Local Custom (Liaden Universe® Book 5)

This is one of my favorite books, and a good introduction to the Liaden Universe if you are not already familiar, and if you have already visited, this can be read at any time. It is the story of Anne and Er Thom, their son Shan, and their history. It also illustrates Liaden vs Terran cultures to some degree. The entire series can be read as standalone novels, but you may enjoy reading some books prior to other books. Search for the authors' website to see suggested reading orders. I bought this to replace the worn-out copy that I already have.

Sometimes you find just what you need while looking for something else. Thus was this find, which I originally bought in audio version because of the person (Michael Shanks) reading it. Discovering that I had issues following along, I bought the book. And an addiction was formed.Lee and Miller create a universe with a culture with similarities to many we are familiar with-- but combined in a compelling way. Honor and duty, with rigid social rules, compelling characters and relationships, communication and problems arising from cross-cultural interactions. The Liaden Universe provides both a familiarity with emotions and behaviors we experience but also a world with characters that often display the type of morals and humanity we strive for and long to have around us.The authors have an ability to connect the reader to a wide variety of characters. One cares what happens to the characters. The book offers advanced technology, but it is the characters not gadgets and futuristic/science fiction elements that drive the story. Very satisfying and highly recommended.

15 years ago the story introduced me to my first human liadan story. Wow so very little made sense but it was intriguing. I had to find out more. Since then if you said liadan.... I was on board . As I progressed i could not get enough. The stories are not interesting if you are human.... But the subtle stuff that is liadan is like chocolate.... You can never get enough. Even an an overdose of chocolate is still only a taste. . Misidentified are worse than vya. Never enough.!

The authors create an interesting universe and culture. The book set in the Liaden Universe establishes the relationship between Liadens and humans and immediately sets up some intriguing questions that I think will be elaborated on in subsequent books. I enjoyed this universe and thoroughly liked the characters, so plan to purchase more of this series.

The story line was good, if a little drawn out and tedious at times. You can even read some exasperation in Shanks' voice while reading it due to it's overtly lengthy descriptions and drawn-out plotlines. I realize it is part of a series, however *Spoiler Alert* it ends rather abruptly with loose ends getting tied up a little too quickly with very little panache. Three stars for story. I didn't originally get this for the story, I must admit. Michael Shanks has a wonderful voice that is excellent for putting me into a peaceful state thus making meditation easier. :) An extra star just for choosing a tranquil voice to balance a tiresome story out.

Rounding out my digital collection of Liaden Universe books, it’s one of my favorite places to be. I highly recommend adding in the audiobook for $1.99Check out Korval.com for various chronology. I am reading all this time around following internal chronology.

I originally owned this item in paperback. The Lee and Miller Liaden universe is a favorite of mine. The characters are complex and charismatic. The stories are not always linear but are worth the effort to untangle.

Local Custom was a good start to this series. I do admit that I found it lengthy and extremely boring at times. The way the characters speak is uniquely their own, and while I enjoy that it made the book a little disjointed to read.Anne's character and dialogue were very confusing as well. One minute she loved Er Thom and the next she wanted to run away. I found her a hard character to like.I don't think I'll continue to read this series.

This is a series well worth the investment. I have flown through the first 5 books and cannot wait to read the rest.

The Liadens are a very fascinating people and I like how the author chose to use cultural differences. The way it impacts the development of the relationship between the hero and the heroine was very interesting. Those too were also good characters whith whom one can easily relate. However, I think it was still liking a little something to make it a really great book.