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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #34
Bread Alone
To survive, humans need air, water, a place to stand, a place to sleep, and sustenance. Bread is a good start for sustenance.
Don Eyr and Serana were survivors who came to Low Port – it gave them air, water, a place to stand and a place to make bread. The place to sleep meant they needed a certain amount of safety and to get that they founded a bakery at the corner of Crakle and Toom, brought in others seeking to survive in the midst of the poverty and ignorance, and built a tiny bastion of a self-sufficient community dedicated to raising competent, alert children who understood decency.
Low Port toughs tried to break the bakery and a planet-shaking blast from the skies nearly did it in, but the bakery was hope, and people who have hope will fight to keep it.
This chapbook collects four stories about sustenance, all about the bakery, its people, and its influence. ″Degrees of Separation,″ ″Fortune’s Favors,″ and "Block Party" are reprints. The novelette ″Our Lady of Benevolence″ appears here for the first time.
Don Eyr and Serana were survivors who came to Low Port – it gave them air, water, a place to stand and a place to make bread. The place to sleep meant they needed a certain amount of safety and to get that they founded a bakery at the corner of Crakle and Toom, brought in others seeking to survive in the midst of the poverty and ignorance, and built a tiny bastion of a self-sufficient community dedicated to raising competent, alert children who understood decency.
Low Port toughs tried to break the bakery and a planet-shaking blast from the skies nearly did it in, but the bakery was hope, and people who have hope will fight to keep it.
This chapbook collects four stories about sustenance, all about the bakery, its people, and its influence. ″Degrees of Separation,″ ″Fortune’s Favors,″ and "Block Party" are reprints. The novelette ″Our Lady of Benevolence″ appears here for the first time.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2021
51 people are currently reading
39 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 2, 2021
Solid 4 stars. FWIW, I rarely give 5 stars.
I have loved the stories about Don Eyr and all of those who gathered around him. The third story, set on SureBleak ("Block Party"), was puzzling when it came out, until the baking bits showed up.
A few "easter eggs", of other characters, other books, not now in evidence or needed in the main story. They're good ones, not displacing the overall story line. A fair bit of parts which were lost, now brought back into unity.
THANK you, Lee & Miller, for yet another good, thought-provoking story.
Read the newest, then went back and re-read the previous 3.
I have loved the stories about Don Eyr and all of those who gathered around him. The third story, set on SureBleak ("Block Party"), was puzzling when it came out, until the baking bits showed up.
A few "easter eggs", of other characters, other books, not now in evidence or needed in the main story. They're good ones, not displacing the overall story line. A fair bit of parts which were lost, now brought back into unity.
THANK you, Lee & Miller, for yet another good, thought-provoking story.
Read the newest, then went back and re-read the previous 3.
November 27, 2021
This is a collection of four stories all set around the Bakery - an outpost of civility, kindness, and hope - plunked down in Low Port on Liad.
The first story is Degrees of Separation which tells how Don Eyr finds himself at culinary school on Lutetia where he meets Captain of the Watch Serana Benoit and how the two fall in love, fall into trouble, and find themselves on Liad.
The second story is Fortune's Favors which tells about Lucks in the person of Mar Tyn who stumbles into the Bakery while being chased by bad guys. It also tells of a young healer that Mar Tyn rescues and brings to Mid Port for her education.
The third story is Block Party which has the crew of the Bakery transported to Surebleak by the Mercs after Korval's attack on Liad. Only they are separated leaving Don Eyr and some of the children on Surebleak and most of the other adults, including his love Serana, in some unknown elsewhere. This story tells about how they integrate in Surebleakan society.
The final story is Lady of Benevolence which returns to Low Port on Liad and tells what happens after Don Eyr, Serana, and the children leave. The young healer, now fully trained and all of 15 standards, is determined to bring a healer hall to Low Port since Serana promised she could come home after her training. And Beyavi voz'Laathi, Lady Benevolence, has been routed from her streets and takes refuge in the Bakery where she learns that the concept of change and growth and healing didn't all leave Liad with Don Eyr and Serana.
Great stories about a part of the world and a set of characters out of the main story line of the Liaden Universe.
The first story is Degrees of Separation which tells how Don Eyr finds himself at culinary school on Lutetia where he meets Captain of the Watch Serana Benoit and how the two fall in love, fall into trouble, and find themselves on Liad.
