Scout's Progress (Liaden Universe Book 6) Kindle Edition

After 20 Liaden novels, this is still my most favorite of the Liaden books. The characters are so three dimensional and accessible. Yeah, it's SciFi and there are space ships and alien cultures and all that, but this is primarily a book about people facing and overcoming life's problems. Lee and Miller have built this wonderful cast of characters that practically step off the page and they interact in ways that ring true every time.Essentially "Scout's Progress" is the story of how the parents of Val Con yos'Philium (Agent of Change, Carpe Diem), met. Aelliana Caylon is a brilliant young mathematician being ground under the thumb of her mentally and physically abusive brother while her mother turns a blind eye. We get to watch her bloom, grow, and learn to stand on her own feet. We get to watch her fall in love with Daav yos'Philium who is a Scout Captain, Master Pilot ... oh, and did I mention he also happens to be the head of Clan Korval, arguably the most powerful clan on Liad? ... as he falls for her. This book is the prequel to "Mouse and Dragon"Each of the Liaden novels is "stand alone" but this book is a good entry point into the Liaden Universe. Through the course of the novels you get to know the remarkable family that is the "Tree and Dragon," Clan Korval, the forces that shaped it and them, and through the "Crystal" novels (Crystal Soldier, Crystal Dragon) you get the skinny on how it all started. And then there's Jelaza Kazone, who is the 1000-year-old tree Korval's clan house is built around. . . .If you like character-driven stories, give this one a try. I think you'll like it.

Great story! First rate! It's like a combination of science fiction and period drama, which are my two favorite genres. The one downside it the G-rated-ness of the romance. Not even a kiss! Oh well, great book! Look forward to the others in the series.

Well writtenEngaging CharactersNo gratuitous violence and or sex

This my third reading. I am a serious fan of all things Liaden, if you too share this joy,all honor to you.

I love the Liaden universe! A wonderful, space opera world, with enjoyable characters and an intricate society. Very sad to be almost finished with the available stories. Looking forward to the next, due in May 2017.

The Liaden Universe is a wonderful antidote to dystopian news and novels. The authors' morals and mores shine through their writing and underlie the personalities the build. One becomes so invested in the Terrans, Liad, cats, and norbears so closely that it's wrenching when a novel or story comes to an end.

No matter how many times stead this series it just keeps getting better. I always find something I missed previously.

Detailed and complex world building. A tightly woven storyline that does not disappoint. I am hooked on this series and am grateful that I am on vacation and able to jump into the next book in the series. But first sleep ... Who needs sleep.