This is a great book. The instructions are clear, the photos are good. I especailly liked the author's comments on how to choose colors. They inspired me to try new combinations.

A great way to easily make an award winning quilt. Instructions are easy to follow and the design ideas leave you breathless.

Alex is a wonderful teacher in person...this book came out of classes she taught so the lessons really work!!! The diagrams & explanations are very clear and the book is organized with the easy stars in the beginning...toughies at the end!

Since diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I've read many books concerning this disease. This book was extremely helpful in getting me to understand my condition and it showed me a few preventive techniques that have worked. I am not cured, but Ido believe that this book has helped me in a way that no other book has, and for that I am grateful.

Steve Miller and Sharon Lee have produced a work that borders on epic, but with out the dull parts. Val Con yos'Phelium and Miri Robertson are two people that though you might not be able to identify with them, you would like to. Their story is one filled with all the ingredients of a great story. They are both brave and compitent people who are highly skilled in their professions. Val Con is a scout turned Agent of Change and Miri is a solder for hire. Both are very different personilities, yet these two hard professionals learn that there is more to life than just survival. Together they learn to laugh, to cry, to love, and to trust, and also that sometimes it takes two to survive. I have read "Agent of Change" and "Carpe Diem" but regret that I have not been able to find "Conflict of Honors" which I assume is the last book of the series. END

I first found this book years ago and have re-read it many times. It is a good action-adventure story with a touch of romance (just enough to spice - NO goo!) Val Con is cool and polished as the "agent of change" and Miri, the red-haired firebrand of a mercenary adds a good dose of hard-headed practicality to the mix. Add in some large turtle-like, extremely likeable aliens and some nasty criminal types and you have a first-rate, fast paced story. Here you also get introduced to the Liaden world in general, where humans have branched into at least three subcultures. I would highly recommend this book for any science fiction fan!

This is a wonderful series that includes Agent of Change, Conflict of Honors, and Carpe Diem. Unfortunately, the series is out of print, but not for long. A three-in-one edition is due to be published in February of 2000 and more books in the series are being planned (says so in the author website). But the next book in the series, Plan B, is available to order now! It's supposed to be out in the next two months or so.

What's all the fuss? The series has memorable, likeable characters and is funny, touching, and engrossing. The universe the authors have created is intricate and fully-realized. You can't read it just once...

Originally published in 1988 it took twelve more years for a commercial following to gather for the Liaden Universe. The first three books, "Conflict of Honors", "Agent of Change" and "Carpe Diem," were then compiled into a single volume and sold as "Partners in Necessity." During the mild aftermath of their first being published, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller continued to write, but mostly for themselves. If the general public didn't embrace what they wrote, at least they enjoyed writing it.

The strange thing here, is that those three novels were excellent. It's a mystery to me why it took so long for them to succeed, as they should have from the first day. The book market can be an unpredictable battleground. If it weren't for all the positive ratings awarded on Amazon.com, even I would not have read these quality novels.

Written in the vein of space opera, each of the Liaden Universe books, six so far, centre on the Liaden clan Korval. A non terrestrial but human family that ensures its survival in a universe of cut-throat politics with commercial acumen, a fleet of ships and a generations long breeding program aimed at producing pilots, (a rare bread of individual that has the reflexes of a cat and the courage to match). Each book tends to concentrate on one couple, typically as they meet, fall in love and life-bond. All this tends to happen under adverse circumstances; running from secret government agents, duelling with mad ship captains, targeted by a futuristic crime family or just being attacked by a mindless race of aggressive aliens known as the Yxtrang.

The Clan Korval is not always fighting alone however. One of their more fascinating allies is the Clutch Turtles, linked to Korval through an unspecified and mysterious adoption. These aliens are an old race, long lived, slow to act, fascinated by art and possibly the most deadly creatures in known space. There are so many factions, families, races and species involved in the Liaden universe that we need every book these talented authors can produce just to scratch the surface. I just hope their growing popularity gives them enough reasons to continue writing.

First, let me state up front that I am NOT the Steve Miller who co-wrote these novels, so I'm not singing my own praises here. I AM a Steve Miller who's also a writer (and who may have chosen a different variant on his professional name if he had been aware of the other Steve Miller who also writes sci-fi/fantasy, but for now I guess we have to share... :) ), but we are two different guys.

