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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #3
Duty Bound
Pilot of Korval and Breath's Duty, two stories featuring Daav yos Phelium and including Er Thom, Clonak, and Shadia. Answers several Liaden Universe mysteries.
These stories also found in Liaden Constellation Book I
These stories also found in Liaden Constellation Book I
64 pages, Chapbook
First published March 21, 2001
16 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
166 books788 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 14, 2018
Love these short stories
November 29, 2017
4 stars.
Another enjoyable read.
The first story tells of 14-yo Er Thom and Daav being separated for the first time, the former training to be a trader and the latter as a Scout. We get to see glimpses of what they will become as adults and pilots of Korval.
The second story is about a much more mature Daav who has left Liad and has been living in Delgado since his lifemate Aelliana was killed in Mouse and Dragon . This appears to be a deleted section out of Plan B as it tells of him coming back to Clan Korval after finding out that Plan B has been executed. I have always found this period of Daav's life a bit out-of-character, especially as we were told he didn't even know Er Thom has died. But I guess the Delgado period was a ploy to introduce Theo Waitley to a YA audience.
Another enjoyable read.
The first story tells of 14-yo Er Thom and Daav being separated for the first time, the former training to be a trader and the latter as a Scout. We get to see glimpses of what they will become as adults and pilots of Korval.
The second story is about a much more mature Daav who has left Liad and has been living in Delgado since his lifemate Aelliana was killed in Mouse and Dragon . This appears to be a deleted section out of Plan B as it tells of him coming back to Clan Korval after finding out that Plan B has been executed. I have always found this period of Daav's life a bit out-of-character, especially as we were told he didn't even know Er Thom has died. But I guess the Delgado period was a ploy to introduce Theo Waitley to a YA audience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2017
Note: Like all my reviews, I'm writing thoughts and details for my personal reference--a memory jog since I'm getting forgetful of things I've read. As a result, spoilers abound.
Liaden Universe chapbook with two shorts.
Pilot of Korval features a young Er Thom yos'Galan about Dutiful Passage captained by his mother, Petrella yos'Galan. Er Thom misses Daav, whom he was recently separated from after being joined at the hip for all of their previous lives, and has been struggling with his pilot training, when he is surprised by a shipboard visit by none other than Daav who offers his assistance with flight training. At the conclusion of the visit, Er Thom is permitted to fly Daav to port and see him off back home. They part in a casino where Daav is meeting a Scout for his return flight, when Er Thom sees one of the crew, Mechanic Bor Gen pin'Ethil, at a gambling table in apparent distress. Pin'Ethil is a gambling addict who is in over his head and cheats the table when he loses. Er Thom intervenes when pin'Ethil is taken before the casino manager, a Juntavas boss names Straudman. Things get dicey until Daav's Scout contact, Pilot Rod Ern pel'Arot, steps in to point out to Straudman the complications involved with messing with Korval. All ends well, with pin'Ethil sent to healers to cure him of his gambling addiction and an interview between Er Thom and his mother where he receives some reassurance over his handling of the situation, the separation from Daav, and his piloting skills.
Breath's Duty recounts Daav's precipitous departure from Delgado when he shed his Kiladi identity to return to Clan Korval when he receives word from Clonak ter'Meulen of the Department of the Interior's moves against Korval and the Scouts.
In the meantime, Clonak and Shadia Ne'Zame have been attacked by the Department near the Scout base at Nev'Lorn and their ship is drifting incapacitated with damaged life support and minimal supplies available.
On his way to find Clonak, Daav meets up with a Juntavas boss who fills him in on some of the news regarding Val Con and the Clutch Turtles' run in with the former Juntavas Chairman, and provides him with aid/data. At his next stop, Daav is dismayed to learn that Korval was in grave danger and Plan B had been initiated.
Daav finally arrives at Nev'Lorn to the scene of a terrible battle, with the Department attacking ships. Daav destroys the Department ship with the assistance of a badly damaged courier ship. Daav meets with Scout Commander sig'Radia, who further updates him on the current overall situation and tells him of the attack on Clonak's ship; however, Daav/Aelliana develop a strategy to find/rescue Clonak and they arrive just in time for Clonak and Shadia.
I enjoyed both stories. It was a bit bittersweet to get a glimpse of Er Thom and Daav as boys in the first story, and just bitter to read the moment when Daav learned that both Er Thom and Anne had died without him ever seeing them again. I continue to be disturbed about some of Daav's actions and attitudes. He abandoned Val Con, Er Thom, and the others (for reasons, I admit) all those years, and then does the same to his family and life on Delgado. His references to his mistress (Kamele) and the ease with which he left seem cold. He comes across as a user. That said, I do like Daav, understand (up to a point) his reasons for his actions, and want him and Aelliana to be happy. I want him to have a good relationship with Val Con and the rest of Korval. But I also want a good resolution for Kamele and Theo, who also got kicked to the curb. So. . . conflicted.
(An appearance by sig'Radia from the Phoenix story--knew I remembered her.)
B
Liaden Universe chapbook with two shorts.
Pilot of Korval features a young Er Thom yos'Galan about Dutiful Passage captained by his mother, Petrella yos'Galan. Er Thom misses Daav, whom he was recently separated from after being joined at the hip for all of their previous lives, and has been struggling with his pilot training, when he is surprised by a shipboard visit by none other than Daav who offers his assistance with flight training. At the conclusion of the visit, Er Thom is permitted to fly Daav to port and see him off back home. They part in a casino where Daav is meeting a Scout for his return flight, when Er Thom sees one of the crew, Mechanic Bor Gen pin'Ethil, at a gambling table in apparent distress. Pin'Ethil is a gambling addict who is in over his head and cheats the table when he loses. Er Thom intervenes when pin'Ethil is taken before the casino manager, a Juntavas boss names Straudman. Things get dicey until Daav's Scout contact, Pilot Rod Ern pel'Arot, steps in to point out to Straudman the complications involved with messing with Korval. All ends well, with pin'Ethil sent to healers to cure him of his gambling addiction and an interview between Er Thom and his mother where he receives some reassurance over his handling of the situation, the separation from Daav, and his piloting skills.
Breath's Duty recounts Daav's precipitous departure from Delgado when he shed his Kiladi identity to return to Clan Korval when he receives word from Clonak ter'Meulen of the Department of the Interior's moves against Korval and the Scouts.
In the meantime, Clonak and Shadia Ne'Zame have been attacked by the Department near the Scout base at Nev'Lorn and their ship is drifting incapacitated with damaged life support and minimal supplies available.
On his way to find Clonak, Daav meets up with a Juntavas boss who fills him in on some of the news regarding Val Con and the Clutch Turtles' run in with the former Juntavas Chairman, and provides him with aid/data. At his next stop, Daav is dismayed to learn that Korval was in grave danger and Plan B had been initiated.
Daav finally arrives at Nev'Lorn to the scene of a terrible battle, with the Department attacking ships. Daav destroys the Department ship with the assistance of a badly damaged courier ship. Daav meets with Scout Commander sig'Radia, who further updates him on the current overall situation and tells him of the attack on Clonak's ship; however, Daav/Aelliana develop a strategy to find/rescue Clonak and they arrive just in time for Clonak and Shadia.
I enjoyed both stories. It was a bit bittersweet to get a glimpse of Er Thom and Daav as boys in the first story, and just bitter to read the moment when Daav learned that both Er Thom and Anne had died without him ever seeing them again. I continue to be disturbed about some of Daav's actions and attitudes. He abandoned Val Con, Er Thom, and the others (for reasons, I admit) all those years, and then does the same to his family and life on Delgado. His references to his mistress (Kamele) and the ease with which he left seem cold. He comes across as a user. That said, I do like Daav, understand (up to a point) his reasons for his actions, and want him and Aelliana to be happy. I want him to have a good relationship with Val Con and the rest of Korval. But I also want a good resolution for Kamele and Theo, who also got kicked to the curb. So. . . conflicted.
(An appearance by sig'Radia from the Phoenix story--knew I remembered her.)
B
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2018
Again, two stories.
Pilot of Korval has the young Er Thom yos'Galan and Daav yos'Phelium, raised together, separated for the first time, as they each train as pilots and for their adult careers, Daav as a Scout, and Er Thom as a future ship's captain and Master Trader. For Er Thom, it leads to a test of both his commitment to his crewmates, and his judgment in pursuit of that. It's also a tricky test of his self-control, discipline, and relationship with his birth mother.
Breath's Duty gives us the adult Daav, long tucked away on Delgado, taking Ride the Luck into the middle of a battle to rescue old friend and ally Cronak, and his first, deadly encounter with the Department of the Interior. Along the way, he discovers he's maybe been insufficiently attentive to both what's happening on Liaden, and of who his son Val Con is growing up to be.
This stories both illuminate important characters in the Liaden universe. For Daav on Delgado, there were a couple of what seemed like possibly false notes, but not once he was off planet.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable.
I bought this book.
Pilot of Korval has the young Er Thom yos'Galan and Daav yos'Phelium, raised together, separated for the first time, as they each train as pilots and for their adult careers, Daav as a Scout, and Er Thom as a future ship's captain and Master Trader. For Er Thom, it leads to a test of both his commitment to his crewmates, and his judgment in pursuit of that. It's also a tricky test of his self-control, discipline, and relationship with his birth mother.
Breath's Duty gives us the adult Daav, long tucked away on Delgado, taking Ride the Luck into the middle of a battle to rescue old friend and ally Cronak, and his first, deadly encounter with the Department of the Interior. Along the way, he discovers he's maybe been insufficiently attentive to both what's happening on Liaden, and of who his son Val Con is growing up to be.
This stories both illuminate important characters in the Liaden universe. For Daav on Delgado, there were a couple of what seemed like possibly false notes, but not once he was off planet.
Overall, thoroughly enjoyable.
I bought this book.
January 19, 2018
Two short stories in the Liaden Universe:
Pilot of Korval is an adventure of the young Er Thom and Daav, as they are just becoming rated pilots. Short, but enjoyable.
Breath's Duty details Daav's first flight after a long hiatus as the scholar Jen Sar Kiladi, in response to a worrisome message from Clonak. Good, but I had a little trouble placing it in the general timeline.
Pilot of Korval is an adventure of the young Er Thom and Daav, as they are just becoming rated pilots. Short, but enjoyable.
Breath's Duty details Daav's first flight after a long hiatus as the scholar Jen Sar Kiladi, in response to a worrisome message from Clonak. Good, but I had a little trouble placing it in the general timeline.
November 3, 2020
Two short stories. The first featured very mannered writing and didn't really go anywhere - if I were attached to the characters I probably would have enjoyed it more. The second was a little too confusing - it was very, very much a prequel/sequel to books I haven't read.
September 11, 2019
I enjoyed these 2 short stories very much but I am glad that I had previously read all the novels first.
June 30, 2025
The Liaden Universe is always a good place to live when the external world is scary and stressful, which it has been a lot as of late.
Read
June 16, 2017Two short stories in the Liaden Universe. 3 stars for Breath's Duty. Set at the end of Plan B, an old professor with a bad back goes fishing. Fishing for info about an old friend in dire straights. Fishing for info about a son who has become intergalactic news. Yes, indeed. Daav and Aelliana (a ghost) take Ride the Luck into action for the first time in 20-some years.
I liked getting Daav's perspective on current events and Nev Lorn.The battle Those battle scenes could have been tense and engrossing, but in such a short story, the effects are noticable when the pages are split across different settings and POVs. The story was diminished by this writing style, IMO.
I still don't think much of Daav going away.
Pilot of Korval” originally appeared in Duty Bound, November 1999. Nice piece, with a glimpse of Juntavas, as mobsters. Er Thom and Daav, age 14, are second class pilots striving for first class. Daav is a scout candidate and Er Thom a cabin boy. The "brothers" are separated for the first time, and missing each other. Petrella is captain of Dutiful Passage, and we see her interact with the boys. A nice character study for all three. (Petrella was cabin boy on prior flagship, Adamant Passage)
I liked getting Daav's perspective on current events and Nev Lorn.The battle Those battle scenes could have been tense and engrossing, but in such a short story, the effects are noticable when the pages are split across different settings and POVs. The story was diminished by this writing style, IMO.
I still don't think much of Daav going away.
Pilot of Korval” originally appeared in Duty Bound, November 1999. Nice piece, with a glimpse of Juntavas, as mobsters. Er Thom and Daav, age 14, are second class pilots striving for first class. Daav is a scout candidate and Er Thom a cabin boy. The "brothers" are separated for the first time, and missing each other. Petrella is captain of Dutiful Passage, and we see her interact with the boys. A nice character study for all three. (Petrella was cabin boy on prior flagship, Adamant Passage)
December 20, 2017
Two in one chapbook with "Pilot of Korval" and "Breath's Duty," two stories featuring Er Thom (Pilot) and Daav yos Phelium (Duty). These short stories are also available in A Liaden Universe Constellation (Volume One) published at the end of 2013 by Lee & Miller's new publisher, Baen; I bought the chapbooks in 2012. Note that the Constellation collections are much cheaper than buying the chapbooks individually, so since the option is available to you - I would recommend taking it.
Pilot of Korval - Follows Er Thom and Daav in a coming-of-age story. What it means to be Korval, a pilot, and have duty of crew and passengers. Gives some insight of how children are raised in the Laiden Universe and then transition into adults. More world-building for the greater Universe than a necessary read. Very good story and worth reading.
Breath's Duty - We find Daav leaving his hiding life of Jen Sar because of a call from Clonak and finding Plan B in effect, and the son he never raised in danger ... maybe. Certainly the boy has the whole galaxy in a spin. The short story is fairly unique among the chapbooks in that it follows two separate stories until they converge, the second being Clonak and Shadia. Doing two plotlines at once in a short story is a risk, but was done very well here. The story does give a lot of information which is useful to the greater novel Universe. I don't think it is a required read - but an important read for those wanting more information about Daav, Clonak, and Shadia.
Pilot of Korval - Follows Er Thom and Daav in a coming-of-age story. What it means to be Korval, a pilot, and have duty of crew and passengers. Gives some insight of how children are raised in the Laiden Universe and then transition into adults. More world-building for the greater Universe than a necessary read. Very good story and worth reading.
Breath's Duty - We find Daav leaving his hiding life of Jen Sar because of a call from Clonak and finding Plan B in effect, and the son he never raised in danger ... maybe. Certainly the boy has the whole galaxy in a spin. The short story is fairly unique among the chapbooks in that it follows two separate stories until they converge, the second being Clonak and Shadia. Doing two plotlines at once in a short story is a risk, but was done very well here. The story does give a lot of information which is useful to the greater novel Universe. I don't think it is a required read - but an important read for those wanting more information about Daav, Clonak, and Shadia.
October 7, 2014
Two interesting stories featuring Daav yos’Phelium. The one takes place early in his life. The latter provides fill in details for Plan B and I Dare. Familiarity with the Liaden cycle will make these stories more approachable.
September 16, 2015
I read these in the "A Liaden Universe® Constellation vol 1"
December 12, 2020
Two wonderful stories: one is back story on Er Thom and Daav, the other is a bit of off screen action from Plan B, showing what happened when Daav left Delgado. Both excellent additions to the canon.
June 3, 2015
I like this series, but this book was merely okay-- especially the second half where I really had a hard time in determining what was going on.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews