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Liaden Universe, Chronological #9
Conflict of Honors
Sixteen-year-old Priscilla Delacroix was declared legally dead by her mother, High Priestess of the Goddess. Banished to survive on her own, Priscilla has roamed the galaxy for ten years as an outcast—to become a woman of extraordinary skill. . . .
An experienced officer assigned to the Liaden vessel Daxflan, she's been abandoned yet again. Betrayed by her captain and shipmates, she's left to fend for herself on a distant planet. But Priscilla is not alone. Starship captain Shan yos'Galen is about to join Priscilla's crusade for revenge. He has his own score to settle with the enemy. But confronting the sinister crew will be far easier—and safer—than confronting the demons of Priscilla's own mysterious past.
An experienced officer assigned to the Liaden vessel Daxflan, she's been abandoned yet again. Betrayed by her captain and shipmates, she's left to fend for herself on a distant planet. But Priscilla is not alone. Starship captain Shan yos'Galen is about to join Priscilla's crusade for revenge. He has his own score to settle with the enemy. But confronting the sinister crew will be far easier—and safer—than confronting the demons of Priscilla's own mysterious past.
311 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
68 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
165 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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November 26, 2023
2023 Re-read
What a difference some time makes! Reading my original review, I considered this a weak contribution to the Liaden Universe. Now that I am more versed in that time and place, I take back that judgement. It takes some getting used to, reading a series where the character focus changes regularly. Being more familiar with a focus on an individual or a couple, it was difficult for me to open myself up to embracing a whole (numerous) family as stars of the series. But what variety it offers for the authors! Lee & Miller have created a compelling plot—who the heck are the Department of the Interior and what is their beef with the Korval clan anyway? And since they will attack any member of the family, the split focus on various characters makes perfect sense.
This, in my opinion, is one of the advantages of a writing team. Two people contributing ideas can support intricate plotting and a satisfyingly complex story arc. Two can keep track of so many characters and provide the wonderful linkages between volumes that I see here. Their universe is well planned from its Crystal beginnings right on through. Plus, as more generations are born, potential for new adventures are automatically produced. No getting stale.
I am glad that I added this novel to my permanent collection and that I made time to revisit it.
Original Review
A chance to catch up with Shan yos’Galen, whom I met as a youngster in another Liaden universe book, Local Custom. In addition to seeing how life is for a grown-up healer, I got to see the fireworks when he meets a woman of the same talents, who is even more an outsider than he is. His human blood makes him suspect on his home planet of Liad and a nebulous act in the past of Priscilla Mendoza has caused her to be banished from her homeworld.
Shan has a reputation for collecting strays (much like Miles Vorkosigan in The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold). Priscilla has been betrayed by her employer and shipmates and abandoned on an obscure planet. When she obtains a job interview with Shan, the reader may be assured that she will get a job. Now she has to decide whether she wants revenge or merely to live a good life (on the theory that is actually the best revenge). As so often happens in life, the decision doesn’t get left up to Priscilla alone.
Probably the weakest of the Liaden universe books that I have read thus far, but still a very enjoyable book.
What a difference some time makes! Reading my original review, I considered this a weak contribution to the Liaden Universe. Now that I am more versed in that time and place, I take back that judgement. It takes some getting used to, reading a series where the character focus changes regularly. Being more familiar with a focus on an individual or a couple, it was difficult for me to open myself up to embracing a whole (numerous) family as stars of the series. But what variety it offers for the authors! Lee & Miller have created a compelling plot—who the heck are the Department of the Interior and what is their beef with the Korval clan anyway? And since they will attack any member of the family, the split focus on various characters makes perfect sense.
This, in my opinion, is one of the advantages of a writing team. Two people contributing ideas can support intricate plotting and a satisfyingly complex story arc. Two can keep track of so many characters and provide the wonderful linkages between volumes that I see here. Their universe is well planned from its Crystal beginnings right on through. Plus, as more generations are born, potential for new adventures are automatically produced. No getting stale.
I am glad that I added this novel to my permanent collection and that I made time to revisit it.
Original Review
A chance to catch up with Shan yos’Galen, whom I met as a youngster in another Liaden universe book, Local Custom. In addition to seeing how life is for a grown-up healer, I got to see the fireworks when he meets a woman of the same talents, who is even more an outsider than he is. His human blood makes him suspect on his home planet of Liad and a nebulous act in the past of Priscilla Mendoza has caused her to be banished from her homeworld.
Shan has a reputation for collecting strays (much like Miles Vorkosigan in The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold). Priscilla has been betrayed by her employer and shipmates and abandoned on an obscure planet. When she obtains a job interview with Shan, the reader may be assured that she will get a job. Now she has to decide whether she wants revenge or merely to live a good life (on the theory that is actually the best revenge). As so often happens in life, the decision doesn’t get left up to Priscilla alone.
Probably the weakest of the Liaden universe books that I have read thus far, but still a very enjoyable book.
July 26, 2016
July 2016. 4.5/5; 5 stars; A
I just listened to this story again and have upped my rating. Maybe it's because the lines have been blurred from re-reading the books over and over but I really appreciate the tone and pace and characterization in this book. Looking closely, one sees the depth and breadth of balance and melanti as they shape the flow of Liaden life. Beyond the interesting crew and all the goings on of a trade vessel, I really enjoyed the masterful orchestration of "Balance" that happened between Korval and Clan Plemia.
Andy Caploe did a fine job as narrator.
**********
March 4, 2015
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I recently re-read this book in Audio format. This book could be skipped in terms of the cohesiveness of the series. It was a good look at how Shan and Pricilla met but both their characters seemed a lot more solid in later books, like Plan B.
I really enjoyed the character of Mr. dea'Gaus. We got a chance to see why clan Korval has had a centuries long alliance with this group of lawyers and accountants.
I just listened to this story again and have upped my rating. Maybe it's because the lines have been blurred from re-reading the books over and over but I really appreciate the tone and pace and characterization in this book. Looking closely, one sees the depth and breadth of balance and melanti as they shape the flow of Liaden life. Beyond the interesting crew and all the goings on of a trade vessel, I really enjoyed the masterful orchestration of "Balance" that happened between Korval and Clan Plemia.
Andy Caploe did a fine job as narrator.
**********
March 4, 2015
3.5/5; 4 stars; B+
I recently re-read this book in Audio format. This book could be skipped in terms of the cohesiveness of the series. It was a good look at how Shan and Pricilla met but both their characters seemed a lot more solid in later books, like Plan B.
I really enjoyed the character of Mr. dea'Gaus. We got a chance to see why clan Korval has had a centuries long alliance with this group of lawyers and accountants.
September 21, 2012
I actually finished this a few days ago, but I haven't written anything ye, because I couldn't figure out what I wanted to say beyond "Yeah, I really liked rereading this one too and this is such a cool series". While honest, that's not really very helpful, even for someone who writes such subjective "reviews" as I do.
I've let it all percolate a bit, and I think that now, as I type, something hopefully useful will appear on the page.
It's been a while since I first read this series. My wonderful book pusher, Barbara, set me on them around the time (as best as I recall) as Balance of Trade came out. The Ace editions had been published and I know that BoT is the last one I have in paperback. After that I was buying hardcovers as they were published. BoT came out in 2004, so okay, perhaps it hasn't been as long as I thought. But it's been around 10 years and I've had CFS/ME all that time, so as usual, I didn't remember a lot of details.
What that ramble is leading to is that when I look back on this series, which is a series I love and am loving rereading, I still look back with impressions more that solid memories.
One of the impressions I carried with me "Shan and Priscilla are cool and all that, but I'm a Val Con girl and Miri is awesome".
I stand up now, having reread this book and admit I was wrong. What I should have been remembering was "Yes, I'm partial to Val Con and he and Miri are cool, but Shan and Priscilla are absolutely equally awesome".
Their interaction was wonderful, their adventure was exciting and their romance quiet and controlled and I liked that by the end, they were ready to try it rather than an established couple.
I think the problem I probably had the first time, is that Priscilla and Shan are both Healers/empaths/dramliz/wizards/whatever you want to call them. That was a brand new concept to me. I had read Local Custom and Scout's Progress which looked at the concept briefly (and I think in regard to Shan and his "sparklies", although that may have been more in Mouse and Dragon), but this was the first time I'd hit against it hard.
While the basic idea is easy to follow, some of the writing isn't. There is talk of Walls and Trees and Dragons. Priscilla calls what she does spells, Shan thinks about pathways and other words I can't remember as I sit here now. The "standard" SF trope words aren't used for telepathy and the like, and while I think they would be out of place in this book, it makes it harder for the reader to get a solid feel about it all. Yet, it's all very important to the characters and their relationships and I felt that as a reader, even as a rereader, there were parts where I was thinking "huh?" and not actually getting a clear sense of what it was the authors wanted me to pick up on.
I'm don't want to be too picky about this, as this was one of the first books in the series to be written (at least as long ago as 1988) and the vocabulary may not have been fully established, but I do think it's probably why I originally responded better to Val Con and Miri's debut, than I did to Shan and Priscilla's.
However, don't let that put you off. It's still a great book with some wonderful characters. The crew of the Dutiful Passage, so diverse and interesting, create a wonderful backdrop to the story and on the whole this is a very good introduction to the whole idea of Balance and melant'i on a small scale before we hit the much larger expression of it as we reach the next books and it is Clan Korval entire that has been wronged.
I found myself left with a couple of questions, the main one of which I hope will be resolved as the books progress. I was trying to figure out how this book fitted, time-wise, with Agent of Change. In that one, Val Con talks of Shan, but there is no mention of Priscilla. When I sat down and worked out the dates it seemed that this book occurred seven Standard years before that one. Priscilla was on Liad, setting up her "clan" and getting to know Shan better by the end of this book. Does this mean Val Con didn't make it back home between the scouting mission he was mentioned as being on in this book and his recruitment by and missions for the DOI which is where he is at in Agent of Change. If so (and I expect this to be cleared up as I keep reading, I just can't remember now) then that's another sin to be laid at the DOI's door.
Finally two little things - everyone took to Priscilla so fast when she joined Dutiful Passage, such as Rusty being so friendly almost as soon as she arrived. What was up with that? And secondly - while she needed it, what right did Shan and Lina have to unilaterally decide Priscilla needed Healing and set right in on doing it without her permission?
In summary, this is another great book in the series and I'm loving my reread. My current plan is to keep straight on going, reading a Liaden book, something else, a Liaden book, something else etc until I'm all caught up. Right now, I'd then like to go right back to the beginning and start all over again. But I don't seriously plan to do that, as I have a whole lot of other things I want to reread too. Maybe in a few years. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have just announced that they've sold another five Liaden books on top of the two already under contract, so I'm not going to run out any time soon.
I've let it all percolate a bit, and I think that now, as I type, something hopefully useful will appear on the page.
It's been a while since I first read this series. My wonderful book pusher, Barbara, set me on them around the time (as best as I recall) as Balance of Trade came out. The Ace editions had been published and I know that BoT is the last one I have in paperback. After that I was buying hardcovers as they were published. BoT came out in 2004, so okay, perhaps it hasn't been as long as I thought. But it's been around 10 years and I've had CFS/ME all that time, so as usual, I didn't remember a lot of details.
What that ramble is leading to is that when I look back on this series, which is a series I love and am loving rereading, I still look back with impressions more that solid memories.
One of the impressions I carried with me "Shan and Priscilla are cool and all that, but I'm a Val Con girl and Miri is awesome".
I stand up now, having reread this book and admit I was wrong. What I should have been remembering was "Yes, I'm partial to Val Con and he and Miri are cool, but Shan and Priscilla are absolutely equally awesome".
Their interaction was wonderful, their adventure was exciting and their romance quiet and controlled and I liked that by the end, they were ready to try it rather than an established couple.
I think the problem I probably had the first time, is that Priscilla and Shan are both Healers/empaths/dramliz/wizards/whatever you want to call them. That was a brand new concept to me. I had read Local Custom and Scout's Progress which looked at the concept briefly (and I think in regard to Shan and his "sparklies", although that may have been more in Mouse and Dragon), but this was the first time I'd hit against it hard.
While the basic idea is easy to follow, some of the writing isn't. There is talk of Walls and Trees and Dragons. Priscilla calls what she does spells, Shan thinks about pathways and other words I can't remember as I sit here now. The "standard" SF trope words aren't used for telepathy and the like, and while I think they would be out of place in this book, it makes it harder for the reader to get a solid feel about it all. Yet, it's all very important to the characters and their relationships and I felt that as a reader, even as a rereader, there were parts where I was thinking "huh?" and not actually getting a clear sense of what it was the authors wanted me to pick up on.
I'm don't want to be too picky about this, as this was one of the first books in the series to be written (at least as long ago as 1988) and the vocabulary may not have been fully established, but I do think it's probably why I originally responded better to Val Con and Miri's debut, than I did to Shan and Priscilla's.
However, don't let that put you off. It's still a great book with some wonderful characters. The crew of the Dutiful Passage, so diverse and interesting, create a wonderful backdrop to the story and on the whole this is a very good introduction to the whole idea of Balance and melant'i on a small scale before we hit the much larger expression of it as we reach the next books and it is Clan Korval entire that has been wronged.
I found myself left with a couple of questions, the main one of which I hope will be resolved as the books progress. I was trying to figure out how this book fitted, time-wise, with Agent of Change. In that one, Val Con talks of Shan, but there is no mention of Priscilla. When I sat down and worked out the dates it seemed that this book occurred seven Standard years before that one. Priscilla was on Liad, setting up her "clan" and getting to know Shan better by the end of this book. Does this mean Val Con didn't make it back home between the scouting mission he was mentioned as being on in this book and his recruitment by and missions for the DOI which is where he is at in Agent of Change. If so (and I expect this to be cleared up as I keep reading, I just can't remember now) then that's another sin to be laid at the DOI's door.
Finally two little things - everyone took to Priscilla so fast when she joined Dutiful Passage, such as Rusty being so friendly almost as soon as she arrived. What was up with that? And secondly - while she needed it, what right did Shan and Lina have to unilaterally decide Priscilla needed Healing and set right in on doing it without her permission?
In summary, this is another great book in the series and I'm loving my reread. My current plan is to keep straight on going, reading a Liaden book, something else, a Liaden book, something else etc until I'm all caught up. Right now, I'd then like to go right back to the beginning and start all over again. But I don't seriously plan to do that, as I have a whole lot of other things I want to reread too. Maybe in a few years. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have just announced that they've sold another five Liaden books on top of the two already under contract, so I'm not going to run out any time soon.
February 27, 2012
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I really enjoyed re-visiting Shan and Pricilla and all the others aboard the Dutiful Passage. There is such a feeling of warmth and camaraderie amongst the crew of the ship that can be directly attributed to Shan's great personality. This book is set about 30 years past where we met Shan as a youngster in Local Custom. The authors didn't mention anything about Shan's 'dramliz' abilities, so I felt a lack of continuity. I think this is to be expected thought because this book was written before Local Custom. (Considering that the writing of a lot of the Liaden universe books is out of sync with the internal chronology, Lee and Miller do a commendable job of keeping it straight.)
I really enjoyed re-visiting Shan and Pricilla and all the others aboard the Dutiful Passage. There is such a feeling of warmth and camaraderie amongst the crew of the ship that can be directly attributed to Shan's great personality. This book is set about 30 years past where we met Shan as a youngster in Local Custom. The authors didn't mention anything about Shan's 'dramliz' abilities, so I felt a lack of continuity. I think this is to be expected thought because this book was written before Local Custom. (Considering that the writing of a lot of the Liaden universe books is out of sync with the internal chronology, Lee and Miller do a commendable job of keeping it straight.)
October 26, 2017
I have read almost all the books in this romantic space-opera / fantasy series. Some Liaden Universe installments are much better than this one. I read this in the The Dragon Variation ebook, a collection of three novels. In the audio version, narrator Andy Caploe does a superb job (Audible).
In my view, Conflict of Honors is just too weird, with all the goddess power / shamanistic garbage, the free pleasure sex, and the sexual therapy, across genders. It is also dated, first published in 1988.
The book is primarily set on Dutiful Passage, a near-utopian spaceship, with a loving and happy crew and an expansively liberal captain, Shan yos'Galan.
Now I know how Shan met Priscilla. This couple shows up in sequels, where they each grew on me.
Good to see the dea'Gauss show his melant'i and shrewd legal skill in so many scenes. Note that Clan Plemia / led by Delm Taam Olenik, and including villainous trader Sav Rid Olenik play a role in this book. This clan shows up here and there across the series, beginning with Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2).
As for the suspense or adventure in Conflict of Honors , a few brief scenes were interesting and tense, but with a goddess / dramliz / wizard at hand, all threats are easily overpowered. Yup. Priscilla-Sue takes on a Meanwhile, Captain Wonderful mops up behind her, drink in hand.
However, I liked the fight scene with the metaphoric dragon and tree.
The norbears get a few scenes. Cute little empaths, with mental telepathy, too. Frodo and friends.
The best character is Gordy, the cabin boy. However, sometimes the authors really screwed up on his dialogue. A "normal" 11-year-old would never talk like THIS:
"Liadens consider the face the — the seat of character. Because of that, Liadens don't use cosmetics...Also, the face has an — erotic — significance to Liadens. There are certain social situations..."
(Give me a break.)
Shan yos'Galan just seemed — goofy — drinking wine and brandy on every other page, including with his breakfast roll.
I liked Shan (and Priscilla) MUCH more in the sequels: I recommend Plan B, part of the Agent Of Change sub-series, which begins with Agent of Change. Shan and Priscilla play a big role in Plan B, and a decent-sized role in its prequel, Carpe Diem
See my reading status updates for more comments and quotes.
Cross-Series Discrepancy: in this book, Shan tells Priscilla about the origins of Clan Korval. His story differs slightly, but not meaningfully, from the "true" history provided in the prequel, Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2).
For space opera with light science and light romance, I also recommend The Vorkosigan Series, by Lois McMasters Bujold, beginning with Shards of Honour. Bujold does a superb job with character development, comradeship, and plot. Miles Vorkosigan is a fantastic character. Not too bad on the light romance, either, and often chuckle-worthy.
In my view, Conflict of Honors is just too weird, with all the goddess power / shamanistic garbage, the free pleasure sex, and the sexual therapy, across genders. It is also dated, first published in 1988.
The book is primarily set on Dutiful Passage, a near-utopian spaceship, with a loving and happy crew and an expansively liberal captain, Shan yos'Galan.
Now I know how Shan met Priscilla. This couple shows up in sequels, where they each grew on me.
Good to see the dea'Gauss show his melant'i and shrewd legal skill in so many scenes. Note that Clan Plemia / led by Delm Taam Olenik, and including villainous trader Sav Rid Olenik play a role in this book. This clan shows up here and there across the series, beginning with Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2).
As for the suspense or adventure in Conflict of Honors , a few brief scenes were interesting and tense, but with a goddess / dramliz / wizard at hand, all threats are easily overpowered. Yup. Priscilla-Sue takes on a Meanwhile, Captain Wonderful mops up behind her, drink in hand.
However, I liked the fight scene with the metaphoric dragon and tree.
The norbears get a few scenes. Cute little empaths, with mental telepathy, too. Frodo and friends.
The best character is Gordy, the cabin boy. However, sometimes the authors really screwed up on his dialogue. A "normal" 11-year-old would never talk like THIS:
"Liadens consider the face the — the seat of character. Because of that, Liadens don't use cosmetics...Also, the face has an — erotic — significance to Liadens. There are certain social situations..."
(Give me a break.)
Shan yos'Galan just seemed — goofy — drinking wine and brandy on every other page, including with his breakfast roll.
I liked Shan (and Priscilla) MUCH more in the sequels: I recommend Plan B, part of the Agent Of Change sub-series, which begins with Agent of Change. Shan and Priscilla play a big role in Plan B, and a decent-sized role in its prequel, Carpe Diem
See my reading status updates for more comments and quotes.
Cross-Series Discrepancy: in this book, Shan tells Priscilla about the origins of Clan Korval. His story differs slightly, but not meaningfully, from the "true" history provided in the prequel, Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2).
For space opera with light science and light romance, I also recommend The Vorkosigan Series, by Lois McMasters Bujold, beginning with Shards of Honour. Bujold does a superb job with character development, comradeship, and plot. Miles Vorkosigan is a fantastic character. Not too bad on the light romance, either, and often chuckle-worthy.
February 22, 2013
I am so glad to have discovered the Liaden Universe books, which I enjoy as much for what they are not as what they are. ARE: character driven space opera. ARE NOT: rapey, scarey, horror filled, glorying in guts, self consciously artistic, cliffhangers, serious, political, preachy.
So if you like Nathan Lowell's Quarter Share books (but ran out), or the Aurora Episodes (but found them a little too short and tv script like), or Lois McMaster Bujold's character driven scifi (but are scared that's she is retiring and hasn't written enough for you yet) then try this series. There is a lot of them and they are a safe bet to be comfortable and satisfying. Like macaroni cheese.
Recommended
So if you like Nathan Lowell's Quarter Share books (but ran out), or the Aurora Episodes (but found them a little too short and tv script like), or Lois McMaster Bujold's character driven scifi (but are scared that's she is retiring and hasn't written enough for you yet) then try this series. There is a lot of them and they are a safe bet to be comfortable and satisfying. Like macaroni cheese.
Recommended
November 4, 2009
4.5 to 5.0 stars. Excellent novel. Anne McCaffrey described this book (and its sequels) best when she referred to them in the introduction as her favorite "comfort" books. This is grand space opera with great characters, great world-building and a well written plot. Highly Recommended!!!
March 19, 2024
This series is so addicting!
05/03/2018: Starting again. A re-read just as addicting.
02/28/2020: Reading again
03/19/2024: I can't help but reread these books.
05/03/2018: Starting again. A re-read just as addicting.
02/28/2020: Reading again
03/19/2024: I can't help but reread these books.
July 13, 2023
This sci fi book was the second of the Liaden series to be published. This book introduces Val Con's cousin (and fosterbrother) Shan yos'Galen and Priscilla Delacroix y Mendoza...
September 28, 2021
Фантастика, как фон, для якобы второстепенной любовной линии — не то, о чём мечтали большевики (не считая, разумеется, Форкосиганов, но это ДРУГОЕ!! )
October 7, 2012
Science fiction romance. This is focused on a group of “Traders” engaged in speculation, buying goods to transport and sell between multiple planets.
The story is a cozy one. Our heroine has been traveling the galaxy, unappreciated and misused until she is taken on as a crewmember on the happiest ship ever, where people are astonished that her beauty and brilliance have never been acknowledged. She acquires friends, lovers and a new career, and with the help of her powerful new allies she vanquishes her enemies.
The writing is improved from the previous book, although there are still occasional passages where the action is confusing. I would have liked this better without the psychic/empathic abilities that are manifested by a few characters.
The story is a cozy one. Our heroine has been traveling the galaxy, unappreciated and misused until she is taken on as a crewmember on the happiest ship ever, where people are astonished that her beauty and brilliance have never been acknowledged. She acquires friends, lovers and a new career, and with the help of her powerful new allies she vanquishes her enemies.
The writing is improved from the previous book, although there are still occasional passages where the action is confusing. I would have liked this better without the psychic/empathic abilities that are manifested by a few characters.
October 17, 2011
I think the description of the book is a bit misleading...
On the cover is two persons...and people who reviewed it compare the book to a regency romance in outer space. So when they spring the lesbian relationship between the girl on the cover and another girl(not on cover) You cant help but be a little surprised.
Im not making a statement about on same sex relationships mind you, only its like putting something you think is a piece of chocolate in your mouth and tasting licorice.
Its not a bad taste per se...but you sure wish youd known it was filled with licorice. *end of metaphor*
On the cover is two persons...and people who reviewed it compare the book to a regency romance in outer space. So when they spring the lesbian relationship between the girl on the cover and another girl(not on cover) You cant help but be a little surprised.
Im not making a statement about on same sex relationships mind you, only its like putting something you think is a piece of chocolate in your mouth and tasting licorice.
Its not a bad taste per se...but you sure wish youd known it was filled with licorice. *end of metaphor*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
Sometimes you find an author, or two, who are so talented at making their characters, and worlds "real" that when each book ends, you yearn for another. Thus it is with the Liaden series. 4/21/16 re-read: When I grow up, I want to be a pet librarian on a starship!
July 7, 2025
I enjoyed it. But two days later I couldn't remember what it was about, at all. So it's a fun story but not much more to me. A perfectly likable 3 stars.
May 11, 2011
This is one of my favorites from my teenage years, though it's not YA in the least.
I bought the ebook omnibus from Baen in order to re-read it, and hopefully finish out the series
One thing I've noticed is that the text of the book has changed between the original Del Ray edition and the Baen e-book release. The changes are rather subtle - a few paragraphs noticeably altered, a word here and there changed, and I'm sure that there's more changes that I didn't pick up on. The book is better for the changes - less confusing, certainly. Conversations end just inside bedrooms instead of just outside; overtones of sexual relationships are solidly confirmed. I've no doubt that the Baen version is the "original" version, and Del Ray edited it to the state I read it in for the version published in the 80's.
This is a gentle, wandering romance, and though I don't generally like romances, I adore this book. The cultures revealed are fascinating, and they're developed through hints here and there rather than being hit over the head with info dumps. While there's a lot less action than the official start to the series - Agent of Change - I think this one does a better job of introducing the culture. And the nuances of customs that are shown here, IMO, can't easily be picked up from the other early novels and they do add a lot to the series.
I bought the ebook omnibus from Baen in order to re-read it, and hopefully finish out the series
One thing I've noticed is that the text of the book has changed between the original Del Ray edition and the Baen e-book release. The changes are rather subtle - a few paragraphs noticeably altered, a word here and there changed, and I'm sure that there's more changes that I didn't pick up on. The book is better for the changes - less confusing, certainly. Conversations end just inside bedrooms instead of just outside; overtones of sexual relationships are solidly confirmed. I've no doubt that the Baen version is the "original" version, and Del Ray edited it to the state I read it in for the version published in the 80's.
This is a gentle, wandering romance, and though I don't generally like romances, I adore this book. The cultures revealed are fascinating, and they're developed through hints here and there rather than being hit over the head with info dumps. While there's a lot less action than the official start to the series - Agent of Change - I think this one does a better job of introducing the culture. And the nuances of customs that are shown here, IMO, can't easily be picked up from the other early novels and they do add a lot to the series.
July 3, 2015
I read this book because it was recommended to me.
Plus: it is compulsively readable, and hard to put down. I felt like a kid again. Also, I liked the description of work. Of course space ships have work, besides jetting off and carrying people toward adventures. People need to load the cargo. People need to decide what the cargo should be. I liked the book's focus on the nitty-gritty.
Minus: It has two of my pet peeves. One, the older wealthy man with exquisite taste. These consumer choices are often used to get the readers' sympathies without showing admirable signs of character. Shallow. Two, this book made me realize I really don't like the concept of empaths. We all, to a certain extent, feel each other's emotions. If I see someone crying, I can probably tell if it is sadness/rage/humiliation or joy/surprise. What those emotions mean depend on the person crying. The use of empaths is a lazy shortcut--supposedly knowing another's feelings is the same as knowing the other person's soul. Hogwash. The book deals with some of these problems, but at the end of the day, you are reading about empaths.
Plus: it is compulsively readable, and hard to put down. I felt like a kid again. Also, I liked the description of work. Of course space ships have work, besides jetting off and carrying people toward adventures. People need to load the cargo. People need to decide what the cargo should be. I liked the book's focus on the nitty-gritty.
Minus: It has two of my pet peeves. One, the older wealthy man with exquisite taste. These consumer choices are often used to get the readers' sympathies without showing admirable signs of character. Shallow. Two, this book made me realize I really don't like the concept of empaths. We all, to a certain extent, feel each other's emotions. If I see someone crying, I can probably tell if it is sadness/rage/humiliation or joy/surprise. What those emotions mean depend on the person crying. The use of empaths is a lazy shortcut--supposedly knowing another's feelings is the same as knowing the other person's soul. Hogwash. The book deals with some of these problems, but at the end of the day, you are reading about empaths.
October 13, 2023
Re-readI wish it would have ended with a coming together. Ugh! But anyway, I loved it. Time just flew re-reading it. I'm planning on just moving through the series and hoping my library has all of the books.
Review 03/28/12This series is getting better and better for me. Priscilla has been made dead to her family for some religious reason at the age of 16. 10 years later she's on an awful ship and figures out they are buying and selling illegal drugs. They hit her over the head and strand her on a planet that has only one ship orbiting it. Shan, the captain, agrees to have her serve on the ship and finds he is very attracted to her. Also he finds out that a captain who made him his enemy is out to get not only him but Priscilla because that was the ship that deserted her. Loving this series. If you like sci-fi, you'll like these books.
Review 03/28/12This series is getting better and better for me. Priscilla has been made dead to her family for some religious reason at the age of 16. 10 years later she's on an awful ship and figures out they are buying and selling illegal drugs. They hit her over the head and strand her on a planet that has only one ship orbiting it. Shan, the captain, agrees to have her serve on the ship and finds he is very attracted to her. Also he finds out that a captain who made him his enemy is out to get not only him but Priscilla because that was the ship that deserted her. Loving this series. If you like sci-fi, you'll like these books.
April 8, 2015
A good read, good characters (Shan is quite Dumbledore like ^-^) in a science-fi fantasy-ish world.
But I was sadly kept back in my reading by the weird choice of narrative: we have access to ALL the characters' points of view, frequently in the same sentence, madly turning, leaping from character to another character, even the lesser ones. As a result we sometimes have to make an effort to understand who - for heaven sake ! - is thinking. And, much worse, nothing, absolutely nothing is left to our own appreciation, we have nothing at all to guess, all is meticulously explained before we have a chance to think about it.
A shame for readers who love their show don't tell...
But I was sadly kept back in my reading by the weird choice of narrative: we have access to ALL the characters' points of view, frequently in the same sentence, madly turning, leaping from character to another character, even the lesser ones. As a result we sometimes have to make an effort to understand who - for heaven sake ! - is thinking. And, much worse, nothing, absolutely nothing is left to our own appreciation, we have nothing at all to guess, all is meticulously explained before we have a chance to think about it.
A shame for readers who love their show don't tell...
February 21, 2016
Very different from Agent of Change and Carpe Diem. Shan's conversations are almost fizzy, as he bounces from fact to funny/sarcastic. The intro says it's an homage to Dorothy Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey, and Shan's conversation is certainly witty, as is Lord Peter's.
August 1, 2016
I confess, I enjoyed this a lot more than Agent of Change. I can't pinpoint the cause. Was it just a better book? Was it a stronger connection to the characters? Most likely a combination of the two. The only downside? No Turtles!
Now, the hard part is trying to figure out which book in this "series" to read next.
Now, the hard part is trying to figure out which book in this "series" to read next.
July 29, 2015
Re read and just as wonderful. I totally love Shan. There's something new every time I read one of Lee and Millers books again.
Shan and Priscilla are great. The language used in these novels is wonderful. You enjoy every word. The only thing that I didn't totally love is the mystical woman shamanistic thing. I just can't get behind that in any book. But space ships and Korval count me in.
Shan and Priscilla are great. The language used in these novels is wonderful. You enjoy every word. The only thing that I didn't totally love is the mystical woman shamanistic thing. I just can't get behind that in any book. But space ships and Korval count me in.
June 18, 2009
Another book in the Liaden series. These are nice, easy books to read. Good character development, not overly complex plots, but a nice sized universe, with a little romance thrown in. Enjoyable reads.
June 1, 2012
Good writing but just not enough action to keep my interest. Female protagonist and this book/series is probably more suited to female readers. Romance, etc. I've read a lot worse, just not enough going on here for this sci-fi geek.
April 13, 2021
I loved this story! It was good to get some background on the characters! I've already read Agent of Change so I'll continue reading about the Liaden Universe with Carpe Diem,which I've started already.
2021 reread! I enjoyed reading about how Shan and Priscilla met!
2021 reread! I enjoyed reading about how Shan and Priscilla met!
March 26, 2021
Story: A new favorite and already a comfort read/listen. Fascinating story, wonderful worldbuilding, satisfying romance. 5 stars
Narration: Do not love it at x1 speed. Okay at x2 or x3 speeds. 2 stars
Narration: Do not love it at x1 speed. Okay at x2 or x3 speeds. 2 stars
January 30, 2023
A guilty pleasure re-read. Really, this series are like a sci-fi setting of regency-era novels.
Comment from 2016: A pretty strong story here. Enjoyed the characters, and Pris's finding of her home.
Comment from 2016: A pretty strong story here. Enjoyed the characters, and Pris's finding of her home.
June 4, 2016
Some really bad mis-pronunciations (IMO) by the narrator, Andy Caploe. But none as bad as the voice he used at the very beginning for one of Priscilla's female crewmates (who was in a rant, and left the ship) on the **Daxflan** ship.
Book is good, narration isn't, so much.
Book is good, narration isn't, so much.
December 13, 2023
It seems strange that someone with such inner power would cast herself as the victim so often, but I guess Priscilla is emotionally damaged, so maybe? Regardless, the story's resolution is excellent.
August 20, 2018
The Liaden Universe is a series with a somewhat tortured publication history, and Conflict of Honors may be the most wind-tossed book in its number- the second-published book, set a few years before Agent of Change but in no real way a prequel to that book beyond an offhand mention of Val Con's scout career, bundled first with the action-driven Agent of Change and Carpet Diem in Meisha Merlin's omnibus reprint Partners in Necessity in its technically-prequel capacity and now with the "space regencies" Local Custom and Scout's Progress about the romances of Shan and Val Con's respective parents with which it is somewhat closer in tone in Baen's omnibus reprint The Dragon Variation. Phew!
Conflict of Honors was my entry point to the series, one that decidedly hooked me when I picked up Partners in Necessity from the library after reading an online recommendation for the series years ago. It's a pleasantly character-driven story about Priscilla, an outcast witch turned spaceship crew member who hates her cruddy space job and Shan, a thoroughly annoying Gary Stu (yes, he's Captain of his wealthy and powerful though recently diminished aristocratic family's flagship, a Master Trader, a Master Pilot, and a Healer, also his mother was Terran which many in Liaden society find objectionable) who is also, somehow, thoroughly charming because of the warmth which he treats his friends and subordinates.
When Priscilla is unceremoniously left behind by her ship on a backwater world after discovering that the ship is carrying contraband drugs, Shan, who unbeknownst to her has a grievance with the trader and captain of her former ship, senses that she has promise, takes her in, and offers her a job (a clearly fabricated position as a "pet librarian," the ship having a small menagerie of exotic creatures that don't take up as much screen time as one might expect). From there, it's a pretty straightforward and cozy story of Priscilla bonding with the crew, developing her skills and regaining her self-confidence, clashing with her nemesis and her former captain, and ultimately finding both family and home on the Dutiful Passage and starting to make peace with her troubled past.
It's a somewhat rougher book than I always remember it, a little weak maybe in comparison to the later-written Scout's Progress which I just reread where Aelliana has a similar but more skillfully drawn story arc with higher emotional highs and lower emotional lows, but I remain glad it was my entry point into the series because it's exactly the type of book I like. This time around, the flaws were maybe more apparent- the slight "early installment weirdness" of the terms Lord and Lady used for Liaden characters, the dubiousness of both the aphrodisiac subplot and Priscilla's involvement with Lina otherwise (it's ambiguous what Lina actually feels for Priscilla and how much Priscilla is aware that Lina is treating her in her capacity as a Healer during the time that they're sleeping together), the minor characters that run to stereotypes (merchants are fat or exotic, one villain turns out to be mentally ill in an unspecified way and another addicted to a drug).
The romance is also... ambiguous in this one, I think partially because there were fewer templates of how to balance an SF plot and a romance plot well when it was written and partially because the editor was likely wary of scaring off SF readers with too much focus on the romance. This is a setting where casual same-sex relationships seem unexceptional- Priscilla sleeps with a woman on the crew who befriends her for a while before their relationship settles into a non-sexual close friendship; a kiss between them was cut in the original release and restored in the Meisha Merlin release and subsequent editions. However, one of the villains, the second mate on the ship that dumps Priscilla, fits into the predatory lesbian trope fairly squarely, always harassing Priscilla, even seeming to threaten rape- it's made clear, to my reading, that she's bad because she's a terrible person and not because she's interested in women though. The romantic relationship between Shan and Priscilla is a slower-burn one, with Shan explicitly aware that he's her captain and the power dynamics are not great if he were to make advances, and they end in a happy for now place where they're going to try to make it work instead of full lifemates (it's not even explicit that they are in the sense of the setting at this point, though it's implied if the reader has read other stories and knows the signs.)
I find myself wishing as always that Shan and Priscilla didn't take such a back seat to Val Con and Miri from Agent of Change as the series goes on. There was evidently a sequel to this book planned, but it stalled and was scrapped- the authors have posted a partial draft on their website with commentary. Shan shows up again in Alliance of Equals, a book about his relationship with his daughter (from a short-term contract marriage before this book opens) Padi, but Priscilla is only a minor character there. I hope as always that they'll show up more in the future.
Conflict of Honors was my entry point to the series, one that decidedly hooked me when I picked up Partners in Necessity from the library after reading an online recommendation for the series years ago. It's a pleasantly character-driven story about Priscilla, an outcast witch turned spaceship crew member who hates her cruddy space job and Shan, a thoroughly annoying Gary Stu (yes, he's Captain of his wealthy and powerful though recently diminished aristocratic family's flagship, a Master Trader, a Master Pilot, and a Healer, also his mother was Terran which many in Liaden society find objectionable) who is also, somehow, thoroughly charming because of the warmth which he treats his friends and subordinates.
When Priscilla is unceremoniously left behind by her ship on a backwater world after discovering that the ship is carrying contraband drugs, Shan, who unbeknownst to her has a grievance with the trader and captain of her former ship, senses that she has promise, takes her in, and offers her a job (a clearly fabricated position as a "pet librarian," the ship having a small menagerie of exotic creatures that don't take up as much screen time as one might expect). From there, it's a pretty straightforward and cozy story of Priscilla bonding with the crew, developing her skills and regaining her self-confidence, clashing with her nemesis and her former captain, and ultimately finding both family and home on the Dutiful Passage and starting to make peace with her troubled past.
It's a somewhat rougher book than I always remember it, a little weak maybe in comparison to the later-written Scout's Progress which I just reread where Aelliana has a similar but more skillfully drawn story arc with higher emotional highs and lower emotional lows, but I remain glad it was my entry point into the series because it's exactly the type of book I like. This time around, the flaws were maybe more apparent- the slight "early installment weirdness" of the terms Lord and Lady used for Liaden characters, the dubiousness of both the aphrodisiac subplot and Priscilla's involvement with Lina otherwise (it's ambiguous what Lina actually feels for Priscilla and how much Priscilla is aware that Lina is treating her in her capacity as a Healer during the time that they're sleeping together), the minor characters that run to stereotypes (merchants are fat or exotic, one villain turns out to be mentally ill in an unspecified way and another addicted to a drug).
The romance is also... ambiguous in this one, I think partially because there were fewer templates of how to balance an SF plot and a romance plot well when it was written and partially because the editor was likely wary of scaring off SF readers with too much focus on the romance. This is a setting where casual same-sex relationships seem unexceptional- Priscilla sleeps with a woman on the crew who befriends her for a while before their relationship settles into a non-sexual close friendship; a kiss between them was cut in the original release and restored in the Meisha Merlin release and subsequent editions. However, one of the villains, the second mate on the ship that dumps Priscilla, fits into the predatory lesbian trope fairly squarely, always harassing Priscilla, even seeming to threaten rape- it's made clear, to my reading, that she's bad because she's a terrible person and not because she's interested in women though. The romantic relationship between Shan and Priscilla is a slower-burn one, with Shan explicitly aware that he's her captain and the power dynamics are not great if he were to make advances, and they end in a happy for now place where they're going to try to make it work instead of full lifemates (it's not even explicit that they are in the sense of the setting at this point, though it's implied if the reader has read other stories and knows the signs.)
I find myself wishing as always that Shan and Priscilla didn't take such a back seat to Val Con and Miri from Agent of Change as the series goes on. There was evidently a sequel to this book planned, but it stalled and was scrapped- the authors have posted a partial draft on their website with commentary. Shan shows up again in Alliance of Equals, a book about his relationship with his daughter (from a short-term contract marriage before this book opens) Padi, but Priscilla is only a minor character there. I hope as always that they'll show up more in the future.
December 9, 2017
http://delivreenlivres.blogspot.fr/20...
J'ai largement préféré ce tome au précédent, j'ai vraiment bien aimé ma lecture.
L'histoire commence avec Priscilla Delacroix, une jeune femme qui est bannie de son monde à 16 ans. Celle ci survit en trouvant un boulot à bord de vaisseaux marchands, errant dans la galaxie au gré des voyages de ceux ci. Son boulot actuel, 10 ans environ après ses début est celui de Cargo Master, en gros elle est en charge de superviser la marchandise et de la rentrer et la sortir au bon moment.
Depuis 6 mois elle officie sur le vaisseau Liaden Doxflon de Sav Rid Olenik et ce n'est pas du tout un boulot plaisant tellement l’atmosphère est pesante, les avances de sa chef lourdes et le racisme contre les humains élevé, mais elle s'en accommode. Jusqu'au jour ou elle commence à soupçonner que la marchandise qu'elle trimbale n'est pas aussi légale qu'elle se l'imagine. Elle mène l'enquête distraitement, cachant les preuves qu'elle récolte.
C'est pourquoi elle est vraiment surprise lorsque Sav Rid s'arrange pour qu'elle soit attaquée et abandonnée dans un petit port au milieu de nulle part.
Ne sachant pas que faire elle n'a comme choix que de monter à bord d'un autre vaisseau Liaden qui est à quai pour reprendre sa vie. C'est ainsi qu'elle échoue sur le Dutiful Passage de Shan yos'Galen à la recherche de n'importe quelle boulot.
Il se trouve que Shan est lui aussi en conflit contre Sav Rid, un conflit d'honneur, et donc il décide de prendre Priscilla comme alliée dans sa quête de "balance" comme les Liaden appellent ça entre leurs deux familles ...
Franchement c'est le genre de lecture bonne humeur que j'affectionne particulièrement. Alors certes oui on est dans une ambiance qui fait vraiment très années 80 visuellement, les années d'écriture de la série, et il y a un début de romance (mais vraiment juste le début ici, bien qu'on la sente venir à des kilomètres) mais ça n’empêche pas que je ressent une sorte de nostalgie en les lisant.
Pour faire un petit point, dans cet univers les humains ont évolués en deux sous espèces (et il existe aussi d'autres races extraterrestres mais on n'en parle peu ici). D'un coté ceux qui se font toujours appeler les humains, et qui sont majoritaire et de l'autre les Liaden. Les Liaden sont physiquement plus petit et plus frêles que les humains, et ils possèdent divers pouvoirs psychiques qui les distinguent clairement des autres humains. Ils sont les barrons du commerce dans l'espace, regroupés en grandes familles qui se battent entre elle pour l'honneur ou pour l'argent.
Shan est un Liaden pas comme les autres. Pour les personnes ayant lu le tome précédent il est de la même famille que le personnage principal de Agent of Change. Il est considéré comme très laid par les Liaden, essentiellement parce qu'il est à moitié humain et que donc physiquement il est très loin de leurs standards de beauté.
Mais ça ne l’empêche bien évidemment pas d'être un excellent commerçant florissant, comme nombre de ses congénères Liaden. Concernant ses capacités c'est un ampathe très puissant, il lui est presque impossible de se fermer aux autres. Il a aussi une célèbre habitude de recueillir tout les chiots perdus qui se retrouvent sur sa route (un peu comme Miles Vorkosigan si on devait établir un parallèle).
Shan se fait passer pour un peu fou, un excentrique quoi et j'ai adoré sa personnalité ouverte et joyeuse en toute occasion. Il est très intelligent en fait car cela pousse ses ennemis à le dévaloriser et à ne pas le prendre au sérieux.
Du coup quand Priscilla débarque il ne peut pas s’empêcher de trouver une excuse pour l’accueillir à son bord, à la grande surprise de celle ci qui a plus l'habitude de voir les Liaden se considérer comme les rois de la galaxie et ne pas se préoccuper des autres.
Au début il est une sorte de mentor pour la jeune femme, il la prend sous son aile, lui apprend le métier de pilote et l’intègre à son équipage alors qu'à la base elle ne servait à rien vu que tout les postes utiles étaient déjà occupés.
Le reste de l'équipage n'est pas en reste bien sur, je ne compte plus le nombre de personnalités fortes et sympathique que ce vaisseau possède.
Un point que je n'ai pas abordé c'est le fait que Priscilla possède elle aussi des pouvoirs, mais elle est novice dans le monde et donc elle ne sait pas que les Liadan en possèdent aussi. D'ailleurs dans le monde d’où elle vient rares sont ceux à en avoir et quand elles en ont elles sont destinés à la prêtrise car on considère que c'est un cadeau des dieux (et oui ce ne sont que des femmes d'ailleurs).
La différence d'utilisation et d'habitude de ces pouvoirs va d'ailleurs poser pas mal de problèmes de compréhension et divers quiproquos à bord du Dutiful Passage.
L'histoire elle même est vraiment très sympa, pas de gros passages d'action bien sur, on est un livre bien plus basé sur l'humain et les relations que le reste mais ça n'a pas empêché le fait que j'ai adoré cette lecture. La quête de revanche de Shan et Priscilla est loin d'être féroce et sanglante mais elle est bien active tout de même, sur d'autres domaines.
Au final je dirais que ce qui caractérise ce tome c'est surtout son ambiance. En fait au niveau relationnel et bon enfant j'avais limité l'impression de retrouver ce que j'avais aimé dans les passages avec un vaisseau de la saga Vorkosigan. Surtout qu'on retrouve ce coté mépris des préjugés et acceptation de l'autre tel qu'il est qui est un des thèmes forts de la saga.
Bon il est clair que pour l'instant cette série n'est pas du même niveau, mais je ne perd pas espoir car j'ai lu de partout que les auteurs s'amélioraient grandement au fur et à mesure des tomes.
L'ambiance m'a aussi fait penser à mes lectures des grosses sagas de ces époques la, comme Pern ou Ténébreuse par la façon d'écrire les personnages. Du coup je pense que si j'avais lu ces livres à l'époque de mon adolescence j'en serais devenu totalement fana, comme avec les autres !
17/20
J'ai largement préféré ce tome au précédent, j'ai vraiment bien aimé ma lecture.
L'histoire commence avec Priscilla Delacroix, une jeune femme qui est bannie de son monde à 16 ans. Celle ci survit en trouvant un boulot à bord de vaisseaux marchands, errant dans la galaxie au gré des voyages de ceux ci. Son boulot actuel, 10 ans environ après ses début est celui de Cargo Master, en gros elle est en charge de superviser la marchandise et de la rentrer et la sortir au bon moment.
Depuis 6 mois elle officie sur le vaisseau Liaden Doxflon de Sav Rid Olenik et ce n'est pas du tout un boulot plaisant tellement l’atmosphère est pesante, les avances de sa chef lourdes et le racisme contre les humains élevé, mais elle s'en accommode. Jusqu'au jour ou elle commence à soupçonner que la marchandise qu'elle trimbale n'est pas aussi légale qu'elle se l'imagine. Elle mène l'enquête distraitement, cachant les preuves qu'elle récolte.
C'est pourquoi elle est vraiment surprise lorsque Sav Rid s'arrange pour qu'elle soit attaquée et abandonnée dans un petit port au milieu de nulle part.
Ne sachant pas que faire elle n'a comme choix que de monter à bord d'un autre vaisseau Liaden qui est à quai pour reprendre sa vie. C'est ainsi qu'elle échoue sur le Dutiful Passage de Shan yos'Galen à la recherche de n'importe quelle boulot.
Il se trouve que Shan est lui aussi en conflit contre Sav Rid, un conflit d'honneur, et donc il décide de prendre Priscilla comme alliée dans sa quête de "balance" comme les Liaden appellent ça entre leurs deux familles ...
Franchement c'est le genre de lecture bonne humeur que j'affectionne particulièrement. Alors certes oui on est dans une ambiance qui fait vraiment très années 80 visuellement, les années d'écriture de la série, et il y a un début de romance (mais vraiment juste le début ici, bien qu'on la sente venir à des kilomètres) mais ça n’empêche pas que je ressent une sorte de nostalgie en les lisant.
Pour faire un petit point, dans cet univers les humains ont évolués en deux sous espèces (et il existe aussi d'autres races extraterrestres mais on n'en parle peu ici). D'un coté ceux qui se font toujours appeler les humains, et qui sont majoritaire et de l'autre les Liaden. Les Liaden sont physiquement plus petit et plus frêles que les humains, et ils possèdent divers pouvoirs psychiques qui les distinguent clairement des autres humains. Ils sont les barrons du commerce dans l'espace, regroupés en grandes familles qui se battent entre elle pour l'honneur ou pour l'argent.
Shan est un Liaden pas comme les autres. Pour les personnes ayant lu le tome précédent il est de la même famille que le personnage principal de Agent of Change. Il est considéré comme très laid par les Liaden, essentiellement parce qu'il est à moitié humain et que donc physiquement il est très loin de leurs standards de beauté.
Mais ça ne l’empêche bien évidemment pas d'être un excellent commerçant florissant, comme nombre de ses congénères Liaden. Concernant ses capacités c'est un ampathe très puissant, il lui est presque impossible de se fermer aux autres. Il a aussi une célèbre habitude de recueillir tout les chiots perdus qui se retrouvent sur sa route (un peu comme Miles Vorkosigan si on devait établir un parallèle).
Shan se fait passer pour un peu fou, un excentrique quoi et j'ai adoré sa personnalité ouverte et joyeuse en toute occasion. Il est très intelligent en fait car cela pousse ses ennemis à le dévaloriser et à ne pas le prendre au sérieux.
Du coup quand Priscilla débarque il ne peut pas s’empêcher de trouver une excuse pour l’accueillir à son bord, à la grande surprise de celle ci qui a plus l'habitude de voir les Liaden se considérer comme les rois de la galaxie et ne pas se préoccuper des autres.
Au début il est une sorte de mentor pour la jeune femme, il la prend sous son aile, lui apprend le métier de pilote et l’intègre à son équipage alors qu'à la base elle ne servait à rien vu que tout les postes utiles étaient déjà occupés.
Le reste de l'équipage n'est pas en reste bien sur, je ne compte plus le nombre de personnalités fortes et sympathique que ce vaisseau possède.
Un point que je n'ai pas abordé c'est le fait que Priscilla possède elle aussi des pouvoirs, mais elle est novice dans le monde et donc elle ne sait pas que les Liadan en possèdent aussi. D'ailleurs dans le monde d’où elle vient rares sont ceux à en avoir et quand elles en ont elles sont destinés à la prêtrise car on considère que c'est un cadeau des dieux (et oui ce ne sont que des femmes d'ailleurs).
La différence d'utilisation et d'habitude de ces pouvoirs va d'ailleurs poser pas mal de problèmes de compréhension et divers quiproquos à bord du Dutiful Passage.
L'histoire elle même est vraiment très sympa, pas de gros passages d'action bien sur, on est un livre bien plus basé sur l'humain et les relations que le reste mais ça n'a pas empêché le fait que j'ai adoré cette lecture. La quête de revanche de Shan et Priscilla est loin d'être féroce et sanglante mais elle est bien active tout de même, sur d'autres domaines.
Au final je dirais que ce qui caractérise ce tome c'est surtout son ambiance. En fait au niveau relationnel et bon enfant j'avais limité l'impression de retrouver ce que j'avais aimé dans les passages avec un vaisseau de la saga Vorkosigan. Surtout qu'on retrouve ce coté mépris des préjugés et acceptation de l'autre tel qu'il est qui est un des thèmes forts de la saga.
Bon il est clair que pour l'instant cette série n'est pas du même niveau, mais je ne perd pas espoir car j'ai lu de partout que les auteurs s'amélioraient grandement au fur et à mesure des tomes.
L'ambiance m'a aussi fait penser à mes lectures des grosses sagas de ces époques la, comme Pern ou Ténébreuse par la façon d'écrire les personnages. Du coup je pense que si j'avais lu ces livres à l'époque de mon adolescence j'en serais devenu totalement fana, comme avec les autres !
17/20
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