Scan barcode
A review by mary_soon_lee
Accepting the Lance by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller
5.0
This is the twenty-second novel set in the authors' wonderful Liaden universe, which also encompasses a passel of shorter stories. The books are often described as space opera, which is fine as far as it goes. I would call them character-focused science fiction adventures set against a galactic backdrop. I highly recommend these books collectively and this one in particular. The characters have come to feel like my friends. I love reading and many books give me great pleasure. But the Liaden books are among the relatively few that make me feel better about the universe. (Another notable example being Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series -- but that series doesn't have the added bonus of alien turtles.) I don't wish to give spoilers about this particular book beyond saying that I found it very pleasing, and often a delight. Very few books delight me. All that said, I don't think it is a good place to begin reading the Liaden works. It picks up the story from where the previous book, "Neogenesis," left off, and features many characters introduced in earlier volumes. If, then, you are wondering where best to begin reading, one of the authors, Sharon Lee, has a helpful webpage about this. For myself, I think "Conflict of Honors" and "Necessity's Child" are among the best starting points. But do begin somewhere. Spending time with these characters is both a joy and a comfort.
3/20/2023 update: re-read this. Still a great pleasure :-)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
3/20/2023 update: re-read this. Still a great pleasure :-)
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).