Product Description
The Liaden Universe® series has enthralled thousands of readers, and now two of its most exciting space adventure novels are combined in one popularly-priced Omni-trade volume.

            Plan B: Val Con yos’Phelium is a fugitive. The heir of Clan Korval is wanted by the covert Liaden agency known as the Department of the Interior, whose rulers have declared unofficial war against the entire clan. With only his love, Miri Robertson, by his side, Val Con plans a desperate gamble by forming an alliance with Clan Erob on the planet where Miri was born.

            But Val Con’s cousin, Shan yos’Galan, can’t wait for help that may never arrive. With enemy agents closing in, he invokes Plan B—setting in motion a series of events that will have dire consequences, not only for him and his life-mate, Priscilla Mendoza, but all of Liad . . .

            I Dare: On the run from the agents of the Department of the Interior, Val Con has been separated from Miri. Shan, Val Con’s cousin, and Shan’s life-mate Priscilla, continue to search for him, believing that he’s the Clan’s last hope for survival.

            But the DOI is attacking Clan Korval in a more subtle fashion. Pat Yin yos’Phelium—Val’s ne’er-do-well, nearly identical cousin, gambler and con artist—is offered control of the clan. The DOI believes they can manipulate him into serving their agenda.

            They’re wrong . . . 

“I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.” —Anne McCaffrey ... Read more

Product Description
Hidden from the human-inhabited world by the inimical magical device known as the keleigh, the Vaitura has become a subtle battleground where the once all-powerful Elder Fey strive against each other and the upstart Queen to regain ascendancy. Of all the Elder Fey it is Altimere who is strongest in magical kest and Altimere who is most devious. Pitted against Zaldore and her group seeking to manipulate the convelescing Ranger known as Longeye to foil the Queen and rule the world, Altimere dares to utilize the untested powers of half-human, half-Fey Rebecca Beauvally, recognized by the elemental denizens of the Vaitura as The Gardener.

            Now all plans must be rewritten: Becca breaks Altimere's capricious dominion with the dangerous herbal help of Duainfey, but, weakened by the effort, is held against her will in service to the Queen by Meripen's mysterious sea-lord cousin, Sian. Becca must escape the Queen's retainers to regain control of her own fate. With the magics of the Vaitura, and Altimere's retribution arrayed against her, she escapes with only her horse, a mad forest-living Brethren, and her freed magical servant Nancy at her side. Worse, the recovered legendary hero Longeye, long beloved of the Vaitura's forest folk and creatures, has re-armed at Sian's bidding, and knows most of all about Becca that she is both dangerous, and of the same folk who cruelly tortured him and slew his lover before his eyes.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

I liked it better than the first book.
This second book in the series I enjoyed a lot more than the first.There was more character development and a little romance, which I always enjoy.I was only dissatisfied with the ending, which was confusing and very abrupt; it definitely could have been done better.

A riveting fantasy saga
The Vaitura has long been hidden from the human world, but is the battleground for competing fairy races - including a half-human, half-Fey woman injected into the picture and a convalescing Ranger known as Longeye. Here Rebecca is held against her will in service to the Queen - and must escape her captors to form new, dangerous alliances in this riveting fantasy saga, perfect for libraries strong in action fantasy presentations.

Waste of time & Money
This prequel, Duainfey, isn't a book, its the beginning of a book, no type of any closure unless you buy and read next book. I had bought both, but still am offended with how it was done.

The prequel was horrible. Sexual violence has it's place, but obviously Lee & Miller can only write rape in crude, not scary or traumatic terms.

Still could overlook the coarseness if not for the utterly ridiculous ending In Longeye, and so much jumble between. It was like OOPS, out of space lets wrap this up. Much of the book made no sense, gave up even on rereading to try to untangle it.

Been fan long time, will be more careful in future of just buying their work. Sadly many begin to become less caring of writing good work as they get further down the road and sadly this seems to be the case here.

Am utterly disappointed with this and the sequel and sad I wasted good money buying new or buying at all. So much potential there flushed down the drain, along with my money.

Ultimately unsatisfying
First off, this is not a novel. It's the second half of a novel. Don't even try to read this without reading Duainfey. [I wish publishers wouldn't do this.] For the rest of the review I will assume the reader has read Duainfey.

So how does this book compare to that one? Well, for one thing it makes more sense. The plot advances, and then completes. The characters are better-revealed. The background is explained more clearly. The motivations make more sense. All in all, it is better.

But "better" is not "excellent". In fact, it's not really "good". It's more like "adequate".

I think this was a case of Lee and Miller making a gamble and trying something that didn't really work. Or maybe they had an idea that they just couldn't ignore, even though they should have. In many ways this had all the worst aspects of their other work without the sheer fun and joy which makes the technical flaws unimportant.

The secondary characters were more enjoyable than the main characters, and this was not the kind of story where that could have worked. I just never cared about these main characters. And we never really understand what happened to their world except that there was some sort of crisis which was bandaged over. Eventually the bandage became more dangerous than the wound. And then the bandage was removed. That's all, folks.

I think this was supposed to be a redemption story, but we need to feel like the people being redeemed are worth redemption. And instead, they just seem to be reactors instead of actors.

To tell the truth, I kind of wish Altimere had been the hero. He was selfish. He was cruel. He was abusive. He was vain. But at least he had some style.

good read
i really enjoyed this book, and read it as fast as i could, i cannot get enough of these authors. ... Read more

Product Description
Centuries in the past, mankind fought a seemingly unbeatable adversary from sector to sector across the Spiral Arm until the war ground to a standstill and the Enemy withdrew. Believing that they had won, the citizens of the galaxy rebuilt. The Inner Worlds, which had escaped the worst of the war's ravages, became even more insular, while the Rim worlds adopted a free and easy way with law and order.Now, hundreds of years after their withdrawal, the Enemy is back - and this time they'll be satisfied with nothing less than the extinction of the galaxy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

The Prequel We've All Been Waiting For
Jela is a soldier who is fighting against an Enemy so advanced, they consume whole planets using supernatural powers. But this planet, this system, has yet to fall. Stranded on the surface of this desert planet, Jela finds the remains of massive trees, dead now, but evidence shows they had been growing, defiant, long after the planet's ecosystem had deteriorated. By the time he reaches the last tree, a tiny sapling hardly clinging to life, Jela is convinced that it was the trees that had kept the Enemy at bay. In exchange for the sapling's only seed-pod, Jela promises the tree that he will take it off the dying planet with him when his rescue comes. And so he does.

Cantra wasn't looking for a partner. She wasn't looking to get involved in the massive conflict slowly enveloping the galaxy. She wasn't looking for a trip out to the rim to save a wayward clone, and she certainly was not looking for a telepathic tree to adorn the bridge of her spaceship. And yet, that's what she's got.

As always, Lee and Miller immerse you in their amazingly complex cultures without a lot of exposition. You have to be sharp, or willing to reread them, to pick up on all the layers of events and details embedded in these books.

I encourage anyone and everyone who loves action, adventure, or a nice love story to pick up this series. I recommend these equally to men and women, and to people who like science fiction and those who usually don't.

This book and its sequel, Crystal Dragon, make more sense, I think, in light of the other Liaden books. They are certainly more fun since you get see everything hinted at in the later time period that did not quite make sense. And after reading these, Liaden fans should go back and reread the Agent of Change sequence and Balance of Trade - you get a completely different reading after you know what's going on from this time period. It might be possible to start reading the series here, but as they were written as prequels, I would recommend them as such, encouraging readers to start with Conflict of Honors or Agent of Change.

My favorite details: Jela running into fire to save the tree, and the tree telepathically telling all of the Uncle's hydroponic plants to die. And as much as we thought the Korval family crest was a cute symbol - it's 100% literal. As far as the tree is concerned, clan Korval really is its dragon, to protect and be protected.

