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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #29
Shout of Honor
Commander Vepal is a Hero. He is also the Yxtrang ambassador to the greater universe. These two facts do not make Vepal's life easy. But they do make it interesting. It was Commander Vepal who discovered the continuing orders from Headquarters, far back in old and moldy archives, which directed those of the Troop who had survived the collapse of the old universe to locate, in the new universe, the proper authority to which they might, with honor, offer their allegiance, and their skills. Because of this discovery, Vepal is made ambassador, while the rest of the Troop continues to prey on those it finds weaker than themselves. In pursuit of his duty, he and his small delegation put into Inago Station, where there's a military job fair in full swing. This is a brand-new story set in the bestselling Liaden Universe® created by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2019
113 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
169 books790 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 9, 2019
It's shortly after Clan Korval was evicted from Liad, and relocated to Surebleak. Reverberations are still running through inhabited space, and the Yxtrang Ambassador, Commander Vepal, stumbles across one of them on Inago Station, where a military job fair is in progress.
The hiring agent is Perdition Enterprises, who won't reveal any information at all without a signed NDA. That's not normal, and it's disturbing, but they are, without specifics, promising competitive pay and excellent profits, so quite a few have signed that NDA, and signed on to the contract.
Yet some who have done so are clearly worried.
The recruiting agents are Liaden, which might mean anything or nothing. Except Liadens can write very tricky contracts.
Vepal is worried. And when he meets up with old acquaintance JinJee Sanchez, commander of the Paladin merc troop, she's worried, too.
Meanwhile, Vepal also has his own small unit to concern himself with--Ochin Rifle, who is completely loyal, if somewhat less simple than the average Rifle, and Pilot Erthax, who is, it seems, not quite so loyal as he might be.
Vepal and JinJee have a nasty plot to untangle in not much time, and Vepal is also finding a changing relationship with JinJee Sanchez. We get to know Vepal better, and we get to learn more about the Mercs, and another part of the Liaden universe. Good characters, good plot, good world-building, as always.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
The hiring agent is Perdition Enterprises, who won't reveal any information at all without a signed NDA. That's not normal, and it's disturbing, but they are, without specifics, promising competitive pay and excellent profits, so quite a few have signed that NDA, and signed on to the contract.
Yet some who have done so are clearly worried.
The recruiting agents are Liaden, which might mean anything or nothing. Except Liadens can write very tricky contracts.
Vepal is worried. And when he meets up with old acquaintance JinJee Sanchez, commander of the Paladin merc troop, she's worried, too.
Meanwhile, Vepal also has his own small unit to concern himself with--Ochin Rifle, who is completely loyal, if somewhat less simple than the average Rifle, and Pilot Erthax, who is, it seems, not quite so loyal as he might be.
Vepal and JinJee have a nasty plot to untangle in not much time, and Vepal is also finding a changing relationship with JinJee Sanchez. We get to know Vepal better, and we get to learn more about the Mercs, and another part of the Liaden universe. Good characters, good plot, good world-building, as always.
Recommended.
I bought this book.
May 24, 2019
Another outstanding addition to the Liaden Universe by my fave authors. I often have mixed feelings about these novellas and short stories — I love the chance to get to know new Liaden Universe characters and see more of the ones I already know and love. But they typically leave me a bit unsatisfied because I just want MORE.
This offering was longer and more satisfying than most of them and, while I will always wish Lee & Miller books were unending, left me feeling like I got a full dose of space opera. :)
I don’t buy a lot of books because a) my budget doesn’t allow and b) I have a great library system that fairly often fulfills requests to add to their collection. But Lee & Miller books are always worth the purchase price because they stand up to rereading.
This offering was longer and more satisfying than most of them and, while I will always wish Lee & Miller books were unending, left me feeling like I got a full dose of space opera. :)
I don’t buy a lot of books because a) my budget doesn’t allow and b) I have a great library system that fairly often fulfills requests to add to their collection. But Lee & Miller books are always worth the purchase price because they stand up to rereading.
May 17, 2019
Interesting novella in the Liaden Universe. Main character is an Yxtrang Explorer. Action takes place about the same time as Neogenesis and Alliance of Equals, but this story doesn’t involve any of the familiar characters.
It’s a short read, and will not be in Liaden Universe Constellation IV which is due out in a month or two, but assuming there’s a fifth Constellation collection eventually, it would be included in that one.
It’s a short read, and will not be in Liaden Universe Constellation IV which is due out in a month or two, but assuming there’s a fifth Constellation collection eventually, it would be included in that one.
May 15, 2019
What an enjoyable story in the Liaden Universe! I am always happy to see the Yxtrang front and center in a story. I cannot wait for Lee and Miller's next full length novel.
October 2, 2019
2019 bk 315. A new novella in the Liaden universe, only this time told from the point of view of an Yxtrang ambassador - one surrounded by treachery. This story runs concurrent with the more recent Liaden set on Surebleak novels. The characters do not interact, but the story is complete and allows the reader to know what else is going on in the universe. A decent little story - but surely our ambassador deserves a full length novel, I downgraded it to 4 stars because I felt there needed to be more?
May 15, 2019
Very enjoyable short story taking place in the Liaden universe. As always, it left me wanting more!
December 5, 2019
This was a rather disjointed novella that felt like leftovers from a previous novel, not their best work.
May 16, 2019
As Always, a Fun Read
Like our own universe, the Liaden Universe is complex. In this short work, we meet several characters who find themselves involved with the ongoing story of the Liaden novels. They do not change the main story, but it seems to have changed them. Perhaps we will meet them again.
Like our own universe, the Liaden Universe is complex. In this short work, we meet several characters who find themselves involved with the ongoing story of the Liaden novels. They do not change the main story, but it seems to have changed them. Perhaps we will meet them again.
May 16, 2019
Very good! I enjoyed seeing the Yxtrangs and JinJee again! I can't wait for the continuation of this story!
June 15, 2019
Another Liaden Universe Tale, and How!!!
Brilliant! Absolutely bloody brilliant!
I don't know how Lee & Miller can sustain their level of storytelling for as long as they have.
This tale has intrigue, political machinations, mercenaries, Yxtrang, treachery, and a little romance. All my happiness buttons have been pushed.
Highly recommended to fans, only slightly less so to newcomers.
Brilliant! Absolutely bloody brilliant!
I don't know how Lee & Miller can sustain their level of storytelling for as long as they have.
This tale has intrigue, political machinations, mercenaries, Yxtrang, treachery, and a little romance. All my happiness buttons have been pushed.
Highly recommended to fans, only slightly less so to newcomers.
May 21, 2019
Another fabulous taste of what’s going on out in the wider Liaden Universe. Yxtrang Commander Vepal and Terran Commander JinJee look into hiring out their mercenary bands to Perdition Enterprises. But. Something just doesn’t smell right.
This is a stand-alone novelette but be warned; This universe is highly addictive! As always, wonderfully created unique characters, believable dialogue, and tight plotting are hallmarks of Lee & Miller’s writing. Bravo!
This is a stand-alone novelette but be warned; This universe is highly addictive! As always, wonderfully created unique characters, believable dialogue, and tight plotting are hallmarks of Lee & Miller’s writing. Bravo!
May 15, 2019
So that's what happened to them....
Another chapbook, filling out the backatory of characters who will dip in and out of the main narratives of the Liaden saga. This time it's an Xtrang ambassador and his crew, a merc commander and her crew, and the circumstances which may lead them to Surebleak later in the tale. Its a good one!
Another chapbook, filling out the backatory of characters who will dip in and out of the main narratives of the Liaden saga. This time it's an Xtrang ambassador and his crew, a merc commander and her crew, and the circumstances which may lead them to Surebleak later in the tale. Its a good one!
May 15, 2019
The authors afterword express far better than I all that is true of this story. Initially I had placed it at a certain time point with great confidence. But! I was ever so wrong and this gloriously whets the appetite for What-Comes-Next-I-Must-Know?! Accepting the Lance comes out in December and already it is to be a bittersweet wait.
July 9, 2020
About 4.5 stars for fans of the wider Liaden Universe — I debated rounding all the way up!
Ambassador Vepal was already a favorite side-character for me, with his quixotic determination to honestly pursue his unsupported-by-High-Command mission, his somewhat ruthless Troop code of honor tempered by an openness of mind, and a rejection of the cruelty which has corrupted Yxtrang culture. Here, we also learn that the "simple" Rifle loyal to his command has a nuanced appreciation of melant'i plays, which ends up being surprisingly useful. And Vepal is pleased to once again encounter the mercenary commander who capably came to his aid once before — we even get a bit of romance this time!
As for the adventure in this novella, we have suspiciously backgroundless Liaden "brokers" hiring all the soldiers they can, demanding NDAs before even revealing the planned target — and they declare that they would love to include an Yxtrang Conquest Corps among their rolls if possible. What should Vepal (with only one soldier, and a pilot he can't trust) and his new merc allies do? What *can* they do?
I very much enjoyed Lee & Miller's typical subtly-drawn interactions here, from cautiously friendly, to guarded-slash-hostile (where formal masks are essential), to the more-casual atmosphere among the mercs.
This plot has a satisfactory resolution, with a deliberately abrupt (i.e., character-appropriate) climax, and a denouement which sets up Vepal's trajectory to intersect the "main line" soon.
The story ends at 92%, followed by 2% that is an author's note discussing the many-threaded nature of their fictional *universe*. No one of Korval appears in this concurrent work as more than an outsider-PoV mention, but it is nonetheless entirely worthy of inclusion in the oeuvre.
Ambassador Vepal was already a favorite side-character for me, with his quixotic determination to honestly pursue his unsupported-by-High-Command mission, his somewhat ruthless Troop code of honor tempered by an openness of mind, and a rejection of the cruelty which has corrupted Yxtrang culture. Here, we also learn that the "simple" Rifle loyal to his command has a nuanced appreciation of melant'i plays, which ends up being surprisingly useful. And Vepal is pleased to once again encounter the mercenary commander who capably came to his aid once before — we even get a bit of romance this time!
As for the adventure in this novella, we have suspiciously backgroundless Liaden "brokers" hiring all the soldiers they can, demanding NDAs before even revealing the planned target — and they declare that they would love to include an Yxtrang Conquest Corps among their rolls if possible. What should Vepal (with only one soldier, and a pilot he can't trust) and his new merc allies do? What *can* they do?
I very much enjoyed Lee & Miller's typical subtly-drawn interactions here, from cautiously friendly, to guarded-slash-hostile (where formal masks are essential), to the more-casual atmosphere among the mercs.
This plot has a satisfactory resolution, with a deliberately abrupt (i.e., character-appropriate) climax, and a denouement which sets up Vepal's trajectory to intersect the "main line" soon.
The story ends at 92%, followed by 2% that is an author's note discussing the many-threaded nature of their fictional *universe*. No one of Korval appears in this concurrent work as more than an outsider-PoV mention, but it is nonetheless entirely worthy of inclusion in the oeuvre.
October 26, 2019
3.5 stars.
The main character is Commander Vepal, who is considered a hero and supposedly the Yxtrang Ambassador to the Universe. However, it's an empty title as he has only a small ship with just a pilot and a Rifle and irregular stipends from HQ. So when he arrived in Inago Station and found there's a big recruitment drive for soldiers and mercenaries, he went for an interview with the agency to see what the job is and became concerned when they wouldn't reveal any details unless he signs up and agrees to a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Together with an old comrade-in-arm, Vepal uncovers a plot that could have disastrous consequences to the people on Surebleak.
It's a good side story, and Vepal appeared in The Gathering Edge, although I don't believe Korval and those on Surebleak were even awared of what happened on Inago Station?
The main character is Commander Vepal, who is considered a hero and supposedly the Yxtrang Ambassador to the Universe. However, it's an empty title as he has only a small ship with just a pilot and a Rifle and irregular stipends from HQ. So when he arrived in Inago Station and found there's a big recruitment drive for soldiers and mercenaries, he went for an interview with the agency to see what the job is and became concerned when they wouldn't reveal any details unless he signs up and agrees to a Non-Disclosure Agreement. Together with an old comrade-in-arm, Vepal uncovers a plot that could have disastrous consequences to the people on Surebleak.
It's a good side story, and Vepal appeared in The Gathering Edge, although I don't believe Korval and those on Surebleak were even awared of what happened on Inago Station?
February 28, 2020
Review??? I don't write reviews....
But here I am to sing the praises of the Liaden Universe at large, this in particular. Ever since my first book (Agent of Change) I have been captivated by the lives and lives of this universe. Sharon Lee & Steve Miller have created a wonderful tapestry of delight and adventure.... all the the stories weave their way into the whole. This story by itself is interesting... complete with suspense, subterfuge and a bit of romance makes you wonder what happens next, not only with the characters themselves but those they speak of.
If you want to spend countless enjoyable hours with a wonderfully deep and exciting cast and crew... immerse yourself in the Liaden Universe. You will be glad you did...
But here I am to sing the praises of the Liaden Universe at large, this in particular. Ever since my first book (Agent of Change) I have been captivated by the lives and lives of this universe. Sharon Lee & Steve Miller have created a wonderful tapestry of delight and adventure.... all the the stories weave their way into the whole. This story by itself is interesting... complete with suspense, subterfuge and a bit of romance makes you wonder what happens next, not only with the characters themselves but those they speak of.
If you want to spend countless enjoyable hours with a wonderfully deep and exciting cast and crew... immerse yourself in the Liaden Universe. You will be glad you did...
January 19, 2026
Yxtrang Ambassador and a Diplomatic Incident
I'm happy to read more about the middle aged soldier who decided to try to effectuate the First Orders of the Yxtrang. There's a romance element here, but geographical incompatibility isn't easily overcome in this case. There is a lot of drama, administrative, political and physical.
Since this is just a novella, the conflict is locally resolved, but there's a larger conflict ongoing.
I'm happy to read more about the middle aged soldier who decided to try to effectuate the First Orders of the Yxtrang. There's a romance element here, but geographical incompatibility isn't easily overcome in this case. There is a lot of drama, administrative, political and physical.
Since this is just a novella, the conflict is locally resolved, but there's a larger conflict ongoing.
May 29, 2019
Another great story
A lovely story keeping us in touch with characters of interest in the larger stories of the Liaden series. Lee and Miller craft real characters, and this their method: excellent short stories, given all the attention of the main line tales, complete in themselves but also connected, giving depth and history.
A lovely story keeping us in touch with characters of interest in the larger stories of the Liaden series. Lee and Miller craft real characters, and this their method: excellent short stories, given all the attention of the main line tales, complete in themselves but also connected, giving depth and history.
May 30, 2019
Excellent
What fun! I’m so glad the authors bring us tales behind the stories. I’ve been especially interested in the yxtrang ‘ambassador ‘ and his impossible quest. Truly worthy of its own book. I’m delighted that he won through and was conquered by the ‘hint of love!’ More, please.
What fun! I’m so glad the authors bring us tales behind the stories. I’ve been especially interested in the yxtrang ‘ambassador ‘ and his impossible quest. Truly worthy of its own book. I’m delighted that he won through and was conquered by the ‘hint of love!’ More, please.
May 15, 2019
Loved it!
This was lovely! I really enjoyed this Liaden Universe adventure! Mercs, and Xtrang, camaraderie, fights, treachery, flirtation, and maybe a little romance. Dare we mention that shadowy department? Go forth and read!
This was lovely! I really enjoyed this Liaden Universe adventure! Mercs, and Xtrang, camaraderie, fights, treachery, flirtation, and maybe a little romance. Dare we mention that shadowy department? Go forth and read!
May 16, 2019
Super!
Another chapter in the Liaden Universe. This one is the adventure of Vepal, the Xtrang Ambassador, and his crew. I enjoyed it tremendously. While a stand alone book, a reader's understanding is enhanced with knowledge of the entire story.
Another chapter in the Liaden Universe. This one is the adventure of Vepal, the Xtrang Ambassador, and his crew. I enjoyed it tremendously. While a stand alone book, a reader's understanding is enhanced with knowledge of the entire story.
May 17, 2019
Interesting characters and a story line that takes place in parallel with the books. This is a great addition and ads color to the books in the series. I loved the characters and how they interacted. A easy read/
May 20, 2019
A perfectly told story
The right balance of pacing, plot development with a touch of romance. No overwhelming pages of Liaden melanti. Not that I mind some...just gets in the way of plot movement in some of the other Liaden stories. Really enjoyed this one!
The right balance of pacing, plot development with a touch of romance. No overwhelming pages of Liaden melanti. Not that I mind some...just gets in the way of plot movement in some of the other Liaden stories. Really enjoyed this one!
May 21, 2019
Shout of Honor!
Yes! Another excellent Liaden Universe story!
So enjoy reading more of the Yxstrang perspective and the mercs as well!
So very glad to read of those who are predicated by honor!
Yes! Another excellent Liaden Universe story!
So enjoy reading more of the Yxstrang perspective and the mercs as well!
So very glad to read of those who are predicated by honor!
May 30, 2019
This one gets a little confusing at points, but it's always to see clan corval come out on top as always, despite the universe plotting aginst them still. I look forward to more books in the Liaden universe.
July 15, 2020
Great read, just too short! LOL!
A good continuation of some interesting characters we were introduced to earlier. Vepal and Commander Sanchez make an intriguing pair and I look forward to reading more about them in the future.
A good continuation of some interesting characters we were introduced to earlier. Vepal and Commander Sanchez make an intriguing pair and I look forward to reading more about them in the future.
May 16, 2019
Another great adventure in the Liaden Universe!
Enjoyed meeting more xytrangs and mercenaries and how everything is all connected. You won’t go wrong with this one. Get it now.
Enjoyed meeting more xytrangs and mercenaries and how everything is all connected. You won’t go wrong with this one. Get it now.
May 24, 2019
I love when Lee and Miller give us glimpses of what is happening in other parts of the Liaden universe.
May 30, 2019
Love among the stars!
Fleeting encounters, chance acquaintances ,devious spies!!!!! What has the Universe come to? Will we be able to take it all in?
Fleeting encounters, chance acquaintances ,devious spies!!!!! What has the Universe come to? Will we be able to take it all in?
June 2, 2019
XTrang Ambassador
A great short story about the Xtrang Ambassador his pilot, Rifle and a little incident with some ignoble merc recruiters.
A great short story about the Xtrang Ambassador his pilot, Rifle and a little incident with some ignoble merc recruiters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews