A Letter from Anne McCaffrey about Crystal Dragon : Every now and then you come across an author, or in this case, a pair, who write exactly what you want to read, the characters and personalities that make you enjoy meeting them. Apart from my passion for Kim by Rudyard Kipling, I had read some authors whose books I would buy the moment they came on sale (thanks to Amazonx92s policy and pre-ordering facility) and then there are the precious few who sit in honor on my comfort shelf. The books I reach for when something in life has become intolerable. And I rediscover the joy that had infused me at the first reading. Such a book was "Agent of Change" first published by Del Rey. When I had finished, hungering for more, I got in touch with Shelly Shapiro, my editor at Del Rey and, prayers answered, she had the manuscript for "Conflict of Honors" on her desk. I beseeched her to send me a copy asapx85my hunger for more of the Liaden Universe so intense. She did. However, I had to wait for the third of that first series: "Carpe Diem!" I found out that Steve and Sharon had published chap books on the Liaden universe, Val Con and Miri Roberson, Shan yos x91Galan and Priscilla. Sharon and Steve are always throwing you quips like that and reading them is all the more enjoyable for them. So I bought those as they were published. Some of them are now also published in hard cover. The only trouble with the chap books is that while they sort out one problem, or elaborate on a special character, they are not very long. Then I discovered that Meisha Merlin was going to continue the series. I was delighted to get a hard-cover of "Partners in Necessity" which is the three single titles mentioned abovex85then we have more good chunks of Liaden in "Pilotx92s Choice" which contains the two titles "Local Custom" and "Scoutx92s Progress". Following them, is "Plan B", which has the most devious plot and then on to "I Dare". Which is gorgeous. And then, for dessert, "Balance of Trade"x85and the tales of "Low Port". What fascinates me most about Lee and Miller as a team is how well blended they are, with a structured society that is almost Chinese in its adherence to customx85the graciousness of the language is always a delight (something I wish I had phrased as aptly). I can certainly see the Tree in my mindx92s eye, spreading its ancient leaves over the valley it protects and the people it cherishes. And now these authors have come up with another pair of characters and a new chapter in the history of Liadenx85"Crystal Soldier". Better yet, it says on the title page Book One of the Great Migration Duology. So, Happy Day, it means another book is coming "Crystal Dragon". Hurrrah. The hero is M. Jela Granthorx92s Guards, and the heroine is Cantra: names which will have significance to those who have already entered the magic of Liaden. I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories. Start at the beginning, dear reader, and you will be rewarded with a sanctuary you can escape to, as I do when this world wex92re stuck with is impossible to endure. Anne McCaffrey, Dragonhold-Underhill, Co Wicklow Ireland.
Features & Highlights
You can't go home again... What do you do when home is a conspiracy that's been discovered and destroyed? When home is a planet in a star system that's gone missing? When home means working for the destroyers of galaxies? When home is a spaceship that's calling out to the enemy? Cantra 'yos Phelium isn't a quitter, but she has more than a little problem: the Enemy has accelerated its attacks and how do you fight an Enemy whose major form of attack is the de-crystallization of everything around itself? A smuggler with a rogue soldier for a co-pilot, and a tree with an attitude for crew, Cantra's the only one who can get close to the man who holds equations that might, that just might - thwart the Enemy. All she has to do is help a young pilot from a missing world, juggle a slippery promise she never quite made to a pair of wizards, and then forget who she is along with everything, and everyone, she's ever known.
Customer Reviews
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★★★★★
60%
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★★★★
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Most Helpful Reviews
★★★★★
5.0
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When is the end of the universe just a beginning?
Do I think you should buy Crystal Dragon? Of course!
Now, let me be honest. I really think you should buy Crystal Soldier AND Crystal Dragon, since they are a duology. And I recommend that if you haven't read any other Liaden Universe (tm) novels, you should consider getting some of the other fine ones and starting with them. If you like romance, try Local Custom or Scout's Progress. If you want young adult SF, try Balance of Trade (the Hal Clement Award winner!). If you want space opera with intelligence, try Agent of Change or Conflict of Honors. Be prepared, you will want the rest of the novels, too. And then you will want to read Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon no matter what I say. But get them now, because the way the book industry works, they may not be available when you want them.
Let's see. In the other Liaden Universe (tm) books, there are often hints and glimpses of something catastrophic that happened back then. The Crystal Duology tells the story of that catastrophe, and of the people who (mostly) lived through it. It is a little bit like reading stories about the Irish in America, and then going back to read a story about the potato famine. It doesn't change your admiration for the Irish, but it may help explain their background a bit more. So where do you want to start, with the potato famine or with the Irish?
Now, let's consider Crystal Dragon by itself. First, even if you have read Crystal Soldier and especially if you have taken a sneak peek at the previews available, let me warn you to keep reading. There is a prologue story in Crystal Dragon that has been known to convince people that they picked up the wrong book - but keep reading, it will make sense. If you really have to, skip the prologue and go right to the first chapter, but plan to come back again and read that prologue later. It adds a rich patina of meanings to the doings of the . . . well, that would be telling.
I won't try to summarize the plot, except to note that there are at least three threads going at the beginning and you need to keep track as they weave around. The man who has lost his home, the soldier and the pilot trying to find a way to save the universe, and of course, the wizards who know they cannot succeed - and the luck, the luck that strings a golden thread of daring through the end of everything into the future. Frankly, I envy you, simply because you haven't read it yet.
So? Get your copy of Crystal Dragon. Read it. Then go back and read Crystal Soldier and Crystal Dragon together. Then go read the rest of the novels that give us glimpses into the Liaden Universe (tm). You will be glad you did.
59 people found this helpful
★★★★★
4.0
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Cantra's Tale
This is the second half of a story that starts with Crystal Soldier (which is required reading before starting this book), and as the name implies this is more about Cantra (the dragon) than Jela (the soldier). It mostly serves as a character development study -- how does a burned out smuggler with nothing to live for end up being the person who creates Clan Korval and leaves such a profound legacy?
A big chunk of the plot involves Cantra turning herself into someone else for the purpose of going undercover, but really that just highlights Cantra's remaking of herself from loner drifter to the head of what will become the most powerful shipping clan in the galaxy.
Along the way many questions are answered about the nature and origin of the tree, the dramliz, the Liadens, and other aspects of the Liaden Universe. However, these are occasionally given short shrift.
The main problem with the book is that the plot does not progress at the same pace as the underlying story of Cantra's development. This leads to some parts of the plot feeling drawn out, while others (especially the ending) feel quite rushed. But the authors had to choose whether to write the book about the plot or about Cantra, and they chose the latter.
We do see some more of Jela, but his development is already complete by the end of the previous book. Accordingly, in this one he is more of a support character for Cantra. He also serves as the main force which brings Cantra out of her retreat and back into human society.
The other slight flaw of the book is that a few too many cameo appearances are made by characters for no really good reason. In particular, Lute and Moonhawk must have some deep meaning to the authors but their appearance here really just disrupted things. There is no need for The Uncle to show up again, since he does nothing. And the timely arrival of dea'Gauss is almost a little too cute.
Nevertheless, fans of the Liaden Universe will find this to be a must-read story for the background explanation. Fans of Crystal Soldier will want to read it to find out how that tale ends. But both sets of fans should understand that this book is not quite a Liaden story, nor is it quite like Crystal Dragon. Above all it is a character study of Cantra, and in that respect it works very well.
21 people found this helpful
★★★★★
3.0
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Trying to do too much in too short a story
First let me say that I'm a big fan of the Liaden novels, however I felt that this book was really trying to do too much in too short a space. The philosophical/metaphysical issues involving Rool Tiazon and his lady were interesting, but not really developed. One was left wondering how she came to agree with him about the Edonai, and if she ever really believed they had an equal partnership. The scenes with Lute and Lady Moonhawk were odd - even having read all the chapbooks, I really didn't understand how they fit into this book, how they came to oppose the Edonai, or what their plan/goal _was_. Finally with all the time spent on these other story lines I felt that the Jela-Cantra (and to some extant Tor An) story lines were not as fleshed out as I would like. One never learns why Cantra's line was terminated or much more about her odd history then was revealed in Crystal Soldier.
9 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Come along for the ride...
Very enjoyable - especially if you've read the rest of the series. (If you haven't, go out now and start with Conflict of Honors. Or Carpe Diem. Or, well, there really isn't a bad choice.) I love seeing how the Liaden universe came together. However, be forewarned that the style of the first chapter is very different than the rest of the book. Be patient and enjoy the first section as a short story (there is important background information in there), then enjoy the remainder, which is written in the classic Lee/Miller style. Definitely goes in the re-read stack!
