So! Yesterday was quite a banner day for Liaden Universe® appreciations.
There was Ryk Spoor’s guest column, here.
And there was also a column on Giant Freaking Robot, by Joshua Tyler, here.
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Both are largely positive takes on the universe, and I encourage you to read them and share them, perhaps, with your friends who have yet to discover All Things Liaden.
Despite being largely positive, Mr. Tyler’s piece contains a sentence which has . . . horrified, concerned, and angered some Liaden readers and fans, and thus I find letters in my mailbox. This blog post is a blanket reply to those letters, and statements of concern.
Mr. Tyler states: “Sadly, Liaden co-author Steve Miller died suddenly on February 20, 2024. He was 73. It’s unclear if Sharon will continue writing the series without him. As a fan of the series, I hope not.” (bolding is mine)
Now, whether this is opinion or corrigendum, I can’t tell you. I am not the author of the piece. In general, it’s wise to assume that what the author wrote is what the author meant, and Mr. Tyler is, as we all are, entitled to his opinion.
What I can say is this: There are three Liaden Universe® novels now under contract with Baen Books. I am currently lead on one of those, the sequel to Ribbon Dance. In addition, before Steve’s death and the attendant dis- and re-organizations engendered by that cataclysm, I was making notes for the sequel to the sequel. Steve was lead on Trade Lanes, which had become increasingly difficult for him as his heart slowly failed him. I may or may not be able, eventually, to finish Trade Lanes. If not, another Liaden book will fill the third slot.
So, for the moment, Mr. Tyler must reside in disappointment. Sharon will be continuing the series, but, not, as he supposes, “without” Steve.
The fact is that there would be no Liaden Universe® as we’ve all come to know it, without Steve’s input, genius, and wit. He’s as much of the warp and weft of the Universe as the Tree, the Dragon, and the stars.
Summing up, and realizing that there are no guarantees, it is my intention to continue to write Liaden books and Liaden stories. New titles will be published as by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, because that will be nothing more nor less than the truth.
— Sharon Lee
May 12 2024
Very sincere condolences from a devoted reader
Good for you, Sharon!
Good, in fact, for us all.
I’m a longtime fan of the liadon Universe, and I’ve just gotten done with rereading Shout of Honor which led me to ask a question. Is there a finish to Vepals mission? Did he get to Korval. I know that gene samples were given to Korval to restore the Ystrang genome, and somehow those two facts should come together. If you can, and when you can.
As far as I’m aware, Vepal’s last appearance to date was in Shout of Honor, and his precise path with or without the Paladins is a thread I also hope to see picked back up somehow.
The most recent disposition of Chernak and Stost’s precious samples, however, can be found somewhere in the back third of Neogenesis, if I recall correctly.
The decay of the Yxtrang parallels to the widespread failure of Old Tech across the setting, as timonium-based systems break down; they’re engineered just as much as, say, Aberthaz Ferry was, and by the same source. I’m not at all sure restoration or reform is where their narrative leads, though, as Temp Headquarters seems rather less inclined to a rational discussion than the convocation at Benoo 3 was. We’ll have to wait and see if one of the books in the works touches on the subject.
My sincere condolences from a fan who has wished often that the Liaden universe was actually out there above my head. I will keep reading & re-reading about Klan Korval
as long as I can. K.Michot
Sincere condolences for your loss. I am delighted to hear that you will continue on, and understand (and agree) that any future stories will still reflect your partner’s influence.
Deepest condolences from a devoted fan. Much thanks for all hours spent embroiled with Clan Koval. Glad to know that the partnership continues.
My wholehearted condolences as well. As you say, his continuing influence is felt in the fabric of universes.
Sending warmth and compassion your way.