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Liaden Universe, Chronological #10-11
The Agent Gambit
Back in Print at Two Consecutive Novels in the Top-Selling Liaden Universe® Space Adventure Agent of Change and Carpe Diem .
Two space adventure novels in the popular Liaden Universe® series in one popularly-priced Omni-trade
Agent of Change : Once a brilliant First-in-Scout, Val Con yos’Phelium was “recruited” by the shadowy Liaden Department of Interior and brainwashed into an Agent of Change—a ruthless covert operative who kills without remorse. Val Con has been playing a deep game, far from the orderly life of clan and kin. Fleeing his latest mission, he saves the life of ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, a Terran on the run from interplanetary assassins. Thrown together by circumstances, Val Con and Miri struggle to elude their enemies and stay alive without killing each other-or surrendering to the unexpected passion that flares between them. Which name – or face – will the agent choose when the game gets tough and an escape for only one of them seems possible?
Carpe Diem : On the run from interplanetary assassins and a ruthless interstellar crime cartel, covert operative Val Con yos'Phelium and former mercenary sergeant Miri Robertson formed an alliance of necessity and wound up stranded on a planet with no rescue in sight. Their on-world problems were looking manageable after they assumed new identities as musicians, that is until a local war forced them to reveal their alien combat skills – and doubt their own growing partnership of trust and love. By then the relentless hound of an agent on Val Con's trail was closing in with the very weapon Val Con and Miri most feared, and the game got very rough indeed.
“I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.” — Anne McCaffrey
Two space adventure novels in the popular Liaden Universe® series in one popularly-priced Omni-trade
Agent of Change : Once a brilliant First-in-Scout, Val Con yos’Phelium was “recruited” by the shadowy Liaden Department of Interior and brainwashed into an Agent of Change—a ruthless covert operative who kills without remorse. Val Con has been playing a deep game, far from the orderly life of clan and kin. Fleeing his latest mission, he saves the life of ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, a Terran on the run from interplanetary assassins. Thrown together by circumstances, Val Con and Miri struggle to elude their enemies and stay alive without killing each other-or surrendering to the unexpected passion that flares between them. Which name – or face – will the agent choose when the game gets tough and an escape for only one of them seems possible?
Carpe Diem : On the run from interplanetary assassins and a ruthless interstellar crime cartel, covert operative Val Con yos'Phelium and former mercenary sergeant Miri Robertson formed an alliance of necessity and wound up stranded on a planet with no rescue in sight. Their on-world problems were looking manageable after they assumed new identities as musicians, that is until a local war forced them to reveal their alien combat skills – and doubt their own growing partnership of trust and love. By then the relentless hound of an agent on Val Con's trail was closing in with the very weapon Val Con and Miri most feared, and the game got very rough indeed.
“I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.” — Anne McCaffrey
672 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2011
About the author
Sharon Lee
183 books797 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 14, 2019
Call it a 3.5 ...
Even though this is Vol. 2 of the Liaden Universe combo volumes, I read as my introduction to that setting. Which did me no harm -- the inclusion of characters that show up in the novels of the first combo volume ("The Dragon Variation") came across as "Oh, this novel has a rich backstory."
The Liaden novels involve Samurai Elvish Traders (IN SPAAAAAACE! Opera), and this one throws in heavy tropes of Super-Spies, but also (as the story proceeds, and especially as we get into the second collected novel) Nefarious Mind Control of Programmed Assassins. The stories here won't win any Pullitzer prize, but they are interesting and imaginative, include some unexpected plot twists and odd players and places. And while the Regency Romance aspects of dueling "I AM NOT WORTHY OF THIS OTHER PERSON'S LOVE!" protagonists sometimes causes truly painful eyerolling, it was enough of a good payoff by the end to get me to go back and read the volume I missed ...
Even though this is Vol. 2 of the Liaden Universe combo volumes, I read as my introduction to that setting. Which did me no harm -- the inclusion of characters that show up in the novels of the first combo volume ("The Dragon Variation") came across as "Oh, this novel has a rich backstory."
The Liaden novels involve Samurai Elvish Traders (IN SPAAAAAACE! Opera), and this one throws in heavy tropes of Super-Spies, but also (as the story proceeds, and especially as we get into the second collected novel) Nefarious Mind Control of Programmed Assassins. The stories here won't win any Pullitzer prize, but they are interesting and imaginative, include some unexpected plot twists and odd players and places. And while the Regency Romance aspects of dueling "I AM NOT WORTHY OF THIS OTHER PERSON'S LOVE!" protagonists sometimes causes truly painful eyerolling, it was enough of a good payoff by the end to get me to go back and read the volume I missed ...
October 24, 2023
The first book previously read in a single volume, picked up Carpe Dium in the omnibus edition.
The first novel was very tightly focused on Miri and Val Con - with fun interludes from Edgar. This novel spreads the focus out, diluting much of the tension built up from the assassin's arrival. Each of the new characters didn't really feel introduced, with their own wants, needs or skills. They just seemed to join a carousel of names worrying about Val Con and wanting to find him so he can save the day.
And yet - I couldn't say that the Miri / Val Con was a gripping story to write home about. While there were a couple of good scenes, there seemed to be a lot of filling in time. Miri's speech patterns and the continuing reminders about how unattractive she is, aren't helping any.
Starting to wonder if the fact I haven't read other books in the series before Agent of Change is a problem..
The first novel was very tightly focused on Miri and Val Con - with fun interludes from Edgar. This novel spreads the focus out, diluting much of the tension built up from the assassin's arrival. Each of the new characters didn't really feel introduced, with their own wants, needs or skills. They just seemed to join a carousel of names worrying about Val Con and wanting to find him so he can save the day.
And yet - I couldn't say that the Miri / Val Con was a gripping story to write home about. While there were a couple of good scenes, there seemed to be a lot of filling in time. Miri's speech patterns and the continuing reminders about how unattractive she is, aren't helping any.
Starting to wonder if the fact I haven't read other books in the series before Agent of Change is a problem..
March 28, 2020
Val Con and Miri
Agent of Change and Carpe Dieum are together in this volume. They follow Val Con of the house of Korval. And it's quite a adventure as he meets his future lifemate and the stumble from one danger into another. Almost everyone is after them.
But scariest of all is the Sinister Department of the Interior in Liaden which has taken control of Val Con's life. It's great that these 2 books were published together as the first ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. But then there's the next to lead to a decent conclusion but hinting at more to come.
Agent of Change and Carpe Dieum are together in this volume. They follow Val Con of the house of Korval. And it's quite a adventure as he meets his future lifemate and the stumble from one danger into another. Almost everyone is after them.
But scariest of all is the Sinister Department of the Interior in Liaden which has taken control of Val Con's life. It's great that these 2 books were published together as the first ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. But then there's the next to lead to a decent conclusion but hinting at more to come.
February 5, 2026
Their art brings joy even so many years later
Their works continue to bring joy. Many works of SF have trouble adapting to the passage of time, however the early Liaden novels continue to delight. I recommend this book
Their works continue to bring joy. Many works of SF have trouble adapting to the passage of time, however the early Liaden novels continue to delight. I recommend this book
July 8, 2018
5 stars for spy-space opera- romance fun. I've seen this series described elsewhere as "elves in space".
March 31, 2021
Love these stories
Been a fan for many years.
Only criticism is formatting on these omnibus editions leaves a lot to be desired.
Been a fan for many years.
Only criticism is formatting on these omnibus editions leaves a lot to be desired.
August 16, 2024
DNF. Lost interest
February 1, 2018
I don't have much to add that others haven't said about this series. It's good, old-fashioned space opera, but it also has strong characterization and lots of interesting twists and turns. Very progressive and interesting.
Well worth reading for fans of Andre Norton, Heinlein, etc.
Well worth reading for fans of Andre Norton, Heinlein, etc.
June 12, 2013
Enjoyable pair of books featuring Agent of Change and Carpe Diem. (By the way, "Agent of Change" is FREE on Amazon, and at Baen.)
This is adventurous, romantic space opera, where Val Con and Miri meet for the first time, and subsequently pair up against galactic mobsters (similar to the mafia), Yxtrang warriors, and brainwashed agents of the Dept of the Interior.
Falling in love along the way.
Who is watching their backs? Why, a few new friends on a restricted planet (Vandor) and some ancient 8-foot Clutch Turtles — especially Edger and Sheather. These benevolent but powerful beings love Val Con and Miri and treat them like esteemed (and interesting) siblings.
Carpe Diem picks up exactly where Agent of Change left off. Together, the two stories include good descriptions of Val Con nearly losing his mind — and nearly dying — from the Loop programmed into his brain.
Scattered across these two books are some great scenes with the yos'Galan ladies, Nova and Anthora, who are guarding the home fires on planet Liad, assisted by Jeeves and Tree. Shan and Priscilla also get plenty of air time (still not crazy about the goddess thing).
Quibbles: Formatting issues with hyphen versus m-dash throughout this e-book collection, The Agent Gambit. The incorrect punctuation marks caused some confusion, because I thought the authors were signaling a compound phrase, when instead they were signaling an abrupt break in thought or speech (the reciprocal occurred, too). Several times I had to re-read the sentence.
Also, the ending of Carpe Diem is disappointingly abrupt. It feels incomplete. But see below.
Next up? Plan B picks up where Carpe Diem ended. It is really good! So, there are four books in this one tight sequence: Agent of Change, followed by Carpe Diem, then Plan B, followed by I Dare. Additionally, several brief novellas fall within this sequence, including Skyblaze (a single story) and Halfling Moon (both stories) as well as With Stars Underfoot (not This House, only The Lord of the Dance). The novellas belong after I Dare. I would read Halfling Moon first.
This is adventurous, romantic space opera, where Val Con and Miri meet for the first time, and subsequently pair up against galactic mobsters (similar to the mafia), Yxtrang warriors, and brainwashed agents of the Dept of the Interior.
Falling in love along the way.
Who is watching their backs? Why, a few new friends on a restricted planet (Vandor) and some ancient 8-foot Clutch Turtles — especially Edger and Sheather. These benevolent but powerful beings love Val Con and Miri and treat them like esteemed (and interesting) siblings.
Carpe Diem picks up exactly where Agent of Change left off. Together, the two stories include good descriptions of Val Con nearly losing his mind — and nearly dying — from the Loop programmed into his brain.
Scattered across these two books are some great scenes with the yos'Galan ladies, Nova and Anthora, who are guarding the home fires on planet Liad, assisted by Jeeves and Tree. Shan and Priscilla also get plenty of air time (still not crazy about the goddess thing).
Quibbles: Formatting issues with hyphen versus m-dash throughout this e-book collection, The Agent Gambit. The incorrect punctuation marks caused some confusion, because I thought the authors were signaling a compound phrase, when instead they were signaling an abrupt break in thought or speech (the reciprocal occurred, too). Several times I had to re-read the sentence.
Also, the ending of Carpe Diem is disappointingly abrupt. It feels incomplete. But see below.
Next up? Plan B picks up where Carpe Diem ended. It is really good! So, there are four books in this one tight sequence: Agent of Change, followed by Carpe Diem, then Plan B, followed by I Dare. Additionally, several brief novellas fall within this sequence, including Skyblaze (a single story) and Halfling Moon (both stories) as well as With Stars Underfoot (not This House, only The Lord of the Dance). The novellas belong after I Dare. I would read Halfling Moon first.
May 29, 2014
How do I love the Liaden series? Let me count the ways! My favorite thing about these delightful books, I think, is that every single one of them has been about characters from vastly different backgrounds (clan, culture, planet; even species) learning to live and work and love together--sometimes in the face of formidable opposition. They forge alliances, create families and trade routes. They understand that we are better and stronger when we strive together in pursuit of common goals.
Until now, that is.
There's always been friction between Terrans and Liadens, of course--starting with Terran scholar Anne Davis' controversial research in Local Custom. But the publication of her work was a stone cast into still water, creating ripples that continue to gain momentum a generation later. And in Agent of Change, we learn that her foster son, Val Con yos'Phelium, has been subverted and brainwashed by a shadowy fascist faction within Liad's government, bent upon purging their culture of un-Liaden elements.
Fortunately, Val Con has far better resources than the average Agent. He's got the assistance of ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, as well as the completely delightful Clutch Turtles (proving, to my great surprise, that Terry Pratchett doesn't have a monopoly on spacefaring chelonians after all.) Agent of Change introduces this motley crew and kindles the love affair between Val Con and Miri; the sequel, Carpe Diem, gives us an intimate look at the kind of work the oft-mentioned Liaden Scouts actually do--enduring shipwreck on an interdicted planet, figuring out how to survive there without breaking the Liaden equivalent of the Prime Directive, and how to signal for help without attracting the notice of the Department of the Interior, which wants them all dead.
I didn't enjoy these books quite as much as the ones that came before (chronologically speaking); I think that's mostly because so much of the action takes place far from Liad, and we get only the briefest glimpses of the rest of the family. (And of the time we spend amongst Clan Korval, way too much of it is with Priscilla, whom I find irritating.) The ending is awfully abrupt, too--but it promises much excitement and (literal?) upheaval in the next book, Plan B.
Until now, that is.
There's always been friction between Terrans and Liadens, of course--starting with Terran scholar Anne Davis' controversial research in Local Custom. But the publication of her work was a stone cast into still water, creating ripples that continue to gain momentum a generation later. And in Agent of Change, we learn that her foster son, Val Con yos'Phelium, has been subverted and brainwashed by a shadowy fascist faction within Liad's government, bent upon purging their culture of un-Liaden elements.
Fortunately, Val Con has far better resources than the average Agent. He's got the assistance of ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, as well as the completely delightful Clutch Turtles (proving, to my great surprise, that Terry Pratchett doesn't have a monopoly on spacefaring chelonians after all.) Agent of Change introduces this motley crew and kindles the love affair between Val Con and Miri; the sequel, Carpe Diem, gives us an intimate look at the kind of work the oft-mentioned Liaden Scouts actually do--enduring shipwreck on an interdicted planet, figuring out how to survive there without breaking the Liaden equivalent of the Prime Directive, and how to signal for help without attracting the notice of the Department of the Interior, which wants them all dead.
I didn't enjoy these books quite as much as the ones that came before (chronologically speaking); I think that's mostly because so much of the action takes place far from Liad, and we get only the briefest glimpses of the rest of the family. (And of the time we spend amongst Clan Korval, way too much of it is with Priscilla, whom I find irritating.) The ending is awfully abrupt, too--but it promises much excitement and (literal?) upheaval in the next book, Plan B.
August 2, 2013
I only read Carpe Diem in this omnibus because that's all my library had available.
There were a lot of mentions of about how plain and unattractive Miri was in this book that I didn't get from the previous book. Also, cover artist! Miri's hair is so long she can braid it and make it into a crown. The hair on girl on the cover is too short!
I loved how this couple/relationship is developing. Very sweet, romantic moments.
There were a lot of mentions of about how plain and unattractive Miri was in this book that I didn't get from the previous book. Also, cover artist! Miri's hair is so long she can braid it and make it into a crown. The hair on girl on the cover is too short!
I loved how this couple/relationship is developing. Very sweet, romantic moments.
June 15, 2014
Agent of Change
Carpe Diem: Fascinating, exciting, totally believable. I liked their growing relationship, the world building, the fact that they ended up on a planet that wasn't Earth (because what would be the fun in that?) and I liked their different learning methods.
Side note: Baen needs to reformat its ebooks for smoother usability. Their ebook omnibus "binding" is ugly and crude, and I had to scroll over blank pages between chapters.
Carpe Diem: Fascinating, exciting, totally believable. I liked their growing relationship, the world building, the fact that they ended up on a planet that wasn't Earth (because what would be the fun in that?) and I liked their different learning methods.
Side note: Baen needs to reformat its ebooks for smoother usability. Their ebook omnibus "binding" is ugly and crude, and I had to scroll over blank pages between chapters.
September 17, 2014
Good old space opera science fiction of the type made popular by E.E. Doc Smith and Edgar Rice Burroughs from my youth, including action, romance, and honor. This book is actually two novels: Agent of Change and Carpe Diem telling the story of Val Con yos'Phelium, a Liaden covert operative, and Miri Robertson, a Terran mercenary, joining forces to stay one step ahead of the Juntavas, an organized crime clan, not to mention staying out of the clutches of the bloodthirsty warlike Yxtrang race or Val Con's own Department of Interior.
October 10, 2014
Remarkably consistent for a book written so early. Of course that means the same flaws are still in evidence -- all of the male characters are similar, all of the female characters are similar, there are points that show a real lack of thought (Val Con is learning this language from scratch at a farmhouse and he knows the word "recoil"? And whatever happened to Zhena Trelu anyway?). But there are also points of cleverness and interesting complications, and the turtles rock my world.
October 7, 2017
Action from start to finish
Opening with a firefight, followed by fleeing from the interstellar mafia, meeting with giant turtle-like aliens, marooned in space, shipwrecked on a backward planet that has only reached the radio level of development, all while one of the heroes is struggling to free himself from brainwashing by a mysterious evil government organization. Really fun.
Opening with a firefight, followed by fleeing from the interstellar mafia, meeting with giant turtle-like aliens, marooned in space, shipwrecked on a backward planet that has only reached the radio level of development, all while one of the heroes is struggling to free himself from brainwashing by a mysterious evil government organization. Really fun.
July 16, 2012
I think I liked this the best out of all the Liadan novels I've read. Plenty of action thrown in with the angst and romance ... and a good, strong female character who doesn't just learn from the man, she teaches him something about himself too.
June 12, 2011
Another fun entry in the Liaden universe. I enjoyed the story of Val Con and Miri.
January 29, 2013
reas all these individually...
June 13, 2013
A great place to start the Liaden books. Love the characters and the universe, and the books are well-written.
April 17, 2015
Agent Of Change - 3.5 stars
Carpe Diem - 3.75 stars
Carpe Diem - 3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews