Rating: 
Summary: Wow.
Review: I Dare is a *phenomenal* book, and I won't bother you by singing its praises, as you've already seen plenty of reviews that did that. Suffice to say, more praise would be pointless, as the true awesomeness (and I mean that in the traditional sense of the word, not the "dude, that's awesome" usage it gets today) of this book cannot be expressed with mere words, and you'll simply have to read it and experience the wonder yourself. Anyway, I read this review a while ago that mentioned something about an inconsistency in the book. This other reviewer mentioned that he/she thought the authors were inconsistent, because they mentioned she was naked and then in the next paragraph it described Natesa's clothing. I just found the part this person mentioned, and would like to mention, for the edification of all, that on page 239 when it says "she came to him naked" it didn't mean that she was naked, it meant that she wasn't carrying any weaponry, as was her habit. Would someone seriously walk through a hall like that? I think not. Didn't mean to be inappropriate, but that was a bit unavoidable. Sorry. Anyway, this is a phenomenal book, and I guarantee if you're not RAVING with delight by the time you finish this book, you will at least be mildly euphoric after your amazing reading experience. (However, if you haven't already read its predecessors, you should read those first...otherwise you might miss out on some of the information.)
Rating:
Summary: A worthwhile addition to a fine series
Review: I hate to give away the plot -- let's just say that if you like action and good characters this is a good buy. You'll want to pick up all the other books -- you can get them from the same publsiher or from electronic books, too -- but this will give you a series you'll treasure. Read the introduction by L.E. Modesitt -- wow! If you like the kinds of books Jim Baen publishes, you'll love this!
Rating:
Summary: Great space opera!
Review: I have really enjoyed reading all the Liaden books by Lee and Miller. I didn't read the books when they were first published; luckily Meisha Merlin picked up the series and publicized the books. "I Dare" was an excellent space adventure story. I particulary liked the character development of Pat Rin, and his efforts to establish a new economic empire and strike back at Korval's enemies. One minor quibble: the book could have used some editing. In a few places the writing was confused (e.g. in the scene where Natesha is attempting to seduce Pat Rin "She came to him naked" then a few sentences later there's a description of her sleeves and pants.)
Rating:
Summary: One of the best yet!
Review: I read the book nonstop until the end and am now in the process of reading it again. I prepared, of course, by reading all the others again first. I was one of those who found these authors way back when and kept their books. I always wondered what happened next and could NOT believe that I wasn't going to find out. Thanks to Stephen Pagel and Meisha Merlin, my belief was not misplaced and the saga is continuing. I hope Sharon Lee and Steve Miller keep writing away. Start from the beginning, though, and read them all for continuity. Don't forget the short stories about this universe. Find them somewhere.
Rating:
Summary: A Tale of High Adventure (and lots of fun!)
Review: I read this book last year in pre-press Galley form, and liked it very much then. I just (May 2002) read the hardcover edition (it had been packed for a while), liking it even more. Even though the story was still fresh in my mind, I ejoyed it so much I couldn't wait to find out how it ended. This fun book wraps up the story arc nicely, lets some other characters have their day in the sun, and sets up the next arc.
The whole series is worth reading (and rereading), and given the fast pace and fun story, you'll soon be wanting more!
Rating:
Summary: A Tale of High Adventure (and lots of fun!)
Review: I read this book last year in pre-press Galley form, and liked it very much then. I just (May 2002) read the hardcover edition (it had been packed for a while), liking it even more. Even though the story was still fresh in my mind, I ejoyed it so much I couldn't wait to find out how it ended. This fun book wraps up the story arc nicely, lets some other characters have their day in the sun, and sets up the next arc.
The whole series is worth reading (and rereading), and given the fast pace and fun story, you'll soon be wanting more!
Rating:
Summary: Don't read it FIRST, but READ it!
Review: I was another of those fortunate enough to buy the original 3 paperbacks. After devouring them, I suffered through a several-year drought. As soon as I found out that there was an underground following and a website, I bought all of the "chap books", Plan B, Pilot's Choice, and I Dare. I have not been disappointed by any of them. You don't have to wait like I did. Buy the books in order, to avoid any confusion. Find their website and buy the chap books as well. It's worth it, if you like the "space opera" genre. Other books in that category? Oh... the Honor Harrington series by David Weber, for example. This series is NOT identical, but if you liked that, you'll probably like this. And vice versa.
Rating: 
Summary: Prepare for disappointment
Review: If you enjoyed Partners in Necessity be prepared for disappointment when you purchase this book. Yes, those enjoyable characters Edger, Miri, Val Con etc. are still present but their stories are basically over and most of this book centers on new characters that are not nearly as interesting. I know writers have to pay the rent but really-get this one from the library first.
Rating:
Summary: The Exciting Conclusion
Review: If you haven't read the following novels, don't read this one: Agent Of Change, Carpe Diem, Plan B.On the other hand, if you plan to read any of those novels, buy this one now! You will be desperate to find out what happens next.... Now for the specifics: As with each of the other novels, a new character is focused upon. This time it is Pat Rin. He shares approximately equal time with Miri and Val Con. We also get to see more of Anthora. The hated Department Of Interior has their final showdown with, well, just about everybody at once. Lots of action. My biggest problem with the novel is the extended Surebleak sequence, which plays out like yet another Dashiel Hammet imitation. We've seen this before, many times. MANY times. It's done reasonably well, but not with enough originality to really justify it. I found myself rereading the novel and just skipping all those chapters. The second biggest problem is that Yxtrang characters get a bit shortchanged. I thought they offered a great potential, which was mostly undeveloped. The third biggest problem is really more of a question: "Why do cat lovers always assume that everyone else buys into their fantasy?" But I guess if you can accept The Tree, you can also accept the cats. Never fear -- the action is intense, the good guys win, and the bad guys turn out to be really evil. In the end, Clan Korval is ready to move on to new and greater adventures. As everyone knows, the reward for a job well done is ... another job. (This is NOT a cliffhanger ending. It is simply a hook on which to hang a new novel or two if the authors desire.)
Rating:
Summary: It doesn't get any better than this!
Review: If you love adventure Sci-fi, this book, and ALL of the Liaden Universe books, are absolute must-haves. Starting right where
'Plan B' leaves off, 'I Dare' is non-stop rollercoaster fun...
Daav re-emerges from the past, Pat Rin shows what he's made of (and it's definitely NOT all fluff and lace), MORE Yxtrang join the Korval clan, and we also get more on the Clutch..... My only complaint is, I want MORE, and I want it NOW......
For fans of CJ Cheryh, David Weber, Lois McMaster Bujold--hey, now, wouldn't it be cool for Miles Vorkosigan to meet up with Clan Korval?!!
|
