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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #24
Due Diligence
When Clan Korval knows your name. . .
Abandoned on a strange port by a scam gone bad, his license to pilot rescinded, and his pockets very much to let, Fer Gun pen'Uldra was teetering between trouble, more trouble, and bad trouble. Cornered in a cheap bar by a too-knowledgeable stranger with an unlikely offer, Fer Gun realized having no money and no license might be the least of his troubles. Clan Korval knew his name and that proposal was hard to refuse. . .
Abandoned on a strange port by a scam gone bad, his license to pilot rescinded, and his pockets very much to let, Fer Gun pen'Uldra was teetering between trouble, more trouble, and bad trouble. Cornered in a cheap bar by a too-knowledgeable stranger with an unlikely offer, Fer Gun realized having no money and no license might be the least of his troubles. Clan Korval knew his name and that proposal was hard to refuse. . .
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2017
88 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
172 books793 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 43 reviews
December 8, 2017
3.5 stars.
This is the story of Fer Gun, Daav's biological father. I guess we've always known that the Liaden way of begetting children of the Line was always pretty cold-hearted and this story confirms that.
When it was decided that Kareen, Chi's firstborn was never going to become a pilot and therefore, never Delm, Chi had to find someone that would provide the best chance of begetting a pilot and Fer Gun was selected. We see how Chi molded him during their contract and what happened to him afterwards. All in all, another good background story.
This is the story of Fer Gun, Daav's biological father. I guess we've always known that the Liaden way of begetting children of the Line was always pretty cold-hearted and this story confirms that.
When it was decided that Kareen, Chi's firstborn was never going to become a pilot and therefore, never Delm, Chi had to find someone that would provide the best chance of begetting a pilot and Fer Gun was selected. We see how Chi molded him during their contract and what happened to him afterwards. All in all, another good background story.
July 13, 2017
Superb! So enjoyable!
August 1, 2019
Wonderful story about Chi meeting the man who would be Daav's father!
2019 re-read! I enjoyed it even more than the first time!
2019 re-read! I enjoyed it even more than the first time!
June 24, 2018
Excellent story of Daav's Father.
July 12, 2017
Excellent story! This takes place during the time that Chi yos'Phelium was Delm Korval (Delm before Daav I think). It is not a full novel, but rather chapbook length. I finished it the same evening I started it, without staying up past bedtime.
I don't think the main character has appeared in other stories yet. You do not need to have read other Liaden books. I highly recommend the entire series as being intelligent space opera and well worth rereading.
I don't think the main character has appeared in other stories yet. You do not need to have read other Liaden books. I highly recommend the entire series as being intelligent space opera and well worth rereading.
July 12, 2017
This is a wonderful addition to the series, and it fills in a hole I didn't realize needed filling. It's a good story with a surprise kicker at the end when a beloved character appears.
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed this look back at Daav's and Er Thom's parents--focusing on Daav's mother, Chi, and his father, Fer Gun pen'Uldra. It's not a long book, but it covers a lot of territory. (Reminder: Er Thom's mother is Petrella, Chi's sister.) The story focuses on how Chi and Fer Gun met--and beyond. There's adventure, intrigue, betrayal, and romance. I enjoyed the story and the characters, including the Tree and dea'Gauss--so much so that I'm rereading the sequels chronologically.
October 6, 2017
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller hit another one out of the park with Due Diligence, the 24th entry in their Adventures in the Liaden Universe.
This was a short work, but has all the things I love about Lee and Miller's work.
One of those things is how well they handle characters. In Due Dilligence, we first meet Fer Gun pen'Uldra, a pilot in trouble. As we get to know him, he seems to be one of those people who would have no luck at all, if it weren't for bad luck. It seems like everything has gone wrong in his life. And when a strange woman offers to buy him a drink, is that even more bad luck? Or maybe something else.
In just the first few pages of the story, we get to know Fer Gun pretty well. Lee and Miller have a way of making a character feel 'real' in very few words. This is what I like best. I like to fall into a story, and good characters make that possible.
Also, even in a work this short, they tell you all you need to know about the characters and the world of Liad without resorting to a single info-dump. So, if this is your first foray into the Liaden Universe, you will not feel that you have missed anything. But if you are like me, and have read every word of the Liaden stories at least once, you won't be bored by long explainations of things you know perfectly well.