Liaden universe
Wonderful story, as one would expect from Sharon Lee. I enjoy her Liaden Universerse books emmensely and this is one of the best.

You might want to have the 2nd volume at hand before reading the 1st volume!
Somehow, I only discovered these authors' "Liaden" series of very well written space opera with _Balance of Trade_. And this new one was written after that, so I seem to be working backwards. The protagonists this time are, first, M. Jela, a "generalist" and a very unusual sort of soldier, working to try to defeat an ancient enemy that has decided the universe would be a much tidier place without so many people and star systems in it. And it's not at all certain they can be defeated. Second, caught up in this struggle entirely against her will is Cantra vos'Phelium, a very specially-bred human and a ship's pilot of very considerable talent and ability. They come together by accident, join forces by necessity, and gradually come to depend on each other, and it all happens in an entirely believable way. Then there's the third member of the crew -- an intelligent and telepathic tree, rescued from a dying world by Jela. All this seems to have taken place in the distant past, incidently, as seen from the perspective of _Balance of Trade_ -- which makes it a prequel, sort of. The dialogue -- both spoken and unspoken -- is skillfully done and the descriptions are crisp and vivid. The plotting is also nicely thought out. My only complaint is that this is the first half of a two-decker and the ending is very abrupt. I HATE cliffhangers! (Patience, patience. . . .)

ADDENDUM: Okay, having subsequently read all the earlier novels set in the Liaden universe, I now understand that Jela and Cantra are the near-mythic founders of Liad itself, Cantra being the captain of the ship that transports the refugee clans to their new home -- all this subsequent to the action in _Crystal Soldier_ (maybe in the second volume), but a thousand years in the past from the perspective of the _Agent of Change_ sub-series.

Liaden Universe Prequel
If you have read any of the earlier books, you have seen references to Jela's Tree - a tree with illusions of mysticism.Get to the root of the mystery in this novel of the early years of the Liaden Universe when Jela first encountered the tree.As always, the authors deliver great characters andintriguing plot lines.This book and its conclusion, Crystal Dragon, are well worth the price!

Science fiction
This story was good and the characters well developed.It kept my interest and provoked interesting thought. ... Read more

Product Description

For the past thirty years, Steve Miller has done the messy, unpleasant work of salvaging America's lost companies with such success that the Wall Street Journal has dubbed him "U.S. Industry's Mr. Fix It." From his very first crisis assignment as point man for Lee Iaccoca's rescue team at Chrysler, Miller built an international reputation while fixing major problems in such varied industries as steel, construction, and health care. Most recently, as chairman and CEO of the bankrupt automotive parts manufacturer Delphi Corporation, he has confronted head-on the major issues threatening the survival of Detroit's Big Three.

Customer Reviews (17)

disappointing...
We'll have to see if I leave it at two stars, or reduce it to one in the next few weeks....

Miller certainly has the resume to write a book like this.Unfortunately, he has the ego for a shelf of books like this, all condensed into this one volume.

While I enjoyed the facts of Miller's experiences, and even his judgements and choices, I kept choking on his tremendous self esteem.I found two of his targets particularly troubling.His venom towards Lee Iacocca was unjustified.As an Iacocca fan, I knew most of Lee's foibles before reading this book, but have never seen him in the overall negative context that Miller portrays here.Secondly, I found it downright uncomfortable when Miller pointed out so many of his wife's flaws, but none of his own.

There are many egocentrics who see the world as Miller does, fortunately they have the judgement to NOT publish their internal monologue.

Interesting, maybe oversimplified, but good work if you can get it.
In this book, the author has the luck to be given a role in a major corporate bankruptcy restructuring.He had no training in business restructuring or bankruptcy, didn't go to college to learn it. But, through hard work and practical intelligence, the author was able to parley this event into a career. Kind of like multimillion dollar on-the-job training.
The author seems like a nice, decent fellow. Certainly, I'd want a guy like that turning around the company i work for. He's no Al Dunlap. He tries to rebuild the business, make it competitive, and actually talks multiple times about keeping the employer in the community, as a way for the people to fend for themselves. He reveals the scams the bankruptcy vulture executives pull, like attorneys and other execs who belabor minor issues just to create billable hours. It's in their best interest to NOT wrap things up.
The reason i give this three stars is the 1st few chapters are irrelevant to most readers, and the author doesn't really feel the pain of the troubled company.He comes across as a nice guy who through stroke of luck became really rich by having his name in the rolodex for corporate bankruptcy executives.When he steps into a company like H&G or Aetna or Bethlehem Steel, his tone is one of nonchalance, like "another bankruptcy, another 3 month standard restructuring (ho-hum)". He probably needs that perspective. But as someone who's seen the terrible devastation that happenswhen companies falter and near bankruptcy, i know there is much more emotion involved. A better book would have discussed this very real part of the process.The author never met with Chambers of Conference, never met with workers and their families.
A third knock is that the descriptions he gives for how to fix failed companies sound so simple. The author just flys in (on the corporate helicopter, literally), determines a few industry benchmarks, determine where the failing company is in relation to those benchmarks, and then takes action to attain the goal of the benchmark. He makes it sounds so simple! Anyone with a bachelor's or 7-10 years in business would be able to come to the conclusions the author presents. I don't think that's unintentional. I think it really isn't too difficult to do these jobs. The difficult part is to be in the club that chooses you to do these jobs.
For the employees, those who care about the area, those with houses and schools to maintain, the pain is much more real than restructuring the balance sheets. But, it's good work (if you can get it).

Interesting look at troubled businesses
Yeah he wears out his elbow patting himself on the back, but it's a pretty good look at what you do when you're dealt a weak hand.

People matter
Steve Miller, the former CEO of Delphi, narrates the events that thrust him into being a turnaround expert. Steve, because of his childhood experiences on the family lumber mill, strives to achieve turnarounds at his companies while ensuring valuable jobs are not lost.
The initial chapters are a tad bit slow because of the focus on family and personal life, but build a good foundation for the later one on his fast moving corporate career. The main takeaway I got from this book is that people in your life matter and can be a good influence, i.e., if you let them be.

Superficial
There is no depth here, no how to, no clear industry analysis, no clear cut metrics on his record, nothing beyond, "I went here and did this."Seemed to me he was there for Chrysler, got chummy with other CEOs and boards and just took jobs that no one wanted, skating in and skating out.I expected some real insight, some hard hitting analysis, some real fortunes made from good judgement, but got none.The guy just came in, did some superficial things (like eating in the company cafeteria) and either went BK, merged or hired the next CEO.Dull and uninteresting. ... Read more

Product Description
On the run from interplanetary assassins, covert operative Val Con yos'Phelium and former mercenary sergeant Miri Robertson end up stranded on a distant planet-with no rescue in sight. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Following the Link
Carpe Diem (1989) is the third SF novel in the Liaden Universe series, following Conflict of Honors.By internal chronology, however, it is a direct sequel to Agent of Change.This story takes place later than most other volumes in the sequence.

In the previous volume, Edger convinced Justin to call off his Juntavas thugs.Borg got the message just in time to save Val Con.They freed the Liaden and the mercenary and gave them the yacht.

Unfortunately, the yacht had been damaged and the coils were good only for one jaunt.Then the Yxtrang returned to collect the ship.So Val Con tricked the Yxtrang commander and left them behind with a badly damaged ship.

In this novel, Val Con yos'Phelium is a Liaden.He had been a First-in Scout, but now is a spy for the Department of the Interior.He is married to Miri and is also the Delm of Clan Korval.

Miri Robertson is a Terran.She had been a mercenary, serving with the Gyrfalks.Then she left to become a bodyguard.Now she is married to Val Con and stranded near an interdicted world.