The second story is Fortune's Favors which tells about Lucks in the person of Mar Tyn who stumbles into the Bakery while being chased by bad guys. It also tells of a young healer that Mar Tyn rescues and brings to Mid Port for her education.
The third story is Block Party which has the crew of the Bakery transported to Surebleak by the Mercs after Korval's attack on Liad. Only they are separated leaving Don Eyr and some of the children on Surebleak and most of the other adults, including his love Serana, in some unknown elsewhere. This story tells about how they integrate in Surebleakan society.
The final story is Lady of Benevolence which returns to Low Port on Liad and tells what happens after Don Eyr, Serana, and the children leave. The young healer, now fully trained and all of 15 standards, is determined to bring a healer hall to Low Port since Serana promised she could come home after her training. And Beyavi voz'Laathi, Lady Benevolence, has been routed from her streets and takes refuge in the Bakery where she learns that the concept of change and growth and healing didn't all leave Liad with Don Eyr and Serana.
Great stories about a part of the world and a set of characters out of the main story line of the Liaden Universe.
November 26, 2021
This is a collection of stories in the Liaden Universe that are all related to a bakery, and have some overlapping characters. I had read three of the stories before, but the fourth is completely new. It’s nice to have them gathered in one place so when I reread one I don’t need to search for the others to reread them as well.
December 4, 2021
This is a collection of four stories set in Lee and Miller's Liaden Universe--space opera, values that make my heart sing, an appropriate appreciation of the excellence of tea and of cats, together with helpings of romance.
These aren't Korval stories, but rather stories centered around The Bakery. In "Degrees of Separation," Don Eyr is a young, unvalued member of one small and poorly run clan. His love of baking born in his delm's kitchen, where the servants, at least, have time for him. His cousin the nadelm persuades the delm to send him off to be educated--and young Don Eyr decides to attend a prestigious culinary school. When he returns to Liad, he's a different young man, with a partner, Serana, formerly a member of the City Guard where the school is located. On Liad, they find not all is well, and decide to fix their little piece of it.
In "Fortune's Favors," Mar Tyn, a Luck, acquires a client for his talents that turns into a disaster for him--apparently. Fleeing murder and the theft of his contracted share of his client's winnings, he winds up at The Bakery, in Low Port, and Don Eyr and Serana take him in. That's not the end of his troubles, or theirs, though.
"Block Party" is set not on Liad, but on Surebleak, where Clan Korval has abruptly relocated, with various other Liaden folk finding it necessary or desirable to follow them. Among the latter are Don Eyr and much of the team of The Bakery, as well as a few new recruits. Serana, unfortunately, had a duty to carry out, and hasn't yet caught up with them. And while many of their new neighbors are friendly, especially once Don Eyr starts baking again, some are not.
"Our Lady of Benevolence" is the one new story in this collection, the others being reprints. This one is about what happens at the Low Port home of what was The Bakery, after those who had occupied it and made it a refuge for those in need have departed. The new "owner" was previously "the protector of the six blocks"; having been ousted from that position in the course of the chaos caused by the departure of Clan Korval. The Bakery is a highly defensible location, and it seems like a promising place to reestablish herself. In the process, though, she learns that the people Don Eyr and Serana didn't manage to get out are still there, still have expectations--and may have more to offer than just well-baked bread.
Bringing together these stories brings together some wonderful characters, and the full story (so far) of the growth of a beloved institution within the Liaden Universe. I find it thoroughly satisfying.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
These aren't Korval stories, but rather stories centered around The Bakery. In "Degrees of Separation," Don Eyr is a young, unvalued member of one small and poorly run clan. His love of baking born in his delm's kitchen, where the servants, at least, have time for him. His cousin the nadelm persuades the delm to send him off to be educated--and young Don Eyr decides to attend a prestigious culinary school. When he returns to Liad, he's a different young man, with a partner, Serana, formerly a member of the City Guard where the school is located. On Liad, they find not all is well, and decide to fix their little piece of it.
In "Fortune's Favors," Mar Tyn, a Luck, acquires a client for his talents that turns into a disaster for him--apparently. Fleeing murder and the theft of his contracted share of his client's winnings, he winds up at The Bakery, in Low Port, and Don Eyr and Serana take him in. That's not the end of his troubles, or theirs, though.
