I Dare

Clan Korval: 5

ISBN: 1-892065-03-7 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

An exciting and enjoyable space opera in the intricately portrayed Liaden Universe, this novel concludes a major sequence with fast and occasionally too-pat developments and favorite characters.

Reviewed by David on September 22, 2001

Genre: Science Fiction (Intrigue, War, ESP, Space Opera, Romance)

Synopsis: This novel is the fifth and concluding novel in a sequence of Liaden adventures. The first three novels have recently been published as Partners in Necessity, an Omnibus reprint by Meisha Merlin; and the fourth, Plan B, was published in 1999 by the same company.

In the universe populated by Clans of Men, the delicate Liaden are known by their success in trading, their adherence to clan and family rules, and their elaborate system of honor. While the aggressive Yxtrang attack others militarily, the conflicts and resentments between Liad and Terra—and even among the Liaden—are more subtle.

In the previous novels, several individuals allied with the Liaden Clan Korval have come under attack from an insidious and ruthless enemy: the Department of the Interior on Liad. Now, the enemy is known at last, and Korval, an ancient defender of Liad and honor, gathers allies to battle the Department. From sieges and assasinations on Liad, to battles on Lytaxin, the war is fought—with ships, words, money and magic.

Full Review: This novel concludes the sequence, and manages to conclude many intricate plot lines spawned in the previous books. Romantic attachments are resolved or strengthened, new characters are introduced and developed, old ones pass through more trials and become stronger. The plot is fast and exciting, and many favorite characters play enjoyable roles. While quite satisfactory to the old fan, the events do go too smoothly. The battles are joined and won, the casualties are light, and the enemy is ruthless but not too effective. While the book succeeds very well in its difficult task of concluding the intricate series, the necessity of accelerated plot show up in action smoother and more superficial than in the previous books. For instance, several characters barely seen before are introduced, go through adventure, romance, growth, wedding (or equivalent) and triumph—all as sidelines to the main plot.

These quibbles aside, this book is excellent and very satisfying to the fans of the series. Major changes take effect, several previous mysteries are resolved, the sequence is concluded while life and adventure clearly goes on (sequels are possible but not required). Liad and Korval are changed in major ways—for the better.

This is, above all, a space opera. The novel features colorful, likable, and occasionally improbably talented characters, some strange (but benevolent) aliens, barely sketched but highly evil villains, and plenty of combat and piloting where personal skills matter more than technology. There is humor, romance, courage and incredible rescues.

While new readers would be better off starting with Partners in Necessity, existing fans will be very happy with I Dare.

Several other adventures in the same universe have been published by the authors, including Pilot's Choice. See also the Korval web site for more information about this universe.

Universe: Liaden Universe

Version: 2

Overall: 7; Plot: 7; Characters: 6.5; Style: 6; World-building: 7; Originality: 6;

ISBN: 1-892065-03-7 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com