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Liaden Universe, Chronological #8
Mouse and Dragon
The Latest Novel in the Exciting Liaden Universe® Space Adventure Series. The Sequel to Scout's Progress.
Aelliana Caylon has endured much, and finally, she appears to have won all: a spaceship, comrades, friends -- and the love of a pilot she adores.
Even better that her lover—the man who was destined for her, a man as much a loner as she—is also the Delm of Korval, arguably the most powerful person on all of Liad. He has the power to remove her and protect her from the toxic environment of her home Clan. Best of all, he agrees to sit as her co-pilot and her partner in a courier business.
Even happy endings sometimes show a few flaws. Such as Aelliana's home clan being not as agreeable to letting her go as it had first seemed. And the fact that someone is stealing pilots in the Low Port, which falls within the Delm of Korval's honor. Oh, and the revelation that the man she loves—the man who is destined for her—isn't entirely the man she thought he was. And finally, she discovers that even the lift from Liad she'd so fervently desired, is part of a larger plan, a plan requiring her to be someone she never thought she was, or could be.
Aelliana Caylon has endured much, and finally, she appears to have won all: a spaceship, comrades, friends -- and the love of a pilot she adores.
Even better that her lover—the man who was destined for her, a man as much a loner as she—is also the Delm of Korval, arguably the most powerful person on all of Liad. He has the power to remove her and protect her from the toxic environment of her home Clan. Best of all, he agrees to sit as her co-pilot and her partner in a courier business.
Even happy endings sometimes show a few flaws. Such as Aelliana's home clan being not as agreeable to letting her go as it had first seemed. And the fact that someone is stealing pilots in the Low Port, which falls within the Delm of Korval's honor. Oh, and the revelation that the man she loves—the man who is destined for her—isn't entirely the man she thought he was. And finally, she discovers that even the lift from Liad she'd so fervently desired, is part of a larger plan, a plan requiring her to be someone she never thought she was, or could be.
359 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
82 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
165 books788 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
December 15, 2023
***100 Days of Summer 2023***
Reading prompt: Book that you checked out or borrowed
Virtual 12 sided dice roll: 4
This book picks up where Scout's Progress ended, continuing the story of Aelliana Caylon and Daav yos'Phellium, delm of Clan Korval. Aelliana has narrowly escaped from her brutal brother, who was allowed to abuse her by the delm of their house. The contract marriage that she endured was also violent, as it was arranged by this same brother. She has spent time in the House of Healing, where they have done what they can for her, but some psychological wounds were too old to put right. Although there is little doubt that Daav and Aelliana are life mates, the senior healer warns him that they may never experience the fullness of that partnership.
I have been jumping around a bit in the series order with my reading. There are many story threads that run through this series, and following one may take you ahead of another book which provides more context. Lee and Miller have experienced some difficulties with publication, being told that their first three books were not successful enough and having an e-book publisher go out of business. In attempting to keep the wolf from the door, their story telling has jumped around a bit. Whatever fans were clamouring for they would write, for who turns down sure sales?
Suddenly, the final pages of Saltation now make sense to me. I knew that Theo Waitley's father was a Pilot, but I had only suspicions about which Pilot he might be. I would recommend reading this volume before Fledgling and of course after Scout's Progress. I don't know if I can get myself out of this reading tangle that I have found myself in, but I will read on and piece things together as I go. I have Ghost Ship in hand and after a couple of books with closer due dates, I am ready to drink it down too.
Book number 492 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
Reading prompt: Book that you checked out or borrowed
Virtual 12 sided dice roll: 4
This book picks up where Scout's Progress ended, continuing the story of Aelliana Caylon and Daav yos'Phellium, delm of Clan Korval. Aelliana has narrowly escaped from her brutal brother, who was allowed to abuse her by the delm of their house. The contract marriage that she endured was also violent, as it was arranged by this same brother. She has spent time in the House of Healing, where they have done what they can for her, but some psychological wounds were too old to put right. Although there is little doubt that Daav and Aelliana are life mates, the senior healer warns him that they may never experience the fullness of that partnership.
I have been jumping around a bit in the series order with my reading. There are many story threads that run through this series, and following one may take you ahead of another book which provides more context. Lee and Miller have experienced some difficulties with publication, being told that their first three books were not successful enough and having an e-book publisher go out of business. In attempting to keep the wolf from the door, their story telling has jumped around a bit. Whatever fans were clamouring for they would write, for who turns down sure sales?
