Stirring SF adventure from master storytellers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller—#16 in the award-winning Liaden Universe® saga. Space ships, action, adventure—all tied together with a strong dollop of romance and clan intrigue – make this a compelling series for a wide range of readers, from romance to military SF lovers. The kompani sees none as an enemy, and yet few as friend. The kompani exists in many places, living quietly in the shadows, thriving off the bounty that others have no wit to secure, nor skill to defend. Their private history is unwritten; their recall rooted in dance and dream.The humans of Clan Korval is in many ways the opposite of the kompani.  The interstellar trading clan is wealthy in enemies, fortunate in friends. Korval protects itself with vigor, and teaches even its youngest children the art of war. And when representatives of Clan Korval arrive on the planet Surebleak where the kompani has lived secret and aloof, it seems to the kompani that they are borne by the very winds of change.Change can be a boon for in change lies opportunity. But the arrival of Clan Korval, establishing itself upon Surebleak with its friends, its enemies, and, most of all, its plans may bring catastrophe, changing the culture and the kompani, forever.In this time of change, the lives of three people intersect -- Kezzi, apprentice to the kompani's grandmother; Syl Vor, Clan Korval's youngest warrior; and Rys, a man without a world, or a past.Necessity's Child is a standalone adventure in the popular and exciting Liaden Universe®About the Liaden Universe® series:“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. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.” —Anne McCaffrey“These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.”–Elizabeth Moon“[A] recommended, powerful pick. . .a fast-paced military and political thriller.”—Midwest Book Review on Ghost Ship“[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. It’s all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Millier’s own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle.  Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition can’t help but like the Liaden Universe.”—Analog“[T]he many fans of the Liad universe will welcome the latest…continuing young pilot Theo Waitley’sadventures.” – Booklist on Saltation“[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained. . .[T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.” –Publishers Weekly on Lee and Miller’s popular Liaden® thriller, I DareAbout the AuthorMaine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 80's to bring the world the story of Kinzel, a inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband-and-wife have written dozens of short stories, and eighteen novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®.  Before settling down to the serene and stable life of a science fiction and fantasy writer, Steve was a traveling poet, a rock-band reviewer, reporter, and editor of a string of community newspapers. Sharon, less adventurous, has been an advertising copywriter, copy editor on night-side news at a small city newspaper, reporter, photographer, and book reviewer. Both credit their newspaper experiences with teaching them the finer points of collaboration. Sharon and Steve passionately believe that reading fiction ought to be fun, and that stories are entertainment. Steve and Sharon maintain a web presence at www.korval.com

A new novel in the popular and exciting science fiction Liaden Universe® series.  Over a half million Liaden Universe® books sold with an audience that keeps growing! Beset by the angry remnants of the Department of the Interior, challenged at every turn by opportunists on their new homeworld of Surebleak, and somewhat low on funds, Clan Korval desperately needs to reestablish its position as one of the top trading clans in known space. To this end, Master Trader Shan yos'Galan, aboard Korval's premier trade ship, Dutiful Passage, is on a mission to establish new business associations and to build a strong primary route that links well with existing Loops and secondary routes. But reestablishing trade and preserving the lives of the few remaining members of the clan aren't all of Korval's problems. Matters come to a head as Dutiful Passage, accustomed to being welcomed and feted at those ports on its call-list, finds itself denied docking, and blacklisted, while agents of the DOI mount armed attacks on others of Korval's traders, under the very eyes of port security systems. Traveling with Dutiful Passage on this unsettling journey is Padi yos'Galan, the master trader's heir and his apprentice. Padi is eager to make up for time lost due to Korval's unpleasantness with the Department of the Interior. She is also keeping a secret so intense that her coming of age, and perhaps her very life, is threatened by it.  About series prequel Dragon in Exile: “[S]prawling and satisfying. . . . Space opera mixes with social engineering, influenced by Regency-era manners and delicate notions of honor. . . . [I]t’s like spending time with old friends . . .”—Publishers Weekly About Necessity's Child: “Compelling and wondrous, as sharp and graceful as Damascus steel, Necessity's Child is a terrific addition to Lee & Miller's addictive series.”—#1 New York Times best seller, Patricia Briggs About the Liaden Universe® series: “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. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.”—Anne McCaffrey “These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.”—Elizabeth Moon “[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. It’s all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Miller’s own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle. Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition can’t help but like the Liaden Universe.”—Analog “[T]he many fans of the Liaden universe will welcome the latest…continuing young pilot Theo Waitley’s adventures.”—Booklist on Saltation “[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained. . .[T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.”—Publishers Weekly on Lee and Miller’s popular Liaden Universe® thriller, I Dare **About the Author Maine-based writers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller teamed up in the late 1980s to bring the world the story of Kinzel, a inept wizard with a love of cats, a thirst for justice, and a staff of true power. Since then, the husband-and-wife have written dozens of short stories and twenty novels, most set in their star-spanning Liaden Universe®. Before settling down to the serene and stable life of a science fiction and fantasy writer, Steve was a traveling poet, a rock-band reviewer, reporter, and editor of a string of community newspapers. Sharon, less adventurous, has been an advertising copywriter, copy editor on night-side news at a small city newspaper, reporter, photographer, and book reviewer. Both credit their newspaper experiences with teaching them the finer points of collaboration. Sharon and Steve passionately believe that reading fiction ought to be fun, and that stories are entertainment. Steve and Sharon maintain a web presence at http://korval.com/ 

Sequel to National Bestseller Carousel Sun. A gripping contemporary fantasy thriller from master storyteller Sharon Lee, award-winning cocreator of the highly popular Liaden Universe® saga.NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED Welcome to Archers Beach in the Changing Land, the last and least of the Six Worlds, where magic works, sometimes, and the Guardian husbands the vitality of the land and everyone on it -- earth spirit and plain human alike. Kate Archer, Guardian and carousel-keeper, has been busy making some changes of her own, notably beginning a romantic relationship with Borgan, the Guardian of the Gulf of Maine, Kate's opposite number, and, some would say, her natural mate. Oh, and she's been instrumental in releasing the prisoners that had been bound into the carousel animals -- which she's inclined to think is a good thing. . . Until a former sea goddess sets up housekeeping in the Gulf of Maine, challenging Borgan's authority; endangering Kate and everything she holds precious. . . .because the goddess has fallen in love in Borgan; and she'll stop at nothing to possess him. Archers Beach is about to suffer a sea-change -- and the question is whether Kate can survive it. Nationally best-selling co-creator of the Liaden Universe® saga, Lee brings high energy action and romance to this tale of contemporary fantasy and redemption.About Carousel Tides:“[A] pyrotechnic finale that plays out magically behind the ordinary facade of smalltown Maine life, evoking much of the romance and magic of [Lee’s] popular Liaden series.” –Publishers Weekly"[A] virtuoso ride, full of the spirit of the carnival, aware of the thinness of the veil between the worlds. . .a rollicking tale full of non-stop action. . .and yet there's also a quiet at its heart, because there really is this magic in everything and Sharon Lee knows how to spin it."–SFsiteOn Sharon Lee & Steve Miller’s Liaden Universe® Space Opera Epic: “Lee and Miller’s novels are full of action, exotic characters, plenty of plot, and even a touch of romance. The world building is outstanding.” –Booklist

Adventures in the Liaden Universe(R) Number TwoMoonhawk 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. . ." —...

Adventures in the Liaden Universe(R) Number Three."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.

BOOK 2 in The First Liaden Universe ® Collection.  Fifteen short tales of the Liaden Universe® brought together for the first time. Space opera and romance on a grand scale in a galaxy full of interstellar trading clans. Thirty-three shorter tales of the Liaden Universe® brought together for the first time in two mega-volumes.  Fifteen tales complete Volume Two! The nationally best-selling Liaden Universe® novels are treasured by space opera aficionados for their wit, world-building, strong characterizations, tender romance, and edge-of-the-chair action. Since 1995, Sharon Lee and Steve Miller also created shorter tales, illuminating additional facets of the Liaden experience. Here is a vast tapestry of tales of the scouts, artists, traders, priestesses, sleight of hand magicians, and pilots who fill the Liaden Universe® with the excitement, action, and romance that readers of the hit series have come to adore.   Celebrating 25 Years of the Liaden Universe® About A Liaden Universe Constellation : Volume 1: “. . . adds a bit of sparkle to ordinary life. . . . This series [is] . . . the premier place to find good romantic SF adventure. . . . strong characters finding their own way (and, often, each other) in an action-packed galaxy of worlds. . . . Every story stands on its own; readers don’t have to be familiar with the Liaden universe. Those who have had the pleasure, though, will find many connections to existing tales.” —Analog on A Liaden Universe Constellation: Volume 1.  About the Liaden Universe® series:“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. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.” —Anne McCaffrey “These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.”–Elizabeth Moon “[A] recommended, powerful pick. . .a fast-paced military and political thriller.”—Midwest Book Review on Ghost Ship “[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. It’s all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Millier’s own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle. Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition can’t help but like the Liaden Universe.”—Analog “[T]he many fans of the Liad universe will welcome the latest…continuing young pilot Theo Waitley’sadventures.” – Booklist on Saltation “[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained. . .[T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.” –Publishers Weekly on Lee and Miller’s popular Liaden® thriller, I Dare**

Adventures in the Liaden Universe(R) Number Six.Novella "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

Adventures in the Liaden Universe No. 18. Two new adventures! Kin Ties explores the ties that bind beloved kin--and desperate enemies. Guaranteed Delivery is a tale of love, leadership, and insurance fraud. Liaden Universe is a registered trademark belonging to Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

Adventures in the Liaden Universe(R) Number Four."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

Maine novelist and journalist Sharon Lee brings a new dimension to the old saying, "Be careful what you wish for" when she explores what happens to people who follow their dreams a step beyond the here-and-now in these unique short fictions.In the short-short "Coffeecat," Lee teases us with a fun story about the reality of morning coffee. If you think you really know the right way to go about getting your java, read this!In "The AfterImage" we get an incisive look at beauty contests of the future, when today's often hit-or-miss use of cosmetic surgery has given way to the body-sculpting perfection of microscopic nanotech reconstruction. How much are YOU willing to give to be beautiful?"Passionato" offers readers a chance to see a collector at work. This collector has sought out artists of all types: sculptors and painters, poets and authors, and in his own fey way shares their inmost dreams and passions.In a world of cookie-cutter worldbuilding and PC fantasy,...