I Dare

This is, depending on how you count, the seventh novel in the Liaden Universe series. However, Meisha Merlin published two novels, _Local Custom_ and _Scout's Progress_, as one volume (entitled _Pilot's Choice_), and another three novels as one volume, so depending on what editions one buys, there are only four volumes so far. The authors predict a total of seven volumes, so we have more to look forward to. And this book certainly leaves one eager to order anything and everything else they care to write in the series!It's a good idea, if you're not familiar with the series, to read them all; while this is a rousing good space opera in its own right, it is even better if you have followed the series. You could get by without the _Pilot's Choice_ volume, but you really need, at the very least, _Agent of Change_, _Carpe Diem_, and _Plan B_ to get the most out of _I Dare_. Agent and Carpe are two of the three novels in the _Partners in Necessity_ volume, so if you get that, you'll get _Conflict of Honors_ too. That's the first one I ever read of the series, initially published as individual paperbacks.The series starts with Er Thom yos'Galen and Daav yos'Phelium, in _Local Custom_ and _Scout's Progress_. _Conflict_ takes up with Shan yos'Galen, Er Thom and Anne's son. _Agent_ takes up Val Con yos'Phelium, Daav and Aelliana's son. The rest of the books so far, including _I Dare_, continue to follow Shan and Val Con, and the various employees, friends and lifemates they drag into the ongoing story of Clan Korval. In _I Dare_ many of the separate threads from the previous volumes come together. We have the Juntavas, the interstellar Mob who actively appeared in _Agent_; we have the return of Daav; we have also Shan and Val Con's cousin Pat Rin as a major character. (That's Val Con and Pat Rin on the cover.) Surebleak, the planet Miri Robertson was born on, suddenly shows up again. Korval has already noticed that the Department of the Interior is trying to take over Liad and eliminate their family; in this book, Korval actively confronts the Department. A large chunk of the book is taken up with battles and battle strategy; however, this didn't turn me off, even though I'm not that gung-ho on war stories. And there's a larger element of fantasy in this book than in the previous ones, in that more and more people turn out to have psychic powers. I'm not that much of a fan of psychic powers, but I didn't mind them here- it's just one element that keeps the story moving right along. The plot is extremely brisk; don't skip a page! The end of the book does contain what seems to be a clear lead-in to a next book, since a new character shows up... I won't give away the details. One of the nice things about this book, and this whole series, is that there could be short stories written about it for years to come, because there are so many interesting characters. What exactly was Daav doing all those years at a Terran university? Whatever happened to Aelliana Cayl

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 (L E Modesitt wrote the foreword for *this* one); do 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!!! ...

This fifth book in the main storyline of the Liaden Universe novels (Conflict of Honors, Agent of Change, Carpe Diem, Plan B, I Dare) is a major pleasure. Val Con and Miri together make a most dangerous Delm of Korval. And Pat Rin shows that even a (supposedly) lesser member of Clan Korval cannot be taken for granted. Read these five books and discover one of the most enjoyable and exciting creations in science fiction. I have a couple of small problems with this series. The travel times between planets seem much too short for a society where the major tradeships spend years on their rounds. Also, coincidence plays a major part in series events, but that could be explained by a most ancient (and huge) ally of the Clan. Another reviewer's comments about a breeding program spring to mind. In addition to these five novels, the authors have also written several short stories in the Liaden Universe. "To Cut An Edge" describes the first meeting of Val Con and The Edger, "Breath's Duty" illuminates Daav's Balance and the Battle of Nev'Lorn, and "Changeling" tells of Ren Zel's "death" before he signed on Dutiful Passage. Hopefully, these and other short stories will be published as an anthology to join the series. Until then, they are most available directly from the authors.

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????

Lee & Miller have completed the "Agent of Change" Cycle from their Liaden Universe, and I DARE was worth the wait. One caveat--I don't recommend starting the series with this book! I think you'd miss too much nuance--and too much subtle fun. Start with the omnibus PARTNERS IN NECESSITY from Meisha-Merlin, that contains the first three books originally published as separate mass markets. You won't want to wait long in ordering PLAN B. Once you finish PLAN B, the rest of this review will have you ordering I DARE overnight. The biggest problem, here at the end of five books, is-how to entice without giving away?Want to know if Val Con and Miri survived PLAN B intact? Want more about clutch turtles? Always wondered about Pat Rin? And what about the Yxtrang, or the scouts left in disarray? IS that blasted tree sentient or not? Do cats use hyperspace to walk through walls? Will the Department of Interior have its way with Liad? And what DID happen to Daav yos' Phelium?You'll see a ghost who has attached to a person, not a place. You'll be awed by the ability of a quiet, unassuming man to shake the foundations of dramliz wizard teaching to its core. You will be convinced that Korval's Tree has been conducting genetic experiments for 1000 years...and that a new level has been reached. You'll be stunned by what the so-called "Least of Korval" is capable of, by the audacity of Anthora, by the simple, Liad-stubborn courage of Nova, by the terrifying mixture of Liad and alien wizardry in Shan and Priscilla, by Miri and Val Con's never-ending devotion to each other and to the safety of clan and people-- In short, you'll be reading until 3 AM.And not regretting it.And wondering, as the book ends...what new world will they build? What about the last of this generation, the only one without a lifemate? And who IS Theo? Don't waste any more time! Buy this book!