Twelfth Shell Fifth Hatched Knife Clan of Middle River's Spring Spawn of Farmer Greentrees of The Spearmakers Den, The Edger is a Clutch.He is about seven hundred years old and is a T'carais of his people.Val Con is the adopted and younger brother of Edger.

Shan yos'Galan is a Liaden.He is Theodelm of Line Galan and nadelm of Clan Korval, a Master Trader, and Captain of the Liaden ship Dutiful Passage.He is lifemates with Priscilla Delacroix y Mendoza, a Terran and a very powerful witch.

Nova yos'Galan is a Liaden.She is Shan's sister and Val Con's cousin.She is also First Speaker of Clan Korval.

Anthora yos'Galan is the younger sister of Shan and Nova.She is also the most powerful dramliz -- wizard -- on Liad.

Zhenu Estra Trelu is a native of Vandar, an interdicted world.She is a widow and her children have left home.The farm is showing signs of poor maintenance.

In this story, Val Con builds a topological model of the interdicted planet to choose a place to land.They decide to set down among large rocks in a northern mountainous region near a small town.Getting the damaged ship safely to the surface is tricky, but not too much for a First-In Scout.

After the landing, they hike toward the town.Miri has never before seen a town so small.Even the towns she has fought through were larger than this town.They soon find a farm outside the town and manage to get fed without either side understanding a word that the other was saying.

The first word Miri and Val Con learn is "Borril", the name of the farm watchdog.The second word Val Con learns is "sit".Then they learn the term "Zhenu Trelu" -- which they reckon is the woman's name -- and they state their own names.Val Con's name becomes Corvill and is soon shorten to Cory.Miri becomes Meri.

The pair settle in and start fixing things around the house and doing the chores.Val Con fixes the toaster and Estra steers him toward the carpet sweeper.Miri washes lots of dishes and starts bringing in the eggs.

Miri has some problems with the language.One day, the difficulties drive her out of the house to sit down and cool off.Van Con discusses her problems and then begins teaching her some Scout tricks.

Meanwhile, Nova discovers that Val Con is missing.Edger sends her a message about the Juntavas and the missing Clutch ship.When she contacts Scouts Headquarters, Nova learns that Val Con is on detached duty with the Department of the Interior.And Interior refuses to answer her questions.

Shan suggests that they consult Anthora.When asked if Val Con is alive, Annie immediately answers in the affirmative.When asked where he is, she takes aminute and then points in a direction.Later, Shan learns that Priscilla also can point toward Val Con.

This tale brings Clan Korval -- and the Scouts -- into a confrontation with the Department of the Interior.Within the Dutiful Passage, Shan and Priscilla are following her mental link toward Val Con.Edger's negotiations with the Juntavas reach a higher level.And Interior sends another agent to track down Val Con.

This story leaves Clan Korval and their allies in a mess.The next installment in this sequence is Plan B.Read and enjoy!

Highly recommended for Lee & Miller fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of interstellar adventure, cultural conflicts, and true romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Reasonably intelligent romantic space opera
This is the third volume in a story arc that began with _Conflict of Honors,_ and it picks up right where _Agent of Change_ left off, with Val Con yos'Phelium and Miri Robertson apparently marooned by circumstances on an interdicted (pre-spaceflight) world. Much of the book is taken up with the pair learning about and adapting to the local culture. As a Scout, Val Con is used to this, but Miri is essentially uneducated and has to flounder a bit before she learns about her own talents. Their use of music to fit themselves in is a nice theme. But there's also the search for their missing kinsman being carried on by the Korvals -- which draws the notice of the Department of Interior, which you don't want to do. Again, the romantic element gets a bit out of control, but not too badly. And you want to have the next volume ready to hand when you finish this one!

Enjoyable Book
Although it is an enjoyable book, I did not like Carpe Diem by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller as much as I have enjoyed the other books in the Liaden series, perhaps because I just didn't like the plot device of having them be Val Con and Miri Robertson be stuck on a planet. However, that is not to say that this was not a good book-- it was. Reading about Val and Miri struggle with the language difficulties and trying to fit in on a planet where they obviously don't was quite fun and the interplay between Val and Miri was very natural. i'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 more as a comparison to the other books in the series-- taken on its own merits, it is a great book.

2nd in the adventures of Miri and Val Con
"Time I was - sick - right after Klamath, I got to read lots. Book I liked best was called DICTIONARY OF PHRASE AND FABLE. It was sort of a list of things that people had said and believed - and sometimes *still* said - and next to each one was an explanation of what it was really supposed to mean.
"*Carpe diem*, now - that's supposed to mean, 'seize the day,' enjoy yourself while you can. Seemed like good advice."
- Miri Robertson to Val Con, first day on Interdicted World I-2796-893-44 (Vandar)

Unlike its two predecessors - CONFLICT OF HONORS, which concentrates primarily on the DUTIFUL PASSAGE crew with little reference to Val Con, and AGENT OF CHANGE, which concentrates *solely* on Val Con without reference to the DUTIFUL PASSAGE crew - this third volume of what later became the omnibus PARTNERS IN NECESSITY rotates the viewpoint between the yos'Galan and yos'Phelium branches of clan Korval. As such, it contains minor spoilers for CONFLICT OF HONORS and major spoilers for AGENT OF CHANGE. At a minimum, read AGENT OF CHANGE before tackling this book, and make sure to have the sequels PLAN B and I DARE at hand when you finish, since CARPE DIEM is only the second book in the continuing story of Val Con's experiences as an Agent of Change working for "the Department of the Interior" - a radical splinter group within Liaden society who are determined to give Liad its rightful place in the galaxy, although they're convinced they'll have to destroy Liad's culture to do so (those pesky clan loyalties are so inconvenient).

In one sense, CARPE DIEM is merely a waiting game, a holding action between AGENT OF CHANGE and PLAN B, wherein Miri and Val Con are trapped on an Interdicted World - a world inhabited by humans, but insufficiently advanced to have joined galactic civilization as yet- and awaiting rescue.

In terms of character development, though, CARPE DIEM is a good book. Val Con and Miri are still getting to know each other, never mind settling into being married to one another. Val Con, as a rich kid from a loving family with an expensive education, is still learning about how to reassure Miri (who had none of those things) that he'll be there for her when she needs him, while learning to open up enough to let her help with *his* issues, the Department of the Interior having done quite a lot of psychological damage to him when making him over into an Agent. They're also both learning to fit into an alien society (about the level of early 20th century Earth), which puts them on a somewhat level playing field, although Val Con as a former Scout has the advantage of being taught to handle such situations.

If you like Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey novels, I recommend this series highly. Val Con's a lot like post-WWI Lord Peter, including the chatty defensive mechanisms and sense of humour. Miri has fewer similarities to Harriet Vane, being a retired mercenary soldier with little formal education but a quick wit and some deep emotional scars. While Val Con has the obvious emotional trauma of having been remolded into an Agent of Change, she had some experiences in her military career that once put her in drug rehab, something she's reluctant to tell Val Con about, not knowing how he'll react.

Not that it's all angst, by any means. Val Con and Miri both have lively senses of humour, and we have interludes by Val Con's adopted brother Edger (six feet of 600-year-old Clutch turtle is a good person to have looking out for you when you're lost, not to mention on the run from the mob) and Val Con's yos'Galan cousins.

"Tell me, denubia, did the contract husband leave with all faculties intact? If yos'Galan owes for mental disability it would be best for me to settle it before the PASSAGE leaves."
- Shan yos'Galan to his sister Anthora (older brothers can be *so* unreasonable...)

Enjoyable, but not deep
The books in this series are intriguing principally in terms of plot. Action, rather than detail drives the events. Character development is decent, but descriptive elements to embellish both plot and character are lacking.

