Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume VI is an interesting addition to Sharon Lee and Steve Miller’s long-running space opera saga. For those who have followed the adventures of Clan Korval and the intricate dance of melant’i, this collection of short stories and novellas gives us an expansion of the lore that makes this universe.
The sixth Constellation collects eleven stories set in Sharon Lee and Steve Miller’s vast, versatile, and beloved Liaden Universe®. Themes range from military to western to found family, and include discovery stories and novel outtakes. All showcase Lee and Miller’s deft touch with characterization and their acclaimed world-building skill. Also included in this volume is the text of Sharon Lee’s speech accepting the Robert A. Heinlein Award for outstanding published works in science fiction literature, which was presented at the 59th Baltimore Science Fiction Convention.
Stories included in this collection are: “Standing Orders,” “Gadreel’s Folly,” “The Last Train to Clarkesville,” “Wise Child,” “Songs of the Fathers,” “From Every Storm a Rainbow,” “Our Lady of Benevolence,” “Chimera,” “Neutral Ground,” “Mother’s Love,” and “Core Values,” plus a foreword from the author, original to this volume.
The Constellation volumes capture the stories that might have been too small for a full novel but help expand the Liaden Universe. Volume VI offers eleven pieces that range from lighthearted character studies to high-stakes political maneuvers.
The collection includes several new pieces, alongside outtakes that expand on the events of the main novels:
- “Standing Orders”: Provides a fascinating look into the structure and discipline of the Liaden Scout Corps.
- “The Last Train to Clarkesville”: A standout story with a “Western” flair that blend genre tropes into a space opera setting.
- “Wise Child” & “Songs of the Fathers”: These stories delve deep into the themes of lineage and Clan expectations, exploring how knowledge and duty are passed through generations.
- “Core Values”: Dives into understanding the melant’i, and examines the moral compass required to navigate the universe’s social codes.
- “From Every Storm a Rainbow”: Focuses on the resilience of characters in the wake of the major upheavals seen in recent novels.
- “Mother’s Love”: Deepens the understanding of the “Mothers” who lead the Liaden Clans, showcasing the quiet power behind the Great Houses.
- “Chimera” & “Neutral Ground”: High-tension pieces involving the friction between factions
How we rate our Books
1 = We finished the book with effort
2 = Readable, but more fluff than substance
3 = Good
4 = Pretty Good and worth passing on to your friends
5 = We couldn’t put the book down
4.5/5 Stars
This is an essential read for established fans, however if you are new to the universe then you should start with the beginning of the series, Volume VI is geared towards the established fanst hat wasnt to see a little bit behind the curtain.