This was a short work, but has all the things I love about Lee and Miller's work.
One of those things is how well they handle characters. In Due Dilligence, we first meet Fer Gun pen'Uldra, a pilot in trouble. As we get to know him, he seems to be one of those people who would have no luck at all, if it weren't for bad luck. It seems like everything has gone wrong in his life. And when a strange woman offers to buy him a drink, is that even more bad luck? Or maybe something else.
In just the first few pages of the story, we get to know Fer Gun pretty well. Lee and Miller have a way of making a character feel 'real' in very few words. This is what I like best. I like to fall into a story, and good characters make that possible.
Also, even in a work this short, they tell you all you need to know about the characters and the world of Liad without resorting to a single info-dump. So, if this is your first foray into the Liaden Universe, you will not feel that you have missed anything. But if you are like me, and have read every word of the Liaden stories at least once, you won't be bored by long explainations of things you know perfectly well.
July 20, 2017
An origin story! This is the story of how Daav's father gets involved with Chi yos'Phelium. It starts with a pilot, Fer Gun pen'Uldra, who has been abandoned by his family (his evil cousins), and had his pilot's license suspended; and ends under the tree at Jelaza Kazone with Daav and Er Thom as children, playing underfoot (or under-branch). In between, you see how Korval's influence - although the clan is small - can completely change the trajectory of a life. Well worth a read, especially for those who enjoy an understanding of the backstory associated with major characters. Also interesting seeing Kareen in the background, after the clan have realised she is not a pilot, and seeing the beginnings of her interest in influencing the Code. The moral of the story is ALWAYS read a contract before signing it.
Note that this is NOT a full novel, it's a chapbook, which is about ten chapters of story.
I bought my copy for $3.99 USD from www DOT baen DOT com (forward-slash) due-diligence.html
Note that this is NOT a full novel, it's a chapbook, which is about ten chapters of story.
I bought my copy for $3.99 USD from www DOT baen DOT com (forward-slash) due-diligence.html
July 15, 2017
Fer Gun pen'Uldra is a young Liaden pilot, stranded without his license because he was carrying something for his Terlune cousins. He's got a two-cantra fine to pay, and no prospect of paying it with his license suspended.
Abandoned by his cousins, with barely enough money in his pockets to by for a meal and a bed that night, it seems like a good prospect when an older but still attractive pilot approaches him. It turns out, though, that she's not looking for a night's pleasure, but a contract marriage likely to produce a pilot child.
This woman is of Clan Korval, of the yos'Phelium line, and looking to have a child who can one day be Delm, as her daughter Kareen is excellent in all ways except having the speed and reflexes to be a pilot. Fer Gun's life is about to change completely; he has no idea how much.
This story is a look back into the past of Clan Korval, of a time when the Clan was reduced to dangerously few members, and heirs were needed for both yos'Phelium and yos'Galen. It showcases both the scheming and the honor that characterize the Korval clan members exiting fans know better from the novels, and offers a quick introduction to Clan Korval and the Liaden universe for those just discovering it. There's intrigue, adventure, scheming, and a bit of romance here. At novella length it's a quick taste for new readers, and a quick visit for older readers. The Liaden series is one of my favorite comfort reads.
Recommended.
Abandoned by his cousins, with barely enough money in his pockets to by for a meal and a bed that night, it seems like a good prospect when an older but still attractive pilot approaches him. It turns out, though, that she's not looking for a night's pleasure, but a contract marriage likely to produce a pilot child.
This woman is of Clan Korval, of the yos'Phelium line, and looking to have a child who can one day be Delm, as her daughter Kareen is excellent in all ways except having the speed and reflexes to be a pilot. Fer Gun's life is about to change completely; he has no idea how much.
This story is a look back into the past of Clan Korval, of a time when the Clan was reduced to dangerously few members, and heirs were needed for both yos'Phelium and yos'Galen. It showcases both the scheming and the honor that characterize the Korval clan members exiting fans know better from the novels, and offers a quick introduction to Clan Korval and the Liaden universe for those just discovering it. There's intrigue, adventure, scheming, and a bit of romance here. At novella length it's a quick taste for new readers, and a quick visit for older readers. The Liaden series is one of my favorite comfort reads.
Recommended.
July 13, 2017
For readers who follow Clan Korval, this one is a treat!
I enjoyed this glimpse into Chi and Petrella, and the protocols for clan leadership and intermarriage between Line yos'Phelium and Line yos'Galan. I enjoyed seeing Chi's best friend yo'Lanni and her brother, ter'Meulen. We also get a glimpse of the dea'Gauss, one of my favorite secondary characters. Plus....a benjali good scene with Tree! 😋
The plot wasn't anything new, since Clan Korval has long been offering hope to the desperate, collecting strays, orphans, and the otherwise oppressed.
I felt mixed about the ending. Happy, but bittersweet.
A solid story but for the typos (more than a few) and some confusing formatting for dialogue (it wasn't always clear when the speaking wand moved from Chi to Petrella, because gestures were given a separately indented paragraph from the associated speech).
I enjoyed this glimpse into Chi and Petrella, and the protocols for clan leadership and intermarriage between Line yos'Phelium and Line yos'Galan. I enjoyed seeing Chi's best friend yo'Lanni and her brother, ter'Meulen. We also get a glimpse of the dea'Gauss, one of my favorite secondary characters. Plus....a benjali good scene with Tree! 😋
The plot wasn't anything new, since Clan Korval has long been offering hope to the desperate, collecting strays, orphans, and the otherwise oppressed.
I felt mixed about the ending. Happy, but bittersweet.
A solid story but for the typos (more than a few) and some confusing formatting for dialogue (it wasn't always clear when the speaking wand moved from Chi to Petrella, because gestures were given a separately indented paragraph from the associated speech).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2017
Long-time readers of the Liaden Universe have a question answered in this novella. Who is Daav yos'Phelium's biological father? This novella tells the story of Fer Gun pen'Uldra and how he came to meet Chi yos'Phelium Delm Korval and how that meeting changes his life. Though a pilot of great skill, his talents aren't valued in Clan Telrune. In fact, his older cousins have made him the patsy in their schemes and he is stranded on Liad with no job and no pilot's license and facing a big fine. Enter Chi who has a proposition for him. She needs a child who inherits piloting skills to be the next delm. In return, she'll set him up with a ship, crew, and trade route. She'll pay his fine. It's a deal too good to refuse despite knowing that he'll be in over his head with high class Liadens. This was a nice story that filled in some blanks in the larger Liaden Universe.
February 29, 2020
An early story in the Liaden Universe or How Daav came to be
We are accustomed from the earliest chapters of Agent of Change, the first book in the series, to the look of Val Con yos'Phelium - dark hair, dark eyes, a vulpine aspect to his features. He looks like his father, Daav yos'Phelium. But who does Daav look like? Here we meet Fer Gun pen'Uldra, the previously missing person in the family line. Fer Gun is apparently the only honorable man in a clan of criminals, but we learn more about his family than even he knows as the story progresses. Like all Lee and Miller stories, Due Diligence packs a lot of information into each line and paragraph. Every character comes to life, even in a brief span of pages. There is enough explanation here for even a newcomer to Liad to enjoy and plenty for long time readers to savor. Another Liaden gem!
We are accustomed from the earliest chapters of Agent of Change, the first book in the series, to the look of Val Con yos'Phelium - dark hair, dark eyes, a vulpine aspect to his features. He looks like his father, Daav yos'Phelium. But who does Daav look like? Here we meet Fer Gun pen'Uldra, the previously missing person in the family line. Fer Gun is apparently the only honorable man in a clan of criminals, but we learn more about his family than even he knows as the story progresses. Like all Lee and Miller stories, Due Diligence packs a lot of information into each line and paragraph. Every character comes to life, even in a brief span of pages. There is enough explanation here for even a newcomer to Liad to enjoy and plenty for long time readers to savor. Another Liaden gem!
July 12, 2017
This is the kind of meaty appetizer that appeals to me most... stands on its own merits as a fun story with a nice ending, and also illuminates a corner of the huge wonderful Liaden Universe. In fact, I think it's a perfect gateway morsel for space opera fans who have unaccountably missed getting to know Clan Korval and all their associated mischief-makers. I personally am a long time and enthusiastic Fan of Liad, so I can say with confidence that fans will find this novella shines an elegant pen light on something *I* always wondered about. But don't hold back if you've never read anything by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller. Go ahead and take a bite - I think you'll be intrigued, and entertained, and very likely at least curious about the more formal meals.
