Carpe Diem

Liaden Universe Agent of Change, Book 3

By: Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Narrated by: Andy Caploe

Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

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. Until they figure out a way back to Liad, these two lost souls must find a way to trust each other - and let their true love heal the dark wounds of their past.

Back on Liad, Shan yos'Galan, Val Con's cousin and foster brother, and his life-partner, Priscilla Mendoza, have initiated their own search for the missing member of Clan Korval. But what they don't know is that those who seek to destroy Val Con and Miri are just as determined to bring down Clan Korval. All the deadly enemy needs is someone to unwittingly lead them to their target....

©1989 Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"You may never care about a cast of characters more or await their return with more anticipation." ( SF Site)

"Full of action, exotic characters, plenty of plot, and even a touch of romance. Outstanding." ( Booklist)

More Miri and Val Con

I love the Liadan books by Miller and Lee and this one is no exception. I have read it multiple times. I wrote in my review for Agent of Change that Andy Caploe's female voices drive me nuts and I still don't like them. Miri's voice improved in this one - but all his female voices are so breathy and quite frankly most of them are whiney - I will get Plan B but because I love the books - not because I like Andy Caploe's narration.

Great Story -- Narration could be better

If you could sum up Carpe Diem in three words, what would they be?

Total Space Opera

What other book might you compare Carpe Diem to and why?

It might sound strange, but I'd compare it to the Two Towers -- there's lots of characters running around, separated but working towards a common goal, with lots of action. The characters and the action continue in the next book, so the overall issues are not resolved in this single book. I hasten to add that the two books are totally different in the tone, pace, and world/universe. But I enjoy this book for many of the same reasons I like the Two Towers.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Andy Caploe?

I have listened to Agent of Change before this one, so the answer is, "yes." However the issue I have with his female voices is more apparent in this book. And he sometimes seems to lose the characterization completely at times (Jeeves, Patricia). At some points, if I didn't know the book so well, it might be hard to keep track of who is talking. I love these books, so I'll continue to buy them despite this.

Any additional comments?

This book is one of my comfort books -- when I'm tired or unhappy. The combination of action and romance always makes me feel better.

3.5 Stars Overall for poor narration.

3.5 Stars Overall for poor narration. Very slow reading speed, and Definitely Not my favorite narrator.

Lost in space!

The majority of this story described how Val Con and Miri survive after being stranded on an interdicted world, and the friends they made there. I love the Liadan Universe, and this is probably my favorite book of the series. There is a short story available for Kindle that describes a return visit to Vandar, for those who want to know more. The joy in music that Val Con, Miri, and Hakan share is inspiring!

Liaden ‘Verse books - I highly recommended

I read the books years ago, and I’m now listening to the Audiobooks. This series is intelligent, wry, and lovely, with excellent character development and people I’d love to know and call friends. It combines tech, magic, and spirituality seamlessly and believably. The novel is positive without being Pollyanna. I only wish to meet my lifemate as Miri and Val Con have.

Liadens

Love the Laden Universe and all the characters within. Especially Edger and family and friends.

Good listen

If you are thinking about listening to this book, I recommend you listen to the first two in the series first. I had the first three books in this series in paperback, have many of the rest in hardback, have been working on getting them on my kindle and Audible. I like the book. The audible read is pretty good.

liaden classic

This Liaden classic is one of my favorites. excellent character development. we learn more about ValCon and Midi, and see them form a strong bond in a culture new to both.

Massively Boring

Any additional comments?

This was so extremely boring that I could not get past the first hour. No idea how anyone could have found it interesting in the slightest...

Snail's pace and over-precise

It may be the responsibility of the director (if there was one), but the read is painfully slow and over-accentuated. It is the first time I have come across this type of problem, though I know from other listeners that some titles suffer from it.I was just 46 minutes in and debating giving up in irritation when I came across a fluff. Now that really *isn't* good enough.Please provide a cleaned-up version.

Utterly Compelling

Enjoyed this as much as Agent of Change. looking forward to the next book.

Didn't think much of the narrator's female voices.