The Dragon Variation

Liaden Universe, Chronological #6-7, 9

by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Three space adventure novels in the popular Liaden Universe(R) series in one popularly-priced Omni edition: "Local Custom"--Master Trader Er Thom yos'Galan knows that Liaden custom is to be matched with a proper bride and provide his clan, Korval, with an heir. Yet his heart is immersed in another universe, influenced by another culture, and lost to a woman not of his world. And to take a Terran wife such as scholar Anne Davis is to risk both his honor and reputation--not to mention the lives of loved ones.

"Scout's Progress"--Aelliana Caylon is a brilliant mathematician, revered by pilots for the life-saving revisions she brought to the ven'Tura Piloting Tables. Despite this, her home life is terrifying, as the target of her elder brother's spite and her mother's indifference. Convinced that she has no recourse, Aelliana endures, until, on a dare, she plays a game of chance and wins a spaceship. Suddenly she has a way to escape her drab life - if she can qualify as a pilot, and survive her brother's abuse.

"Conflict of Honors"--Declared legally dead by a High Priestess of the Goddess and abandoned by her mother, Priscilla Delacroix has roamed the galaxy for ten years, surviving and becoming a woman of extraordinary skills. Now, she's been betrayed and abandoned once again, left on a distant planet by the Liaden starship on which she had been an important officer. But she's not alone: starship captain Shan yos'Galan has his own score to settle with the same enemy and is about to offer her an alliance.

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Space Opera, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Ebooks

961 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the three novels that made up this collection, but must point out that the binding was barely up to the task of containing so many pages in one volume.
Reading these books in the order they occur, as opposed to the order written, can be very informative about both the universe and the creative processes used. I could more fully appreciate Conflict of Honors after reading the other two, because I better understood the universe and the cultures.
Each of the three books stands alone as a complete story, but I do appreciate the collection in this form, and look forward to the other groupings coming out the same way.
The odd juxtaposition of adventure SF and stylized romance story took me aback a bit, in both Local Custom and Scout's Progress, but in both cases it worked quite well. Each of the three books focuses on an outsider interacting with the extremely stylized Liaden culture, which allows the reader to better understand both the story and the culture. My own view of the Liaden is that they're sort of high-tech Elves in space, with an overlay of Georgian England.
All three books are worth reading, if you find them separately or in this combined edition.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three books in here - Local Custom, Scout's Progress, and Conflict of Honors.

The good: Local Custom had some very cool, very interesting culture shock and some really believable moments of miscommunication. I also liked the relationship between Daav and Er Thom. Scout's Progress is a SPACE ROMANCE about a MATH TEACHER and that is the best thing I've ever heard of. That is someone taking all my favorite things and putting them in a blender. And Conflict of Honors stars Lord Peter Wimsey. IN SPACE. Yes it does. Oh, they named him something else, but whatever, it is so very obviously him, and that was pretty diverting.

For all that good, though, the book lacked depth. The Liaden Universe feels thin to me -- it doesn't have the three-dimensionality of the Vorkosiverse or even standalone Peter Beagle or Robin McKinley. The authors really thought out the differences in language and etiquette, and went to the trouble of making a whole interesting alien culture -- and then all the Liadens eat muffins for breakfast and have cats as pets, and that just felt sloppy. The ships they ride in, the spaceports they stop at, all feel like they're created for circumstance, to serve the plot, rather than having backgrounds and cultures and reasons for existing independently. I also didn't feel the authors were particularly good at introducing their world -- I read the middle book first and there was a lot that they didn't explain, even in a quick sentence or two that would have given context. There was some Mary Sue-ism as well (Aelliana isn't just a math teacher, she's the math teacher who fixed all the space books! Clan Korval is the best and the richest and the most interesting Clan! Priscilla is a wizard!). I expect a certain amount of that in genre lit but I just couldn't take these books as seriously as the authors seemed to want me to.

[Kiri]

I have read and loved all three of these books, but it strikes me as odd to group them thus when "Scout's Progress" and "Local Custom" were already released together in an omnibus edition. Plus it makes sense to group those two - the somewhat parallel stories of Val Con and Shan's parents - but not so much sense to me anyway to add the third book. Except, I suppose, to lure folks into the further adventures with more background knowledge of Clan Korval.

[Suzanne Hediger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books I've read more than once. I love the whole series and keep coming back. I pick up new things every time. It is an incredibly rich world.

[Anna Hepworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compendium of 3 books set in the Liaden Universe.

Lee and Miller write women that I can identify with, even if they are scarily *so much* more competent than I am. Unashamedly romances, coupled with wonderful explorations of the clash of cultures.

I especially liked the contrast of the second book, where some of the darker side of the Liaden caste system is explored in more detail. I was frustrated by the seemingly random bits of violence at various points of the first story - turns out that they were the B (or possibly C) thread of the plot, and picked up on a little in the second story.

Oh, and the way that the concept of family is covered is something that presses my buttons, which improves them. I suspect that while I didn't enjoy them that much on a first reading, they will work well for a second and subsequent reading, because I'll already know what is happening, and skip the bits that are going to be stressful.

[***Dave Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samurai! Elvish! Traders! IN SPAAAAAACE!

Tropishness aside, these are fun novels that blend SF with Regency Romance, with a bit of magic, a bit of psi, a large dose of Peter Wimsey in the third volume. It's enjoyable except some points that become eye-rollingly "I love them but they can never love me so I will run away" / "I love them but my love is so wrong they will never be able to love me back" melodrama.

Those parts aside, there's some really enjoyable worldbuilding going on here, and some finely effective heartstring-tugging and emotion-prodding. There's nothing explicitly SF about it (one could write high fantasy with almost exactly the same story, save for use of sailing ships), but it was all sufficiently charming and engaging to keep me buying / reading more.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lifemate Triple Hitter

3 tales from Liaden give a good Place to start this Series which is somewhat vast and hard to see where to begin. The first was THERE BE DRAGONS which was my favorite and concerned the trials of the head of House Korval Er Thom and his difficult courtship of Anne a Terrian. Earth and Liaden can be a confusing mix. Fortunately he is aided by Daav his Delm and brother of his heart.

SCOUTS PROGRESS continues with the story of Daav finding his lifemate.

CONFLICT OF HONORS. Continues following the son of Er Thom and Anne: Shan. Unfortunately this is after his parents have passed away. He also finds his lifemate after rigorous space travel and adversity.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first introduction to the Liaden Universe which another reviewer has described as they're sort of high-tech Elves in space, with an overlay of Georgian England which made me laugh while acknowledging some truth in it. All three books are about outsiders, in Local Customs it's the Terran, Anne. In Scout's Progress it's Aelliana Caylon, despite being Liaden she's an odd ball who has never fitted in and lastly in Conflict of Honors it's Priscilla Delacroix. All come up against the very formal, honour driven Liaden society and 'win'. All three books are also romances which tend to rely on an element of miscommunication and misunderstanding to up the angst. I did enjoy them despite not really feeling the Liaden society was ever truly explained or developed.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This omnibus contains 3 books. I had read they were a good introduction to the Liaden universe. That was true. The books were also similar in that bad guy picks on strong woman who attracts the attention and protection of a hero. In each book, the hero is from the same family. I am not much of a fan of romances, but these had well developed characters and plots.

[Patricia Litz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what is a 900 page book? Its one that isn't long enough. Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are masters at writing space operas and fantasy. Everything ties in to something and you wish there was more.

[M.Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat formulaic plot for the first two, but engaging characters carry the story along. Some good examples of 'comedy of manners' in a science fiction setting.

[J Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best

Three separate back stories of the life matings of three of Korval's main characters, all in one glorious volume. What's not to like.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omnibus of "Local Custom" (Er Thom and Anne Davis), "Scout's Progress" (Daav and Aelliana) and "Conflict of Honors" (Priscilla and Shan).

[Ronnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are space opera, character driven stories that are heavier on the romance then the rest of the series. Not as adventurous as the books with Daav and ErThom's children and the fight against the Department but still very enjoyable reads. These give a good introduction to the series and world of Liad.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-reading this for the second time (this year). This omnibus comprises the first three novels (not entirely chronological) in my new favorite series, perhaps ever.

I absolutely adore the wry humor that is so prevalent throughout these novels. It makes the characters so much more likable (as though they weren't already highly likable). I also enjoy the not-too-scientific explanations of space travel, the mathematics and physics involved. The universe-building admirably supports the plot, and is descriptive without interfering in the main story.

The stories follow the aristocratic family of the Korval clan - "the Tree-and-Dragon" whose motto is "I Dare," and whom the whole traditional, hide-bound society of the planet of Liad considers to be mad. They are certainly unconventional.

The planet Liad is the seat of culture of the Liaden people. They are a predatory society, based around a clan structure. The clan is everything - clanless individuals are "dead" to society. The clan provides, and individual clan members have certain obligations to the preservation and improvement of the clan.

The two most intriguing factors of this societal structure are the ideas of "Balance," and of manners. The authors have exaggerated our own behavioral, non-verbal cues, and their importance in interactions and relationships, in this alien society.

Being a predatory society, "Balance" must be maintained. An approximate translation might be "revenge," but "Balance" can also refer to the positive exchange of favors or assistance. Because navigating interactions and relationships without setting off "Balance" is so challenging, manners have become the ultimate preservation technique, and are rigidly defined.

This means there are dozens of bows that are appropriate in different situations, and which (by themselves!) have multiple layers and possible meanings.* There are also multiple "modes" of speech, which are appropriate in different situations and in interactions with people of different "melant'i."

"Melant'i" roughly translates to honor, or "hats" such that each hat describes a different position or responsibility held by an individual.

Anyway, all of these things make the society fascinating.

Enter the Terrans, who are human. Who have only one mode of speech, and who don't bow, and who are considered sub-"human."

In Local Custom, Er Thom yos'Galan runs away from a contract marriage in order to finish one nagging piece of unfinished business. The business involves resolving a long-dead relationship that he can't get out of his heart or mind. His lover is a Terran, which severely complicates his relationship with clan-members and family, as well as his position among the clan. He has to choose between his heart and his family in this space regency.

I like this novel especially because of its focus on the relationship between two members of alien (to each other) cultures, and the misunderstandings that arise from that difference.

The second novel, Scout's Progress, follows Aelliana Caylon, famous mathematician who has saved thousand's of pilots' and scouts' lives by revising the Piloting Tables. She lives in an abusive home, until on a dare, she gambles on a card game and wins a spaceship. This sets her on a course that allows her to escape her family by learning to become a Jump pilot and working as a courier. At the shipyard where her ship rests, she meets Daav yos'Phellium, known to her as Daav, but also The Korval, head of the Korval family and clan.

The third story, Conflict of Honors, is about Er Thom yos'Galan's son, Shan. As Master Trader and Captain of his own ship, he picks up stranded Priscilla Mendoza, a Terran former cargo master. They both engage in a course of "Balance" with a Liadan who has wronged each.

*For a similar, but more dangerous cultural/biological system, read Foreigner.

[David Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the focus of these books a bit narrow. It's all Human/Liaden romance and little room for exploring parts of the universe that aren't Liaden.

[Pancha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bind up of three previously published novels set in the Liaden Universe, and a good starting point if you've never read any of Lee and Miller's books.

The first, Local Custom, is a good introduction to the universe. One of the main characters is a Terran with some knowledge of Liaden custom, so the reader gets the benefit of her experience but also gets introduced to new things through her eyes. The story itself was okay.

The second novel, Scout's Progress, was my favorite of the three and gets this bind up the four stars. One of the main characters was introduced in Local Custom, so it was nice to get more of his story. But what really made this novel for me was the focus on the growing friendship and love between the two main characters and how that relationship evolved.. It made the book very satisfying, although the female main character survived an abusive marriage and has continued to suffer abuse from her brother, so that might ruin it for some readers.

The third novel, Conflict of Honors, was a huge disappointment after Scout's Progress. I found it really emotionally unsatisfying and didn't really feel like the bonding between the two main characters was believable. I didn't feel their relationship like I did the one if Scout's Progress. Maybe if I hadn't read SP first, I wouldn't have had such a negative reaction to this one. I'm fairly certain the main characters' story will continue in other books, and maybe those other books will have a more satisfying portrayal of their connection. But I'm not really interested in reading them.

I am interested in reading more of the universe in general, especially the sequel to Scout's Progress.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

[April 2015] Reread the first two novels only; if possible, loved them even more this time around. In fact, I think Scout's Progress might be my favorite of all the Liaden books.

[May 2014] If you have ever enjoyed a Georgette Heyer novel, but privately nurtured the opinion that it could have been even better with spaceships, then the Liaden Universe is for you.

There are three novels in this collection, all with a distinctly romantic flavor. Local Custom is wonderful, and Scout's Progress is even better. But the third, Conflict of Honors, I didn't enjoy nearly as much as the other two. I couldn't understand why everybody she encountered became instantly smitten with Priscilla, and I had to laugh at poor dear Shan showing up everywhere with a wineglass in hand, like he was in charge of the Love Boat instead of a trade ship.

It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize why Scout's Progress resonated so deeply with me, but eventually it struck me that Aelliana's story was remarkably like Ekaterin Vorsoisson's in Komarr (one of my favorite Vorkosigan books.) I suggest putting this collection aside after finishing Scout's Progress, and picking up Mouse and Dragon, which is a direct sequel.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of the three books in this compendium, I liked the last one the most. The first two were, in the words of the authors, regency romances, so I was expecting the endless emotional stupidity and miscommunication (or non-communication) that were barriers to the two main characters professing their undying love for each other and living happily ever after. Luckily, the world and culture Lee & Miller have created are interesting enough to make up for most of the romantic nonsense. On the plus side, their female characters are not the fainting, weak, and retiring heroines of old, but rather strong willed, successful women who have opinions, options, and autonomy.

[Dlora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my favorite so far, with the middle book in the omnibus, Scout's Progress taking top honors. I particularly liked the foreward in the book, mentioning that Local Custom (starring Er Thom and Anne Davis) and Scout's Progress (featuring Val Con and Aelliana) are sort of like Regency romances--a novel of manners. The third book, Conflict of Honors (Shan and Priscilla) is more like a Lord Peter Wimsey type book. They certainly fit that billing and I find that I want to own this omnibus.

[Muff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished Book One: Local Custom. Interesting world construction and lovable characters. Well except for witchy Petrella. Looking forward to watching Shan grow to manhood.

Book Two now complete: Scouts Progress. Slow but ultimately enjoyable start of Daav and Aelliana's story, which was hard to stop reading.

Book Three will have to wait til later.

Reading Book Three now: Shan and Pricilla's story. Really enjoying it.

Good series.

[Mandapanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local Custom - 3.5 stars
Scout's Progress - 3.5 stars
Conflict Of Honors - 3 stars

Mildly enjoyable lightweight scifi. All three books ended very abruptly and felt unfinished. So far I don't really get the fuss about the Liaden Universe but I'll keep going for a few more books as I don't have anything better to read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! Someone called it Georgette Heyer in space, and it does have that mix of romance and carefully prescribed social interaction, plus a lot of great worldbuilding. I would definitely read more of their work.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and a half really. Very engaging book. Nice combination of a Regency Romance and a Science Fiction Space Opera. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Phyllis Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three books in one volume, three books on the same theme, three stories of hardships and romance, three dragons in peril.

[Doranna Durgin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite among the omnibi, with all three of my favorite stories...

[Katrina Sauvé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local Custom made the want to own list