ISBN: 1-892065-02-9 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
With a pleasant but predictable plot resembling regency romances, this pair of space operas is colorful but lacks substantial conflicts or originality.
Reviewed by David on May 01, 2001
Genre: Science Fiction (Intrigue, Romance, ESP, Space Opera)
Synopsis: The novels describe how the parents of the Korval protagonists of the other Liaden novels—Shan and Val Con—first met and fell in love.
In Local Custom, Er Thom yos'Galan, a pilot and a trader, is reluctant to marry a very eligible young Liaden woman chosen for him by his family.
In Scout's Progress, Er Thom's cousin and closest friend, Daav yos'Phelium, a retired scout and a master pilot, helps a young and inexperienced woman cope with unexpected—but highly desired—property. In the course of events, adversity shows the true mettle of Daav's pupil.
Full Review: This book is the prequel to the previously published adventures of Clan Korval: Agent of Change, Conflict of Honors, Carpe Diem, and Plan B
The three initial novels have recently been published as Partners in Necessity, an Omnibus reprint by Meisha Merlin.
The first four Liaden books, including this one, are also available in electronic form, along with free samplers, from Embiid. See also the Korval web site for more information about this series.
While full of colorful and frequently sympathetic characters, and fascinating and exotic, yet strangely familiar, history and culture of Liaden, the two novels seem a bit shallow. The plots are predictable, and the adversity almost petty. The lack of sympathy for the villains, as well as the rather inconsequential nature of these adversaries, detract from the achievements of the heroes.
In addition, while creating a consciously close recreation of Regency romances, some of the Liaden customs appear anachronistic and strained.
In total, while a valuable contribution for the Liaden fans, and full of fascinating color, background and secondary characters (e.g. Sinit and Samiv), the novels lack depth and attractiveness that previous books have exhibited. Perhaps the very predictability required of sequels rob some of the suspense from the plots.
Universe: Liaden Universe
Includes: Local Custom; Scout's Progress
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 7; Originality: 4;
Copyright date 2001, Meisha Merlin Publishing (MM), February 2001, Trade paperback, 605 pages
ISBN: 1-892065-02-9 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com