Amazon.com (ISBN 0441015492, Paperback)

Every now and then you come across an author, or in this case, a pair, who write exactly what you want to read, the characters and personalities that make you enjoy meeting them. Apart from my passion for Kim by Rudyard Kipling, I had read some authors whose books I would buy the moment they came on sale (thanks to Amazon’s policy and pre-ordering facility) and then there are the precious few who sit in honor on my comfort shelf. The books I reach for when something in life has become intolerable. And I rediscover the joy that had infused me at the first reading. Such a book was "Agent of Change" first published by Del Rey. When I had finished, hungering for more, I got in touch with Shelly Shapiro, my editor at Del Rey and, prayers answered, she had the manuscript for "Conflict of Honors" on her desk. I beseeched her to send me a copy asap…my hunger for more of the Liaden Universe so intense. She did. However, I had to wait for the third of that first series: "Carpe Diem!"

I found out that Steve and Sharon had published chap books on the Liaden universe, Val Con and Miri Roberson, Shan yos ‘Galan and Priscilla. Sharon and Steve are always throwing you quips like that and reading them is all the more enjoyable for them. So I bought those as they were published. Some of them are now also published in hard cover. The only trouble with the chap books is that while they sort out one problem, or elaborate on a special character, they are not very long.

Then I discovered that Meisha Merlin was going to continue the series. I was delighted to get a hard-cover of "Partners in Necessity" which is the three single titles mentioned above…then we have more good chunks of Liaden in "Pilot’s Choice" which contains the two titles "Local Custom" and "Scout’s Progress". Following them, is "Plan B", which has the most devious plot and then on to "I Dare". Which is gorgeous. And then, for dessert, "Balance of Trade"…and the tales of "Low Port".

What fascinates me most about Lee and Miller as a team is how well blended they are, with a structured society that is almost Chinese in its adherence to custom…the graciousness of the language is always a delight (something I wish I had phrased as aptly). I can certainly see the Tree in my mind’s eye, spreading its ancient leaves over the valley it protects and the people it cherishes. And now these authors have come up with another pair of characters and a new chapter in the history of Liaden…"Crystal Soldier". Better yet, it says on the title page Book One of the Great Migration Duology. So, Happy Day, it means another book is coming "Crystal Dragon". Hurrrah. The hero is M. Jela Granthor’s Guards, and the heroine is Cantra: names which will have significance to those who have already entered the magic of Liaden.

I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories. Start at the beginning, dear reader, and you will be rewarded with a sanctuary you can escape to, as I do when this world we’re stuck with is impossible to endure.

Anne McCaffrey, Dragonhold-Underhill, Co Wicklow Ireland.