Suddenly, the final pages of Saltation now make sense to me. I knew that Theo Waitley's father was a Pilot, but I had only suspicions about which Pilot he might be. I would recommend reading this volume before Fledgling and of course after Scout's Progress. I don't know if I can get myself out of this reading tangle that I have found myself in, but I will read on and piece things together as I go. I have Ghost Ship in hand and after a couple of books with closer due dates, I am ready to drink it down too.
Book number 492 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
September 1, 2022
I love this series, but I was disappointed in this book. I liked the prequel, Scout's Progress, much more than Mouse and Dragon. On the positive side, there are some tender scenes between Daav and Aelliana. It was good to see Aelliana (abused so horribly for over a decade) continue to grow a spine. Their wedding scene was certainly unexpected, and mildly amusing. I liked the (few) scenes when Aelliana and Daav went off-world, beginning her courier business (wanted more of that thread, and later found the short story "Guaranteed Delivery" in the ebook Courier Run). It's also in a Constellation anthology.
I also liked the (few) scenes with the children, Pat Rin, Shan, Anthora, Nova, and their newborn son, Val Con.
But in general, M&D is boring. Not enough action. Very little humor, except for some attempts to pun around with idiomatic language (saying "crimson fishes" instead of "red herrings"). Too much family drama, with Daav's sister Kareen joining forces with Aelliana's mother to keep the lovers apart. Kareen tries to force a "worthier" marriage — a replay of the discord Er Thom and Anne Davis endured from Petrella and Kareen in Local Custom. I could care less about Kareen and Alliana's mother — I had more than enough in SP.
The book would have been better if the drama were replaced with a more interesting plot about the "ghost" out in deep space, and the rising murder rate at Liad's Low Port. Those plot threads felt underdeveloped. Whatever came of the ghost? The attacks and deaths? (Much later, I found a short story that embellishes this plot thread a little. "The Beggar King" was published in the duology ebook Necessary Evils, and in the anthology A Liaden Universe® Constellation: Volume Two.)
The pacing is jerky in the last quarter. After the day-to-day pacing of the bulk of the book, we very suddenly skip forward, several years ahead. This abrupt transition happened more than once.
Major spoilers coming up!!!
Spoilers beware!
spoilers below
I also liked the (few) scenes with the children, Pat Rin, Shan, Anthora, Nova, and their newborn son, Val Con.
But in general, M&D is boring. Not enough action. Very little humor, except for some attempts to pun around with idiomatic language (saying "crimson fishes" instead of "red herrings"). Too much family drama, with Daav's sister Kareen joining forces with Aelliana's mother to keep the lovers apart. Kareen tries to force a "worthier" marriage — a replay of the discord Er Thom and Anne Davis endured from Petrella and Kareen in Local Custom. I could care less about Kareen and Alliana's mother — I had more than enough in SP.
The book would have been better if the drama were replaced with a more interesting plot about the "ghost" out in deep space, and the rising murder rate at Liad's Low Port. Those plot threads felt underdeveloped. Whatever came of the ghost? The attacks and deaths? (Much later, I found a short story that embellishes this plot thread a little. "The Beggar King" was published in the duology ebook Necessary Evils, and in the anthology A Liaden Universe® Constellation: Volume Two.)
The pacing is jerky in the last quarter. After the day-to-day pacing of the bulk of the book, we very suddenly skip forward, several years ahead. This abrupt transition happened more than once.
Major spoilers coming up!!!
Spoilers beware!
spoilers below
January 26, 2022
4/5; 4 stars; A-
The first time I read this series 'Mouse and Dragon' wasn't published. Daav and Aelliana's story ended on a positive note at the end of Scout's Progress. Yet, as I meandered through the other parts of the this intriguing universe it became clear that 'events' had occurred. A child, was born...the reader meets Val Con in the Conflict of Honors series.
So, in Mouse and Dragon, many questions are answered, Aelliana finally gets out from under the thumb of her horrible clan, and we learn how Clan Korval gets on. The mystery and magic that flows from the pens of Lee and Miller is in full force in this book. I couldn't rate it 5 stars though because the first half of the book seemed to drag a bit.
The first time I read this series 'Mouse and Dragon' wasn't published. Daav and Aelliana's story ended on a positive note at the end of Scout's Progress. Yet, as I meandered through the other parts of the this intriguing universe it became clear that 'events' had occurred. A child, was born...the reader meets Val Con in the Conflict of Honors series.
So, in Mouse and Dragon, many questions are answered, Aelliana finally gets out from under the thumb of her horrible clan, and we learn how Clan Korval gets on. The mystery and magic that flows from the pens of Lee and Miller is in full force in this book. I couldn't rate it 5 stars though because the first half of the book seemed to drag a bit.
December 21, 2024
Daav has rescued Aelliana from her clan and offered her his protection which she gratefully accepts. They are true lifemates but haven't formalized their contract. Her clan doesn't want to let her go. She also needs to heal from the abuses she suffered. They both need to find their way to being partners. Excellent romance in a wonderful science fiction universe!
July 6, 2013
This book was a sequel to Scout's Progress, one of my all-time favorites in this series. Mouse and Dragon, while excellent, wasn't quite as good. The book was fantastic up until Daav and Aelliana became officially lifemated. It was a lovely look at their relationship as they grew closer and Aelliana healed emotionally from her family's abuse and blossomed into a fully self-confident woman. However, I really wish the book had ended there.
After the lifemating, though, the book became fragmented. It was no longer a coherent narrative and a story that could stand on its own merits. Instead, the plot almost disappeared. It become more of a string of connected scenes from Daav and Aelliana's life together, . It makes sense as part of a series, as a way to connect this book to the other books in the Liadan universe. But, as a story, it was disappointing. It would have made much more sense to take the story of and make it into its own novel, a third book in this series. Maybe then the ending would have felt more resolved and not so rushed.
...It's sounding like I disliked it. I didn't dislike it; I loved it! I just wish it had either been much longer, so the ending could have been less fragmentary and rushed, or shorter, so it could have ended at the conclusion of the romance arc.
After the lifemating, though, the book became fragmented. It was no longer a coherent narrative and a story that could stand on its own merits. Instead, the plot almost disappeared. It become more of a string of connected scenes from Daav and Aelliana's life together, . It makes sense as part of a series, as a way to connect this book to the other books in the Liadan universe. But, as a story, it was disappointing. It would have made much more sense to take the story of and make it into its own novel, a third book in this series. Maybe then the ending would have felt more resolved and not so rushed.
...It's sounding like I disliked it. I didn't dislike it; I loved it! I just wish it had either been much longer, so the ending could have been less fragmentary and rushed, or shorter, so it could have ended at the conclusion of the romance arc.
March 16, 2010
Amazon preorder
This is a very satisfying second half to the story begun in Scout's Progress, filling in some of the story started there, that eventually will lead us to the Fledgling Saltation ARC and tie us in to Plan B.
If you have read all of the series there is the bittersweet knowledge of what is coming, but I was never overwhelmed by that. Sometimes when authors go back and fill in stories they can be constrained by that and it can smother the story. Lee and Miller manage to transcend those restrictions brilliantly.
I would hope that this eventually gets paired up with Scout's Progress since they fit together seamlessly (and in fact I intend to go back soon and read at least the Local Custom/Scouts Progress/Mouse and Dragon story arc. Of course, like the very best addictions this may end up in a complete reread of all of it, so perhaps I should just surrender and start with the Crystal books...
I love the mannered world of Liaden with "melanti," and the honor of its houses and their interrelationships. Particularly Korval the house that defines itself and the explorations of duty and love.
In particular I love the heroine, a brilliant mathematician who grows out of the pain of her family of origin and the circumstances she has grown up in.
This is a very satisfying second half to the story begun in Scout's Progress, filling in some of the story started there, that eventually will lead us to the Fledgling Saltation ARC and tie us in to Plan B.
If you have read all of the series there is the bittersweet knowledge of what is coming, but I was never overwhelmed by that. Sometimes when authors go back and fill in stories they can be constrained by that and it can smother the story. Lee and Miller manage to transcend those restrictions brilliantly.
I would hope that this eventually gets paired up with Scout's Progress since they fit together seamlessly (and in fact I intend to go back soon and read at least the Local Custom/Scouts Progress/Mouse and Dragon story arc. Of course, like the very best addictions this may end up in a complete reread of all of it, so perhaps I should just surrender and start with the Crystal books...
I love the mannered world of Liaden with "melanti," and the honor of its houses and their interrelationships. Particularly Korval the house that defines itself and the explorations of duty and love.
In particular I love the heroine, a brilliant mathematician who grows out of the pain of her family of origin and the circumstances she has grown up in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
May 10, 2010Though this book is a must for all Liaden fans, for the very same reason it's a must I don't recommend new readers begin here. Far better to read Agent of Change or even I Dare and enjoy the full range of Liaden tales, which intersect more like Keltic knotwork than in linear fashion.
Therefore no summary, as just about everything is a spoiler. I will state that this book forms the second half of Scout's Progress. Readers are in the position of knowing what is going to come: this book is all about how we got there, revealing facts that have only been hinted at in other books.
Highly satisfying, and very poignant.
Therefore no summary, as just about everything is a spoiler. I will state that this book forms the second half of Scout's Progress. Readers are in the position of knowing what is going to come: this book is all about how we got there, revealing facts that have only been hinted at in other books.
Highly satisfying, and very poignant.
April 26, 2020
Such deep characters, and relationships, one comes to count them friends at the least. 4/21/16 re-read: And we got a brief introduction to Norbears!
October 30, 2020
Well, that took an unexpected turn.
April 7, 2024
3.5 stars. Not my favorite book in this series, but more my fault than the Books fault since I'm just not that much of a fan of romances. This series has several recommended reading orders, and I'm doing chronological. I suspect mileage and satisfaction with any given volume may be affected by which others you have read first. I think this volume is meant to be a filling in of some backstory for future events, and so it might be more compelling to those who have read in publication order.
November 25, 2013
SPOILERS FOR MOUSE AND DRAGON, I DARE, & FLEDGLING.
I enjoyed this book but was disappointed by the skips in time at the end of the book. 85% of the book, I would say, is a direct follow up to the events in Scout's Progress. Then it seems like Sharon Lee just wanted to link the book to the rest of the chronology. There is a resolution to the dispute between Korval and Mizel and then a skip in time. Val Con is born, and then a skip in time. Then Aelliana is shot and Daav flies off into the universe, seeking balance. Then we see him meet Kamele Waitley, who will eventually become Theo Waitley's mother. The end really felt more like a series of codas than part of the same story. It's like a Strauss waltz - the codas just keep coming.
I also have to say, Healers or no Healers, there is a drastic difference in Aelliana in this book that I found slightly difficult to reconcile. I guess with Val Con and Miri's lifemate bond, they realize they pull on each other's strengths. Maybe that's what happens with Aelliana and that's why she is so different here - she's using some of Daav's strength and courage. Maybe?
And if Jen Sar is a Gallowglass scholar and Anne Davis funds the Gallowglass chairs, how did they lose track of Daav? They never considered that someone so brilliant at his old field of study, cropping up just when Daav went missing, could possibly be the same person? I'm a little suspicious. Or maybe I misunderstand. Just an idea. Er Thom and Anne missed something there, I think.
For all of these inconsistencies, I still really liked the book. Sharon Lee is a wonderful story teller and by this point, I'm hooked. It's really only a matter of time until I have devoured the entire Liaden Universe written to-date.
I enjoyed this book but was disappointed by the skips in time at the end of the book. 85% of the book, I would say, is a direct follow up to the events in Scout's Progress. Then it seems like Sharon Lee just wanted to link the book to the rest of the chronology. There is a resolution to the dispute between Korval and Mizel and then a skip in time. Val Con is born, and then a skip in time. Then Aelliana is shot and Daav flies off into the universe, seeking balance. Then we see him meet Kamele Waitley, who will eventually become Theo Waitley's mother. The end really felt more like a series of codas than part of the same story. It's like a Strauss waltz - the codas just keep coming.
I also have to say, Healers or no Healers, there is a drastic difference in Aelliana in this book that I found slightly difficult to reconcile. I guess with Val Con and Miri's lifemate bond, they realize they pull on each other's strengths. Maybe that's what happens with Aelliana and that's why she is so different here - she's using some of Daav's strength and courage. Maybe?
And if Jen Sar is a Gallowglass scholar and Anne Davis funds the Gallowglass chairs, how did they lose track of Daav? They never considered that someone so brilliant at his old field of study, cropping up just when Daav went missing, could possibly be the same person? I'm a little suspicious. Or maybe I misunderstand. Just an idea. Er Thom and Anne missed something there, I think.
For all of these inconsistencies, I still really liked the book. Sharon Lee is a wonderful story teller and by this point, I'm hooked. It's really only a matter of time until I have devoured the entire Liaden Universe written to-date.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2010
Lee and Miller are in fine form in this direct sequel to Scout's Progress.
Though the book can stand alone, it has a whole lot more emotional weight if you have read Scout's Progress.
It looks like Daav and Aelliana are finally free to declare their love and forge a life together. But, that would be too simple! Of course there are obstacles!! Her clan does not want to lose her, members of his clan are reluctant to welcome her and then there are outside forces at work too.
Marvelous addition to the Liaden Universe canon.
I really fear to say a whole lot more for fear of spoilers for those unfamiliar with all of the books.
For those who have read all the previous books: Yes, this book does cover the event you think it will. Tissues will be needed. And the ending is a very, very nice touch.(Cue need for a few more tissues).
Lee and Miller do a good job, IMO, in making Daav's course of action reasonable and palatable. Indeed, I really appreciated spending more time with Daav and came to like him much more than I had previously. I have always loved Aelliana and this book just reinforced my feelings.
Now, for all you Liad fans--why are you sitting there reading this review instead of reading this book for yourselves??
Though the book can stand alone, it has a whole lot more emotional weight if you have read Scout's Progress.
It looks like Daav and Aelliana are finally free to declare their love and forge a life together. But, that would be too simple! Of course there are obstacles!! Her clan does not want to lose her, members of his clan are reluctant to welcome her and then there are outside forces at work too.
Marvelous addition to the Liaden Universe canon.
I really fear to say a whole lot more for fear of spoilers for those unfamiliar with all of the books.
For those who have read all the previous books: Yes, this book does cover the event you think it will. Tissues will be needed. And the ending is a very, very nice touch.(Cue need for a few more tissues).
Lee and Miller do a good job, IMO, in making Daav's course of action reasonable and palatable. Indeed, I really appreciated spending more time with Daav and came to like him much more than I had previously. I have always loved Aelliana and this book just reinforced my feelings.
Now, for all you Liad fans--why are you sitting there reading this review instead of reading this book for yourselves??
June 20, 2010
Whew, hard book to review. Not because it's not a page turning novel because it is - do not start this when you have other things pending [such as cookies in the oven, children in need of transport, or parents needing to be picked up at the airport:]. Those of us who have read the books that are chronologically later know what has to happen in this book - and that's what makes this a hard review for me. So let's leave it as:
Great book, great read, great plot, great characters - and have the later books handy for follow-up reads...
This book belongs to 'branch' in the main storyline. Since Scout's Progress and Mouse and Dragon [literally:] overlap, don't read M & D without reading SP. Reading Local Custom first would be good, but not urgently necessary. Below is the way I order the books:
Great Migration & Founding of Clan Korval
Crystal Soldier (2005)
Crystal Dragon (2006)
Older Terran/Liaden history
Balance of Trade
Current Generation - Korval main line
Conflict of Honors
Agent of Change
Carpe Diem
Plan B
I Dare
Previous generation - Korval side branch
Local Custom
Scout's Progress
Mouse and Dragon
Fledgling
Saltation
Meets up with the main line in I Dare...
Great book, great read, great plot, great characters - and have the later books handy for follow-up reads...
This book belongs to 'branch' in the main storyline. Since Scout's Progress and Mouse and Dragon [literally:] overlap, don't read M & D without reading SP. Reading Local Custom first would be good, but not urgently necessary. Below is the way I order the books:
Great Migration & Founding of Clan Korval
Crystal Soldier (2005)
Crystal Dragon (2006)
Older Terran/Liaden history
Balance of Trade
Current Generation - Korval main line
Conflict of Honors
Agent of Change
Carpe Diem
Plan B
I Dare
Previous generation - Korval side branch
Local Custom
Scout's Progress
Mouse and Dragon
Fledgling
Saltation
Meets up with the main line in I Dare...
May 6, 2024
Loved it!
03/06/2020: Re-reading this wonderful story again. This is truly a wonderful duology within the larger series, possibly my favorite, I am not sure.
08/07/2021: As I said a year ago, I believe this is one of my favorite books in the Liaden Universe series. I sincerely have to upgrade my rating to 5 stars. I am very tempted to read Fledgling which is a continuation of Daav and Aelliana's story, and the start of Theo's. My next question will I be re-reading these every year?
04/12/2022: Read this again.
04/25/2023: Read again.
05/05/24: Read again, and thoroughly enjoying this entire series.
03/06/2020: Re-reading this wonderful story again. This is truly a wonderful duology within the larger series, possibly my favorite, I am not sure.
08/07/2021: As I said a year ago, I believe this is one of my favorite books in the Liaden Universe series. I sincerely have to upgrade my rating to 5 stars. I am very tempted to read Fledgling which is a continuation of Daav and Aelliana's story, and the start of Theo's. My next question will I be re-reading these every year?
04/12/2022: Read this again.
04/25/2023: Read again.
05/05/24: Read again, and thoroughly enjoying this entire series.
August 9, 2010
Another great installement in the Liaden series.
Best read directly following Scout's Progress, this book also ties into the new series that begins with Fledgling and continues with Saltation.
Best read directly following Scout's Progress, this book also ties into the new series that begins with Fledgling and continues with Saltation.
May 13, 2021
2021 bk 86. Aelliana and Dav are together at last - or are they. Problems beset them - from Dav's sister Kareen's disdain to Mizdal's demands that Aelliana return to her home. Fortunately they have the family accountant, Dav's cousin, and a host of other allies to hand. An excellent continuation of this couple's tale. I love that it finally resolves why Dav had to leave Liaden, the story of the Norbears, and other items of mystery that were only resolved with the publication of this book.
November 29, 2011
I am always psyched for any new Liaden book and I was not disappointed. This is the sequel to Scout's Progress, so we get to see more of Daav and Aelliana's life. But more than being just a sequel for these characters it really ties a lot of other character history together as well. It really helps pull Fledgling and Saltation solidly into the Korval circle, because we see snippets of Jen Sar Kiladi and it explained a norbear sequence from Saltation that I wondered about. It made everything feel more connected. Aside from that it's a pleasure to read. The language and phrasing are always such a joy. There is lots of Melanti, manners, and intrigue. I knew that inevitably it would be sad, and it did make me cry, but it didn't feel like a downer, probably because having read the previous books we know that all hope is not lost for Daav. The story coverd a lot of time, but it worked well. I wish we could have seen more, especially of the courier business, but I'm sure that would have made the book massive. Even though I knew we were just getting glimpses to tie everything together I didn't finish feeling lost or cheated. As with any Liaden book, an addictive read.
March 27, 2011
Another lovely,lovely book from Lee and Miller. I'm so glad I have finally read it - although I'm not sorry I waiting until after a reread of Scout's Progress as this on begins where that one ends.
There were some sad parts - as I knew there would be - but overall it was most enjoyable and left me feeling that all the pieces are now in place for the later books.
I had been planning to continue my reread by going to Val Con and Miri's first book, but I've decided to go back and do the earlier chronological ones, with Crystal Soldier next.
Then hopefully I can just do a swift reread right up to the point where Ghost Ship will start when it is published later this year. I may or may not reread Theo's books as well. Since I forget so much, the odds are good I'll try to fit them in.
Many thanks to Baen for ebooks of this series, all DRM free and ready to go on my Kindle. Everything is loaded now, so I shall add highlights and notes as I go in the hope this will help with my terrible memory and I have even more pieces in hand when I get to Ghost Ship.
There were some sad parts - as I knew there would be - but overall it was most enjoyable and left me feeling that all the pieces are now in place for the later books.
I had been planning to continue my reread by going to Val Con and Miri's first book, but I've decided to go back and do the earlier chronological ones, with Crystal Soldier next.
Then hopefully I can just do a swift reread right up to the point where Ghost Ship will start when it is published later this year. I may or may not reread Theo's books as well. Since I forget so much, the odds are good I'll try to fit them in.
Many thanks to Baen for ebooks of this series, all DRM free and ready to go on my Kindle. Everything is loaded now, so I shall add highlights and notes as I go in the hope this will help with my terrible memory and I have even more pieces in hand when I get to Ghost Ship.
July 8, 2012
This was a hard book for me to finish. Not because it was boring or badly-written, but because as a "fill-in" book in the series, I knew exactly how it was going to end and I really didn't want the final events to happen (talk about vague, sorry).
So it was a peculiar reading experience - I kept on dipping in and out of the book, and maybe because of this, I never really got properly into the world, and found the characters and the language overdone at times. But when I took a deep breath and finished the last half of the book in one go - it really worked for me. Very romance-slanted, but not a traditional HEA. I am so glad the next book is not another fill-in.
So it was a peculiar reading experience - I kept on dipping in and out of the book, and maybe because of this, I never really got properly into the world, and found the characters and the language overdone at times. But when I took a deep breath and finished the last half of the book in one go - it really worked for me. Very romance-slanted, but not a traditional HEA. I am so glad the next book is not another fill-in.
November 2, 2014
I still feel like this series is sort of thin, but this was a nice follow-up to Scout's Progress. It was kind of oddly paced -- the first three-quarters tells one story, and the last quarter jumps ahead five years and tells a different story, which felt odd to me. I didn't feel like either story needed to be longer, but it was still weird to put them in a book together.
Still like the characters. The universe still feels thick and thought-out in some places and just sort of patched together in others. I don't know. If you liked the others in the series you'll probably like it.
Still like the characters. The universe still feels thick and thought-out in some places and just sort of patched together in others. I don't know. If you liked the others in the series you'll probably like it.
November 8, 2014
For me, this novel comes immediately before the first Lee & Miller story I read, Breath's Duty. It actually fits neatly within the series of the original space opera. I did find it interesting reading this book knowing what has happened significantly later in the timeline and wondered how it would have differed if I'd read these in chronological order. Still, I found it another great read that did not suffer at all from having a good idea where this story would end.
June 15, 2010
I love the voice and the interactions and, perhaps, the formality of the Liaden characters. The strong world-building and society-building in this series make each one of these books a pleasure, even when the pace slows down a bit too much.
November 14, 2012
This is a linear story with no surprises. The plot is not particularly complex and I found it a bit over-the-top emotionally. A good bit of detail (40%) could have been eliminated making it a cleaner, quicker read.
February 11, 2019
A continuation of the story from Scout's Progress. The romance develops but so do complications.
July 11, 2024
Nooooooooooo!
Thus, 4 instead of 5 stars. (Even though I knew it was coming, I didn't want to have to read through it)
Thus, 4 instead of 5 stars. (Even though I knew it was coming, I didn't want to have to read through it)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2013
mostly a retread from start to finish. And I didn't like the end.
March 21, 2017
I put off listening to this book for awhile. Having read/listened to the series out of order, I naturally knew the ending, in general if not the specifics, and waited 'til I was up to it. I actually enjoyed the book far more than I expected. In fact, it was mostly a terrific entry into the series. The "mostly" is because I found myself increasingly miffed at Daav, especially in light of what I know from future books. In short, I'm beginning to think more and more how selfish Daav is at times. In this book, it broke my heart what he did to Val Con and, indeed, the rest of his clan, some of whom loved him dearly and would never see him again. I recognize the stated motive to keep them safe, of course, and the death of Aelliana and Daav's subsequent abandonment of Korval and Val Con sets the stage for later events, but it was still hard to reconcile. I also think the "reasons" were mostly pretext for Daav's grief and need to hide away. Still understandable to an extent, but the repercussions were devastating.
This also affects my views on the events in the Theo Waitley books, which I read before Scout's Progress/Mouse and Dragon. I found Kamele Waitley to be fairly unlikeable in those books, wondering why Jen Sar Kiladi (Daav) put up with her, and thinking she was a bad parent to Theo. More and more, however, I'm feeling a bit sorry for Kamele. In her own way, she gave her entire self to Jen Sar, not knowing who he really was and that she occupied only a tiny place in his heart, if that. More like she was a convenience for him, to be jettisoned, along with the rest of Kiladi's life, when his old life called. It was cold and cruel, and as of this point in the story (with Allliance of Equals) I have bad feelings about how things will turn out for Kamele. I also doubt his affection for Theo as he abandoned her as easily and thoroughly as he did Val Con all those years previously.
All that said, I still like Daav and want to see him redeem himself. I may come back later and add extra thoughts if I have any changes of heart after I read new books/reread old ones and have a different perspective.
Bernadette Dunne did a good job with the narration.
B
This also affects my views on the events in the Theo Waitley books, which I read before Scout's Progress/Mouse and Dragon. I found Kamele Waitley to be fairly unlikeable in those books, wondering why Jen Sar Kiladi (Daav) put up with her, and thinking she was a bad parent to Theo. More and more, however, I'm feeling a bit sorry for Kamele. In her own way, she gave her entire self to Jen Sar, not knowing who he really was and that she occupied only a tiny place in his heart, if that. More like she was a convenience for him, to be jettisoned, along with the rest of Kiladi's life, when his old life called. It was cold and cruel, and as of this point in the story (with Allliance of Equals) I have bad feelings about how things will turn out for Kamele. I also doubt his affection for Theo as he abandoned her as easily and thoroughly as he did Val Con all those years previously.
All that said, I still like Daav and want to see him redeem himself. I may come back later and add extra thoughts if I have any changes of heart after I read new books/reread old ones and have a different perspective.
Bernadette Dunne did a good job with the narration.
B
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
A Book of Further Illumination
5 stars for the great team of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.
This book was written many years after Scout's Progress, the account of Daav and Aelliana's meeting and initial love story. It fills the gap after one reads the younger generations stories connecting those (Conflict of Honor through I Dare), with Saltation. Mouse and Dragon gives us the rest of their love story and the reasons behind Daav's seeming abandonment of his clan and son, which I admit never sat well with me until now. I laughed and cried during this book, a frequent occurrence with the Liaden series. My heart aches for Korval, but having read ahead I know better times are ahead with wonderful resolutions by these amazing authors.
Recommended of course for anyone that has read the rest of this series, and if you haven't, get busy and read it! This is space opera at it's best.
5 stars for the great team of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.
This book was written many years after Scout's Progress, the account of Daav and Aelliana's meeting and initial love story. It fills the gap after one reads the younger generations stories connecting those (Conflict of Honor through I Dare), with Saltation. Mouse and Dragon gives us the rest of their love story and the reasons behind Daav's seeming abandonment of his clan and son, which I admit never sat well with me until now. I laughed and cried during this book, a frequent occurrence with the Liaden series. My heart aches for Korval, but having read ahead I know better times are ahead with wonderful resolutions by these amazing authors.
Recommended of course for anyone that has read the rest of this series, and if you haven't, get busy and read it! This is space opera at it's best.
December 17, 2019
While I did like this book very much, it is also seriously flawed. As other reviewers have noted it's a direct sequel to Scout's Progress. In fact, if you read it immediately after, you will notice several pages are identical. The story of how Aelliana finally gets permanently out from under the thumb of her family is great. But the other two major plot lines, , are seriously rushed and would, I think, have worked better as separate books.
Also I really did not follow Daav's motivations for some of his actions at the end of the book, and I left the book feeling rather irritated with him instead of feeling like he was
Also I really did not follow Daav's motivations for some of his actions at the end of the book, and I left the book feeling rather irritated with him instead of feeling like he was
July 24, 2021
Lee, Sharon, and Steve Miller. Mouse and Dragon. Liaden Universe No. 7. Baen, 2010.
Mouse and Dragon, the seventh book in the somewhat hazy Liaden chronology and the 13th to be published, brings back Daav and Aelliana from Scout’s Progress. It is Romantic with a capital R, and it has a very Regency feel to the society. Can Daav defend his love from the predations of her family and the stuffiness of his own clan? It is, for me, one of the better books of the series, though it does not come close to the quality of Louis McMaster Bujold’s more romantic Vorkosigan books or any of the always romantic books of the Foreigner series by C. J. Cherryh. 3.5 stars.
Mouse and Dragon, the seventh book in the somewhat hazy Liaden chronology and the 13th to be published, brings back Daav and Aelliana from Scout’s Progress. It is Romantic with a capital R, and it has a very Regency feel to the society. Can Daav defend his love from the predations of her family and the stuffiness of his own clan? It is, for me, one of the better books of the series, though it does not come close to the quality of Louis McMaster Bujold’s more romantic Vorkosigan books or any of the always romantic books of the Foreigner series by C. J. Cherryh. 3.5 stars.
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