With that aside, I'll just say that I greatly enjoyed "Partners" and that I hope to start "Plan B" (the follow-up novel) next time I have a trip I have to take. In fact, "Partners" is one of the most enjoyable books I've read so far this year.

Lee & Miller write with the kind of style I wish I could. It seems breezy and effortless. Their tales are populated with likable characters whom the reader almost can't help but care about. The adventures are exciting, the romances touching, and the action fast-paced and exciting.

I highly recommend this omnibus of the first three Laiden Universe novels to anyone who enjoys sci-fi that's focused on characters rather than tech. The section about the 'hows' and 'whys' of this particular volume is also interesting reading.

PARTNERS IN NECESSITY is one of the greatest compilation volumes I have had the pleasure of reading for a good many years! It is actually three novels CONFLICT OF HONORS, AGENT OF CHANGE and CARPE DIEM originally published in the late eighties. How I could have possibly missed them back then I don't know but now I have found them I will never let them go!

Classic space opera! Interesting plots, wonderful characters, and enough action and romance to keep you turning the pages fast enough to have to worry about paper cuts! I read these books quickly and reread them and reread them again trying to memorize it! I'll admit I have become a Liaden Universe addict! Please don't try to rehabilitate me!

This is a keeper! One of the few that actually ended up on my library shelf rather then the local library.

For those of you who like adventure and romance I can't think of a better place to spend your time. It's worth it and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get a copy...

The biggest danger posed by this book will be your inability to put it down and the immediate need for another fix of Liaden Universe novels! I don't know how this series escaped my attention back in the 80's, but I started with Partner's In Necessity (omnibus of the first three novels, Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change and Carpe Diem) and was instantly in love. I read the whole book in under a week and immediately had purchase all the available books, including Plan B, which follows hard on the heels of Carpe Diem. I spent a weekend reading them all together in order, and even though I think Plan B is well-crafted enough to be read on its own, the background information and hints that you pick up in the earlier books makes it worth your while to start at the beginning and work your way to Plan B.

I was impressed that Plan B fit so seamlessly with the previous novels. The action picks up right where it left off, and the characters words and deeds are so consistant with what has been written before you never would have guessed there was a ten year publishing gap between them. The strengths of these books is in the wonderful cast of characters. Val Con, Shan, Nova, Anthora, Priscilla, Miri, Edger...they are all so well drawn with their own mannerisms and speech. Part of the dramatic tension in Plan B is getting the various members of Clan Korval all in the same place/space at same time since many of them haven't even met each other. You just know that Shan will approve of Val Con's lifemate Miri, but you want them to meet and talk to each other and interact, though perhaps it would be better to save Aunt Kareen for later...

While Plan B isn't strong on technological details, it is big on heart. The driving force is to preserve Clan Korval from the evil Department of the Interior, a xenophobic and power-hungry shadow organization within the Liaden government. They fear and resent Clan Korval's power and influence and the current clan members' partial Terran heritage. This sets the stage for planetary invasion, conspiracy, sabatoge, family reunions, long-lost heirs, galatic mobs, eccentric ancestors, talking tress, truces with enemies and a host of other difficulties to be overcome and it all makes for great reading.

By my measure, any book that makes you want to buy the sequel and/or prequel(s) sight unseen must have something going for it, and for all the faithful readers who had to wait 10 years (!) to get Plan B in their hands, well, they have my deepest sympathy. Right now I'll be re-reading my copies until I Dare makes its appearance. Thanks to Meisha Merlin Publishing for picking up this series, and let's hope there will be many more adventures yet to come!

First full disclosure: I have fallen in love with the Liaden universe! All these wonderful stories have been a godsend and a comfort. Marvelous tales of adventure, romance and daring do! There isn't a bad one in the bunch.

Now specifically lets look at "Plan B," the third in the Agent of Change series. But maybe it would be better to look at them as two parts of one story separated into two sections each. "Agent of Change" is nothing without "Carpe Diem" and "Plan B" is nothing without going on to "I Dare." "Plan B" is the continuation of "Carpe Diem" so you know where it's been. By the way if you haven't read "Agent of Change/Carpe Diem" do it now! Don't wait. In fact you can buy both of them along with "Conflict of Honors" in one volume called "Partners in Necessity", without a doubt the best buy around. Anyway the whole cast is there as you follow them throughout their various exploits.

I will grant you that my two favorites are "Carpe Diem" and "I Dare" but you can't skip "Plan B." You just can't! You can't skip tot he middle of a book and that's what you would be doing!

Given the total Plan B/I Dare, they really should have been one novel, you just can't beat it. Not only do I recommend this book but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it.

"Plan B -- Speak to me of danger, do!" has become a watch-word among certain groups of readers. And now we finally know what Plan B IS----- sort of. After reading (and re-reading) the first three books in this universe, and hooking many of my friends on them, I was thrilled beyond words when the newest edition hit the stands. Action, most certainly. Honor, excitement, romance, intrigue, curious abilities and of course, ten foot tall talking turtles....what is there not to love!?! Val Con and Miri, Shan and Priscilla, all of our favorites from Clan Korval are here, and THIS time, some of them in the same places! If there is anything wrong with this book (besides the fact that it ENDED!), it is the way the chapter-lets, or segments, really, jump from character set to character set. You could get motion sick, if you're not careful, trying to keep track of where you are when. But much can be forgiven where so much pleasure is delivered. And of course, nothing whets the appetite better than knowing there is more to come! "I Dare" isn't THAT far away.... Keep on writing, Steve and Sharon!

This is a fun book, third in the Liaden Universxe series -- read the other reviews for details -- but the first three are now in one book called Partners In Necessity from Meisha Merlin-- and a bargain it is!

Carpe Diem is a lot fun -- and a good book in general. Somehow the authors manage to pack all kinds of good story and world-building stuff into a smooth, fun package without showing off.

The best description is that this is space opera for for grown-ups -- if you like CJ Cherryh's space books you'll like this and the rest of the Liaden series. This book is out of print but I found a copy at the World SF Convention in Baltimore, where I heard that it will be reprinted next year -- and that there's a fourth book in the series coming out soon.

I own all three of the Liaden books now and can't wait for the next one.

Third book in the Liaden Universe series (there are four so far) that continues the intriguing story of the two main characters from 'Agent of Change'. Places the two main characters as fish out of water in a backwater planet, adding some twists about common ethical human behaviour. Introduces the rest of the family/clan in a transparent manner, leading to a believable conclusion (although by that time, I am always too engrossed to care much)

My copy of I Dare hasn't arrived yet, but when it does, I'm absolutely certain that I'll love it. (I'm hoping it'll get here today.) I just wanted to get the word out for those people who are already hooked on the Liaden universe, that there is another place where you can get Liaden stuff. Go to korval.com. That's the official site of the Liaden universe, and you can check out all sorts of interesting things. They also have a catalog where you can order Liaden short fiction and other stuff connected to the Liaden Universe or by Sharon Lee and/or Steve Miller. It's a great site, and I highly recommend it. Check it out, you won't be sorry. But if you AREN'T already a Liaden fanatic, you should definitely become one. These books are too good to miss. Start with Pilot's Choice, then read Partners in Necessity, and then Plan B before you read this one. Or you can skip straight to Partners in Necessity and onward before you read Pilot's Choice. Pilot's Choice is mostly background on the characters in the other books, and you could read the others without it, but you should definitely read it at some point. It's really good. But read them ALL!!!!!!!! Happy reading.

It is difficult to talk about "I Dare" without also talking about the rest of the Agent of change series. "I Dare is the conclusion(?) of the present serious, when you read the ending you'll know why I said (?). And a wonderful and brilliant conclusion it is. Just about all the loose ends from Agent of Change Carpe Diem and Plan B are wrapped up in this final chapter.

Wonderful story telling, great characters and character development. It's tight, it's right and it definitely hits the home run! The worse thing about this book is that at the end you will be screaming for more and Lee and Miller can only write so fast!

DO NOT read this until you have finished the first three, by the way it doesn't hurt to have read the compendium "Pilots Choice" also. But then by all means DO NOT MISS IT!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Ok, I admit it! I *love* the way Steve & Sharon write books. I have every one they've done (that I know of) - and more than one copy of some ....... well, I need to be able to get others addicted to the Liaden Universe (TM)! and *no-one's* getting my autographed copies!!!!! 8-)).

"I Dare" starts where "Plan B" left off - Miri, slowly, recovering from the wounds she suffered through her lifemate link with Val Con - and Val Con in a *much* more serious condition; Daav, Val Con's previously missing father, has arrived on planet - in a ship owned by his dead lifemate - who still talks to him; Edger & Sheather - Clutch Turtles (I hope they don't mind me using the short-form of their names; I would run out of space if I used their full ones ) have arrived on planet, concerned about the way the medics are trying to 'heal' Miri & Val Con, their sister & brother; Pat Rin is heading into *deep* trouble with the Department of the Interior; the Yxtrang are running from Erob....oh - and the Juntaves are about to stick their oar in, too.

So.... we've got the Department of the Interior (*really* nasty people) - against - the Clutch (*BIG* turtles, with *LONG* names), the Juntaves (smugglers, interstellar mafia, etc), lots & lots of Mercenaries, the Scouts, the Accountants Guild, seven members of clan Korval (the most infuential clan on Liad) and a couple of Dramliz (really, *really*, *Really* powerful wizards).

Boy - are the DoI in it up to their necks!?!?!

If you haven't read any of this series - *where* *have* *you* *been*?!? Anne McCaffrey has written some of the forewords for the series; you think she would do that if these were *ordinary* books????? And other authors, who opinions matter to me, have been equally effusive with their praise. The books *are* worth all the praise they have received - Go buy them!!!

Great stuff, Sharon & Steve!!! Now then....when's the *next* one out? Hmmmm????

...then this duo is for you! The Regency roots are showing here; much more than in the original three Liaden books, but still these two novels in one are interesting and fun. The second story especially starts to sound like Sense & Sensibility after a while! All that witty repartee and heroines that are too shy (or abused) to make their true feelings known and wicked elder brothers plotting revenge. Truly Austen-ian. Or Georgette Heyer-ish.

With Lee & Miller, you always feel there are a few sentences and scenes missing. There's a joke you're not getting here somewhere. The story sometimes jumps and especially the conversations between characters. It's a little disconcerting. The Liaden traditions and explorations of its language and matters are still interesting. How do all those bows look different, one wonders?

"Local Custom" is about Shan's parents, Terran Anne Davis and Liaden Er Thom yos'Galan. Lots of interesting background about Liad here and a truly horrific Aunt Petronella and a young Aunt Kareen make for a compelling read. In feel, very similar to Lois McMaster Bujold's book, "Shards of Honor," in which a sophisticated Terran woman meets and falls in love with a "barbarian" or provincial man from a world of Byzantine social codes. The twist to this is that from the start of "Local Custom," Shan has already been born!

The Aelliana/Daav yos'Phelium story ("Scout's Progress") does have quite a bit about Jump ship piloting and mathematics, so don't despair if romance isn't quite your thing. I do get quite tired of that old formula of brilliant herione hiding all her skills because of the mental and physical abuse of others. It just doesn't make sense at some points why Aelliana would allow this sort of treatment to continue when her mother is neither stupid nor weak and is totally capable of protecting her. Plus, Aelliana is a math genius and her family is totally oblivious of her worth to the Clan. Seems a little odd. This was a much stronger and richer story than the first despite that. The secondary characters (Scouts, Daav's intended bride, the pirates) all made you want to look for them in future books. (Or were they already there and we missed them?) The ending sort of leaves you hanging though!

If you've enjoyed Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, Carpe Diem and Plan B already, then sit back and relax with these two romance stories for a change of pace.

Pilots Choice is actually two novels about two cousins and their interactions with family, friends, and society. Both novels are also love stories. _Local Custom_ focuses on Er Thom yos'Galan and Anne Davis. One Liaden, one human, they have to overcome cross-cultural misunderstandings. _Scout's Progress_ is about Daav yos'Phelium and Aelliana Caylon. Both are struggling to balance personal happiness with the constraints of society's and families' expectations.

The Liaden novels (others are _Partners in Necessity_ and _Plan B_) are space opera in the best sense. Tightly plotted, interesting characters, neat fights, great fun. I've read and re-read all the books multiple times. They're 'comfort' books for when you're feeling blue or just want to revisit some characters that you wish you could call in a crisis.

In Pilot's Choice, we are treated to not just one, but two enchanting adventures set in the Liaden Universe. Newcomers to Liad needn't worry about coming into a series already in progress. Both stories take place in a time set prior to the events in Partners in Necessity and Plan B, and both are equally capable of standing completely on their own. Of course, once you've delved into the deft world building of Lee and Miller, you won't want the stories to end!

Long time fans will be delighted by this return visit, which is rich with back-story and subtext. Many questions and subtle hints which peppered the previous four books are answered in this omnibus. Plus, you just won't believe how adorable "toddling" Shan is. This is a must-read for any connoisseur of well-crafted stories, richly layered world building, and solid, spot-on characterization. Don't let the genre label fool you, Lee and Miller craft books that simply refuse to be pigeonholed. They're not just SF, or fantasy, or romance ... they're just good, old fashioned storytelling. Trust me, you won't be able to put them down.

I first found _Conflict of Honors_ because of recommendations given to me by alexlit.com, and hearing about the books by Lee & Miller obliquely on rec.arts.sf.written; happening by the book in a second-hand shop thereafter, I picked it up and started reading. Well, within 24 hours I'd visited seven other used bookshops looking for the other two, had found and read _Carpe Diem_ in addition to _Conflict of Honors_, and had written cheques for _Plan B_ and _Agent of Change_.

_Conflict of Honors_ by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller wasn't my first occasion of reading about themes most often considered in the realm of fantasy being mixed with more hard-SF tropes, but it has become one of the most memorable and amusing for me. The cast of characters are varied, well-depicted, with strong dialogue and interwoven story lines that are woven well with each other throughout the book.

As I personally prefer reviews not entirely composed of platitudes and promises, I do note that in places the pacing does flag, and the story is resolved by two characters realizing a personal commitment to each other; but the characters carry the story over its rough spots, and the love-story aspects are not what guide the development of the characters or the main storyline.

My interest in reading science fiction derives less from liking the exploration of new technical ideas, than enjoying the development of characters in settings different than those possible either historically or contemporarily; and it is at this that Lee & Miller are very strong, being able to develop characters who carry their own weight, bear the burden of their own choices, and interact as fully at the social levels as personal and professional. Shan and Priscilla are intriguing people as presented in _Conflict of Honors_, ones whom it will be delightful to read more of as they reappear in the progress of the Liad world.

I re-read this book and the others in the series at least once every year or so. The characters and setting are interesting and diverse. The plot is a good story by itself or as a companion in the series. There aren't too many novels that combine science fiction and the supernatural in a way that pulls me back again and again. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves good storytelling with time on their hands. I can't put it down, even after the fifth reading, so I doubt anyone else will have much luck either.

I liked this book the first time I read it but I liked it more the second time. I guess now it is my favorite science fiction book next to Witches of Karres by James Schmitz. My original book wore out and I've almost worn out the second one, I read it and lend it so often!

When I think about it, the wit and irony the chracters use with each other, and the way the story flows from the characters instead of the characters feeling pushed around by plot, is why this book is so good. There's what feels like honest romance along with the science fiction --and I first heard about this book when it was suggested in a Romance reader's magazine!

I like the other two Miller and Lee books, too, and I can't wait for the next one.

Scout's Progress, by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, is a science fiction novel set in the Liaden Universe. It's space opera combined with Regency romance, and can be a bit hard to get into at first. It's been awhile since I've read space opera, and that combined with the different kind of language used by the Liadens made me go through a series of starts and stops before finally settling in to a good book. And it is a good book, if you like that sort of thing.

The book is something I'm of two minds about. As said in the first paragraph, it is a fine example of what it sets out to be, so I'm going to review it as that. It's not really the type of book that I'm much interested in, and thus I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I may have otherwise. It is very difficult to get into at first, though I think that may have been a personal thing. There are two reasons for that. First, the language is a bit hard to get used to. It is in English, of course, but it is a very formalized form with some different phrases. I found it a bit annoying at first, but after about 50 pages or so, I started getting used to it.

Secondly, the introduction actually uses the term "Regency Romance," which didn't bring good images to my mind. I'm not a romance reader. Those words put a fear into me that the novel would be overly sappy and trite. Between that and the language, I almost put the book down 30 pages into it, but I decided to work my way through it and see if I could get something out of it. Thankfully it worked, and I found myself enjoying the interplay of the characters and the situations, as well as learning about this intriguing world that they lived on, where clan honour is the most important thing, "balance" for any wrongs against the clan must be achieved, and trade is more important than family. It is more a science fiction book with romance elements, then a romance book with science fiction elements. The ending is still a bit too Regency for me and left a small sour taste in my mouth, but the rest of the book is interesting and well worth slogging through the first few pages. If you don't go in with preconceptions, then it will probably be easier.

Aelliana is a divided character, self-confident when it comes to mathematics, but when it comes to interpersonal relationships, she is cowed and very subservient. She finds her true calling when she goes into the Binjali Repair Shop to see her new ship, and meets the proprietor, Jon dea'Cort. She finds herself at home with him and the other workers and pilots there, and she finds a companionship that she desperately needs. On meeting Daav, there isn't the spark of romance that one would expect. It was nice to see a relationship build naturally, with none of this "I saw her and I had to have her!" nonsense that romance novels are known for. It builds slowly as Daav instructs her in piloting, first to a mutal respect, and then to a growing attraction that finally ignites.

Daav is also an intriguing character. He works at Binjali for his own interest, not making his status as Delm of Clan Korval known to the general population. Jon knows, as well as his fellow pilots, but he never tells Aelliana, and he very carefully never uses his last name around her. He even has Jon sign one of her pilot's certificates so that he can avoid using it. I'm not completely sure if this is something he does generally, or if it's something to do with Aelliana. That bit was unclear to me. He is still interesting, though. He has a sense of compassion that is not common for people of his status (though Clan Korval already has a reputation for eccentricity). He is torn between his obligations to his clan and to his desire to be a free spirit. His growing love for Aelliana only complicates things as well, demonstrating even more that the woman he is supposed to marry is not somebody he wants to spend much time with. When a decision is finally forced on him by circumstances, it makes for an explosive situation.

The only character who I found lacking was Ran Eld. He is sadistically cruel and is a stereotypically evil character. Enough of a backstory is given so that you know why he acts desperate sometimes, but his treatment of Aelliana goes beyond anything that has a rational reason. In that way, he's not three-dimensional at all, and I found him a bit boring. His backstory didn't really interest me at all and his constant cruelty grew annoying as well. I like my villains to have a bit of depth, and Ran Eld didn't have that depth.

I found the plot of this novel to be your standard romantic plot, though it was helped by the things I've pointed out above. It didn't do much to rise above that, though I found the society interesting. Between that and the characters, it definitely became good enough to finish, though I found it incredibly predictable. If good characters aren't enough for you, then you may want to steer clear of this novel. The ending is very flat, destroying much of my good will toward the novel. Still, it is enjoyable, and I would certainly recommend reading it to any space opera fans out there. If you don't like the genre, there is nothing in here that will change your mind though.

Scout's Progress is a prequel to the main sequence of Liaden novels that begins with Agent of Change. It tells the story of the romance of the parents of the hero of that novel. It is primarily a science fiction romance (in contrast to the earlier book, which is more purely Space Opera, with elements of romance). I detected the distinct influence of Georgette Heyer.

Daav yos Phelium, a Liaden of the somewhat renegade Clan Korval, and an ex-Scout and a Master Pilot, is facing the necessity of a contract marriage. He is somewhat resigned to this, despite disliking his arranged mate, and despite facing the hostility of her family to the presence of a Terran in his extended household. At the same time the brilliant mathematician Aelliana Caylon, daughter of an impoverished Clan, is facing abuse from her vain brother, who resents her abilities. Her only thought is to escape to Terran space, where the strict social rules that govern Liadens do not apply -- but how? Then, rather improbably, she finds herself with a spaceship -- and the Master Pilot who ends up helping her get her pilot's license is -- well, you've guessed it.

The nove follows many of the conventions of the romance genre: not always a good thing, but enjoyable as long as you expect it. It has, at any rate, the strengths of the better Romances: engaging characters, an involving love story, a fairly believable strict social structure against which to mildly rebel. I found it compulsively readable, and very, very enjoyable.

As soon as I bought and read this book, I went out to get the rest of the books in this series. It is a lovely space opera, a prequel to Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, and Carpe Diem. (Avaliable in a new omnibus.) This book told the story of Val Con yos'Phelium's parents, Aelliana Caylon and Daav yos'Phelium. Aelliana lives in a household headed by her cruel brother, but after winning a starship by chance, she sneaks out to learn to pilot it, with the help of Daav, who does not tell her he is Korval (the clan that basically is in charge of everything - a paragraph somewhere states that he's king of the world. Not that our heroine knows that . . .) The plot is quick and easy to get a hold of. Even if you're like me, and usually only like fantasy novels, you should still give this a try. It's appealing to fantasy lovers and well as sci-fi. I only wish there was a little bit more romance, and that Aelliana appeared in at least one other book.