9 people found this helpful
★★★★★
1.0
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i agree with p b garrott
there are some good things in here, but few and undeveloped. i did enjoy the academic promotion method, but that was about the only part i enjoyed and it went on forever. i finally skipped to the end.
being a designer, i realize that the creative process doesn't operate by demand, but i would rather learn more about our heroes after they and the Tree left liad than read backstory.
now, the authors are apparently starting a new series, but i'm not at all sure i will read it, partly because this book was such a major disappointment and partly because i don't want to support their current direction.
give us back miri and the turtles and shan and the rest.
8 people found this helpful
★★★★★
1.0
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Disappointed
I anticipated this book like a child awaits Christmas morning, and I'm disappointed. Lee & Miller's Liaden Universe is beyond wonderful, its spectacular - but this book is not. Every letter on every page in previous Liaden books sang of human (Liaden) complexities, twisting intrigue cold action, wry wit and love and honor. Crystal Dragon (I am SO sad to report) is composed of page upon chapter of ponderous introspection, mystical meanderings and conversations of individual characters - to themselves! None of the expected kaleidoscopic glimpses of the heart-rending, joyous, hilarious, inspiring, shocking human condition of previous protagonists - just a never-ending monolog of (rather dull) description. I have to believe that some horrible mistake happened at the publisher where some OTHER author's book was inadvertantly substituted for Lee & Millers. ALL of their other books contain many grins, an outright chuckle or twenty, certainly one genuine heart-thud/tear and more than a little (SO poignant) insight to the nature of honor (around a decent body count, of course) - but CD is simply a march of words. Somebody, please bring back the REAL Lee and Miller!
7 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Great end to the beginning
I was a bit nervous about reading a prequel to the Liaden series. Although the Liadan stories are rife with unanswered questions, I sort of expected them to be worked out in the context of the characters and and stories that I was already familiar with. I wasn't sure how I would feel about a completely different set of characters, set in a different time.
I needent have worried. Jela and Cantra are every bit as engaging as Lee & Miller's characters from the "mature" Liaden universe. And while the story does answer a lot of questions:
Where did the tree come from? How did Jela end up with it? Who the heck was Jela, anyway? Where did the Yxtrang come from? Where did the dramiliza come from? How did Korval get established, and why is it different from the other Houses?
...there is still plenty of the stuff "in the middle" remaining for us to puzzle over, as well as the sense that there is more of Jela's and Cantra's individual histories that might be told at some point. I like not having everything tied up into too neat a bow, because I want there to be more to come.
While I think that the Crystal stories would probably stand alone quite well, I do think that reading them after the other Liaden stories is probably best, even though they precede them in the chronology of the Liaden universe. Knowledge of the future of Korval and Liaden certainly enriches the story.
So now Lee & Miller have 3 eras to write about--the "modern" Korval era, the early trading era of "Balance of Trade," and the primordial era following the Great Migration. I'm looking forward to more stories in all three series.
6 people found this helpful
★★★★★
3.0
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Needs Crytstal Soldier for best enjoyment
Crystal Dragon and Crystal Soldier are darker novels than prior Liad books but both very enjoyable in their own way. I would not try one without the other however.
6 people found this helpful
★★★★★
3.0
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Disappointed
Not an enjoyable read- certainly way Below others in this series.....disjointed - hard to hold on to the main "story Line"....seems like this all could have been in a synopsis of 1-2 chapters or one of their "magazine" phamplets.........kind of like boy meets girl- boy marries girl- one dies the other goes on - the enemy "vanquished- sort of. so forth and so on and on and on......but the reader does learn a bit more about Jela, Cantra and the founding of Clan Korval in between alot of gobblety gook.....but characters not developed well at all to hold your interest.
5 people found this helpful
★★★★★
3.0
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Disapointing
I'd have to say that this book did not meet my expectations. I found the writing to be unweildy and difficult to follow at times, and the the characters and plot just aren't as engaging as we've come to expect from Lee & Miller.
This isn't a BAD book, by any means. It simply doesn't measure up to the previous Liaden universe works.
