The short story "Balance of Trade" introduces Jethri Gobelyn, an aspiring Terran apprentice Trader who comes to the attention of a Liaden Master Trader.
In "A Choice of Weapons," Daav yos'Phelium must Balance an insult amid the elegant formality of a Liaden garden party.
These stories also found in Liaden Constellation Book I
"The writing is as rich with detail as anything by C. J. Cherryh, while the general approach... reminds of Andre Norton." -- Tom Easton, Analog
"...the authors' craftsmanship is top-notch, recalling the work of Elizabeth Moon and Lois McMaster Bujold..." -- Publishers Weekly
Sharon 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.
Although I believe that the first story in this 2 story collection is the story told in the Balance of Trade book (which I really liked), it's the second story whose main character is Daav that I really enjoyed.
The first story is about Jethri Gobelyn, from Balance of Trade. These were the in-between YA books about Terran trader apprentice learning about Liaden customs and concepts of Balance. In this, junior apprentice trader got fleeced by another Terran trader and found out exactly what Liaden Balance means.
The second book is about Daav just before he was named Delm Heir, where at a house party, the heir of the house challenged him to a duel. The balloon duel was inspired but also confirm in his Delm's mind his suitability as the Heir.
These are the perfect size to read over breakfast or dinner. Lovely short stories that give one a glimpse of life in the Liaden Universe. The first short story has been made into its own book, the second gives a glimpse of Daav when he was younger and a most interesting duel.
Two Liaden Universe short stories: "Balance of Trade" and "A Choice of Weapons".
The five stars is for "A Choice of Weapons" which is absolutely perfect. Beware dueling with masters, whether from with weapons because of injured vainglory or with words to avoid responsibilities. A combination of fun and cultural worldbuilding, with just a hint of danger, like the fire of cinnamon in eggnog.
Balance of Trade does not have the glorious streak of fun "A Choice of Weapons" has, but is a solid story and worthy of the Liaden Universe in its own right. I liked the worldbuilding glimpse into how Humans see the Laiden people.
3.5* This entry in the Adventures in the Liaden Universe contains 2 short stories: "Balance of Trade" - basically the beginning section of the novel of that name. I read it anyway despite having read the novel not that long ago because I do like Jethri a lot *grin*. 4*
"A Choice of Weapons" - a story of Daav as a quite young man, before he was nadelm. While it was interesting to see the young Daav, the story wasn't quite as satisfying as most of the Liaden books & stories have been. 3*
This is an interesting pair of stories. Balance of Trade later becomes the opening chapters of the novel of the same name. Jethri Gobelyn is an interesting character, and the trader culture provides interesting background to the Liaden chronology. A choice of weapons is a fun piece of fluff about a water balloon duel. This is one of my favorite Liaden chapbooks.