For example, in the introduction of the turtle-like race, there is little physical description available beyond that they are large, long-lived, and generally turtle-like. This may be an intentional facet of the authors' writing styles, however, it is to be noted in the descriptions of places and people as well.

Apart from visual elements, sounds are not fully described either--guns go "boom" ...

The novels are quite appropriate as far as reading level goes for younger audiences, but the content is such that an older teen audience is recommended. Sexual situations are not described in detail, but a post-modern ambivalence toward sexual issues is prevalent. ... Read more

Product Description
Plan B is now in effect.

This is not a test.

All your old friends are back: Miri and Val Con, Shan and Priscilla, Edger and Sheather, and a host of new friends just waiting to meet you when Plan B goes into effect!

Dragon's Luck

Pursued across space by the ultra-secret Department of the Interior, hunted by the galaxy-wide Juntavas syndicate, former Agent of Change Val Con yos' Phelium and his ex-soldier lifemate Miri Robertson have commandeered the only spaceship on Vandar and fled, seeking help from Miri's newly discovered kin on Lytaxin.

Elsewhere, Clan Korval is in action. Scattered across space by the newly invoked Plan B, certain clan members pursue the search for the long-missing Val Con. First Speaker Nova yos'Galan returns to Lufkit, seeking clues, as Dutiful Passage, Korval's premier tradeship, arms itself for war – and discovers treachery.

Back on Lytaxin, Miri's homecoming is interrupted by a full-scale Yxtrang planetary invasion.

Then things start to get really interesting...Amazon.com Review
How can a series with terrific character development, wittydialogue, and high adventure fail? Lee, Miller, and dedicated fansrefused to believe it could, and after 10 years, the Liaden Universehas returned from book limbo! If you can find them, look for otherbooks in the series: Partners in Necessity, an omnibus of thefirst three novels, another omnibus containing two prequels, and thefifth book, I Dare. But feel free to start here: Plan Bstands alone, though previous books provide rich back-story.

MeetVal Con yos'Phelium of Clan Korval. Val Con was once an "agent ofchange": recruited by Liad's Department of Interior (DOI) andredesigned--his memories blocked, his emotions suppressed--into aprecision killing device. Val Con's sanity was saved by his lifemate,Miri Robertson. She's a half-Terran former mercenary sergeant evenshorter than Val Con, and almost as deadly in combat. Miri also hasLiaden dramliza (wizard) blood from her mother's family, Clan Erob. InLiaden society, one's melant'i (roughly: reputation, or face) ispreserved by appropriate speech and behavior, including honor duelswhen a Balance is owed. Miri is nervous but Val Con says:"'Together, cha'trez, we are--' he bent his head, put his mouthnext to her ear and breathed '--hell on wheels.'"

DOI hasplotted to destroy Korval; Korval now invokes Plan B: retreatstrategically, trust no one, prepare for all-out war. Val Con and Miriare trapped by an invasion force of the militaristic Yxtrang as theyawait Val Con's foster siblings, who are arming the clan. And ofcourse their adopted Clutch brothers, Edger and Sheather, who resemblegiant turtles, are also on their way. Somewhat more slowly. Caneverybody stay alive long enough to reunite?

If you love Lois McMasterBujold's Miles Vorkosigan books, visit Liad. This is space operaat its best. --Nona Vero ... Read more

Customer Reviews (55)

Excellent continuation of the Liaden Series
This is not a series with stand alone books, you have to start in the beginning and progress. This book just jumps in and starts where Carpe Diem left off. We're at the start of the war in earnest between the Clan Korval and previously unknown enemies. Things start to tie together and finally Val and Miri get back into the thick of the Liaden worlds. I like this book, but it's definitely a bridge between Partners in Necessity and I Dare. I love this series, it has everything you could want from a space opera and more. Some once described it as Jane Austen in space, but I find it more deadly than that - more like Renaissance Italy in space, lots of machinations and maneuverings and with some love and laughter to leaven the plot. Highly recommended series. A keeper and frequent reread.

The action just keeps climbing . . .
This is the fourth volume (out of five -- I think) in a first-rate space opera story arc, set in the Liaden Universe, that began with Conflict of Honors. It's all about Clan Korval, one of the wealthiest and most powerful trade families around, and the people in it, and their growing struggle with the Liaden Department of Interior (which has plans for running things their own narrow-minded way), and with the Juntavas (a sort of galactic Mafia), and their relations and alliances with various Terran groups and individuals. Key to the multiple plots are Val Con yos-Phelium -- who becomes a Scout and then a spy, and then goes determinedly on the lam -- and his lady-love, Miri Robertson, a talented ex-mercenary who thought she was Terran (and still mostly thinks that way) but who has discovered she's actually a lost member of Clan Erob, a smaller Liad family that is closely allied with Korval. Val Con and Miri, now lifemates, have gone to Erob to get her accepted back into the family, and things are moving along well. But what they don't know is that the attempts by Clan Korval, back home, to locate Val Con (who is supposed to take over the family's leadership, whether he wants to or not), have led to an unhealthy interest in Korval by the Department of Interior. "This means war," as they say. The current First Speaker, Nova yos'Galan, invokes "Plan B," which can be summed up in two words: "Everybody scatter!" The family's flagship is even outfitted as a battleship -- and a very powerful one, too. And then all hell suddenly breaks loose, with an attack on Erob's world by the dreaded Xytrang (a combination of Huns and Mongols, with a dash of Klingon), and Miri is suddenly pushed to the forefront, her mercenary experience in great demand. But things get even weirder when Val Con is able to recruit an Xytrang Scout-equivalent to fight on his side. There are loads of interwoven subplots here, plus interestingly developed personal relationships, and lots of classic military ground action. Don't even think about trying to read this volume first, because you will have no idea of what's going on; start at the beginning of the arc -- but keep all the volumes handy because you won't want to wait to start the next volume!

Couldn't put it down
Great read. So much detail in this book; I read it over again after I finished reading it the first time and was just as entertained. I hope the saga continues! More please...

Book 3 of Val Con's and Miri's adventures
"A changing array of safeplaces shall be maintained at all times, in the event of immediate, catastrophic threat to the Clan. There is no shame in strategic retreat. Even Jela sometimes ran from his enemies, the better to defeat them, tomorrow.
"Keep the children safe. Honor without love is stupidity."
- This by the hand of Cantra yos'Phelium, Captain and Delm, in the Third Year after Planetfall

This book comes closest to suffering from "middle book" syndrome of all the Liaden books, but only because it's obviously in the middle of a continuing story. Plenty of interesting things occur in this volume, but their origins lie in AGENT OF CHANGE (which introduced Miri and Val Con to each other), a story which was continued in CARPE DIEM. The cliffhanger ending of PLAN B itself leads to I DARE, the next book, so I recommend having that handy before tackling this volume.

If the gentle reader insists on beginning with PLAN B in this series, don't claim that I didn't warn you against such an ill-advised idea.

Val Con yos'Phelium, sometime First-In Scout and ex-Agent of Change, is still on the run with his new lifemate, ex-mercenary Miri Robertson, from Liad's so-called "Department of the Interior", a renegade government organization dedicated to giving Liad its "true place" in the galaxy even if Liad's own culture and people must be sacrificed to that aim. As heirs to Korval's ancient contract to protect the people of Liad, Val Con and his cousins can't let the Department win, even if their own lives weren't at risk as a family heavily intermingled with Terrans.

In this round of their ongoing battles, however, the Department is a relatively minor factor.

As arranged at the end of CARPE DIEM, the cousins are about to rendezvous on Lytaxin, homeworld of Miri Robertson's distant Liaden kinfolk - also, ironically, ancient allies of Clan Korval. (*Every* senior member of Val Con's family thinks it's ironic that he chose his lifemate from the most suitable family possible, and that if he'd *known* she was suitable he'd have taken forever to look in her direction.) Unfortunately, Lytaxin - having just undergone a massive rebellion - is now being invaded by the Yxtrang 14th Conquest Corps, who successfully executed their standard opening ploy of destroying the planetary communication net.

And in accordance with the principle that no good deed goes unpunished, the Yxtrang Explorer whom Val Con once captured and trussed up like a turkey is not only attached to the Corps but has just been captured by Lytaxin's defenders. And guess which Liaden on the planet is the *only* person fluent in Yxtrang?

Various nice touches of characterization and development of the cultures involved, including our first good look at the Yxtrang as well as Miri's first adjustments to interacting with Liaden culture as a Liaden rather than a Terran. We also get a more detailed look at Miri's old mercenary unit (who quite properly ask why Miri and Val Con didn't just tag along with them in the first place, if they were going to end up on Lytaxin anyhow).

plan B is A+
plan B opens with Miri and Val Con in space and headed to the planet Lytaxin. They've put the word out to Val Con's clan to rendezvous there. There is also an invading force of alien warriors that is converging right along with them. plan B is full of widescale destruction, ironic humor and justified paranoia. It will have you ride a wave of human emotions as you are caught up in the story.

I did not know this was book six of the Liaden universe. But if you haven't read the other books, like myself, you won't have too much trouble following the events of plan B, I may have missed some subtly points by not having a background to pull from. But I still found it a very entertaining read and could not put it down.
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Product Description
Here’s what really happens on the lower decks of the space ship and in the castle kitchen! This unique collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories focuses on characters that are normally treated as background or secondary and brings them to the forefront of the adventure! Low Port features stories by Mark Tiedemann, Laura J. Underwood, L. E. Modesitt, Jr., Nathan Archer, Jody Lynn Nye and many others, including a new urban fantasy by Sharon Lee! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Bottom Feeders and Other Low Life
Low Port (2003) is an SF anthology about people living on the edge.It contains twenty short stories, an introduction and an appendix on the authors.

- Introduction by Sharon and Steve Miller describes the genesis and production of this volume.

- Voyeur by Eric Witchey is about a man addicted to a view.

- Digger Don't Take No Requests by John Teehan concerns a man who is trying to reach the stars.

- The Gate Between Hope and Glory by Holly Phillips exposes a tyranny in a little known part of the universe.

- Riis Run by eluki bes shalar tells of the life of an enforcer.

- Bidding the Walrus by Lawrence M. Schoen confronts a businessman with a strange gift.

- The Gift by Laura Underwood develops humility in a healer.

- The Dock to Heaven by L. E, Modesitt, Jr. gives an opportunity to an infosnark.

- Find a Pin by Ru Emerson changes a young woman's life.

- Sailing to the Temple by Alan Smale considers the consequences of just saying no.

- The Pilgrim Trade by Mark W. Tiedermann discloses the misery of those left behind.

- More to Glory by Patrice Surath brings a friend home from far places.

- Gonna Boogie with Granny Time by Sharon Lee depicts the fate of a womanizer.

- Angel's Kitchen by Chris Szego examines the perseverance of those serving the unfortunate.

- Lair of the Lesbian Love Goddess by Edward McKeown discloses the effects of ambition on a police officer.

- Contraband by Nathan Archer addresses the limits of corruption in a customs agent.

- Spinarce's War by Lee Martindale leads a self-centered man to his just deserts.

- Bottom of the Food Chain by Jody Lynn Nye divulges the truth behind the recovery of a very expensive bit of biology.

- Zappa for Bardog by Joe Murphy introduces the strange talent of abiotechnological creation.

- The Times She Went Away by Paul E. Martens illustrates the effects of a relativistic universe on those left behind.

- Scream Angel by Douglas Smith provides a solution to a very unusual addiction.

- Meet the Authors includes brief biographies of the authors and their descriptions of the stories.

These stories dwell on the underbelly of society.Many are unusual and even cryptic.Some are pessimistic and others are optimistic.But most have a final bit of hope.

Recommended for SF and Fantasy fans who enjoy tales of bottom feeders in or around spaceports.

-Arthur W. Jordin

Not worth the price of shipping
I have been a fan of Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, but I feel ripped off with this collection.Truly it was as if they chose horrible short stories so as not to outshine their own rather uninspired story.While there were 4 worth reading and enjoyable, considering that left 16 that ranged from boring to painful to almost incomprehensible... do yourself a favor, don't bother.

great anthology
I haven't read any Liaden universe stories, or indeed anything, by Sharon Lee and Steven Miller, so I don't have any preconceptions about that.Usually if I buy an anthology I buy it for one story by a favourite author.This was a bit more expensive, but it had stories by two favourite authors (Holly Phillips and eluki bes shahar) and was on sale, so I risked it.I have been very pleasantly surprised.eluki bes shahar has a story from the Hellflower universe featuring Butterly St. Cyr, which is wonderful, and Holly Phillips' story is different and well-written, as always.I very much enjoyed three stories by people I'd never heard of, 'Angel's Kitchen' by Chris Szego, 'Lair of the Lesbian Love Goddess' by Edward McKeown (an incredibly funny cop story), and 'Contraband' by Nathan Archer.I haven't even finished all of the stories, but any anthology that has 5 really good stories in it is definitely all right in my book.More authors to search for!Yay!

not that interesting
I had great expectations for that book based on the glimpses of "low ports life" in Liaden Universe books. Unfortunately, it is nowhere close to those. The stories are more typical for young starting writers - the plots over complicated, the styles overly dramatic and there is usually a "profound message" in most of them that is (in more stories than not) explained to a reader just in case the poor sod misses it on his/her own. Not a single story stuck in mind, in fact I would be hard pressed to name even one or two (or their authors). Pity, could have been a nice fast and energetic reading if the authors combined had a bit more trust in their readers.

Save your Money
This is a Horrible collection of Very Short stories- established authors in it should hide their heads in shame...Most of the stories are Just not readable or coherent....I wondered on the few I TRIED to read exactly what language they are written in?? I bought it because I love Sharon Lee/Steve Miller books- their short story in this book is the Pits...- I couldn't even finish it! Imagination is one thing- readability is another when I am Paying- this was a Total waste of money- hopefully some poor misguided reader will buy it off my Ebay listing to get rid of it so I will the money to buy a BOOK. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Short Stories to Slack Your Thirst
After their first three books went out of print (which you may have noticed has happened again), Lee and Miller were left with little they could do to appease their loyal and ravenous (but small) fan base. So they started writing short stories and putting them out in chapbooks as a way to sate their readers' hunger for anything Liaden. Here they are reprinted in handsome little books that are much easier to loan out to friends than the chapbooks.

Included here, among others, is the tale of how Ren Zel became clanless and a cute story of how everyone finally gets Pat Rin to admit that he is a jump pilot after all.

Liaden fans get this book
This book is available through the publisher www.srmpublisher.com and can be bought online. If you love the other Liaden novels, get this book. It is the second collection of short stories with some old and new characters from the novels, the first being Liaden Universe Companion Volume One. Story 1: A scout (new character) is stranded on a planet Story 2: A scout (new character) tries to identify an artifact Story 3: Young Priscilla on Sintia right before she is banished Story 4: Belansium the painter (Miri has one of his paintings in the room in her mind) Story 5: Young Natesa on her home planet and why she left Story 6: Healer (new character) heals himself Story 7: How Ren Zel becomes clanless Story 8: Young Pat Rin and Nova and an heirloom rug Story 9: Juntavas while dealing with the Clutch Story 10: Clan Korval on Surebleak after being thrown off Liad.

A visit with old friends.
Lee and Miller have done it again.
Yes, these wonderful stories were published individually elsewhere, but this is their first publication together in a quality hardback edition.
These back stories, prequels, and epilogs to the Liaden Universe books are refreshing, and give us insight into some of our favorite character's motivations.
If you have never read a Lee & Miller book, you are in for a rare treat. You will enjoy these well-written, human, incredibly real characters.
I'd give it 10 stars if possible!


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Customer Reviews (7)

TREMENDOUS
What a tremendous book "Jonathan's Journey" was!Even at the age of 38 years old, I found that it helped ME understand the scarlet thread of love that is woven throughout the Scriptures.I read it to my 7 and 8 year old boys and they laughed and cried right along with me!They loved it and so did I. Take the time to read "Jonathan's Journey"...you'll not want to put it down!

Wonderful
Jonathan's Journey will answer questions about the saving grace of Jesus for the young and old alike.It's illustrations and descriptive contentbecome real and alive to the reader.The words on the cover "Read andGrow Rich" are right on target.Thank you Katherine Bell for abeautiful book that can and will be shared by many Christian readers.

Katherine Bell 3:15
Jonathan's journey is so well written I find it difficult to describe.I have written to the Pope and asked that Katherine Bell be asked to write the next book in the bible - the woman is clearly touched ... by God.Infact I think she has been touched many times and on a regular basis.

A dynamic teaching tool of both Old and New Testament.
As the facilitator for a Scripture study group at my Catholic church, I am always searching for fresh new ways of presenting the "old" writings of the Bible in a "new" way, ways that help to bring theteachings of God into our lives right here, right now.I plan to use thiswonderful book as a mini-retreat just before Lent next year and anyone whohas read Joseph Girzone will enjoy reading 'Jonathan's Journey' as well.

A wonderful Love story as if told by God!
The author, Katherine Bell, must have been sitting next to God as she wove this masterpiece of the love of Jesus. You will experience joy, love, anger, anguish, and tenderness as you read this book. I experienced therecreation of creation as I took this journey with Jesus and Jonathan.Jonathan's Journey will be a blessing to all who read it. :) ... Read more

Product Description

Each one–page reading in this devotional begins with a versethat highlights the wonder of God’s character, recounts His marvelous acts, or focuseson a person from the Bible whose heart overflowed with praise. Theverse is followed by a prayer where readers will find straight forward butheartfelt phrases that inspire them to express their adoration to God ineveryday language.

These devotions are groupedinto topics that reveal specific reasons for praising God, including His savingacts in Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the splendor of creation. Thecarefully selected verses and sincere prayers will encourage readers to filltheir minds with assurances of God’s goodness and fill their days with words ofpraise.

Product Description
What’s the best worship style for my ministry? Traditional hymns? Country? Rock? Rap? Discover insights from the bible, missions, psychology, and the entertaining history of our hymns. Go beyond emotional appeals to 'the way we’ve always done it' and 'what the praise team likes.' Josh McDowell: 'A well-documented, biblically based, and culturally relevant insight into the debate on contemporary Christian music. For every mom, dad, and pastor, this book is a must.'College president Robertson McQuilkin: '…addresses a church-splitting and generation-splitting issue with thorough scholarship and irenic spirit. He persuades with a gentle approach that respects opposing viewpoints, and he charts practical ways for local churches to incorporate newer forms of music while maintaining harmony in a music ministry for all.' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

David Cady (Dalton, GA)
Mr. Miller has created an exceptional work by explaining the development and acceptance of different types of religious music for churches.After reading this book, I am more open minded about the development and use of contemporary Christian music.

A Complete Explanation and Guide to Christian Music

This book is perfect for our times. It is my experience that churches, pastors and congregations are totally confused and uninformed regarding music for their church. Mr. Miller gives a fair and complete explanation of all kinds of music and what it means. The objective view is based on the Bible. I think before we can argue about the "Comtemporary Christian Music Debate" we need to be well informed on every level. Mr. Miller does just that. The book helps to clarify what is true and what we have heard from others. Every Christian needs to be informed on this subject. His research is both fascinating and extensive. This unique treasure of information is a must for anyone searching true answers on Christian Music.

Francine Larson, Co-Author of "Character Keys to a Bright Future."

Biblically Balanced Look at Worship Music
Great Historical Background to a Current Debate
By "Book Heaven" (Georgia)

There is nothing more divisive than the type of music used in churches across the country on Sunday mornings. Yet, do we need to quarrel? Author Steve Miller provides a biblical framework for deciding what type of music will speak to the hearts of people. What other criteria should we use? The best sections of the book deal with the history of church music. Great lessons are here! Can't wait for an updated version to be written by this writer.Comment | Permalink | Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.
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Product Description
Most people aren't enjoying their money. Trapped in boring jobs and weighed down with debt, they can't seem to get ahead.Enjoy Your Money can help you

* get out of debt and accumulate wealth
* get ahead, even when the work you love doesn't produce big bucks
* find your strengths and passions and make a living with them
* live a more fulfilled life.

Readers love its combination of solid research with an entertaining story line, making it the ideal financial book for people who don't like financial books. It's also a great gift for employees or graduates.

Review

"Had I read this book in my 20's, I'd be financially independent today. It's a remarkable blend of fabulous research with clear and lively writing. You'd pay an expert quite a sum for this caliber of counsel. That's why I say that the best investment you make this year just might be this book. Your second best investment will be the copies you buy for your children." (Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard, former Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, HomeBanc - One of Fortune's 100 Best Places to Work, four years in a row)

Review

"As a practicing CPA and financial counselor for the past 35 years, I've read scores of books and periodicals on personal finance. Just when you think you've heard it all, something like this comes along. It's rare and refreshing to find a book so enjoyable, so accurate, and so life-changing. I'm purchasing hundreds of copies to give away to graduating seniors." (Larry Winter, Winter & Scoggins CPA's; Certified Valuation Analyst, Certified Fraud Examiner, Personal Financial Planning Specialist)

Review

"A fast, fun read with practical and often remarkable insights. Should be required reading for every high school senior and every young adult who's landed his or her first full-time job. I'm incorporating parts of the book into my lectures." (Robert A. Martin, MBA, CPA, Lecturer of Accounting in the prestigious Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, founder of a tax and consulting firm)

Review

"Every young person should read this book! It's the first time I ever laughed out loud (repeatedly!) and darn near cried while reading a financial book. And, the content is so practical that I find myself routinely reflecting on the principles in my daily money decisions. I am thoroughly impressed with the scope of information covered in this book and consider it, by far, the most valuable book on finances I've ever read." (Callie C. Brown, author of The Complete Guide to Investing in Gold and Precious Metals)

Author Bio

J. Steve Miller - educator, investor, entrepreneur and speaker - has taught audiences from Atlanta to Moscow. He's known for drawing practical wisdom from serious research and communicating it in accessible, unforgettable ways. His wife, Cherie, and their seven sons continually remind him what works and what doesn't.

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Customer Reviews (23)

Enjoy Your Money
This book teaches you how to make, save, and invest money in an entertaining way. The author begins with four teens who are unhappy with the lifestyle in which they were brought up. They don't want to live from paycheck to paycheck like their parents. After speaking to someone who is very successful, they decide to meet every week for breakfast and discuss the subject. Through Mrs. Kramer, the author brings out true experiences about successful people and their secret of success, and then teaches the teens how to do this themselves. Mrs. Kramer dubs them "The Counterculture Club" because they want to change the direction of their lives.

Did you know that approximately one in four adults live from paycheck to paycheck? Did you know that in 2005 we spent more than we earned? I learned so much in this book in a most enjoyable way. After all, who really wants to settle down in the evening to a finance book? Steve Miller makes it fun. He teaches you how to multiply your salary by taking 10% of your paycheck and putting it into mutual funds. He says, "By starting early and investing 10 percent of a teacher's salary in an index fund to match the market rate, you will likely have a million dollars in your early 50s." Wow! What a profit! And it only takes 30 years. I would recommend this book to all ages.

Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series "The Adventures of John and Julia Evans."

Enjoyed "Enjoy your money"
Just finished "Enjoy Your Money" and have shared it with my kids.The book covers a lot of financial topics and insights in an entertaining and informative way.I especially appreciated the section on looking for happiness in the right places.Too many think that the pathway to happiness leads through their local bank - ha! - this book debunks the myth that money translates to happiness and gives a clear understanding of what happiness is and how one can obtain it.Lots of great tips on Saving Money and Making Money, too, and great quotes from money masters through the ages.I recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a good story to go along with great ideas in personal finance.

Great book for Young Adults
Written in a conversational tone and with great examples that aren't overly complicated, this book would make a great educational book for the middle school or high school kids you know.It's well written, but the conversation understandably breaks down slightly under the load of its topic.Because of that, it's not quite a 5 star book, but it really is a 4.5 easily.A great way to introduce some of the key personal finance topics to all ages.

Full review: [...]

Fabulous!!!!!!!
This book was a good read. A Great gift for the Generation Y.

It gives powerful details without the overly sophistication and intimidating words most personal finance books have. Easy to understand and comprehend.

Most personal finance books can be boring, not this book.

J. Steve Miller has done a fantastic job on bringing a conversion between four young adults and the way they view money in a better light.

Truly recommend!

Sorely needed guide -- esp. for those whose money is always slipping through their fingers
The biggest financial crisis of a generation was certainly made more severe by roughly half of Americans failing to have any savings.As home values plummeted and unemployment climbed, the resulting shock made many unwilling or unable to spend as they had before, fueling an agonizing economic contraction on top of the already severe debt crisis. Fewer people having to live paycheck to paycheck would have really eased this ensuing recession.It's too bad this book couldn't have been required reading for these folks some years ago.

The author makes easy reading of key principles of personal finance--even for those who normally hate reading the stuff.He uses the unusual medium of a story that reads not unlike a novel:Four young adults who lack financial savvy are mentored by an elderly woman who turned around her indebtedness and modest income and transformed it into a fortune over the years. The five meet for regular breakfasts at a diner, and the principles of financial independence are taught through their dialogue.The author is realistic in emphasizing the cumulative power of saving money through careful spending habits more so than finding ways to make a lot of money.

If there is a book anywhere that can engage the people who hate to deal with their finances, this is it!I'm degreed in Finance and have actively invested and followed economics for decades, but I still found quite a few interesting tidbits in this book, mostly in the form of quotes and statistics. The author did a tremendous job of digging up quotes and stats to make a big impact on the reader.Whether he's telling a story about Warren Buffett or warning about risky investments, he cites authoritative sources, so that those who want to delve deeper know where to go. He also does a fine job addressing both what to do and what _not_ to do with your money.
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Product Description
The Guitar Play-Along Series will help you play your favorite songs quickly and easily! Just follow the tab, listen to the CD to hear how the guitar should sound, and then play along using the separate backing tracks. The melody and lyrics are also included in the book in case you want to sing, or to simply help you follow along. The audio CD is playable on any CD player. For PC and Mac computer users, the CD is enhanced so you can adjust the recording to any tempo without changing pitch! 8 songs: Abracadabra * Fly like an Eagle * Jet Airliner * The Joker * Jungle Love * Rock'n Me * Swingtown * Take the Money and Run. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Steve Miller
Good songs,nice backing track,only downside would be some of the songs he is going up or down 1/2 steps and it becomes a pain. ... Read more

Product Description
The best ways to learn to be a better leader is to learn from individuals who have been so remarkably influential in impacting the church and religion. Drawing on the strategies of this tremendous man of God, Steve Miller presents C.H. Spurgeon on Spiritual Leadership, which highlights the qualities Spurgeon viewed as indispensable to servant, hearted leadership. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Who doesn't like C.H. Spurgeon?
What a great book and valuable asset to any Christian leaders library. This book is a remarkable book with timely truth for anyone of any age. Spurgeon is a master of the english language and has a way of grabbing the deep things of God and putting them in a format that is both understandable and clear.

If you love CH Spurgeon, than you will love this book!

God's Lionhearted Man, C.H. Spurgeon
I am 2/3 through this fine book, trying to relish every aspect of it.Steve Miller does a wonderful job presenting Spurgeon's words on the matter of spiritual leadership.I knew of Spurgeon and have his devotional book, Morning and Evening, but this book is like looking inside this great man of God and seeing what makes him tick.His Love of Christ is expressed on every page...and gives further evidence of the truth..."the greatest of these is love."

I look forward to finishing this book and then rereading it many times again.

An Excellent Little Book on True Spiritual Leadership
I came to love Spurgeon while listening to a great pastoral biography on his life by Dr. John Piper. He was a man who truly demonstrated Christ-exalting perseverance in the midst of seemingly insurmountable odds and obstacles. This is the kind of man I need to learn from.

Miller caught my attention with the opening sentence of the book. He says, "The best spiritual leaders are always learning." I love this sentence. I had a pastor about 4 years ago, in my hometown of Billings, Montana, who was 84, and who, during his tri-weekly (3 times a week) kidney dialysis, would engage in two practices: evangelizing the nurses or devouring books. He was always learning. I want to be like that! I want to always be learning.

But Miller narrows our ambition a bit. He follows his opening sentence with a series of questions that the best spiritual leaders ask themselves. He posits that the best spiritual leaders are the ones who ask, "How can I do this better? How can I have a greater impact? How can I inspire the people around me upward and onward in their Christian growth? How can I glorify God more?" Do you ask yourself those questions regularly? You should. And so should I.

From here, Miller endeavors to lay before the reader jewels of wisdom from the life of Spurgeon that will help to answer the above questions. Miller takes the reader through the life and thought of Spurgeon by simply letting Spurgeon speak for himself. The strength of this little book (only 5" tall and 200 pages), in my estimation, is that Miller provides lengthy sections from Spurgeon's own pen and mouth. In fact, the majority of the book is quotes from Spurgeon, while Miller simply comments from one section to another in order to maintain continuity and provide background.

In each chapter, Miller focuses on one of nine total essential characteristics of true spiritual leadership that were exemplified in the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon. They are:

Chapter 1: A passion for prayer
Chapter 2: A faith that endures
Chapter 3: A commitment to holiness
Chapter 4: A heart for service
Chapter 5: A love for the Lord and His Word
Chapter 6: A willingness to suffer
Chapter 7: A zeal for proclaiming God's Word
Chapter 8: A passion for lost souls
Conclusion: The power of a single focus

Each chapter, as I have mentioned, is brimming with quotes from Spurgeon while the chapters are closed by a section entitled, 'Spurgeon on his knees' or 'Spurgeon with his pen.' Miller has mined the riches of Spurgeon's life and ministry to give us some soul-nourishing essentials! This is a great book especially for leaders, but also for those who desire an introduction into Charles Spurgeon.

The Prince of Preachers on Leadership
Charles Spurgeon was a pastor first and foremost.He was also a leader by virtue of his responsabilities.Spurgeon's church in London, England grew the entire time that he pastored.Metropolitan Tabernacle became the choice of churches in the late 1800's of England.

Most serious students of God's Word have read Spurgeon's sermons but here we get to read Spurgeon on leadership.His advice is humbling and runs contrary to the CEO mentality of today's modern pastors.I am a pastor at a small church but I was broken by the writings and lessons that Spurgeon gave to me on leadership.I pray that many more will find time to read this book.

