ISBN: 1-892065-00-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
A somewhat episodic and not very rigorous tale of space opera, conspiracy and ESP, this book brings delight to the aficianados of the colorful, likable characters of Clan Korval, and the intricate history of the Liaden.
Reviewed by David on January 09, 2000
Genre: Science Fiction (Intrigue, War, ESP, Space Opera)
Synopsis: Val Con of Korval, the superbly trained Scout and the heir to one of the oldest Clans on Liaden, has discovered that his conditioning is part of an ambitious and ruthless plot on the part of the Liaden Department of Interior. Together with his Human companion, the former mercenary Miri Robertson, Val Con, and his small and scattered clan mobilize their resources and friends to resist the paranoid organization's plans for Liaden domination.
Full Review: This book is the sequel to the three previously published adventures of Clan Korval: Agent of Change, Conflict of Honors, Carpe Diem. Long out of print, the support of its many fans and decisive action of Meisha Merlin, has brought the series back to life. Stephe Paigel, the editor of MM, has been doing an excellent job in bringing back well-beloved classics of Science Fiction and Fantasy which were considered too unpopular by the major houses. The three previous novels have recently been published as Partners in Necessity, an Omnibus reprint by Meisha Merlin.
This book continues in the happy tradition of its predecessors. The fast pace, a lot of fighting, a mixture of passion and manners that characterizes Liaden, make for a heady, romantic combination. There are a number of charming characters, from the major protagonists like Shan and Miri, to the minor but well-drawn ones like a 9-year old Alys Tiazan and Explorer Nerilikk.
The novel is not without flaws. There are a number of viewpoint characters, and the constant shitfing between them is distracting. The villains are flat and implausible. Even more so, the space and surface battles are fairly primitive, with weapons not significantly different from our own.
Nevertheless, this is a delightful example of space opera, entertaining not only through its action sequences, but through an elaborate pattern of custom, tradition and history glipsed in the background. Added to the pleasing and long-missed characters, this novel becomes a very satisfying addition to the Liad sequence.
The first fout Liaden books, including this one, are also available in electronic form, along with free samplers, from Embiid. See also the Korval web site for more information about this series.
Universe: Liaden Universe
Version: 2
Overall: 7; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 7; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 1999, Meisha Merlin Publishing (MM), February 1999, Trade paperback, 334 pages
ISBN: 1-892065-00-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com