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Liaden Universe, Chronological #1-3
The Crystal Variation
From Book 1: Thirty‑three shorter tales of the Liaden Universe® brought together for the first time in two mega‑volumes. Seventeen tales to start with in Volume One!
The nationally best‑selling Liaden Universe® novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world‑building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge‑of‑the‑chair action.
Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe® with the excitement, action, and romance that readers of the hit series have come to adore.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 80s to bring the world the story of Kinzel, a inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband-and-wife team have written dozens of short stories, and eighteen novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®. Before settling down to the serene and stable life of a science fiction and fantasy writer, Steve was a traveling poet, a rock-band reviewer, reporter, and editor of a string of community newspapers. Sharon, less adventurous, has been an advertising copywriter, copy editor on night-side news at a small city newspaper, reporter, photographer, and book reviewer. Both credit their newspaper experiences with teaching them the finer points of collaboration. Sharon and Steve passionately believe that reading fiction ought to be fun, and that stories are entertainment.
The nationally best‑selling Liaden Universe® novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world‑building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge‑of‑the‑chair action.
Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe® with the excitement, action, and romance that readers of the hit series have come to adore.
At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).
Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 80s to bring the world the story of Kinzel, a inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband-and-wife team have written dozens of short stories, and eighteen novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®. Before settling down to the serene and stable life of a science fiction and fantasy writer, Steve was a traveling poet, a rock-band reviewer, reporter, and editor of a string of community newspapers. Sharon, less adventurous, has been an advertising copywriter, copy editor on night-side news at a small city newspaper, reporter, photographer, and book reviewer. Both credit their newspaper experiences with teaching them the finer points of collaboration. Sharon and Steve passionately believe that reading fiction ought to be fun, and that stories are entertainment.
1200 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2011
45 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
188 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 8, 2015
Rating for each book varies, detailed below. The three stories in this Kindle collection are 1) Crystal Soldier, 2) Crystal Dragon, and 3) Balance of Trade. Chronologically, the series begins here, ~1300 years in the past.
This digital anthology comes with a dictionary of invented words after the third story, but there is no table of contents to inform the reader, so I didn't know to look for it, even though I needed it. Also, there is a list of characters in the front matter. I noticed some typos across the e-books.
I was looking for light science-fiction / space opera, something like Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Series, which I loved for the character, relationship, and plot development. See Barrayar, for one example. This Liaden Universe series did the trick. It took a few books, but eventually I grew to love it.
SPOILED (!) summary of books 1-2:
4 stars for Book 1, Crystal Soldier. It has a truly wonderful beginning third, a mediocre middle section, and a strong final third, with a suspenseful cliffhanger ending. See my full review of Crystal Soldier.
2.5 stars for the first reading of Book 2, Crystal Dragon. I was confused for several chapters, with unexplained invented terms making for a frustrating beginning. Certainly the last half is fabulous, with rich relationships and lots of action. After reading the whole series, and then re-reading this book (referencing the hidden dictionary at the end), it was MUCH more comprehensible and enjoyable. I eventually also listened to Audible, narrated superbly by Kevin T. Collins. See my full review of Crystal Dragon. Upgraded to 3.5 stars after reading entire series and then re-reading Crystal Dragon.
4.0 stars for Book 3, Balance of Trade. Even though it is only tangentially related to the prequels, it is still enjoyable and appealing (albeit more suitable to young adults). It's set 1118 years after the prequels, and not on planet Liad. Clan Korval and Tree are only references. Still, BoT is brimming with relationship and character development, and includes some decent suspense and action. See my full review of Balance of Trade.
Quibbles: I have now read the entire series, except for a few short stories. My biggest problem with this series, besides the head-hopping, scene-jumping POVs, is that, too often, emergency life-death problems are solved by a dramliza (wizard) / goddess magic, a miraculous autodoc healer, and/or Tree magic. (These easy fixes are primarily why I prefer Bujold's Vorkosigan series, where character — determination, intelligence, guts, faith, and teamwork — wins the day. See The Warrior's Apprentice for one more example.)
The series is good. I enjoyed it. However, the authors obviously did not sketch out the series in advance, and they publish out of order, not sequentially, not chronologically. That becomes mildly frustrating at times. Also, certain important threads were either shoved back or dropped from the series. Some examples:
Starting the series: A really fun series, but generally not profound. My favorite books are Plan B, I Dare, and Necessity's Child, but don't start there. My advice is to start at the beginning, with Crystal Soldier (but be prepared for some confusion, and utilize the dictionary at the end of the Crystal Variation anthology). Or, for an easier, more enjoyable transition into the series, start with Local Custom. It's a lightweight space opera, with the Korval Clan's master trader falling in love with a scholar.
This digital anthology comes with a dictionary of invented words after the third story, but there is no table of contents to inform the reader, so I didn't know to look for it, even though I needed it. Also, there is a list of characters in the front matter. I noticed some typos across the e-books.
I was looking for light science-fiction / space opera, something like Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan Series, which I loved for the character, relationship, and plot development. See Barrayar, for one example. This Liaden Universe series did the trick. It took a few books, but eventually I grew to love it.
SPOILED (!) summary of books 1-2:
4 stars for Book 1, Crystal Soldier. It has a truly wonderful beginning third, a mediocre middle section, and a strong final third, with a suspenseful cliffhanger ending. See my full review of Crystal Soldier.
2.5 stars for the first reading of Book 2, Crystal Dragon. I was confused for several chapters, with unexplained invented terms making for a frustrating beginning. Certainly the last half is fabulous, with rich relationships and lots of action. After reading the whole series, and then re-reading this book (referencing the hidden dictionary at the end), it was MUCH more comprehensible and enjoyable. I eventually also listened to Audible, narrated superbly by Kevin T. Collins. See my full review of Crystal Dragon. Upgraded to 3.5 stars after reading entire series and then re-reading Crystal Dragon.
4.0 stars for Book 3, Balance of Trade. Even though it is only tangentially related to the prequels, it is still enjoyable and appealing (albeit more suitable to young adults). It's set 1118 years after the prequels, and not on planet Liad. Clan Korval and Tree are only references. Still, BoT is brimming with relationship and character development, and includes some decent suspense and action. See my full review of Balance of Trade.
Quibbles: I have now read the entire series, except for a few short stories. My biggest problem with this series, besides the head-hopping, scene-jumping POVs, is that, too often, emergency life-death problems are solved by a dramliza (wizard) / goddess magic, a miraculous autodoc healer, and/or Tree magic. (These easy fixes are primarily why I prefer Bujold's Vorkosigan series, where character — determination, intelligence, guts, faith, and teamwork — wins the day. See The Warrior's Apprentice for one more example.)
The series is good. I enjoyed it. However, the authors obviously did not sketch out the series in advance, and they publish out of order, not sequentially, not chronologically. That becomes mildly frustrating at times. Also, certain important threads were either shoved back or dropped from the series. Some examples:
Starting the series: A really fun series, but generally not profound. My favorite books are Plan B, I Dare, and Necessity's Child, but don't start there. My advice is to start at the beginning, with Crystal Soldier (but be prepared for some confusion, and utilize the dictionary at the end of the Crystal Variation anthology). Or, for an easier, more enjoyable transition into the series, start with Local Custom. It's a lightweight space opera, with the Korval Clan's master trader falling in love with a scholar.
February 10, 2017
I discovered the Liaden series looking for excellent science fiction to read and the ratings are consistently high throughout so I decided to buy the first book and try it out. I found this omnibus of the first three novels for the price of a single novel, so I grabbed it. I thought to read the first few pages to see how the writing is, and never put it down until I had read the entire three novels, almost 1200 pages.
This series deserves the super high ratings that it has. That is my no spoiler review.
This series deserves the super high ratings that it has. That is my no spoiler review.
April 20, 2019
Overall I will be giving it a 4 stars
I will just be writing short reviews for the books individually. I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as a whole, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but it's a really enjoyable story. Like I've said before I was under the impression that I had most good sff books on my radar - this book just proves how wrong I was about that assumption. I've only read the first 3 books in the reading order (according to my friend who has recommended these books to me) and I already kind of want to go back and read this book again - well after I finish Trade secret.
Book 1: The Crystal Soldier
4 stars - I was slightly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, the story is quite fast paced and well written - I liked both of the main characters Jela & Cantra quite a bit, they were both very interesting and both have this air of mystery around them where you don't know exactly who or what they are and you slowly find out some of it throughout the story (and I assumed you will get more in the second book). I thought the world building was well done and the universe as a whole is quite interesting and I can't wait to find out more. I also really enjoyed the writing style that at times felt a bit like stream of consciousness from the characters perspective . For example: the character would be thinking something and then the thought would get interrupted mid-sentence and the character would respond to whatever was happening. While that's not a unique thing I hadn't seen it in a long time and I really enjoyed that aspect of the writing style. One thing I kind of disliked as that especially for the first half of the book I spend quite a lot of time not sure about what the heck was going on and feeling like maybe I had missed something important, this wasn't strong enough of a feeling that it really brought the whole book down for me because I was enjoying what I was reading, even if I didn't really know what was going on.
Book 2: The Crystal Dragon
3 stars - the first half of this book is quite rough to be honest, it wasn't exactly bad but after coming of the high that book 1 left me on it was a bit of a disappointment. The second half was utterly amazing and had me in tears at several points - it had a lot of the parts I loved about the first book and more . The ending was, in my opinion, marvelous, and the perfect ending which now has me wanting more.
Book 3: Balance of Trade
4 stars - This book is set many many years after the story of the Crystal Dragon & has not much to do with that story (other than the implications as seen by the ending which are somewhat spoilery so I won't discuss them here). Jethri is an interesting main character, much like with the characters in the crystal soldier there is a lot of mystery going on around him and I'm interested to see where it's all going to go.
I will just be writing short reviews for the books individually. I was quite surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as a whole, I wasn't sure exactly what to expect but it's a really enjoyable story. Like I've said before I was under the impression that I had most good sff books on my radar - this book just proves how wrong I was about that assumption. I've only read the first 3 books in the reading order (according to my friend who has recommended these books to me) and I already kind of want to go back and read this book again - well after I finish Trade secret.
Book 1: The Crystal Soldier
4 stars - I was slightly surprised by how much I enjoyed it, the story is quite fast paced and well written - I liked both of the main characters Jela & Cantra quite a bit, they were both very interesting and both have this air of mystery around them where you don't know exactly who or what they are and you slowly find out some of it throughout the story (and I assumed you will get more in the second book). I thought the world building was well done and the universe as a whole is quite interesting and I can't wait to find out more. I also really enjoyed the writing style that at times felt a bit like stream of consciousness from the characters perspective . For example: the character would be thinking something and then the thought would get interrupted mid-sentence and the character would respond to whatever was happening. While that's not a unique thing I hadn't seen it in a long time and I really enjoyed that aspect of the writing style. One thing I kind of disliked as that especially for the first half of the book I spend quite a lot of time not sure about what the heck was going on and feeling like maybe I had missed something important, this wasn't strong enough of a feeling that it really brought the whole book down for me because I was enjoying what I was reading, even if I didn't really know what was going on.
Book 2: The Crystal Dragon
3 stars - the first half of this book is quite rough to be honest, it wasn't exactly bad but after coming of the high that book 1 left me on it was a bit of a disappointment. The second half was utterly amazing and had me in tears at several points - it had a lot of the parts I loved about the first book and more . The ending was, in my opinion, marvelous, and the perfect ending which now has me wanting more.
Book 3: Balance of Trade
4 stars - This book is set many many years after the story of the Crystal Dragon & has not much to do with that story (other than the implications as seen by the ending which are somewhat spoilery so I won't discuss them here). Jethri is an interesting main character, much like with the characters in the crystal soldier there is a lot of mystery going on around him and I'm interested to see where it's all going to go.
July 10, 2021
Lee, Sharon, and Steve Miller. The Crystal Variation. Liaden Universe Nos. 1-3. Baen, 2006,
The Crystal Variation is one of several handy places to start reading the Liaden books. It contains the two Great Migration novels, Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon, and the first of the Jethri novels, Balance of Trade. The Crystal novels deal with the Liaden clan founders, Jela and Cantera, and the ancient war between two powerful alien races that shape Liaden evolution. The setting in Balance of Trade is so far in the future that Cantera has become the traditional name for Liaden currency. I have reviewed each novel separately. 4 stars for economy.
The Crystal Variation is one of several handy places to start reading the Liaden books. It contains the two Great Migration novels, Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon, and the first of the Jethri novels, Balance of Trade. The Crystal novels deal with the Liaden clan founders, Jela and Cantera, and the ancient war between two powerful alien races that shape Liaden evolution. The setting in Balance of Trade is so far in the future that Cantera has become the traditional name for Liaden currency. I have reviewed each novel separately. 4 stars for economy.
July 15, 2017
Liaden origin novels.
April 2, 2019
Love the Backstory
My 3rd time reading this. I finally have the whole set and am reading chronologically this time. I love Jela, and cry for Cantra every time.
My 3rd time reading this. I finally have the whole set and am reading chronologically this time. I love Jela, and cry for Cantra every time.
April 7, 2017
SUMMARY:
This book contains the first three novels, in internal chronology order, of the Liaden Universe. The Novels are: Crystal Soldier, Crystal Dragon, and Balance of Trade.
Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon are close together in time. By this I mean Crystal Dragon takes up where Crystal Solider leaves off. Balance of Trade occurs a long time after the end of Crystal Dragon.
CRYSTAL SOLDIER
In Crystal Soldier we are introduced to the struggle between mankind and the Sheriekas. Solider M. Jela Granthor's Guard is stranded on a dry desert planet during a space battle. Close to death he finds one lone tree, that is actually the sole survivor of the intelligent race of the planet. The tree keeps Jela alive, and in return Jela takes the tree when he is rescued.
After his rescue Jela is recruited by a secret group within the military that is finding the way to defeat the enemy. Carrying is small tree with him, Jela takes command of a ship and starts searching for information about the enemy.
While waiting to meet one of his contacts at a restaurant, Jela accidentally has dinner with Cantra yos'Phelium, the owner/pilot of a one person ship who comes to the restaurant and asks if there is anyone who wants company for dinner. The chance encounter ensnares Cantra and Dulsey (a batcher from the restaurant who helps them) in attempts to capture Jela.
Jela, along with his tree, joins Cantra as her co-pilot with Dulsey as a passenager on Cantra's ship. They travel around the rim, trying to find a safe place to leave Dulsey and try to reach a point where they can disengage from each other and go their separate ways.
CRYSTAL DRAGON
Crystal Dragon continues where Crystal Soldier ends. A safe home has been found for Dulsey. Jela and Cantra are still together.
The book actually starts with the introduction of Rool Tiazan and his dominant. They are a pair that form one unit. Created by the Sheriekas they have powers to exist on different planes and the manipulate the strands of probability that determines all future events.
But they, and some others of their kind, have also grown to hate the Sheriekas.
Rool and his dominant find Jela and Cantra and save them from ambush. They tell them that there is no way to defeat the Sheriekas, but it may be possible to escape into an alternate universe at the monment of the Sheriekas last victory.
Jela and Cantra must find the equations developed by great mathematician and adapt them to plot the course for star ships to follow to the new universe and to survival.
BALANCE OF TRADE
Balance of Trade occurs generations later in the new universe the survivors escaped into. The universe seems to be populated with Terran and Liadens. The Liadens are descendants of the people who escaped the destruction of the Sheriekas.
The Terrans and the Liadens interact and trade with each other. But they don't understand each other and their is prejudice on both sides.
Jethri Gobelyn is a young Terran who comes to the attention of Liaden master trader Norn ven'Deelin when he gets taken in by a swindle that is using the traders good name. He, accidentally, brings the swindle to ven'Deelin attention.
As a result of the interaction, ven'Deelin decides to take him as an apprentice, the first time a Liaden has done such a thing with a Terran. The story follow Jethri as he learns the culture and the Liaden and adapts to live in their environment.
COMMENTS
I don't have a lot of comments. I had actually read the first two before I got this book. I knew I had read the first novel before the purchase, I remembered reading the second novel as I read it again. The third novel was completely new to me.
As you can tell from my rating, I think they were excellent stories. I think I'm going to try reading the books in chronology order. I look forward to finding and reading the next book from the universe.
This book contains the first three novels, in internal chronology order, of the Liaden Universe. The Novels are: Crystal Soldier, Crystal Dragon, and Balance of Trade.
Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon are close together in time. By this I mean Crystal Dragon takes up where Crystal Solider leaves off. Balance of Trade occurs a long time after the end of Crystal Dragon.
CRYSTAL SOLDIER
In Crystal Soldier we are introduced to the struggle between mankind and the Sheriekas. Solider M. Jela Granthor's Guard is stranded on a dry desert planet during a space battle. Close to death he finds one lone tree, that is actually the sole survivor of the intelligent race of the planet. The tree keeps Jela alive, and in return Jela takes the tree when he is rescued.
After his rescue Jela is recruited by a secret group within the military that is finding the way to defeat the enemy. Carrying is small tree with him, Jela takes command of a ship and starts searching for information about the enemy.
While waiting to meet one of his contacts at a restaurant, Jela accidentally has dinner with Cantra yos'Phelium, the owner/pilot of a one person ship who comes to the restaurant and asks if there is anyone who wants company for dinner. The chance encounter ensnares Cantra and Dulsey (a batcher from the restaurant who helps them) in attempts to capture Jela.
Jela, along with his tree, joins Cantra as her co-pilot with Dulsey as a passenager on Cantra's ship. They travel around the rim, trying to find a safe place to leave Dulsey and try to reach a point where they can disengage from each other and go their separate ways.
CRYSTAL DRAGON
Crystal Dragon continues where Crystal Soldier ends. A safe home has been found for Dulsey. Jela and Cantra are still together.
The book actually starts with the introduction of Rool Tiazan and his dominant. They are a pair that form one unit. Created by the Sheriekas they have powers to exist on different planes and the manipulate the strands of probability that determines all future events.
But they, and some others of their kind, have also grown to hate the Sheriekas.
Rool and his dominant find Jela and Cantra and save them from ambush. They tell them that there is no way to defeat the Sheriekas, but it may be possible to escape into an alternate universe at the monment of the Sheriekas last victory.
Jela and Cantra must find the equations developed by great mathematician and adapt them to plot the course for star ships to follow to the new universe and to survival.
BALANCE OF TRADE
Balance of Trade occurs generations later in the new universe the survivors escaped into. The universe seems to be populated with Terran and Liadens. The Liadens are descendants of the people who escaped the destruction of the Sheriekas.
The Terrans and the Liadens interact and trade with each other. But they don't understand each other and their is prejudice on both sides.
Jethri Gobelyn is a young Terran who comes to the attention of Liaden master trader Norn ven'Deelin when he gets taken in by a swindle that is using the traders good name. He, accidentally, brings the swindle to ven'Deelin attention.
As a result of the interaction, ven'Deelin decides to take him as an apprentice, the first time a Liaden has done such a thing with a Terran. The story follow Jethri as he learns the culture and the Liaden and adapts to live in their environment.
COMMENTS
I don't have a lot of comments. I had actually read the first two before I got this book. I knew I had read the first novel before the purchase, I remembered reading the second novel as I read it again. The third novel was completely new to me.
As you can tell from my rating, I think they were excellent stories. I think I'm going to try reading the books in chronology order. I look forward to finding and reading the next book from the universe.
March 30, 2012
Excellence. As usual, up to the high standards I expect from these two, my favorite, authors.
The characters are always complex, and the settings always descriptive. The pace was a bit slower for these works, than I found in their earlier works.
I really love the importance of manners, and the evocation of the alien culture that requires dozens of different bows and dozens of different intonations and "modes" of speech. I especially enjoyed the interactions between hapless Terrans who only speak one mode, and the Liadens, often conversant in a depth of shades of meanings that Terrans can't imagine. The interactions between the separate species are brilliant.
The inner strength of the characters, their intelligence, intuitiveness, and empathy are also big draws for me.
These books in particular added a different species, one that is completely alien to the human-based Liadens and Terrans. The description of these energy-beings was detailed and reasonable enough that it seems they could actually have existed; they seemed realistic.
The sentient Tree steals the show.
Lastly, the action is fast-paced enough to make the stories nearly un-put-downable.
A quick synopsis:
These three books describe the origins of the Korval clan, who are so fun to read about in other Liaden novels.
The first novel (Crystal Soldier) in this omnibus follows M. Jela, an engineered soldier who recognizes the danger posed by the energy-beings who are not-so-slowly devouring the universe. M. Jela is a wonderful character, and his partner Cantra yos'Phelium, is intriguing, mysterious, tough, and likeable. Together, they set out to stop the dissipation of the universe.
The second novel (Crystal Dragon) follows the same protagonists as they get closer to their goal of "saving" the universe. In order to do this, they need a mathematical formula that will allow them to pilot to an alternate universe. This requires Cantra to re-make herself into a scholar to infiltrate the tower where the mathematical genius lives.
The third novel (Balance of Trade) introduces Jethri Gobelyn, a Terran with an affinity for Liaden culture and language, and great skill in trading. He gets involved with some pleasant and unpleasant Liadens as he tries to make a name for himself in the trading universe.
The characters are always complex, and the settings always descriptive. The pace was a bit slower for these works, than I found in their earlier works.
I really love the importance of manners, and the evocation of the alien culture that requires dozens of different bows and dozens of different intonations and "modes" of speech. I especially enjoyed the interactions between hapless Terrans who only speak one mode, and the Liadens, often conversant in a depth of shades of meanings that Terrans can't imagine. The interactions between the separate species are brilliant.
The inner strength of the characters, their intelligence, intuitiveness, and empathy are also big draws for me.
These books in particular added a different species, one that is completely alien to the human-based Liadens and Terrans. The description of these energy-beings was detailed and reasonable enough that it seems they could actually have existed; they seemed realistic.
The sentient Tree steals the show.
Lastly, the action is fast-paced enough to make the stories nearly un-put-downable.
A quick synopsis:
These three books describe the origins of the Korval clan, who are so fun to read about in other Liaden novels.
The first novel (Crystal Soldier) in this omnibus follows M. Jela, an engineered soldier who recognizes the danger posed by the energy-beings who are not-so-slowly devouring the universe. M. Jela is a wonderful character, and his partner Cantra yos'Phelium, is intriguing, mysterious, tough, and likeable. Together, they set out to stop the dissipation of the universe.
The second novel (Crystal Dragon) follows the same protagonists as they get closer to their goal of "saving" the universe. In order to do this, they need a mathematical formula that will allow them to pilot to an alternate universe. This requires Cantra to re-make herself into a scholar to infiltrate the tower where the mathematical genius lives.
The third novel (Balance of Trade) introduces Jethri Gobelyn, a Terran with an affinity for Liaden culture and language, and great skill in trading. He gets involved with some pleasant and unpleasant Liadens as he tries to make a name for himself in the trading universe.
March 31, 2015
[March 2015] Reread because I was craving a Liaden fix. (Only the two Great Migration books; I'll revisit Jethri another time.) And since I've now come full circle with the Liaden Universe, I did have a few "eureka!" moments--certain developments were more meaningful to me this time around, or carried more emotional weight.
The most significant hint I caught was that .
[May 2013] Three excellent novels in one omnibus edition.
Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon are two halves of a single story--humanity's escape from one universe (in which not only the human race, but all living things, are threatened by an implacable Enemy) into another. The exodus is orchestrated by two pilots, a mathematician, a cat, a handful of wizards, and a tree. Yes, I realize that sounds like the punchline to a joke--but the story is terrific. (I was reminded a bit of "Battlestar Galactica", especially towards the conclusion of Crystal Dragon. Not everyone makes it to the promised land here, either.)
Balance of Trade is set some centuries later, and is much lighter fare. It's a coming-of-age story, a fish-out-of-water story, and also a bit of a mystery. Jethri, an aspiring trader, becomes the first Terran to become apprenticed to a Liaden Master Trader. He's an appealing and sympathetic character, through whom we learn about the baroque, courtly culture of Liad, in which a simple exchange of bows can contain an entire conversation. While Jethri's blunders were highly entertaining, I occasionally found myself wondering how a civilization founded in part by Cantra yos'Phelium from the Crystal duology could possibly have turned out to be so etiquette-driven. (Cantra was more a Mal type than an Inara, one might say.)
The most significant hint I caught was that .
[May 2013] Three excellent novels in one omnibus edition.
Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon are two halves of a single story--humanity's escape from one universe (in which not only the human race, but all living things, are threatened by an implacable Enemy) into another. The exodus is orchestrated by two pilots, a mathematician, a cat, a handful of wizards, and a tree. Yes, I realize that sounds like the punchline to a joke--but the story is terrific. (I was reminded a bit of "Battlestar Galactica", especially towards the conclusion of Crystal Dragon. Not everyone makes it to the promised land here, either.)
Balance of Trade is set some centuries later, and is much lighter fare. It's a coming-of-age story, a fish-out-of-water story, and also a bit of a mystery. Jethri, an aspiring trader, becomes the first Terran to become apprenticed to a Liaden Master Trader. He's an appealing and sympathetic character, through whom we learn about the baroque, courtly culture of Liad, in which a simple exchange of bows can contain an entire conversation. While Jethri's blunders were highly entertaining, I occasionally found myself wondering how a civilization founded in part by Cantra yos'Phelium from the Crystal duology could possibly have turned out to be so etiquette-driven. (Cantra was more a Mal type than an Inara, one might say.)
February 23, 2016
Crystal Variation
I have listened to a sample of the audiobook Crystal Soldier many times. Very enticing recording. A dying soldier is stranded on a desert planet. He plots a course to where he figures there might be water. As he moves towards his goal he observes and records gigantic trees that have died. As he moves down the canyon he hypothesizes that the trees have purposefully followed the same path as himself. It seemed as if they had marched down the canyon toward what once was an ocean. As he prepares to end his journey, having no food and very little water, he discovers a small tree with a few green leaves. Figuring that he will die anyway he gives the last of his water to the tree and decides to lay down around the tree when he dies so that the tree will have the nutrients and moisture from his body. The sample ends with the soldier and his tree being rescued but with an uncertain future. You are left wondering what happened to the tree? At least the botanist in me wonders. You need to read or listen to the book to find out.
Crystal Soldier is the best of the three books in Crystal Variation. Crystal Dragon deals with the great migration from the old universe which is being destroyed to a new universe. Balance of Trade is hundreds of years later. The old racial and class prejudices are still apparent. The old war and migration largely forgotten. There is humor, intrigue, mystery and action. Everything you need for a great escape from reality.
I have listened to a sample of the audiobook Crystal Soldier many times. Very enticing recording. A dying soldier is stranded on a desert planet. He plots a course to where he figures there might be water. As he moves towards his goal he observes and records gigantic trees that have died. As he moves down the canyon he hypothesizes that the trees have purposefully followed the same path as himself. It seemed as if they had marched down the canyon toward what once was an ocean. As he prepares to end his journey, having no food and very little water, he discovers a small tree with a few green leaves. Figuring that he will die anyway he gives the last of his water to the tree and decides to lay down around the tree when he dies so that the tree will have the nutrients and moisture from his body. The sample ends with the soldier and his tree being rescued but with an uncertain future. You are left wondering what happened to the tree? At least the botanist in me wonders. You need to read or listen to the book to find out.
Crystal Soldier is the best of the three books in Crystal Variation. Crystal Dragon deals with the great migration from the old universe which is being destroyed to a new universe. Balance of Trade is hundreds of years later. The old racial and class prejudices are still apparent. The old war and migration largely forgotten. There is humor, intrigue, mystery and action. Everything you need for a great escape from reality.
September 15, 2014
So, I've read the first of the three books in this volume. This is a huge series and it's all David's fault I'm reading them to begin with. But I can't fuss too much, because this first story is as enjoyable as the short story that made me seek the series out. I'm reading chronological order (as opposed to published order) and I can see already that if I'd read them as they came out, there are probably some things that I'd get a little more enjoyment out of, but not enough to affect my enjoyment of this book. Will be reading the other books in short order.
Second book in the volume just as good if not better than the first. Looking forward to the third.
And done! Stayed up until almost 5 Sunday morning to finish it. :-)
If it wasn't obvious, I'm really enjoying this series. Great characters, solid stories. Makes you care about the characters, and that's a good thing.
Second book in the volume just as good if not better than the first. Looking forward to the third.
And done! Stayed up until almost 5 Sunday morning to finish it. :-)
If it wasn't obvious, I'm really enjoying this series. Great characters, solid stories. Makes you care about the characters, and that's a good thing.
April 30, 2014
My first foray into the Liaden Universe! It was fun reading the origin story, although I suspect I might have missed some of the fun of it since it was my original introduction to this fictional universe.
I really enjoyed each of the books, although I did find that it took me a few chapters to get into the plot of each one. For a while everything was so confusing -- including the language that the characters were using -- that it was hard to want to keep going. But for each of the three novels included in this volume, I eventually found myself immersed and caring very much about what was going to happen next to the protagonist.
Very interesting stories! I'm looking forward to reading more about this universe!
I really enjoyed each of the books, although I did find that it took me a few chapters to get into the plot of each one. For a while everything was so confusing -- including the language that the characters were using -- that it was hard to want to keep going. But for each of the three novels included in this volume, I eventually found myself immersed and caring very much about what was going to happen next to the protagonist.
Very interesting stories! I'm looking forward to reading more about this universe!
February 16, 2020
An omnibus of three novels. Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon give the background of the formation of the Korval clan and the movement from one space time continuum to the current one that includes Liad. I didn't like Crystal Dragon quite as much with the beings of high energy who manipulated physical nature. They reminded me a bit of the Arisians from the old Lensman series by EE Doc Smith. I did like Jela and and Cantra, the main characters. I quite liked the third book in the omnibus, Balance of Trade in which a young Terran is apprenticed to a Master Trader of the Liadans, in an attempt to improve trading relations between Terrans and Liadans.
September 9, 2015
Crystal Soldier 6-7.7.2014 Fascinating, bittersweet, exciting, it gives new understanding about the Liaden Universe and the relationships of the "races." 3.5 stars
Crystal Dragn 4-8.8.2014 This is a sad, sad book—but I knew that going in. This is a book about the beginnings of the Liaden Universe, fascinating and heartbreaking as it is. It has impact. 3 stars
Balance of Trade 1-5.6.2015 *happy sigh* Jethri made me very happy. A terran among Liadens. And the story continues, yay! 4.5 stars
Crystal Dragn 4-8.8.2014 This is a sad, sad book—but I knew that going in. This is a book about the beginnings of the Liaden Universe, fascinating and heartbreaking as it is. It has impact. 3 stars
Balance of Trade 1-5.6.2015 *happy sigh* Jethri made me very happy. A terran among Liadens. And the story continues, yay! 4.5 stars
March 11, 2017
This is a much post read commentary. On the first read I skimmed the three books in this collection. I liked it enough to keep reading the series but at the time I was not totally wowed. I have now read the entire series at least three times....and each time I read these first three books I learn a lot more about the Universes and Worlds and characters of this series. I just added this trilogy of books to my 'favorites' as a nod to my love of the entire series. I can hardly wait for the next book to be released!
March 14, 2012
This was a spur-of-the-moment buy; I knew nothing about the series but was hoping that it might prove an adequate sci-fi series. Plus, the cover looked pretty cheesy. Boy was I wrong. This set of three novels - the first three by internal chronology in the Liaden Universe series - was great! Strong writing, strong characterization, and just the right blend of sci-fi ideas and quick-moving plot. I am a full convert to the brilliance of Lee-Miller, and have purchased another omnibus. Great stuff!
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October 17, 2015DD WHAT KIND OF BOOKS YOU WANT RECS FOR AND MAYBE MEME CAN SUGGEST THINGS!
SPACE OPERA, FEMALE LEAD, A+ LOVE INTEREST. I HAVEN'T READ BASICALLY ANY SPACE OPERA SO I'D BE HAPPY IF MEMERS SUGGESTED THE ONES THAT EVERYONE'S ALREADY READ, EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE VOLKSWAGEN OR WHATEVER SERIES.
THE LIADEN SERIES IS THE OTHER BIG ONE.
SPACE OPERA, FEMALE LEAD, A+ LOVE INTEREST. I HAVEN'T READ BASICALLY ANY SPACE OPERA SO I'D BE HAPPY IF MEMERS SUGGESTED THE ONES THAT EVERYONE'S ALREADY READ, EXCEPT FOR THAT ONE VOLKSWAGEN OR WHATEVER SERIES.
THE LIADEN SERIES IS THE OTHER BIG ONE.
July 26, 2015
I usually love all the Liaden books. These three are my least favorites, and I'm not sure why. I read them all ages ago, and I'm slightly appalled to find them all in a book together. Maybe I need to re-read them again and see if they have grown on me?
January 13, 2018
Just skip the spirit parts
The character parts of the book are involving, particularly the relationship between Jela and Cantra. The woo woo parts about just how some god-like spirits created a new galaxy are worth skimming at best.
The character parts of the book are involving, particularly the relationship between Jela and Cantra. The woo woo parts about just how some god-like spirits created a new galaxy are worth skimming at best.
September 2, 2012
Love these books.
March 18, 2016
Enjoyed the story as usual. Space drama without the ship battles.
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