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Liaden Universe, Chronological #12,14
Korval's Game: Plan B / I Dare
The Liaden Universe(R) series has enthralled thousands of readers, and now two of its most exciting space adventure novels are combined in one popularly-priced Omni-trade volume.
Plan B: Val Con yos'Phelium is a fugitive. The heir of Clan Korval is wanted by the covert Liaden agency known as the Department of the Interior, whose rulers have declared unofficial war against the entire clan. With only his love, Miri Robertson, by his side, Val Con plans a desperate gamble by forming an alliance with Clan Erob on the planet where Miri was born.
But Val Con's cousin, Shan yos'Galan, can't wait for help that may never arrive. With enemy agents closing in, he invokes Plan B--setting in motion a series of events that will have dire consequences, not only for him and his life-mate, Priscilla Mendoza, but all of Liad . . .
I Dare: On the run from the agents of the Department of the Interior, Val Con has been separated from Miri. Shan, Val Con's cousin, and Shan's life-mate Priscilla, continue to search for him, believing that he's the Clan's last hope for survival.
But the DOI is attacking Clan Korval in a more subtle fashion. Pat Rin yos'Phelium--Val's ne'er-do-well, nearly identical cousin, gambler and shooter--is offered control of the clan. The DOI believes they can manipulate him into serving their agenda.
They're "wrong" . . .
"I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories." --Anne McCaffrey
829 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2011
45 people are currently reading
142 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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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 3, 2015
Great read! I love this series!
November 6, 2023
Omnibus for Plan B and I Dare.
In a lot of ways, this was difficult to get through. The world-building was detailed and interesting, and there was a decent amount of tension from several different plots. I particularly liked Anthora, her cats and Ren Zel, though I found Pat Rin irritating.
I think what put me off most about these books was the writing style. Every time something interesting was about to happen, like a difficult conversation, a fight or character development, the point of view shifted. When the narrative returned to the character(s) in question, enough time had passed that the character(s) had moved onto the next plot point & repeat.
It did allow the books to cover a lot of ground across a large number of characters, but as I felt pulled back each time I started to identify with them, I couldn't really enjoy the characters or the story.
In a lot of ways, this was difficult to get through. The world-building was detailed and interesting, and there was a decent amount of tension from several different plots. I particularly liked Anthora, her cats and Ren Zel, though I found Pat Rin irritating.
I think what put me off most about these books was the writing style. Every time something interesting was about to happen, like a difficult conversation, a fight or character development, the point of view shifted. When the narrative returned to the character(s) in question, enough time had passed that the character(s) had moved onto the next plot point & repeat.
It did allow the books to cover a lot of ground across a large number of characters, but as I felt pulled back each time I started to identify with them, I couldn't really enjoy the characters or the story.
March 31, 2020
The Story of Clan Korval's banishment
The Department of the Interior has fiendish plans to take over Liad and destroy Clan Korval. Here Are the maneuverings of plots and counter strikes which split the family, each going into danger separately and attracting allies and lifemates before they finally converge on the Department.
Cousin Pat Rin takes a major role, while Val Con and Miri are also active. Excellent series. Definitely a favorite.
The Department of the Interior has fiendish plans to take over Liad and destroy Clan Korval. Here Are the maneuverings of plots and counter strikes which split the family, each going into danger separately and attracting allies and lifemates before they finally converge on the Department.
Cousin Pat Rin takes a major role, while Val Con and Miri are also active. Excellent series. Definitely a favorite.
March 28, 2022
Great story that stands the test of time
Incredible world building with a sublimely intriguing culture. Interesting characters that make you cheer for their success. All frosted with a rollicking good plot. Years later I read it again and loved it even more. It will live forever on my lifelong favorites shelf.
Incredible world building with a sublimely intriguing culture. Interesting characters that make you cheer for their success. All frosted with a rollicking good plot. Years later I read it again and loved it even more. It will live forever on my lifelong favorites shelf.
March 20, 2019
A delightful wrap for the story of the previous omnibus volumes, as everything comes home to roost both for Clan Korval and the Dept. of the Interior.
April 18, 2022
Enthralled
Loved this series. Looking for more. Characters are interesting and likeable. Just have to find more of these to read.
Loved this series. Looking for more. Characters are interesting and likeable. Just have to find more of these to read.
August 1, 2017
[April 2015] Re-read. A complete delight, as usual; especially I Dare, in which so many long-running, independent subplots at last merge into an extremely satisfying whole.
[June 2014] This omnibus contains two excellent novels, both of which end on rather exciting cliffhangers. The first, Plan B, is the apex of the "Agent of Change" sequence; it's a very military book, packed with epic land and space battles and terrific feats of derring-do. Continuing the long-running theme of 'turning strangers/enemies into friends/partners', it also brings Clan Korval some unexpected allies in their war against the Department of the Interior--not to mention .
I Dare includes two important new perspectives--Pat Rin and Anthora. And I love both of them! Pat Rin is the black sheep of the family, rather like Byerly Vorrutyer in the Vorkosigan Saga. His talents are not the kind his clan values--or so Pat Rin had always thought, until Plan B came into effect. And Anthora, the little sister of Shan and Nova, might just be my new favorite character. Left behind on Liad to stand guard over the Tree, Anthora is more than a match for everything the Department of the Interior throws at her. The passages where she are among my favorites in the entire series.
There's a HUGE twist at the end of I Dare--something that will (I think) forever alter Liaden society, and not for the better. Can Korval lose the battle, but somehow still win the war? Perhaps the next book will tell.
[June 2014] This omnibus contains two excellent novels, both of which end on rather exciting cliffhangers. The first, Plan B, is the apex of the "Agent of Change" sequence; it's a very military book, packed with epic land and space battles and terrific feats of derring-do. Continuing the long-running theme of 'turning strangers/enemies into friends/partners', it also brings Clan Korval some unexpected allies in their war against the Department of the Interior--not to mention .
I Dare includes two important new perspectives--Pat Rin and Anthora. And I love both of them! Pat Rin is the black sheep of the family, rather like Byerly Vorrutyer in the Vorkosigan Saga. His talents are not the kind his clan values--or so Pat Rin had always thought, until Plan B came into effect. And Anthora, the little sister of Shan and Nova, might just be my new favorite character. Left behind on Liad to stand guard over the Tree, Anthora is more than a match for everything the Department of the Interior throws at her. The passages where she are among my favorites in the entire series.
There's a HUGE twist at the end of I Dare--something that will (I think) forever alter Liaden society, and not for the better. Can Korval lose the battle, but somehow still win the war? Perhaps the next book will tell.
October 2, 2016
This is two books, Plan B and I Dare. Korval' s Game was the only edition of I Dare that I could find at my local library. I Dare is a continuation of the story from Plan B. I've already reviewed Plan B so this review is for I Dare.
Up until now Pat Rin has been portrayed as a playboy with no useful occupation or interests. The Department of the Interior makes this assumption and is surprised to find it has awakened his innate administrative abilities and strong family ties that drive him to seek balance.
By the end of the book most of the clan is back together and planning to move Korval lock, stock and barrel, from Liad. Towards the end it was really hard to put this book down.
Up until now Pat Rin has been portrayed as a playboy with no useful occupation or interests. The Department of the Interior makes this assumption and is surprised to find it has awakened his innate administrative abilities and strong family ties that drive him to seek balance.
By the end of the book most of the clan is back together and planning to move Korval lock, stock and barrel, from Liad. Towards the end it was really hard to put this book down.
May 6, 2018
The best thing about this omnibook is these two books are the cumulation of all the set-up in the prior novels. The pace is quick and the stakes are high. SO GLAD I didn't have to wait YEARS between these books.
The first half "Plan B" is Miri and Val Con being sucked into defending against planetary invasion while continuing to prepare for the DotI.
The closing half "I Dare" is concurrent with the first but from the pov of a Korval clan member I was NOT fond of when introduced in "Carpe Diem" but quickly and shockingly became a favorite.
The first half "Plan B" is Miri and Val Con being sucked into defending against planetary invasion while continuing to prepare for the DotI.
The closing half "I Dare" is concurrent with the first but from the pov of a Korval clan member I was NOT fond of when introduced in "Carpe Diem" but quickly and shockingly became a favorite.
October 24, 2014
Another excellent set of books in this omnibus furthering the core story of the Korval line. Lots of action and warfare in these two books, pitting the Department of the Interior against the House Korval and their honor-bound duty to protect the various clans on Liad, despite their short-sightedness and political wranglings.
September 10, 2015
Plan B 29.6.2014 Wow. No rest for the wicked. Amazing, wonderful, intricate, fascinating, mind-blowing continuation of the story. Love! 5 stars
I Dare 29-30.6.2014 Exquisite worldbuilding, exciting adventure, fantastic character growth, satisfying relationships, absolutely wonderful to read. 5 stars
I Dare 29-30.6.2014 Exquisite worldbuilding, exciting adventure, fantastic character growth, satisfying relationships, absolutely wonderful to read. 5 stars
September 16, 2018
Next time I go hunting for pat rin start here.
Hunter long and hard to find surebleak beginning the plan b initiative to were it boiled up to. Lots of cool characters to choose a favorite from . Curious to see if Dave ever comes back to clan and a side story with uncle ? Won T that be a double whopper!
Hunter long and hard to find surebleak beginning the plan b initiative to were it boiled up to. Lots of cool characters to choose a favorite from . Curious to see if Dave ever comes back to clan and a side story with uncle ? Won T that be a double whopper!
February 22, 2014
Plan B. Now that was fun reading.
I Dare. Fills in all the gaps I had by starting with the Theo books.
I hate that I am up to date with this storyline. At least I have the first vol. of short stories on hand.
I Dare. Fills in all the gaps I had by starting with the Theo books.
I hate that I am up to date with this storyline. At least I have the first vol. of short stories on hand.
June 17, 2016
I love these books. The characterization and worldbuilding are fantastic. I think it's time for a re-read.
September 13, 2014
Two-book volume. Earned a 5-star rating for the first book, even before beginning the second! AMAZING.
April 7, 2017
Omnibus containing:
Plan B
I Dare
RATING: 4.4 out of 5.0 Rounding Down to 4.0
Plan B
I Dare
RATING: 4.4 out of 5.0 Rounding Down to 4.0
September 16, 2019
I bought this double book copy to keep in my home. It is hard to find Sharon lee books now. She and her husband steve miller have written a new one that will be out in December this year.
September 6, 2012
A good conclusion to the series.
December 24, 2017
Reread for about the 5th time! I love the Liaden Universe!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews