Adventures in the Liaden Universe® Series

"Pilot of Korval" finds Er Thom yos'Galan and Daav yos'Phelium, raised together as brothers, separated and beginning to learn their adult roles of trader and scout. In "Breath's Duty," a grown-up Daav must undertake a painful duty of friendship -- find his best friend's ship, which was lost in the aftermath of a space battle, and return it, if he can, to Scout Headquarters.

Two Stories of a Tumultuous Time The Department of the Interior's bloody plot against planet Liad has failed, at least for now, but Clan Korval's firing upon Solcintra, Liad's capital city, to save it from the release of ancient killer machines has resulted in the clan's banishment. Korval has accepted this ruling with glee, but not everything is solved yet, especially with the clan's urgent Plan B still in effect. "Hidden Resources" deals with untested pilot Quin yos'Phelium, a halfling suddenly in charge of the escape ship for the clan's youngest members as the eldest face several mysterious vessels, most likely bent on revenge. His father missing in the larger fray, Quin's job is clear, but resolve alone may not be enough to pull him through. In "Moon on the Hills" the focus is on backworld Surebleak, Korval's refuge after their exclusion from Liad. Surebleak is a half-tamed place still ruled by territorial bosses, and Boss Conrad, while trying to tame it, must deal with finding a landing zone for Korval's clan house, and the tree that is the center of the clan. Yulie Shaper is the unknown factor: the road runs through his land and he's not all that fond of changes. The authors' craftmanship is top-notch, recalling the work of Elizabeth Moon and Lois McMaster Bujold." -- Publishers Weekly "These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien." -- Elizabeth Moon ". . .good, solid space opera. . . .a very fine piece of entertainment." -- Don D'Ammassa, Science Fiction Chronicle

Adventures in the Liaden Universe® Number One.  Originally published by SRM Publisher in 1995.  Includes the two classic Liaden stories, "To Cut an Edge," and "A Day at the Races." "To Cut an Edge" details a Scout trainee's meeting with an alien; and "A Day at the Races," pits two young gentlemen of fashion against their very proper aunt.

Moonhawk is a priestess of the Goddess, traveling on quest. Lute is an itinerant magician, specializing in sleight-of-hand and ventriloquism. The two of them meet on the road, and continue on together, down the road, and across lifetimes. "Where the Goddess Sends," is the story of Moonhawk and Lute's first meeting. "A Spell for the Lost" sees them working, each in their different ways, to solve the mystery of their host's missing daughter. "Moonphase" begins the story of Priscilla Mendoza, consecrated to the Goddess and given the temple Name Moonhawk -- until she accepts her Name's true power. "Ambitiously creating a complex emotional environment, they pique our curiosity. First rate science fiction adventure" -- Romantic Times ". . .the great excellence lies in the characters" -- Analog ". . .classic space adventure. . .is full of action. . . The world building is outstanding. . ." -- Booklist

Two new Liaden Universe® adventures! Novelette "Kin Ties" explores the ties that bind beloved kin -- and desperate enemies. Short story "Guaranteed Delivery" is a tale of love, leadership, and insurance fraud. Both stories appeared in slightly altered form on the authors' Splinter Universe website

Sometimes you don’t have much of a choice when it comes to who you do business with. Sometimes you discover that the evil you know is a necessary evil. Hal Clement award-winning authors Sharon Lee and Steve Miller bring more of what Liaden Universe® readers have asked for with "The Beggar King," set on Liad and about the young Daav yos’Phelium’s early training to be Delm. Then, in "Necessary Evils" they explore the time and space before Clan Korval, when the universe was degenerating into chaos, and individuals faced evil in many guises, including bio-enginnered human-plant hybrids, slavery, and of course, greed.

In "A Matter of Dreams" the oft-disappointed crew of an itinerant spaceship find that magic and dreams can come face to face with the reality of money and power -- and that power abhors an honest confrontation. Also here is "Phoenix," which gives an intimate glance at the Solcintra's Low Port, where artists and the abandoned must struggle to survive in the impoverished outskirts of Liad's greatest spaceport. ". . .the great excellence lies in the characters" -- Analog "Ambitiously creating a complex emotional environment, they pique our curiosity. First rate science fiction adventure" -- Romantic Times

Adventures in the Liaden Universe® Number 5 The short story "Balance of Trade" introduces Jethri Gobelyn, an aspiring Terran apprentice Trader who comes to the attention of a Liaden Master Trader. In "A Choice of Weapons," Daav yos'Phelium must Balance an insult amid the elegant formality of a Liaden garden party. "The writing is as rich with detail as anything by C. J. Cherryh, while the general approach... reminds of Andre Norton." -- Tom Easton, Analog "...the authors' craftsmanship is top-notch, recalling the work of Elizabeth Moon and Lois McMaster Bujold..." -- Publishers Weekly

"The Wine of Memory" brings Lute and his new apprentice, Moonhawk, to one of Lute's favorite places, only to discover that a tragedy has altered everything. Lute can get into a locked the house, but can he put a ghost to rest? In "Certain Symmetry," Pat Rin yos'Phelium receives two packets in his morning mail -- one a gift of joy from the Little Festival, the other an unexpected burden of duty and honor. "The writing is as rich with detail as anything by C. J. Cherryh, while the general approach... reminds of Andre Norton." -- Tom Easton, Analog ". . .tight, well-wrought prose, economical characterization, and basically charitable vision of humanity. . ." -- Tangent Online

Vertu dea'San, Delm of Clan Wylan, has her hands full with daughter, son, and taxi business, when she's offered an opportunity to solve several pressing problems in one fell swoop.  All she needs to do is ferry a few people to a "picnic ground" to deal with an honorable matter of Balance. By the time Vertu discovers ath Clan Korval is also involved, she's in over her head in one of the historic moments of Liaden history. Historic moments, it turns out, are not always comfortable, even for honorable people. Vertu's reward for acting exactly as a delm ought is perfectly Liaden. Her salvation? That will depend on her.

"Naratha's Shadow" pits a Scout and a priestess against a wandering artifact of the Old War -- a planet eater that hasn't, quite, run out of power. In "Heirloom," Pat Rin yos'Phelium and his young cousin Nova must unravel the puzzle behind an old rug that has been stored, not only dirty, but bloodstained. "Put plainly and simply, I like the Liaden books. . .for a whole slew of reasons. In the end, however, the reasons don't matter. What matters is that more people should be reading what Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have written." -- L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of Legacies "Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are so good, it's scary." -- S.L. Viehl, author of the Stardoc series

Before Miri Robertson met Val Con yos'Phelium she was an acclaimed mercenary soldier. Before she was an acclaimed mercenary soldier with the Gyrfalks, she was "Redhead," a young recruit in Lizardi's Lunatics. On Klamath it was Miri's job to carry Lizardi's Lunatics' special meteorological and comm equipment. That was her duty. Meanwhile, there was a weatherman, a Liaden, known as Ichliad Brunner. A weatherman's job is to observe and predict, and having someone on the surface of a strange and war-torn world could bring special insight to the process of weather, while he watched from an orbiting space station. That was his duty. Then the war took a turn no one expected, and duty took on special meanings for both of them, meanings they'd carry for the rest of their lives -- if they survived! ". . .I loved the action, the conflict of cultures, the characters, the romance. But best of all, and what makes each story enduringly special to me, is the strong sense of honor that impels the actions of the main characters and is often the basis of the conflicts among them. The Liaden world is an admirable world. Bravo!" -- Mary Balogh, author of The Secret Pearl ". . .the authors' craftsmanship is top-notch, recalling the work of Elizabeth Moon and Lois McMaster Bujold. . ." -- Publishers Weekly

"Changeling" features the collision of two off-world Liaden Clans -- one rich and influential, one borderline respectable -- after the contract marriage between two young and promising pilots results in an unforeseeable disaster for both of them. Code and honor require both Clans to follow tradition -- but when one Clan follows tradition beyond Balance and into personal vendetta tradition and lives are at stake. ". . .classic space adventure. . .is full of action. . . The world building is outstanding. . ." -- Booklist ". . .the great excellence lies in the characters" -- Analog "Ambitiously creating a complex emotional environment, they pique our curiosity. First rate science fiction adventure" -- Romantic Times

Included in this volume is "Veil of the Dancer," in which a scholar with three daughters properly marries off the two eldest, while teaching the youngest, Inas, how to read -- and thereby endangering them all. Also included is "Quiet Knives," which finds Captain Rolanni with time on her hands -- time to fulfill a promise she made years ago to a man who may no longer be a friend. "Put plainly and simply, I like the Liaden books. . .for a whole slew of reasons. In the end, however, the reasons don't matter. What matters is that more people should be reading what Sharon Lee and Steve Miller have written." -- L. E. Modesitt, Jr., author of Legacies "Sharon Lee and Steve Miller are so good, it's scary." -- S.L. Viehl, author of the Stardoc series

When space pilots dance, they move... . . .readers asked the questions: What happens when Korval moves to Surebleak? What happens when Pat Rin and Val Con get together? What happens when Aunt Kareen tries to bring the Code to the frontier? Answers to some of these perplexing questions can be found in "Lord of the Dance," an original Liaden Universe® story appearing for the first time in With Stars Underfoot. Series readers will recognize most of the characters, though many of them are putting on holiday finery for this wintertime outing in a most unusual location. Also included in this chapbook is "This House," a Liaden Universe® story written specifically at the request of Janis Ian for the 2003 Janis Ian tribute anthology STARS. If you haven't read the anthology, you haven't read "This House." From award-winning science fiction authors Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, another fine, fun read! ". . .tight, well-wrought prose, economical characterization, and basically charitable vision of humanity. . ." -- Tangent Online "The writing is as rich with detail as anything by C.J. Cherryh, while the general approach. . .reminds of Andre Norton." -- Analog

"In the matter of allies only two things are important. First, can he shoot? Second, will he aim at your enemy?" Allies, Adventures in the Liaden Universe® #12 celebrates Cantra's often repeated quote with two prime examples. First, Fighting Chance is a short story featuring young Miri Robertson coming face-to- face with a two violent men and a life-changing decision. This story appeared as lead in Women of War in 2005. Next is the new Sharon Lee and Steve Miller novelette Prodigal Son. Val Con's necessity as Delm Korval requires him to leave pregnant Miri and return to the backward world Vandar. His enemies from the Department of the Interior threaten the well-being not only of his former bandmates Kem and Hakan, but Zhena Trelu and the entire planet. How could he foresee that Hakan's active curiosity would attract them? "The combination of wit, relationship, and space opera may appeal to readers of Lois McMaster Bujold." -- Booklist "No one does space opera better than Lee and Miller."  -- SFSite

Two stories about the folks who keep the social and technical machinery running. "Landed Alien" finds Kara ven'Arith on a space station maintenance crew when a series of inexplicable events overtake support functions. In "Eleutherios," the friars at a down-and-out abbey are taken in hand by an unlikely savior. Both stories previously appeared on the Baen Books website.

When Ceola's bar-partner sister finds  interest in the business waning, even leaving for days on end without warning, the tavernista needs help and she needs it fast. But along with the bar her sister has abandoned a young lover known to his friends as Shadow... and whoever else he is, he's not one to permit a good thing to die. A Scout to his core, young Shadow introduces Ceola to Jasper, and to other possibilities she never knew existed, in "Shadow Partner." In "Persistence" Joshu is a a salesman with a mission: he wants to keep his comfortable arrangement with Beba. But Beba's family has a history to outlive, and Beba must be the point person in dealing with Conrad and his minions. And when Beba looks at them, she smells blood. "The writing is as rich with detail as anything by C. J. Cherryh, while the general approach... reminds of Andre Norton." -- Tom Easton, Analog "...the authors' craftsmanship is top-notch, recalling the work of Elizabeth Moon and Lois McMaster Bujold..." -- Publishers Weekly

Two novelettes set on Surebleak after it has been invaded and conquered by Pat Rin yos'Phelium Clan Korval. Each story features a young person coming to terms with the new conditions, and navigating treacherous cultural waters. "Chimera" was first published on Baen.com in May 2015. "Friend of a Friend" is original to this chapbook.

When Clan Korval knows your name. . . Abandoned on a strange port by a scam gone bad, his license to pilot rescinded, and his pockets very much to let, Fer Gun pen'Uldra was teetering between trouble, more trouble, and bad trouble. Cornered in a cheap bar by a too-knowledgeable stranger with an unlikely offer, Fer Gun realized having no money and no license might be the least of his troubles. Clan Korval knew his name and that proposal was hard to refuse. . .

Kareen yos'Phelium Clan Korval has always done everything that was proper, rising by study and by example to become the foremost scholar of the Liaden Code of Proper Conduct on Liad -- and perhaps in the galaxy. Indeed, it seems that the only people she cannot influence to seemly action are the members of her own Clan. Now, with Plan B in effect Kareen must act. Is she merely an expert of the Code, or is she a DAUGHTER OF DRAGONS? * * * Trees, propose, dragons dispose. So it has been for many cycles of growing, many lives of dragons. Trees and dragons alike prosper in cooperation, and when the trees do well, the world does well. One day, though, the world is turned upside down: A tree is uprooted; a young dragon is cast into action -- and neither one knows what other menace may be born on this DRAGON TIDE. * * * "These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien." -- Elizabeth Moon ". . .good, solid space opera. . . .a very fine piece of entertainment." -- Don D'Ammassa, Science Fiction Chronicle

Intelligent Design When a spaceship's inquisitive cabin boy finds a surplus crate of spare parts at a warehouse, all he knows is that he wants it very much. His older cousin's willing to see him buy it, but not quite so understanding when it comes time to connect the dots. The Space at Tinsori Light Sometimes in chaotic moments the panic button is all that's left. Sometimes it saves you, and sometimes it takes you to the Space at Tinsori Light.

A faction of renegade priestesses is seeking to circumvent the Dyan City High Priestess to outlaw "hedge magicians." Their reason is that such "bogus magic" confuses the simple, and diverts awe and respect that ought to be reserved for the true magic worked by priestesses in the name of the Goddess. Meanwhile, Master Magician Lute arrives in Dyan City on Beltane Eve, driven there by the will of the Goddess. Is he a sacrifice? Or is he the Hammer of the Goddess? A novelette detailing a first meeting between priestess of the Goddess, Moonhawk, and traveling magician, Lute.

This chapbook contains two tales from the Liaden Universe®: short story "Out of True," and novelette "The Rifle's First Wife." "Out of True" is a first contact story that takes place around the time of Balance of Trade and Trade Secrets. "The Rifle's First Wife" takes place soon after Korval's relocation to Surebleak, and explores the necessity for society to adjust to new realities, and a new culture. Both stories were previously published in A Liaden Universe® Constellation, Volume 3, from Baen Books, August 2015.

Life. Luck. Love. Lowport. Life, so the wags tell us, is what happens while we're making other plans. Luck. . .or, as some have it, chance. . .Luck is what makes Life interesting; introducing spicy bits of chaos – good, bad, and neutral. Without Luck, there is no savor – no adventure – in Life. Love. Ah, Love. The yeast of Life, Love expands our horizons, deepens our understanding, and opens our eyes. Love makes us daring. And Lowport? Lowport tries and tests Life, and Luck. And, most especially, Love. So here is small tale of Lives in progress, plans made and altered – and altered again. A tale of bread, and Luck, and Love . . . . . . and Lowport. We start with two people – a baker, Don Eyr; Serana, a captain of the Watch. Two people who have not much in common, until Luck brings them together, and they see each other. What, you say? There are no adventures here? Are you certain? Remember that Luck is involved. Degrees of Separation: Adventures in the Liaden Universe® Number 27                             * * * "Degrees of Separation" is a perfect gem, both alone and with "Block Party" as a sequel.   Once again,  Lee and Miller show themselves able to create intriguing new characters, as well as interesting clues to enlighten the re-reads of the earlier books and new ones.   (Who knew the depths of subtlety a qe'andra might employ within the Code? )   Read fast or savored in a second or fourth reading, it's a modest but sustaining masterpiece, like Don Eyr's breads and pastries. --Elizabeth Moon, author of Into the Fire

Contains two novelettes in the Liaden Universe®: "Roving Gambler," and "Code of Honor," both set in the turbulent time following Clan Korval's relocation to Surebleak. "Roving Gambler," finds Quin yos'Phelium, Boss Conrad's son, and Pat Rin yos'Phelium's heir at loose ends on a bad day. Deliberately overlooked for pilot duty, he is ordered to wait at the Emerald Casino, where he becomes a maelstrom of luck, both good and. . .chancy. "Code of Honor," sees Technical Sergeant Tommy Lee called home from the mercs by his delm. He's to become a pawn in a risky game of melant'i, in which the stakes are human lives. However, Tommy Lee has other ideas. Both stories were previously published in A Liaden Universe® Constellation, Volume 3, from Baen Books, August 2015.

Are you feeling lucky? Mar Tyn eys'Ornstahl is a lucky man. His very presence can determine the fall of a card, the spin of a wheel, or whether the bread will rise or fall. In fact, Mar Tyn eys'Ornstahl isn't merely lucky. Mar Tyn is a Luck; a focal point for the elemental force of random event. While most people think that there is good luck and bad, Mar Tyn knows better. Luck is Luck; only the aftermath of Luck's presence can be found to be good or bad. Mar Tyn's Luck, for instance, has recently cost him his home, and his savings. He has only one thing left to gamble. And his life might not be enough. ALL NEW!  NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED!

Together again for the first time.   Three stories set in the Liaden Universe®, featuring characters who may not embrace honor fully.    Included are:  Excerpt from Two Lives, Dark Secrets, and Revolutionists.   All three stories have been previously published.

Commander Vepal is a Hero. He is also the Yxtrang ambassador to the greater universe. These two facts do not make Vepal's life easy. But they do make it interesting. It was Commander Vepal who discovered the continuing orders from Headquarters, far back in old and moldy archives, which directed those of the Troop who had survived the collapse of the old universe to locate, in the new universe, the proper authority to which they might, with honor, offer their allegiance, and their skills. Because of this discovery, Vepal is made ambassador, while the rest of the Troop continues to prey on those it finds weaker than themselves. In pursuit of his duty, he and his small delegation put into Inago Station, where there's a military job fair in full swing. This is a brand-new story set in the bestselling Liaden Universe® created by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller!

Includes two stories set in far corners of the Liaden Universe®.   Short story "Command Decision," which first appeared in the anthology Release the Virgins, features Bjarni, a man with a nose for 'shroom, improbably standing at the intersection of change and tradition.   Novella "Dead Men Dream," is original to this chapbook, and harks back to the time of Lee and Miller's novel Trade Secret. What is life after death, after all, if not an adventure?