"Block Party" is set not on Liad, but on Surebleak, where Clan Korval has abruptly relocated, with various other Liaden folk finding it necessary or desirable to follow them. Among the latter are Don Eyr and much of the team of The Bakery, as well as a few new recruits. Serana, unfortunately, had a duty to carry out, and hasn't yet caught up with them. And while many of their new neighbors are friendly, especially once Don Eyr starts baking again, some are not.
"Our Lady of Benevolence" is the one new story in this collection, the others being reprints. This one is about what happens at the Low Port home of what was The Bakery, after those who had occupied it and made it a refuge for those in need have departed. The new "owner" was previously "the protector of the six blocks"; having been ousted from that position in the course of the chaos caused by the departure of Clan Korval. The Bakery is a highly defensible location, and it seems like a promising place to reestablish herself. In the process, though, she learns that the people Don Eyr and Serana didn't manage to get out are still there, still have expectations--and may have more to offer than just well-baked bread.
Bringing together these stories brings together some wonderful characters, and the full story (so far) of the growth of a beloved institution within the Liaden Universe. I find it thoroughly satisfying.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
March 10, 2024
An old Favorite - all of them.
This set of small stories is the background and development of a seed of change.
Imagine a place where 'law' is the will of those strong enough to enforce it. A place where self-interest takes priority as a matter of survival. How could it be changed from barbarism to civilization without totalitarian oppression assuming control of the area by force?
Such a task would be a multi-generational shift. Bread Alone is a set of short stories about people who do not simply adapt to the world around them but who introduce change to that hostile and dangerous world.
The title may reflect religious sentiments, but there are no nuns or similar religious figures or followers.
Civiization requires cooperation, and cooperation requires trust. You can not establish a village if everyone fears the man in the next bedroll wants to kill him and/or steal his stuff. Low Port is a place where it is not unexpected that you may have to fight or flee to keep what is yours.
Building trust in such a place is no small thing. This is a glimpse of the people who dare to try.
This set of small stories is the background and development of a seed of change.
Imagine a place where 'law' is the will of those strong enough to enforce it. A place where self-interest takes priority as a matter of survival. How could it be changed from barbarism to civilization without totalitarian oppression assuming control of the area by force?
Such a task would be a multi-generational shift. Bread Alone is a set of short stories about people who do not simply adapt to the world around them but who introduce change to that hostile and dangerous world.
The title may reflect religious sentiments, but there are no nuns or similar religious figures or followers.
Civiization requires cooperation, and cooperation requires trust. You can not establish a village if everyone fears the man in the next bedroll wants to kill him and/or steal his stuff. Low Port is a place where it is not unexpected that you may have to fight or flee to keep what is yours.
Building trust in such a place is no small thing. This is a glimpse of the people who dare to try.
November 29, 2021
Any trip to Liad or Surebleak is a trip well worth taking! I can hardly express how much I enjoyed this latest addition to the Liadan universe.There are 4 short(ish) interconnected stories included, one is brand new, and the other 3 were previously published in other locations. Chances are very great that you missed at least one of them. All of these stories involve characters outside of the Korval sphere, mostly inhabitants of the Low Port. They are very much examples of families that are chosen rather than birthed. We follow Don Eyr and Serena Benoit, as they discover each other and then fall in to a larger family. The two of them live in 'interesting times' and more 'interesting' locations. We see Don Eyr become more than just a baker, and Serena starts out as Captain of the Watch, before her duties expand. They are the nexus of the stories, and I hope that someday we can find out even more of their adventures.
Reading Lee & Miller, one is reminded of what really good writing looks and feels like. Their writing is truly a balm for the soul.
Reading Lee & Miller, one is reminded of what really good writing looks and feels like. Their writing is truly a balm for the soul.
November 26, 2021
I Rejoice in the New Chapbook!
Americans have spent the past two years baking, so it is said. Lee and Miller as well, as readers of their blog will recall; not just the product of yeast and flour and salt, but words as well.
I’m always happy to find a new tale from the Liaden Universe, and to find one that has been a comfort to my soul as this is a rare treat.
This chapbook consolidates the various stories in and around the Bakery, during several spots on the general timeline. These characters, however, are not of Clan Korval, but of lesser clans. The rejected grandson of a wastrel delm, several Terran mercs, medics, Healers, and Lucks; all make appearances in these pages.
If you look to be introduced to the Liaden Universe, this shouldn’t be your first pick. (I suggest starting with Agent of Change.)
But if you know Solcintra Low Port and the streets of aptly-named Surebleak, you will enjoy the stories in this volume.
Americans have spent the past two years baking, so it is said. Lee and Miller as well, as readers of their blog will recall; not just the product of yeast and flour and salt, but words as well.
I’m always happy to find a new tale from the Liaden Universe, and to find one that has been a comfort to my soul as this is a rare treat.
This chapbook consolidates the various stories in and around the Bakery, during several spots on the general timeline. These characters, however, are not of Clan Korval, but of lesser clans. The rejected grandson of a wastrel delm, several Terran mercs, medics, Healers, and Lucks; all make appearances in these pages.
If you look to be introduced to the Liaden Universe, this shouldn’t be your first pick. (I suggest starting with Agent of Change.)
But if you know Solcintra Low Port and the streets of aptly-named Surebleak, you will enjoy the stories in this volume.
December 27, 2021
‘… and which is worst of all, continual fear, and danger of violent death; and the life of man, solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short’ (Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, i. xiii. 9).
We forget, those of us who live in civilization, what the common lot has been for nearly everyone, nearly everywhere, nearly all the time. We forget what a struggle it is to build a framework, and maintain it. It isn't perfect? Kick it to pieces, burn it down, something else, anything else, will magically cohere and be better. Or maybe not.
Can you do it with bread alone? How about bread, and brains, and discipline, and love? And guns? And luck? And a kitten?
This is what I love about the Liaden stories. You think you're reading space opera with a little romance thrown in, and really you're grappling with the hardest questions humanity can come up with.
We forget, those of us who live in civilization, what the common lot has been for nearly everyone, nearly everywhere, nearly all the time. We forget what a struggle it is to build a framework, and maintain it. It isn't perfect? Kick it to pieces, burn it down, something else, anything else, will magically cohere and be better. Or maybe not.
Can you do it with bread alone? How about bread, and brains, and discipline, and love? And guns? And luck? And a kitten?
This is what I love about the Liaden stories. You think you're reading space opera with a little romance thrown in, and really you're grappling with the hardest questions humanity can come up with.
July 12, 2022
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I remembered the first two stories Degrees of Separation and Fortune's Favors but I don't believe I've read Block Party or Our Lady of Benevolence before.
It was really good that the authors decided to have the stories put in the book in chronological order so you can really see what happened to Don Eyr and Serana from their earlier beginnings to their relocation to Surebleak and what happened to the Bakery after they left Liad Low Port. But now I'm trying to remember where Mar Tyn the Luck appeared in Trader's Leap :)
I really enjoyed this book. I remembered the first two stories Degrees of Separation and Fortune's Favors but I don't believe I've read Block Party or Our Lady of Benevolence before.
It was really good that the authors decided to have the stories put in the book in chronological order so you can really see what happened to Don Eyr and Serana from their earlier beginnings to their relocation to Surebleak and what happened to the Bakery after they left Liad Low Port. But now I'm trying to remember where Mar Tyn the Luck appeared in Trader's Leap :)
December 18, 2021
As always, the latest volume of Adventures In The Laden Universe is a delight to read. This time, the collection is of stories about Don Eyr, his household and their bakery. Most of the stories have been published elsewhere, but not all together like this. There's also a new story, which helps to bring the collection together. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates short fiction. Lee and Miller are masters of the form.
March 8, 2022
A wonderful elaboration...
This was a wonderful elaboration of one of the characters critical to recent novels and a fantastic journey to and through the low port. Lee and Miller, as usual, write scifi as few else, stories where the hero doesn't galavant off into the universe, but stays with their folks, and those they find and make a better world through community, resiliency, open-heartedness and and courage. And as always I hunger for more.
This was a wonderful elaboration of one of the characters critical to recent novels and a fantastic journey to and through the low port. Lee and Miller, as usual, write scifi as few else, stories where the hero doesn't galavant off into the universe, but stays with their folks, and those they find and make a better world through community, resiliency, open-heartedness and and courage. And as always I hunger for more.
November 20, 2021
The story in this collection that's new to this book is interesting. As it deals with Low Port and a neighborhood boss, it made me wonder if, in Korval's absence, Liad is becoming somewhat Surebleak-like. It also made me wonder how the Lucks depicted in these and other stories might be related to Korval's luck. These stories add to the depth and detail of the Liaden universe in a pleasing way.
December 6, 2021
Always Fabulous
I snatch up new Liaden(R) books as soon as they come out. Why? Because the minute I begin reading I find myself in another universe. Fully formed with even the minor characters fleshed out so well I would recognize them if I met them in the street. Like a warm loaf of good bread, these stories will fill you up and still leave you wanting more.
I snatch up new Liaden(R) books as soon as they come out. Why? Because the minute I begin reading I find myself in another universe. Fully formed with even the minor characters fleshed out so well I would recognize them if I met them in the street. Like a warm loaf of good bread, these stories will fill you up and still leave you wanting more.
December 11, 2021
A tasty collection
The authors bring several previous short stories from the Liaden Universe together in this work. The stories follows one thread through from the universe about a baker, his bodyguard, and those under their care. I enjoyed the new story at the end of the book that gives hope that change will come.
The authors bring several previous short stories from the Liaden Universe together in this work. The stories follows one thread through from the universe about a baker, his bodyguard, and those under their care. I enjoyed the new story at the end of the book that gives hope that change will come.
December 11, 2022
Brilliant
The last story in this grouping is new to me and is as gripping as the rest. Low Port is the underbelly of Liad, the planet inhabited by family clans who hold the power, control, money and authority. People living in Low Port are those who have fallen through the cracks.
The last story in this grouping is new to me and is as gripping as the rest. Low Port is the underbelly of Liad, the planet inhabited by family clans who hold the power, control, money and authority. People living in Low Port are those who have fallen through the cracks.
November 27, 2021
So very satisfying!
I love this combination of old and new stories around the bakery and it's people. Characters and stories intertwine, then separate to move to new places. I hope to read more of the bakers, Lucks, and healers!
I love this combination of old and new stories around the bakery and it's people. Characters and stories intertwine, then separate to move to new places. I hope to read more of the bakers, Lucks, and healers!
December 19, 2021
Another winner
Even though I’ve read some before, I always take pleasure in the decency and honesty of the characters. And it’s great to have some more backstory for the new world. Good read.
Even though I’ve read some before, I always take pleasure in the decency and honesty of the characters. And it’s great to have some more backstory for the new world. Good read.
November 10, 2022
Great collection
Great collection of short stories all line together with a theme. If you enjoy the Liaden universe you will enjoy this collection. It gives back story and updates on some special characters.
Great collection of short stories all line together with a theme. If you enjoy the Liaden universe you will enjoy this collection. It gives back story and updates on some special characters.
January 9, 2023
Never disappoints!
Lee and Miller continue to make the Liaden Universe fill out. Sweet connections and utter hopelessness wrote out on grand scale. Characters are fleshed out quickly, and the recurring characters keep you reading.
Thank you both!
Lee and Miller continue to make the Liaden Universe fill out. Sweet connections and utter hopelessness wrote out on grand scale. Characters are fleshed out quickly, and the recurring characters keep you reading.
Thank you both!
November 25, 2021
Bread is home
Warm and comfy stories to sooth on a cold day. Enjoy these great stories about the bakery and it’s people
Warm and comfy stories to sooth on a cold day. Enjoy these great stories about the bakery and it’s people
November 27, 2021
Great !
Such a treat, to have these stories brought together into one place. The last tale is new and weaves together some loose threads.
Such a treat, to have these stories brought together into one place. The last tale is new and weaves together some loose threads.
November 28, 2021
Laugh, weep, let hope build, see hope shattered, find peace, be jubilant and, finally, well satisfied. You NEED this book in your life.
December 6, 2021
some of my favorite people return and their stories are filled in. a delightful little cake
December 19, 2021
Four link stories add up to a satisfying narrative. Bravo!
January 7, 2022
Whether short stories or full novels, Lee & Miller's LIADEN tales always fill my soul with light.
January 8, 2022
This is book 34 of a series. I have read all the other books in the series. I am addicted, they are a lot of fun for a scifi aficionad.
December 5, 2021
Just what you need
With the world as confusing and difficult as it is nowadays, we all need hope . As usual, the Liaden books seem to be able to give us what we need all bound up in superb characters with interesting stories. You will be missing something good if you don’t read this short book.
With the world as confusing and difficult as it is nowadays, we all need hope . As usual, the Liaden books seem to be able to give us what we need all bound up in superb characters with interesting stories. You will be missing something good if you don’t read this short book.
July 13, 2025
Very much enjoyed this latest instalment in the Liaden Universe. But now I want to know what happens next with both Bakeries.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews