Local Custom (5) (Liaden Universe®)

Sometimes you find just what you need while looking for something else. Thus was this find, which I originally bought in audio version because of the person (Michael Shanks) reading it. Discovering that I had issues following along, I bought the book. And an addiction was formed. Lee and Miller create a universe with a culture with similarities to many we are familiar with-- but combined in a compelling way. Honor and duty, with rigid social rules, compelling characters and relationships, communication and problems arising from cross-cultural interactions. The Liaden Universe provides both a familiarity with emotions and behaviors we experience but also a world with characters that often display the type of morals and humanity we strive for and long to have around us. The authors have an ability to connect the reader to a wide variety of characters. One cares what happens to the characters. The book offers advanced technology, but it is the characters not gadgets and futuristic/science fiction elements that drive the story. Very satisfying and highly recommended.

An old favorite and one of a fun series. It was very innovative when first written, the manners of a Regency romance and space opera/sci fi together as one in a newly imagined world. The authors posted a sample chapter recently and I couldn't resist. It felt like coming home, somehow. I enjoyed it the first two or three times I read it and was great to return. However, please note that the Kindle version is not perfect...breaks from one character to another are not always immediately clear. Places that in a paper book might have a visual break in text as a clue that one is changing to another scene/character's situation are unfortunately not present. Still, I only had to backtrack 2-3 times to confirm scene changes...not too bad. Still well worth reading again. Now I'll probably have to go hunt up the rest of the books. Hooray!

This is an absolute must to read early in exploring the Liaden Universe and a love story for the ages. It's one of my favorites. That said, as I've reread repeatedly, some things snag for me. I guess that's nitpicking, but my own melant'i demands I address how such a noted Terran scholar of comparative linguistics and a planet-hopping alien expert in trade made the incorrect assumptions that had such pivotal effects on the plot. (They served it well, but bug me.) Love blinds one to obstacles, though, and that's wholly realistic.

This is a terrific, engaging, read - chock full of all the character development and world building that any reader could want. Enjoy!

The authors create an interesting universe and culture. The book set in the Liaden Universe establishes the relationship between Liadens and humans and immediately sets up some intriguing questions that I think will be elaborated on in subsequent books. I enjoyed this universe and thoroughly liked the characters, so plan to purchase more of this series.

This is one of my favorite books, and a good introduction to the Liaden Universe if you are not already familiar, and if you have already visited, this can be read at any time. It is the story of Anne and Er Thom, their son Shan, and their history. It also illustrates Liaden vs Terran cultures to some degree. The entire series can be read as standalone novels, but you may enjoy reading some books prior to other books. Search for the authors' website to see suggested reading orders. I bought this to replace the worn-out copy that I already have.

The story line was good, if a little drawn out and tedious at times. You can even read some exasperation in Shanks' voice while reading it due to it's overtly lengthy descriptions and drawn-out plotlines. I realize it is part of a series, however *Spoiler Alert* it ends rather abruptly with loose ends getting tied up a little too quickly with very little panache. Three stars for story. I didn't originally get this for the story, I must admit. Michael Shanks has a wonderful voice that is excellent for putting me into a peaceful state thus making meditation easier. :) An extra star just for choosing a tranquil voice to balance a tiresome story out.

I originally owned this item in paperback. The Lee and Miller Liaden universe is a favorite of mine. The characters are complex and charismatic. The stories are not always linear but are worth the effort to untangle.

This is a series well worth the investment. I have flown through the first 5 books and cannot wait to read the rest.

The Liadens are a very fascinating people and I like how the author chose to use cultural differences. The way it impacts the development of the relationship between the hero and the heroine was very interesting. Those too were also good characters whith whom one can easily relate. However, I think it was still liking a little something to make it a really great book.