July 14, 2017
Due Diligence provides back story for the Liaden series. Here we learn how Chi choose the pilot to give her a child. And the child - Dav. For me this was a sweet story with two interesting characters. For Gun, the pilot, is a new character to the series while Chi has been seen in previous stories that provide a background to the who and how of Clan Korval. This is a must read for fans of the series and it would provide an entertaining read for others.
July 15, 2017
This short chapbook is a satisfying read, like all the Liaden stories, and has appealing characters, even though at its heart it is a story about the importance of reading the paperwork when you sign a contract. It has been a while since I read one, and was an afternoon's distraction, but now I'm hungering to go back and read all the rest.
July 16, 2017
Whenever I feel down, reading Lee and Miller's writing picks me up. In this story, as in so many of their works, the characters act with honor and love and respect for each other, building ties of family and clan that I find reassuring. The tale of how Daav's father and mother met will entertain and satisfy readers, whether those readers are new to to Liaden universe or longtime fans.
August 8, 2017
I enjoyed it.
Loving all things Liaden, I had to buy a new story. There is a lesson in this one, and it is repeated often. You may have read the lesson in other stories, and this one emphasizes it, and adds a bit of back story. If you like the authors and their work, you'll like this one too.
Loving all things Liaden, I had to buy a new story. There is a lesson in this one, and it is repeated often. You may have read the lesson in other stories, and this one emphasizes it, and adds a bit of back story. If you like the authors and their work, you'll like this one too.
August 30, 2017
Found this in the afternoon and finished it that night. I have been reading this series since before it was popular to have romance in your sci fi. No body knew what I was talking about when I talked about the Liaden universe and the concepts. This story fills out the universe that was also easy fully developed.
Love this series and this story.
Love this series and this story.
July 13, 2017
Fabulous, awesome, and completely can't put it downable! A wonderful stand-alone novella that tells the story of a beloved character's beginnings. Which character, you ask? Don't expect ME to spoil your fun. Buy the book!
July 13, 2017
I enjoyed that very much, I'm glad the authors felt that they had to write that. There's a few typos here and there, and one logical inconsistency that I want to ask the authors about. But it was good.
Lady yo'Lanna's reaction when he was about to sign the contract - that was awesome.
Lady yo'Lanna's reaction when he was about to sign the contract - that was awesome.
July 13, 2017
Great backstory on a favorite character
It was a nice surprise to see this new Liaden story, with the story of the parentage of a favorite character. As always, an addition to the Liaden universe that will be treasured.
It was a nice surprise to see this new Liaden story, with the story of the parentage of a favorite character. As always, an addition to the Liaden universe that will be treasured.
July 23, 2017
This book works as either a delightful addition to family history of clan Korval for readers in the Liaden Universe, or as an engaging glimpse of the social structure of the clans in that Universe. A good story, well told, and an indication of how Kareen got the way she is. :-)
August 15, 2017
The Liaden universe lives!
An excellent foray into the Liaden universe! The book explores the Liaden concept of contract marriage and fills in part of the history of Daav yos'Pheilium a major character in many of the larger series story arcs.
An excellent foray into the Liaden universe! The book explores the Liaden concept of contract marriage and fills in part of the history of Daav yos'Pheilium a major character in many of the larger series story arcs.
September 1, 2017
Much of this is similar notes, and the lead reminds me of several others who join the family in later generations. (the cast has gotten so large, the names begin to slip outside some favorites) It's a good story and hints at more half cousins for Daav.
July 12, 2017
A very good story. I did like it very much.
July 12, 2017
Fills in a small hole
Wonderful, wonderful. I have wanted to know this part of Daav's story and here it is in a delightful surprise of a story.
Wonderful, wonderful. I have wanted to know this part of Daav's story and here it is in a delightful surprise of a story.
July 15, 2017
Another Liaden fun story
I loved this story. I hope that we see more of Fer Gun. And more of his partner and master trader.
I loved this story. I hope that we see more of Fer Gun. And more of his partner and master trader.
July 16, 2017
I love the Liaden Universe. I enjoyed this short story.
July 17, 2017
Another great sidelight of Korval.
Wonderful insight into a slight hole in the tapestry that is the Liaden universe. A wonderful place to visit, every chance I get.
Wonderful insight into a slight hole in the tapestry that is the Liaden universe. A wonderful place to visit, every chance I get.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews