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Adventures in the Liaden Universe #30
The Gate that Locks the Tree
A Minor Melant’i Play for Snow Season
A cat may look at a tree
This is especially true when the winds of change blow through the universe, leaving eddies of luck, uncertainty, and necessity in the strangest places – and surely Surebleak qualifies as a strange place, as Korval’s Tree qualifies as a strange attractor.
In the rough and tumble aftermath of Clan Korval’s arrival, Surebleak attracts rude mercenaries, pilots galore, Scouts, grifters, and, from time to time, those who have lived under the promise of Korval’s Tree, elsewhere. Chaotic change is in progress, daily.
Bring together legitimate cabbies and fare-jumpers, a sudden Surebleak blizzard, a pregnant cat, and odd young woman with a mission; add the heat of promises made light years away, and you find the winds of change rocking the very roots of the Korval's house, blown against the very gate that locks the tree. It may be that not even the Tree knows what happens next.
This is a brand-new novella set in the bestselling Liaden Universe® created by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller!
A cat may look at a tree
This is especially true when the winds of change blow through the universe, leaving eddies of luck, uncertainty, and necessity in the strangest places – and surely Surebleak qualifies as a strange place, as Korval’s Tree qualifies as a strange attractor.
In the rough and tumble aftermath of Clan Korval’s arrival, Surebleak attracts rude mercenaries, pilots galore, Scouts, grifters, and, from time to time, those who have lived under the promise of Korval’s Tree, elsewhere. Chaotic change is in progress, daily.
Bring together legitimate cabbies and fare-jumpers, a sudden Surebleak blizzard, a pregnant cat, and odd young woman with a mission; add the heat of promises made light years away, and you find the winds of change rocking the very roots of the Korval's house, blown against the very gate that locks the tree. It may be that not even the Tree knows what happens next.
This is a brand-new novella set in the bestselling Liaden Universe® created by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller!
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2020
104 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
165 books788 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 24, 2020
Reading Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's new short adventure in Liaden is like getting together with old friends. I Need to hold myself back from re-reading the entire series. Maybe in a couple of months.
February 21, 2020
Absolutely superb novella, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very compelling characters, interesting plot, sentient tree, and an abundant cat presence!
February 21, 2020
Surebleak isn't just Clan Korval, and our leading characters here are Vertu Dysan, a cabbie formerly of Liad; Yulie Shaper, a farmer and neighbor of Clan Korval; Mary, his spouse; Anna, a kid with some unusual talents; Rascal, her dog; Chelada, a cat about to have kittens; Toragin del'Pemridj, also formerly of Liad; The Tree; and Jarome, also a cabbie.
Vertu picks up her passengers--Yulie, Mary, Anna, and Rascal--and agrees to drive them home to Yulie's place in the building snowstorm. It' a bad storm, and this might not be entirely wise, but Vertu is sure she feels The Tree urging her on.
Along the way, they encounter another cabbie and his passengers, who were trying to reach The Tree, but have crashed. Jarome, the cabbie, has been injured, and Toragin and Chelada can't help him without getting help themselves. They have no experience with serious snow, just for starters.
What unfolds is a group of people finding a way to cope with a real weather disaster, and The Tree's efforts to fulfill an old, nearly forgotten promise, made light-years away on Liad.
This isn't made easier by the fact that The Tree hasn't been in the habit of engaging in clear, straightforward communication with its "dragons," the members of Clan Korval, and now has to explain something that it feels guilty and embarrassed about.
It's another lovely, enjoyable visit to the Liaden universe, this time without the fate of the universe at stake!
Highly recommended.
I bought this book.
Vertu picks up her passengers--Yulie, Mary, Anna, and Rascal--and agrees to drive them home to Yulie's place in the building snowstorm. It' a bad storm, and this might not be entirely wise, but Vertu is sure she feels The Tree urging her on.
Along the way, they encounter another cabbie and his passengers, who were trying to reach The Tree, but have crashed. Jarome, the cabbie, has been injured, and Toragin and Chelada can't help him without getting help themselves. They have no experience with serious snow, just for starters.
What unfolds is a group of people finding a way to cope with a real weather disaster, and The Tree's efforts to fulfill an old, nearly forgotten promise, made light-years away on Liad.
This isn't made easier by the fact that The Tree hasn't been in the habit of engaging in clear, straightforward communication with its "dragons," the members of Clan Korval, and now has to explain something that it feels guilty and embarrassed about.
It's another lovely, enjoyable visit to the Liaden universe, this time without the fate of the universe at stake!
Highly recommended.
I bought this book.
May 12, 2020
I loved this science fiction novella set on Surebleak in the Liaden Universe. Korval’s Tree has a wider acquaintance than Clan Korval knows, and the Tree has made a promise to certain folk outside the clan. In this story, Chelada’s intent to collect on that promise is put in mortal danger by a monstrous snowstorm. Enter competing cabbies, off-worlders, local farmers, and, of course, cats, all trying to find shelter from the storm. Korvals’s delm (and the reader) learn new and interesting things about the Tree.
April 25, 2020
2020 bk 146. My new favorites among the Liaden Universe novella's. This book has a blizzard, a person on an adventure, cats, and a tree needing forgiveness, all set on Surebleak. Need I say more. A well written book with a first look at how Val & Miri's daughter's thought processes are starting to work.
January 30, 2021
This is a novella set in the authors' wonderful Liaden Universe. Why is the Liaden Universe wonderful? Primarily because of the characters, but also because of the smooth prose, sometimes humorous, sometimes elegant. And because of the breadth and depth of the invention, spanning a multiplicity of planets, aliens, humans, AIs, different customs, a science-fiction universe that encompasses talents that would fit comfortably in a fantasy setting.
In short, it delights me. This particular piece of the sprawling entity that is the Liaden Universe is its own delight, a small, sweet, moving piece in the big picture. Many of the characters are already familiar to me, and it was a pleasure to spend more time with them. Others are new, and it proved a pleasure to make their acquaintance.
Highly recommended, though possibly it might be slightly confusing for a reader new to these stories? (If so, consult Sharon Lee's website for good entry points into the Liaden books.)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
In short, it delights me. This particular piece of the sprawling entity that is the Liaden Universe is its own delight, a small, sweet, moving piece in the big picture. Many of the characters are already familiar to me, and it was a pleasure to spend more time with them. Others are new, and it proved a pleasure to make their acquaintance.
Highly recommended, though possibly it might be slightly confusing for a reader new to these stories? (If so, consult Sharon Lee's website for good entry points into the Liaden books.)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
February 21, 2020
A fun little adventure on Surebleak, with some of our familiar characters and some new faces. No universe-altering on hand, but a very old friend gets a lesson on keeping promises - and we gain some insight (imperfect tho it may be) in some 'known mysteries'. . . and cats.
February 22, 2020
Fun story involving Korval's tree!
February 20, 2020
Omg ! Loved it!
More please she says greedily! I loved this Liaden /Surebleak jewel. The tree, promises, storms, kitties (and did we see Scrabble prance through?), Rescues, healers and honor!
More please she says greedily! I loved this Liaden /Surebleak jewel. The tree, promises, storms, kitties (and did we see Scrabble prance through?), Rescues, healers and honor!
August 8, 2020
3.5 stars.
This short story makes me realize that I've been missing the Tree and Dragon. This one takes place on Surebleak where Liaden transplants are experiencing their first real Surebleak snowstorm.
In the midst of this snowstorm, the Tree realizes that some people/creatures(cats) on Liad who lived under its shadow had been impacted by its move to Surebleak and seeks to redress Balance.
This short story makes me realize that I've been missing the Tree and Dragon. This one takes place on Surebleak where Liaden transplants are experiencing their first real Surebleak snowstorm.
In the midst of this snowstorm, the Tree realizes that some people/creatures(cats) on Liad who lived under its shadow had been impacted by its move to Surebleak and seeks to redress Balance.
March 4, 2020
This takes place after ACCEPTING THE LANCE. Setting is Surebleak, in the midst of a snow storm, with low visibility for two taxicabs on the Port Road en route towards Jelaza Kazone.❄️☃❄️
"We're going to my place -- our place," said Yulie Shaper. "All the way up Undertree Hill -- Port Road's your best route...Just go left before you get to the gate that locks the Tree in..."
Perhaps next time, I'll re-read this novella in front of the fire, with a cup of hot chocolate.
It's a feel good -- but adventurous -- wintry road trip, with various characters, most of them well known to me: an AI security specialist (Jeeves), Miri, Val Con, Talizea, numerous cats, Yulie Shaper, his wife Mary (Memit), young Luthia-in-training Kenzi (aka Anna), her dog Rascal, Vertu Dysan (cab driver in SKYBLAZE), Cheever McFarland, and of course, Tree.🌿 Nelirikk also plays a small role, as does another cabdriver.
This book introduces a new character, a young woman who just arrived from Liad: Toragin del'Pemridj
Nice to see these characters without murderous assassins around every bend.
Minor teeny-tiny quibble: One or two aspects struck me as odd. One theme felt like a discrepancy compared with other books.
"We're going to my place -- our place," said Yulie Shaper. "All the way up Undertree Hill -- Port Road's your best route...Just go left before you get to the gate that locks the Tree in..."
Perhaps next time, I'll re-read this novella in front of the fire, with a cup of hot chocolate.
It's a feel good -- but adventurous -- wintry road trip, with various characters, most of them well known to me: an AI security specialist (Jeeves), Miri, Val Con, Talizea, numerous cats, Yulie Shaper, his wife Mary (Memit), young Luthia-in-training Kenzi (aka Anna), her dog Rascal, Vertu Dysan (cab driver in SKYBLAZE), Cheever McFarland, and of course, Tree.🌿 Nelirikk also plays a small role, as does another cabdriver.
This book introduces a new character, a young woman who just arrived from Liad: Toragin del'Pemridj
Nice to see these characters without murderous assassins around every bend.
Minor teeny-tiny quibble: One or two aspects struck me as odd. One theme felt like a discrepancy compared with other books.
February 22, 2020
Unusual SF
Unusual in that there is little science in the fiction. There is plenty in the greater Liaden Universe, but this story has only a single robot and some brief mention of planets and ships. Really, between cats, healers, and a sentient tree, it feels more fantasy.
The quality of the writing is superior to most other works. There is a lyrical flow and almost tongue-in-cheek formality.
This both is and isn’t a good place to begin reading about Clan Korval. As a small taste, it gives you a good sense of the writing style. It does, however, fall rather late in the saga that stretches over a dozen books and a massive number of short stories. This won’t confuse you if you start here and go back to the beginning, as most of the events alluded to in the story here are merely hinted at.
I will always buy Liaden stories. Every new one makes me want to reread the whole series again, and that always makes me happy.
Unusual in that there is little science in the fiction. There is plenty in the greater Liaden Universe, but this story has only a single robot and some brief mention of planets and ships. Really, between cats, healers, and a sentient tree, it feels more fantasy.
The quality of the writing is superior to most other works. There is a lyrical flow and almost tongue-in-cheek formality.
This both is and isn’t a good place to begin reading about Clan Korval. As a small taste, it gives you a good sense of the writing style. It does, however, fall rather late in the saga that stretches over a dozen books and a massive number of short stories. This won’t confuse you if you start here and go back to the beginning, as most of the events alluded to in the story here are merely hinted at.
I will always buy Liaden stories. Every new one makes me want to reread the whole series again, and that always makes me happy.
March 5, 2020
It doesn't matter how many generations of Korval who have been raised under their great tree, there are still new things to learn. In the middle of a Surebleak blizzard with impending visitors including one very pregnant cat, new things are being discovered about the tree and its relationships.
This is a novella told in chapters from a variety of viewpoints including a cab driver transplanted from Solcintra who has always used the tree as a beacon and a young woman who cares for cats and is on Surebleak to take the tree to task for not fulfilling a promise made to the cat in her care. Still other chapters are centered on Val Con and Miri who learn startling new things about the way Jeeves, the cats, and the tree communicate.
This was an entertaining novella. It illustrates the depth and breadth of the Liaden Universe which is filled with interesting beings and stories.
This is a novella told in chapters from a variety of viewpoints including a cab driver transplanted from Solcintra who has always used the tree as a beacon and a young woman who cares for cats and is on Surebleak to take the tree to task for not fulfilling a promise made to the cat in her care. Still other chapters are centered on Val Con and Miri who learn startling new things about the way Jeeves, the cats, and the tree communicate.
This was an entertaining novella. It illustrates the depth and breadth of the Liaden Universe which is filled with interesting beings and stories.
December 1, 2021
WELL DONE! Well done! Our lady of the taxicabs gets her good story, her good life going forward. She much deserved it.
As did the weather guy. Someone who'd saved Miri in the back time; that's a different story, a different chapbook. However.
Thanks, Lee & Miller!
As did the weather guy. Someone who'd saved Miri in the back time; that's a different story, a different chapbook. However.
Thanks, Lee & Miller!
January 15, 2022
This was a short chap book in the Liaden universe and though I enjoyed it, it wasn't long enough to satisfy my desire for these stories. It also didn't have time to expand on character enough. Vertu Dysan is a taxi cab driver on Surebleak and is discovering the weather can be much harsher than anything they knew back on Liad. She is also discovering that in this newly developing world, they need more rules governing transportation and the taxi business. She has picked up a fare of three people: Yoli and his wife Mary and Anna, plus her dog Rascal. While carefully navigating the snow storm they come upon another cab that has run off the road and its passengers that include a young woman from the home planet of Liad and her pregnant cat. There is some odd psychic connection between Korval's Tree, the AI Jeevers, and this young woman who feels a promise was not kept and she was going to make it right. There is a kernel of a much larger story that I would have liked to have had explored.
February 19, 2020
Twining in back story
This story pulls together bits of the old universe and the new. The tree’s understanding of its role in the lives it touches is given a broader scope. Some discussion of Jeeve’s role in communication with the tree is finally discussed openly. And the importance of the ubiquitous cats is reflected upon. Although the question of how Jeeve’s understands them is never quite answered. There’s some danger and joy. A bit of merriment is given range. And several new pathways for new stories are opened. Enjoyed it immensely.
This story pulls together bits of the old universe and the new. The tree’s understanding of its role in the lives it touches is given a broader scope. Some discussion of Jeeve’s role in communication with the tree is finally discussed openly. And the importance of the ubiquitous cats is reflected upon. Although the question of how Jeeve’s understands them is never quite answered. There’s some danger and joy. A bit of merriment is given range. And several new pathways for new stories are opened. Enjoyed it immensely.
February 24, 2020
A lovely small gem in the Liaden Universe
If you don't know the Liaden Universe, don't start here or you will be confused. But if you do know the meaning of the words in the title, by all means dive into this midwinter treat. We meet new people, and cats! We experience things that don't happen on Liad and get a look at how they are dealt with on Surebleak. We get a peak at how communications occur between Tree and cats and even people. Most important is the pleasure of a well crafted story precisely told by experienced authors. Enjoy!
If you don't know the Liaden Universe, don't start here or you will be confused. But if you do know the meaning of the words in the title, by all means dive into this midwinter treat. We meet new people, and cats! We experience things that don't happen on Liad and get a look at how they are dealt with on Surebleak. We get a peak at how communications occur between Tree and cats and even people. Most important is the pleasure of a well crafted story precisely told by experienced authors. Enjoy!
February 25, 2020
Another great addition to the Liadan series. In this novella(?) we spend a winter's day with a couple of Surebleak taxi drivers. There is a blizzard, a new arrival to Surebleak, some old friends, a dog, and a few cats to be dealt with, and, oh yes, a sentient tree. Anyone who's ever had to drive through snow knows that it can be a white knuckle experience, and in this case, it is not just because of the roads.
There is a nice cast of characters listed in the front, in case you don't remember all of our old friends. I really enjoyed the story, reading it while we had our own snowstorm outside added to the verisimilitude of the adventure.
There is a nice cast of characters listed in the front, in case you don't remember all of our old friends. I really enjoyed the story, reading it while we had our own snowstorm outside added to the verisimilitude of the adventure.
December 19, 2020
Mysterious and mystical
I generally don't review a Liaden story until I have read it several times and understood it's place in that vast universe. This one is more mysterious than most, with exciting hints of things going on off stage that might or might not ever come front and center. I just reread for the third time, and con say that I like it very much and hope to find out more about the dozen or so hints laid like bread crumbs in front of us.
I generally don't review a Liaden story until I have read it several times and understood it's place in that vast universe. This one is more mysterious than most, with exciting hints of things going on off stage that might or might not ever come front and center. I just reread for the third time, and con say that I like it very much and hope to find out more about the dozen or so hints laid like bread crumbs in front of us.
February 26, 2020
The Tree discovers a conscience.
When I saw melant'i play, I almost passed it by. I am very glad I didn't. Set between Accepting the Lance and Trader's Leap. Val Con and Miri play a part, so does the neighbor Yulie Shaper and others you might know from Surebleak. If that sounds like fun to you, don't pass it by. Enjoy.
When I saw melant'i play, I almost passed it by. I am very glad I didn't. Set between Accepting the Lance and Trader's Leap. Val Con and Miri play a part, so does the neighbor Yulie Shaper and others you might know from Surebleak. If that sounds like fun to you, don't pass it by. Enjoy.
June 9, 2020
I'm beginning to think I like Liad short stories and novellas better than the current books which just try to cover too much ground. This is a sweet story about cats, taxis, a snow storm and the tree. The tree, interestingly seems ready to assume more importance in the Liaden books. I, for one, can't wait!
September 29, 2020
A short installment in the Korval/Liaden universe, no large plot developments but continuing the story of the tree, the cats and the people who love them. I enjoyed it, but it's definitely a story for people who are already fans - not the entry into the series.
I'll bet these characters appear in the next major story though.
I'll bet these characters appear in the next major story though.
December 5, 2020
Despite the usual fabulous intense language and the reappearance of the fabulous Surebleak landscape, this was too short. It raised a number of issues which weren’t resolved. I quite like the short story/Novella format but it needs to be self contained nugget. This felt like the start of something bigger ..... but wasn’t, hence only 3*s for 2of my favourite authors.
March 9, 2021
Perfect!
The perfect story to read while eating lunch or dinner. The Tree, Jeeves, cats, lots and lots of cats, and a snow storm from hell. The story masterfully wound this way and that. Taxi's and snow do not always mix well, then add a promise not kept, meddling Tree's, meddling Jeeves and kittens. It all added up to the perfect story.
The perfect story to read while eating lunch or dinner. The Tree, Jeeves, cats, lots and lots of cats, and a snow storm from hell. The story masterfully wound this way and that. Taxi's and snow do not always mix well, then add a promise not kept, meddling Tree's, meddling Jeeves and kittens. It all added up to the perfect story.
June 18, 2021
Interestingly enough, this book seems to indicate The Tree is going to play a more pivotal role in future Liaden Universe stories, and it appears the tree communicates more directly with Corval now as well, this should lead to interesting times in the Liaden universe, and I for one can't wait to see where it leads.
February 20, 2020
Another great chapbook
It is always a delight to meet old friends. This story brings us more on how their lives go on. And the expansion of the tree's character is a lot of fun. I lives it.
It is always a delight to meet old friends. This story brings us more on how their lives go on. And the expansion of the tree's character is a lot of fun. I lives it.
February 21, 2020
Excellent book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I knew I would. I enjoy every book the authors write for us. I liked knowing more about The Tree and it’s evolution. The tension was excellently written. Very very good novella.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I knew I would. I enjoy every book the authors write for us. I liked knowing more about The Tree and it’s evolution. The tension was excellently written. Very very good novella.
February 21, 2020
I love how Lee & Miller fill out their Liaden Universe (tm) background with short stories and novellas like this one, where they lavish attention and loving detail on what might otherwise be considered minor characters.
February 26, 2020
Old friends, New acquaintances
Vertu the cabbie makes an appearance as does Mr Shaper, Korval's neighbor and tree-kin. There are new arrivals from Solcintra as well. Add a Surebleak snowstorm and a suddenly-remorseful Tree and you have more Liaden magic.
Vertu the cabbie makes an appearance as does Mr Shaper, Korval's neighbor and tree-kin. There are new arrivals from Solcintra as well. Add a Surebleak snowstorm and a suddenly-remorseful Tree and you have more Liaden magic.
March 18, 2020
Liaden Universe
Another great Liaden short. The authors still seem to enjoy writing stories for this universe they have created. It is refreshing to read new material from a favorite author that is not just published for a paycheck.
Another great Liaden short. The authors still seem to enjoy writing stories for this universe they have created. It is refreshing to read new material from a favorite author that is not just published for a paycheck.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews