Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

[Carolyn Hill]

Does anyone here enjoy Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Liaden series?

The series spans generations in a space-faring clan of traders and pilots, blending interplanetary and planetary politics, soldiers and spies, aliens and humans, and adventure and love. One of the major themes of the series is the importance of extended family and of commitment--to self, to others, and to tradition; characters from diverse traditions often triumph over adversity by coming together to form abiding alliances. Another recurring theme is the importance of making a choice; as the series continues, switching from sequels to prequels and back again, the choices of the characters in each book gain even greater resonance as we see how those choices affect, and are affected by, choices made in the other books.

Most of the books focus on a couple who rise to a position of responsibility and who struggle to protect their world or the people in their care. The women are as strong as the men, and all are admirable--and admirably restrained. A touch to the cheek in these books speaks volumes; the mannerly interactions and etiquette of clan Korval remind me, at times, of the Brontes' writing.

Plus the series honors wise cats, sentient trees, and fast spaceships!

 

[murphy]

Yes, I love their books. Even got some of their chapbooks to satisfy my hunger for Liaden books. I think I must have everything they have written, except for some of the chapbooks.

 

[Carolyn Hill]

Chapbooks? That sounds interesting. What are chapbooks?

 

[murphy]

Chapbooks? That sounds interesting. What are chapbooks?

They are short stories. You get them from the authors' website, Liaden.com. They have a book out now they sell with the first five chapbooks in them.

 

[Carolyn Hill]

the authors' website, Liaden.com

I couldn't find liaden.com, but I found korval.com and a page listing Miller and Lee chapbooks at http://www.korval.com/srmcat2.htm .

They look really cool. Thank you for the tip, Murphy!

 

[murphy]

I couldn't find liaden.com, but I found korval.com and a page listing Miller and Lee chapbooks at http://www.korval.com/srmcat2.htm .

They look really cool. Thank you for the tip, Murphy!

Sorry, I goofed. I always use Liaden when I do a search and find it alright. Forgot about Korval. They also have a newsletter they send out if you want to sign up for it.

Where are you located in California? Anywhere near Los Angeles?

 

[Carolyn Hill]

Where are you located in California? Anywhere near Los Angeles?

Nope, not near. I'm in Northern California, a few miles south of the Carquinez Bridge (northeast of San Francisco).

Do you live in LA?

 

[murphy]

I live in Van Nuys, which is a suburb of L.A. It's nice to see another Californian on the board, especially one who is as fond of Lee & Miller as I am.

 

[Carolyn Hill]

What's your reaction to the latest Miller and Lee books, Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon? I'm getting a buzz out of scenes that show the beginnings of the clan; small things resonate, because we know how those things matter later in the timeline. And the tree seems to have even more personality.

Another thing I wanted to ask: what's the first Miller and Lee book you read, and what was your reaction to the first few pages?

The first I read was Conflict of Honors in the Partners in Necessity omnibus. The first two pages left me wondering whether the book would be any good; description seemed sparse, and I wasn't sure what was going on. I kept reading . . . and sometime shortly thereafter, I was hooked.

 

[murphy]

I first heard about the Liaden U from reading the Google Usenet group, rec.arts.sf-written. So I researched it and bought Partners in Necessity. Liked it from the first and proceded to buy all the books I could get my hands on.

I noticed in later books that the tree developed more and more of a personality. I loved it that when Korval clan moved, they took the tree with them. The giant turtles were a kick.

 

[Finnien]

I believe I originally got into the series just reading the back of the book and seeing Anne McCaffrey's 'comfort shelf' recommendation. Since then I've gone on to hook a few friends, and try to keep a spare copy around as a loaner whenever I can.

I also admit I wasn't really grabbed right off the bat reading Conflict of Honors. The characters, however, managed to grow on me. I can't say when I was hooked, but there's no doubt that I was.

As far as Los Angeles goes, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller should be at WorldCon (AKA LACon IV) . I'll be heading down from Scenic Fresno for that, as will a few fellow Liaden fans. I haven't attended a lot of cons in the past, but it should be fun.

 

[Carolyn Hill]

I am jealous that you'll be attending WorldCon along with other Liaden fans! Bring back lots of juicy info for us on the board, OK?