Helen Garraway's Reviews > Ribbon Dance

Lee and Miller's Liaden Universe now spans twenty-nine books, and each book expands the universe and the characters we meet. I would highly recommend you read the previous books first. The universe is complex, the Korval clan unique and with a long history you would do well to understand to appreciate this latest installement.

Shan yos'Galan and Priscilla were the first characters I ever met when I read Partners in Necessity, which was my first introduction to this amazing world, so they have always been my favourite couple. So you can imagine my joy when we finally revisted the Master Trader and his daughter Padi in Trader's Leap and continued their tale, and the development of Padi's emerging talent here in Ribbon Dance.

Clan Korval, having been banished from their homeland, is now regrouping. It is down to Shan to redeem their fortunes by building out a profitable trade route. But being banished means they have to visit far flung places where civilization differs and local customs prevail.

Lee and Miller write such complex stories, with so many nuances and inflexion points, that keeping track of all the characters and their individual melanti, their sense sense of honour and duty, can be quite challenging. Each turn of phrase has to be inspected for underlying meanings as you will get as much enjoyment from what isn't said, as from what is.

Nevertheless, once you get the hang of it, it is a wondrous universe full of engaging characters and an ongoing persecution against one clan who are being punished for saving their home world.

This is, in essence, Padi's story as she embraces her gift and the ambience that surrounds her. We learn more about Tekelia and the ribbon dancers, and although there is time for gentle reflection and joy, there is also plenty of conflict to overcome. I am pleased to see there is much more story to tell and there will be more to come!