Sunday, June 14, 2015

Dragon in Exile - Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

Dragon in Exile
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Baen, Jun 2 2015, $26.00
ISBN 9781476780719

On Liad, in spite of Clan Korval saving the world, the Council of Clans argues over the proper punishment for the convicted Dragons.  Longtime rival clans and enemies within the Liaden Department of the Interior demand mass executions of the Dragons, but allies prevail.  Thus banished Clan Korval leaves their home planet for Surebleak, an orb known for felonious activity.

Though the transition proves somewhat difficult, many members of Clan Korval have traveled to much worse hellholes.  The adjustment begins with the Dragon forcing the locals not just to accept their culture, but to adapt to their lifestyle or face terrible consequences.  However, as rebellion against the outsiders’ domination and strict enforcement of Liaden on Surebleak arises, Clan Korval stunningly learns their on planet foes have an insidious supporter.

The eighteenth Liaden outer space thriller (see Trade Secret) is an extremely complex science fiction that series fans will welcome as Sharon Lee and Steve Miller add depth to recent subplots, while also resolving some minor ones and beginning new threads.  The lead Dragon frequently changes with Miri, Val Con and Rys serving as the prime players but others also take lesser moments on center stage.  This is a terrific entry as Clan Korval reacts to their new world as if they never left Liad.


Harriet Klausner

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