Accepting the Lance

Liaden Universe, Chronological #23

by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

NEW NOVEL IN THE NATIONALLY BEST-SELLING LIADEN UNIVERSE® SERIES. Sequel to national bestseller Neogenesis.

Exiled from Liad after bombing a city to save it from The Department of the Interior’s infernal weapons and plans, Clan Korval has gone to ground on the back-water planet Surebleak, whose people are as untamed as its weather. The old Boss-controlled fiefdoms largely fell to Pat Rin yos’Phelium’s influence, but the world is restive, the influx of outworld lawyers, guns, and money a brewpot for armed dissatisfaction.

Far beyond the surface of frigid Surebleak Korval’s farflung trade network needs a serious reset to recover from exile. From flagship Dutiful Passage to the experimental—if centuries old—self-aware Bechimo co-captained by the Delm’s blood-sister Theo Waitley, the clan’s ships are prowling space lanes seeking trade. Meanwhile, Old Tech from a failed universe—the ancient but revived Tinsori Light—and the machinations of the mysterious Uncle are coalescing into dangerous opportunity or nefarious trap.

And the Department of the Interior is not done with Clan Korval yet. They seek a final fully reckoned revenge, with Surebleak and Korval’s ships and people everywhere in the crosshairs.

At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

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

463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2019

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

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book number 520 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project

It was with pleasure and sorrow that I picked up this installment of the Liaden Universe series. I love these books and am seriously grieved by the death of co-author Steve Miller. This volume resolves some long standing plotlines in fine style, but there are enough significant characters that there are always new issues to explore.

This is the tome in which the Department of the Interior gets its hash settled! Their own agents are sent against them, their machinations are side-stepped, and their final violence, although not fully avoided, is mitigated. No doubt there will be details yet to be resolved, but the worst is surely over.

Better, the clan of Korval seems to be stabilizing. Theo Waitley has willingly acknowledged her blood ties and names Surebleak as home. Daav and Aelliana have found new identities and pilot's licenses. Anthora is out of hospital and awaits her life mate's healing. Pat Rin, in his role as Boss Conrad, has received overwhelming endorsement from the citizens of Surebleak. Rhys has returned, badly wounded, from space to meet his new daughter and reunite with his partner, Droi. The clutch turtles have sent an envoy to liase with Surebleakeans and correct a defect within the planet. Even the crazy neighbour has been stabilized by the influence of the young Tree that was gifted to him.

The Elder Tree continues to meddle, heal, and guide the clan. Val Con has been wishing for a more lively clan home and it seems that he may get it. It is a joy to me to realize that I still have several books remaining in this beloved series. The trick now will be resisting the urge to read them too quickly, ending the journey too soon. Wish me luck with that endeavor as my ability to resist their siren song is weak.

[Mary Soon Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the twenty-second novel set in the authors' wonderful Liaden universe, which also encompasses a passel of shorter stories. The books are often described as space opera, which is fine as far as it goes. I would call them character-focused science fiction adventures set against a galactic backdrop. I highly recommend these books collectively and this one in particular. The characters have come to feel like my friends. I love reading and many books give me great pleasure. But the Liaden books are among the relatively few that make me feel better about the universe. (Another notable example being Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series -- but that series doesn't have the added bonus of alien turtles.) I don't wish to give spoilers about this particular book beyond saying that I found it very pleasing, and often a delight. Very few books delight me. All that said, I don't think it is a good place to begin reading the Liaden works. It picks up the story from where the previous book, "Neogenesis," left off, and features many characters introduced in earlier volumes. If, then, you are wondering where best to begin reading, one of the authors, Sharon Lee, has a helpful webpage about this. For myself, I think "Conflict of Honors" and "Necessity's Child" are among the best starting points. But do begin somewhere. Spending time with these characters is both a joy and a comfort.

3/20/2023 update: re-read this. Still a great pleasure :-)

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).

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫This book was okay but not the best in the series. I've read every book in the series. With this one, I felt annoyed by the obscure writing style, especially in some sections. It felt like the authors were attempting to generate suspense via obfuscation.

Plot rambles. Pace is very slow. Some plot loops are left open, so I expect we'll have another sequel.

Some scenes with the clutch emissary were good. I enjoyed the scenes with the Tree. Predictably, key people didn't die.

Some plot pieces wrap up. The Department of Interior. The Terran Port Authority finally makes a decision about Surebleak. The Pathfinders Stost and Chernak accept a contract for hire. Daav and Aelliana start a new life.

Shan and Priscilla do not feature in this book. Maybe they show up in the sequel, Trader’s Leap

We're left with the sense that the Bedel ship might become a problem.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been sometime since I’ve ventured into the Liaden Universe but as always there’s situations evolving on a multitude of fronts. Surebleak has problems that could spell the end to many. Still as enjoyable as ever!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good, with so many threads advanced, or resolved. Well worth the cost of the eARC. Lee and Miller just keep getting better at their craft.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvelous wrap up volume; I loved everything about it.
Kudos to the authors.

I've had a great time over the years with this series. I am so happy that a good friend thrust Partners in Necessity into my hands (20 years ago) and said, "Read this, you will love it." She was right. I loved it and became a fan for life. I've liked some of the books better than others, of course, but I've never been truly disappointed with any of the stories.
The Liadan Universe series is Space Opera at its best.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb, so many threads advanced, some major threads completed, or are they?

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, wanders a bit but closes off a plot thread.


Spoilerish -- was the ship supposed to be familiar? Like the series that was cut short at another publisher?

[Bungluna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that the last few books in this series had begun to pall, as it seemed to me that the authors had introduced such a large cast of characters that the overreaching arc (the Department of the Interior and it's pursuit of Clan Korval) was in danger of getting lost in the chaos.

I'm glad to report that this novel ties up most of the loose ends of the DiI story line, which leaves room to explore other stories, such as the emergence of IA beings into legal society.

The Liaden cast of characters is too big to include in its entirety in one novel, imo, so I was not surprised that quite a few were left out of this story. That said, the main ones were there to wrap up what started (chronologically) in Mouse and Dragon and came to be known as a plot of much older existence.

I was satisfied with the resolution offered in this novel and look forward to future adventures in the Liaden Universe.

[Jacqueline J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars for the parts of the book taking place on Surebleak. This book was disjointed and hard to follow. I am a super fan of the series and I am disappointed. There were too many characters and the action jumped around too much. There were plenty of minor characters who I couldn’t remember who they were who would have a page or two of POV and then disappear. Some of the action I just read and didn’t even try to really understand what was going on, especially the bits about the healers and the commander of the department of the interior. So disjointed.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent addition to the Liaden Universe. Satisfying conclusion, with room for more stories - which is good because the authors have a contract for several more books.

This review is based on reading the eARC edition purchased from Baen.

[tiffany johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular as always. Great way to wrap up loose threads. Look forward to many more!

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019 bk 405. I am going to have to go back and read this again. Accepting the Lance wraps up a number of primary issues in the Liaden Universe - enough that I have to wonder if there will be a #23. The universe has expanded so much that I have lost a few threads and esp. with this one realize that I need to read a couple of books that came before this one. I did like this book, the bedel continue to fascinate me and I missed the children's involvement in this one. Talizea made a few brief appearances, but non of the others I so much enjoyed - and when did Diglon get married? That threw me completely.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! I enjoyed the scenes with the old tech!

[MAB LongBeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accepting the Lance ties up all of the "contemporary" story lines in the Liaden Universe in a satisfying way. Because of that, this is definitely not a good starting place for the series. But those who have been following it should be satisfied.

There is a lot going on here, so many of the ongoing characters are on-stage only briefly, but giving each their full due would drag the book out past enduring. The only thing that feels slighted is in the attack on the Department of the Interior's base. A major development comes from nowhere; I felt off-balance through that whole sequence because of it.

The ending is satisfactory, but leaves plenty of room for more stories in this universe. Recommended.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 22nd adventure in the Liaden Universe a number of plot threads are tied off. It is a novel filled with changes.

TerraTrade has sent a survey crew to assess Surebleak's potential as a trading hub. However, one of the crew is prejudiced against the planet because Clan Korval has settled there. He is convinced that Clan Korval are pirates who subjugated the world to Korval's desires which is almost true. Nonetheless the current plan is not to make waves while the inspectors are on planet.

But Theo and Bechimo arrive being trailed by on overzealous scout who wants to decommission and reprogram Bechimo because he's a complex logic - a self-aware and self-governing space ship. But Val Con makes a judgment in his role as a Scout Commander that complex self-aware machines are people and may not be interfered with if they have jobs and are socially responsible. This is an epic, potentially universe changing idea.

When a group of these complex logics, most of them war machines that survived the Old Universe, are pointed at Surebleak by the Commander of the Department of the Interior as the next phase in the DOI's plans to wipe-out Korval, Theo, her crew, and her ships are there to stop the invasion in a very Delgado sort of way. Theo teaches the invaders consensus building as a way of problem solving and averts the invasion without a shot being fired.

While these things are going on at or near Surebleak, another plot thread begun in an earlier book has some survivors of the DOI going off to try to defeat it. It is a longshot attempt that is led by Rys Lin pen'Chela who was a former Agent of Change who was adopted by the Bedel who live secretly on Surebleak.

Speaking of the Bedel, they have long been on Surebleak having been dropped off by their ship which never returned for them. Only now a message comes in and they find that they have been found and a ship will be coming for them. The problem is that most of the current generation of Bedel have made Surebleak their home and don't want to go back.

Still another plot thread has a Boss Surebleak wanting to return things to the bad old days and wants to retire Boss Conrad (Pat Rin) and the Road Boss (Miri and Val Con). No one knows who Boss Surebleak is but our heroes are pretty sure he/she is another part of the plot set up by the DOI to eliminate Korval. The consequences of this lead to the development of voting as a way to indicate support for either Boss Conrad or Boss Surebleak which is an idea that is very new to Surebleak and not much more common on Liad.

All of these plot threads and others I didn't talk about are wonderfully woven into a fascinating story that brings us up-to-date on many of the characters who have starred in earlier books in the Liaden Universe series. But I still want more! What about Shan? What about the children who are now young adults? What will happen as a result of Val Con's judgment? What is happening at Tinsori Light?

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally it all comes together. Lee and Miller have been showing us parts of the story in each previous book. Now all of those parts and characters come together as the DOI tries to destroy Koval and Surebreak. Lots of tension, danger and suspense as each characters finds their part to play

[Bookwirm · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with many high number books of a series, there are a number of threads and storylines to follow. Without thorough familiarity of the series, this could make the book a bit confusing. However, an enjoyable story and a resolution that brings many of the threads together again. If you are a fan of Clan Korval, I heartily recommend!

[Joy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of characters--old friends and new. (Love the Clutch turtle.) Some I wasn't sure if they were new or I'd forgotten them, but mostly there were reminders and updates. So many favorites--and questions. What does the arrival of the Bedel ship mean? (I worried about that--and Malda.)

Some of the chapters are short as we skip from place to place, ship to ship, and character to character(s). My favorites are The Tree, Yulie Shaper, Jeeves, Diglon Rifle, Stost, Chernak--and others. I can't even remember them all! The incoming intelligences from the old universe are a threat, but ....

There is danger and suspense--conspiracies, ambushes, traps, sacrifice, and mayhem... Well, the Department of the Interior is still active. And so many threads to follow and wonder about. Too tempting to give hints! It's an epic.

[Thea Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kick ass romp that had me laughing one minute and crying the next.

I don't wish to spoil anything.

What I will say, is that though some VERY big things happen in this book and it almost seemed like a finale in the series because so many threads get tied, it raised so many questions I am going to go right out and re-read the Crystal Variation books. Again. Which is not a bad thing! : )

As a long and very loyal fan of this universe I say that this book is a gift. I thank the authors for it.

I really am breathless and wrung out having just read the ending.

Expect a roller coaster of emotions!

[Kris Sellgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the recent Liaden Universe science fiction novels. Clan Korval faces the Department of the Interior, rogue artificial intelligences, and insurrection on planet Surebleak. A perfect time for Terran Trade to evaluate whether Surebleak’s spaceport merits an upgraded rating, right? The Bechimo (ship) and the Bedel (clan) are central to the story. There are sparkling bits of romance. Cats are everywhere. Of course, the Tree takes a hand — er, branch? My only regret is that with so many characters involved, there is no time for character development. Otherwise, a perfect Liaden novel.

[CatBookMom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to read. On the one hand, it's a nice story about how Surebleak is beginning to adapt beyond its kill-or-be-killed, might-makes-right culture, as was found when Pat Rin yos'Phelium came to it, and began changing the culture. On the other hand, it's alarming, how vulnerable it is to those who want to go back to the old ways.

Read it, but only if you've read some of the earlier books. You have to understand about Val Con and Miri, and Pat Rin's "subjugation of the planet" - it was not terrible, he was just Korval-determined, and that can be a force of many natures.

Highly recommended.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not one of their best. There were certainly some good parts, especially at the end. But some of the early action, especially among the AI ships, seemed to me that it didn't quite make sense. As if I'd missed some earlier explanation. But I'm sure I didn't.

[Louis R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love them and can’t even pretend to be impartial

Another great one; the only tiny issue becomes that they have such an array of characters and plots that the pacing can get
Tricky and occasionally confusing. Loved the book though.

[Georgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous!!! So many stories wrapped up and so many more to be discovered in the next book! Write on, Lee & Miller!

[Olga Godim]

DNF

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars.

A satisfactory conclusion to the DOI arc and a hopeful future for the people on Surebleak. As usual, there are lots of interconnecting scenes and simultaneous actions happening all over the place. Looks like I should have gone back and re-read more than just the last book to refresh myself a bit more!!

The Tree meddling with Yulie Shaper and Emissary Twelve, The Six's missions, Theo and the Assembly of Old Tech, the Road Boss's lectures and that final shootout with Miri... there are many memorable moments. Although I did miss the Uncle's presence.

I hope this is not the end but the start of a new phase for Clan Korval, especially since we've now got a pair of young "cousins" as new Korval pilots.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful episode in the ongoing Liaden Universe series! This one is full of action and successfully follows multiple threads involving characters we have come to know in prior books. I zipped through an ARC, but will go back and re-read before I write a review.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying book of all your favorite Liaden characters.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook version was very enjoyable.