pleased to see on the Thanks page at the beginning that Lee and Miller included James H. Schmitz, Goth, the Leewit, and other of Schmitz' characters from The Witches of Karres. (Track down his other books too!)
Note 2: I enjoyed rereading The Space at Tinsori Light. Thanks for including it here.
Note 3: I got the idea for Taboo Tech from the Liaden stories. Thank you both for that and all the enjoyment that your stories have given me.
October 6, 2019
2019 bk 319. The Liaden Universe continues with this focus on the continued concern on the part of the Korval clan for its small size. In this novel the clan regains two members, cloned members, the return of a member who has been out of touch for at least two hundred years, and the announcement of coming births. The discussion of "Are AI / Clones to be considered independent entities with the rights of humans?" and this partially comes to a head. We also learn more about the antecedents of the planet, Surebleak. All in all a satisfying addition to the Liaden Universe
January 19, 2018
A book wrapping up threads started in previous books. Some long-anticipated things happened, and I wasn't happy about how all of them were handled since I'd been imagining something different and because big important pieces were left out or glossed over. However, overall I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
Some food for thought about ethics of AI, cultural differences, hidden identities. Some nice slice-of-life character moments.
Some food for thought about ethics of AI, cultural differences, hidden identities. Some nice slice-of-life character moments.
May 18, 2018
Latest Liaden installment, and unlike the more recent releases, I felt there was FINALLY some progress in the overall series arc. I am still on the fence around some kind-of-icky cultural appropriation when it comes to their Bedel community, but hurrah for actually moving on with the story. Could have done with fewer plot threads to track, but you can’t have everything…
May 29, 2018
Better than many of the last handful of books in the series. More scenes with my favorite characters and the cast of characters was held to a minimum. I wasn’t asked to get to know and care about a bunch of new extraneous people in this one. And yeah! For the resolution oh Dav’s situation.
October 19, 2017
Clears up a bunch of ongoing threads so yay!
January 8, 2018
Tied a good lot of the messy simultaneous threads that bind the Liaden series down into a less snarly bundle in prep for the next book. The interlude between now and next will be painful waiting.
April 9, 2018
This episode broadly resolves many plot threads. Perhaps too many. There wasn't much room for the character development or interaction I normally enjoy so much. Also many of the resolutions seem superficial. e.g., issues that have dominated much of previous books are resolved without a great deal of trouble but the repercusions of the resolution, or indeed how it actually happens is left unexplored.
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