Scout's Progress: Liaden Universe Space Regencies, Book 2

Scout's Progress tells the first half of the story of Aelliana Caylon and Daav yos'Phelium, but is more about Aelliana than Daav. It is _not_ an easy story. Aelliana is abused, both physically and emotionally, by her na'delm. The abuse occurs both prior to the story and during it. That being said, it is still very much a romance. And an excellent read.

Aelliana Caylon is a brilliant Scholar of Mathematics, the reviser of a critical set of tables used by pilots to survive jump. And, unrecognized until this book, a pilot herself of great skill. Scout's Progress tells the story of her awakening and loosening of the scars and constraints that her abuse has created. And of the developing relationship with Daav as her co-pilot.

This book is fairly immediately after the time of Local Custom, but can be read as a stand-alone volume. The reader is Bernadette Dunne, who does her usual outstanding job. It is always a pleasure to listen to a book she reads, and I'm glad she's the narrator for this Regency sequence.

I simply adored this story of Daav and Alliana. I'm torn as to whether it's my favorite or Er Thom and Anne's story is (Local Custom). I love how the authors managed to blend and support the character's children introduced in previous books (Agent of Change and Conflict of Honors to start) with these back stories, however, left Daav and Alliana (and Er Thom and Anne) to be strong characters in themselves that drive the story without it feeling forced in any way. The Tree steps up to become part of the story and let's it will be known. The narration was enjoyable and I felt that Alliana's cadence was masterfully caught. Long live Korval!

It does not have the energy and drama that I was led to believe by all the reviews. For one it is chick-lit. The romance- which by my standards is listless and tepid, are not conveyed by the text. I like a lot of romantic woman- centered science fiction or fantasy out there, but this does not represent the best. I was unconvinced and not moved by the characters, drama or writing. The book got better towards the end but it does not represent the best as shown by the stars. r

I am soooo happy to finally see one of my favorite series on Audible! The Liadan universe is addicting, and I've been happy to see new additions over the past few years. And now I can listen to them! Yaaaaaay!

This is Daav's and Aelliana's story, the parents of Val Con from the original books. I love the way the story goes back and forth to show the point of view of each of the main characters. Well written, as usual, and read well by this narrator.