Plan B

"Plan B" is, quite simply, the deeply laid plans of the Liaden Clan Korval to see to the safety of their entire clan, in the face of a catastrophic enemy. And then there's that little Liad matter of Balance. Liads, "within human mutation tolerances" but almost homicidal without their highly developed and nuanced Code to keep them in line, use Balance for everything from minor insults to death attempts. The secret Department of Interior (so secret, most of Liad doesn't know it exists) has decided that if they cannot recover their Scout and Agent of Change Val Con yos'Phelium, heir to Korval, then it's time to squash the entire clan. But Korval doesn't squash easily. Born of a line founded by a space pirate, a soldier, and the scion of a merchant house, Korval has become something strange and wonderful, a line of master merchants, pilots and telepathic wizards. But first, last and always, Korval is ships. They buy them, use them, mothball them, give them as gifts-and never, ever forget that there must always be a back door, even to a planet.There's action and adventure galore-but never mistake the Liad Universe for just another space opera. This is literate, witty dialogue, brilliant characterization, excellent construction of cultures and aliens who are truly alien even as many of them seek bridges between each other. Liad books tell stories of people who depend on their friends, and who make bad enemies. Here are characters that inspire others to search a galaxy for them. You'll fall in love with Sheather, the huge Clutch turtle, as he stands with great eyes dreaming upon the scarred wood of a real door, accepting the awful dignity of the barrier. How could you resist an 8-foot alien built like an all-terrain vehicle who is fascinated by humans, and constantly trying to learn how to interact with them-no matter how small."Closer to hand, another music spoke. 'The lady gone away.' Carefully, for he was well aware of the fragility of even full-grown humans, Sheather turned. Carefully, he looked down. A human eggling stood by his knee, face uptilted like a flower, brown eyes opened wide."Warning-if you liked PARTNERS IN NECESSITY, maybe you'd better order I DARE before you start PLAN B. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but Lee & Miller like to slice their tales right out of a vast history. You will want to know what happens next!

I found one of the first books in this trilogy about 7 years ago, it was Conflict of Honors. I read it so much that the book actually disintegrated with use. I was heartbroken; couldn't find the others (at a reasonable price) to save my life. Then, from afar, Plan B (and at the same time Partners in Necessity), I was in heaven. The humor, the wit, the absolutely terrific STORYLINES!! I sat up until 5 in the morning to finish the book, and then promptly wanted to re-read it. I turned my family onto this series, and now they, like me, are waiting (rather impatiently I might add) for the next installment of the Korval Universe. I have never had a book or series grab me the way this one does; even subscribing to certain magazines to make sure that I don't miss a story. I am like many other fans, this is one set that I constantly re-read. I find myself, even after more readings than I am going to admit to, catching things I missed in the previous readings. Sharon and Steve are so very subtle in their writing. It is worth the second, third (dare I say it..... 20th) re-read. I actually have two sets of these books, I wouldn't lend this to anyone without a backup, you might not ever see your original set ever again. :-) All of the characters; Miri, Shan, Korval (although that's not truely a character) tug at your heartstrings, you want to know what is going to happen next, who will be found, who will be lost, and can these people actually get the job done? Well, they can, and with tremendous style! And as a little inside humor, I would like to be adopted of Turtles!!!! Happy reading, and may Steve Miller and Sharon Lee keep this line going. I am impatiently waiting for February 2001 for the next installment.

After a long wait, I am delighted to report that this book is an excellent continuation of one of my all time favorite series. I read the 3 earlier books years ago and have been on the lookout for this one ever since. I often reread those three earlier books (they are being republished early next year BTW)and am pleased to add Plan B to my list of all time favorites.While this book does build on the earlier novels it can be read & enjoyed entirely on its own merit. Of course I strongly recommend picking up the other three as they become available, I know I will be picking up additional copies. :-)Warning this book can be hazardous to your job. Do not pick it up unless you have the time to read it in one sitting. Everyone I have talked to or loaned my copy has been unable to put it down.Happy reading!

Many authors can create either a great plot and gripping action, or sympathetic and memorable characters. It takes a great writer (or in this case, two of them!) to create both in the same series... which is exactly what Steve Miller and Sharon Lee have done with "Plan B." As the fourth book in a series, "Plan B" makes a *little* bit more sense if one has read the previous novels - but it isn't a requirement. Even if you have no prior exposure to the Liaden Universe, I believe that Miri, Val Con and company will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and have you perched on the edge of your favorite reading chair. The gap between the books' publishing may have been nearly 10 years, but the story picks up almost precisely where it left off, and proceeds to take the reader on a wild roller-coaster ride. If you enjoy your SF with a warm human (or Liaden) side, you should definitely give "Plan B" a try!

I read the last Sharon Lee and Steve Miller book, Carpe Diem, by candle light in San Francisco after the October 17, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Even with all the difficulties surrounding the aftermath of the quake, Carpe Diem had me laughing out loud. For a short time I was taken away from the devastation in the City. It's been a long wait, over 9 years, but the wait was worth it. Plan B is an excellent novel. Though I read by electric lights this time, I still laughed out loud and found myself taken away to the wonderful Korval Universe for a few hours. The day after I read the book, I reread it, it was that much fun. I know we have to wait another couple years for the next installment ... but maybe if we whine loud enough Sharon Lee and Steve Miller will speed up the process. Folks if you haven't read books by these two, go find them! Buy Plan B! You won't regret it.