A fine book for any serious Christian
This is a great read for leaders or for any Christian who wants to know how God gives success to His children.The author covers a lot of ground in this book--prayer, faith, holiness, service, the Word, and more. Great insight into Spurgeon and the reasons for his success.Miller's writing is easy on the eyes. Highly recommended for any serious Christian reader. ... Read more

Product Description

God’s promises in Scripture offer hope and security for ourlives. This gathering of One–MinutePromises provides the assurances of faith in brief, inspirationalmeditations.

Each entry includes a Scripture and a devotion to bring thepromise to daily life. Whether read page by page or topically, this devotionaloffers readers the blessings of God’s strength, forgiveness, companionship,fulfillment, and answered prayer.

More than 20 topics present the abundance that comes toreaders when they trust in the Lord, place hope in His covenant, and claim Hispromises every day.

Customer Reviews (1)

A small book with a big job to do!
One-Minute Promises is a small book with big promises. It is small enough to carry in a purse or brief case and is filled with one-minute meditations based on God's promises.

We all need the assurance of God's love. We need His guidance, protection, strength and forgiveness. Whatever the need, there is a meditation or two to help in the One-Minute Promises.

One of my favorite promises is in the area of hope and is titled "Lift Up Your Eyes." It is a call to remember that our help and strength comes from above. When we lift up our eyes, we find that our heart is lifted up also. We are reminded that no crisis is too great for God to handle.

Armchair Interviews says: Carry this powerful book with you and when you need assurance, guidance, comfort or protection, read the meditation that fits and be blessed.




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Product Description
Two short stories "Veil of the Dancer" and "Quiet Knives". "Veil of the Dancer" first appeared in the magazine Absolute Magnitude. This is the first appearance of "Quiet Knives". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Description of Item since Amazon took it down
Two short stories "Veil of the Dancer" and "Quiet Knives". "Veil of the Dancer" first appeared in the magazine Absolute Magnitude. This is the first appearance of "Quiet Knives". ... Read more

Product Description
Think all heroes have washboard abs?Think all heroines wear Size 3 Junior Petite?Think again!Come join Gene Wolfe, Elizabeth Anne Scarborough, Jane Yolen, Jody Lynn Nye, and Sharon Lee & Steve Miller, who along with nineteen other authors, introduce you to some of the funniest, wildest, sexiest, most powerful, and normal (considering these are science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories) fat people on earth and a few other planets.Meet a pirate named "Valkyrie" and a cardsharp named "Fat Moriah". Meet a xeno-fitness instructor and an earth-mage who don't apologize for taking up space. Meet fat cats on a mission and a very different kind of vampire. Meet characters for whom "plus-size" is about body size and heart.Brought together in this first-of-its-kind collection are stories that raise the set point on adventure and redraw the picture of "the hero" along the way. Tales of power and abundance that prove that heroes and heroines come in all sizes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Unique and Exciting
"Such A Pretty Face" puts more than just a new look at an old stereotype.Editor Lee Martindale has put together an amazing collection of size-positive short stories to celebrate a new era of heroes.With contributions from both well-established authors to new-comers in the genre, these stories are inspiring and entertaining.They affirm the beauty and abilities of a snubbed majority - the person of size.This collection is ground-breaking, exciting, and long overdue, but has been well worth the wait...and weight.

Great read - I hope it becomesa series!
No, I haven't any reason to think it will be a series, but I can hope, can't I?

I ran across the book back in July and fell in with the cover painting. Then I saw that it was edited by Lee Martindale, someone I remembered encountering (and respecting) in the size acceptance newsgroups. At that point I probably would have bought it no matter what, but the theme of the anthology cinched it.

I finished it within 48 hours of getting it, and it was wonderful. As usual with any anthology, I enjoyed some stories more than others. I think "Demon Bone" by Teresa Noelle Roberts had to be my favorite story. The poem "Fat Is Not A Fairy Tale" by Jane Yolen and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough's story "Worse Than The Curse" were awfully good, though :-) Paula L. Fleming's "Polyformus Perfectus" left me wishing it were the beginning of a novel rather than a short story.

I've already recommended this book to quite a few people, but I have a feeling I'll be handing it out to more. I'll probably buy a hardback copy to keep and loan out the paperback, but I'll be buying some copies to give as gifts as well.

And if I EVER find a print of the cover painting by Doug Beekman, it's going in a place of honor in my living room.

Fat is beautiful...and funny.
This is an anthology about fat people published by Meisha MerlinPublishing.Such SF/F luminaries as Jody Lynn Nye, Gene Wolfe, Jane Yolen,Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, K.D. Wentworth, and a host of others present alook at another view of the hero. A princess is cursed, and starts anew fashion trend, a sizeable selkie is the love of a man's life, aforty-year-old fat bi . . . uh, woman rediscovers the joy of creation on alonely dirt road, and a couple of truly fat cats are far more than theyappear.These and more stories just as exciting grace the pages of thisthoughtful, wildly funny, and excellent volume of stories.

A great concept, and terrific stories
I ended up staying up far too late the night I got this book, because I kept telling myself I'd just read one more.The stories were well-written (I especially loved "Worse than the Curse" and "CastingAgainst Type"), and while the theme was definitely evident in all thestories, it was not hammered in.A touch of spice, rather than anoverwhelming topnote.

Size should not be an issue!
I found Such A Pretty Face a delightful romp from one end to the other.I very much enjoyed the concept that someone's size is irrelevant to their personality and abilities.The characters were people first andfat/large/whatever second, something I think more characters (and people)should try.I intend to buy many copies to give as gifts and wouldrecommend this book to anyone who is tired of the fat versus thinstereotypes.These stories prove that there is more to people than justtheir packaging. ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating and insightful look at science in the media.

Does the general public need to understand science? And if so, is itscientists' responsibility to communicate? Critics have argued that,despite the huge strides made in technology, we live in a"scientifically illiterate" society--one that thinks about the worldand makes important decisions without taking scientific knowledge intoaccount. But is the solution to this "illiteracy" to deluge the laymanwith scientific information? Or does science news need to be focusedaround specific issues and organized into stories that are meaningfuland relevant to people's lives? In this unprecedented, comprehensivelook at a new field, Jane Gregory and Steve Miller point the way to amore effective public understanding of science in the years ahead.Amazon.com Review
We leave our cars to mechanics--why shouldn't we leave science toscientists? Science critic Jane Gregory and chemist Steve Miller tear downour preconceptions about popular science education and erect a scaffoldingon which to build new communication systems with Science in Public:Communication, Culture, and Credibility. This deeply thoughtful bookexplores the lengthy history of scientific mass communication and thevarious rationales for encouraging greater public understanding of researchprocesses and results. From Copernicus to Carl Sagan, great thinkers have tried to explain not just the facts and theories produced by science, but the very work itself. Their reasons are enlightening and more often than not surprisingly self-serving, but Gregory and Miller are careful to maintain a tone of fairness throughout. What can we learn about the various forces of academia, government, business, and the media that have profoundly different interests in scientificcommunication, and how can we use this awareness to best help all the people and systems involved? Science in Public seeks to calmly observe and judge these forces, occasionally using case studies, like the mad cow madness that struck Europe in the waning days of the 20th century, to illustrate points. Any reader interested in science or education will find it a challenging and provocative work. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Product Description

Author Steve Miller’s popular One–Minute Promises and One–Minute Praises are gathered in a single inspirational volume celebrating God’s faithfulness. Each one–page offering in this beautiful, padded hardcover provides a Scripture and a brief, insightful reading.

Devotions illuminate the blessings of God’s strength, forgiveness, and companionship while heartfelt and relevant prayers celebrate God’s character, love, and faithfulness. Each of the more than 250 devotions encourages readers to fill their minds with assurances of God’s goodness and fill their days with words of praise.

A wonderful book of comfort and hope for those desiring a deeper connection with God, going through tough times, or for anyone who longs for a reminder of God’s care.