Book Review: The Gate that Locks the Tree by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

The Gate that Locks the Tree
Author: Sharon Lee and Steve Miller
Series: Adventures in the Liaden Universe (Book 30)
Publication: Pinbeam Books (February 19, 2020)

Description: A cat may look at a tree

This is especially true when the winds of change blow through the universe, leaving eddies of luck, uncertainty, and necessity in the strangest places – and surely Surebleak qualifies as a strange place, as Korval’s Tree qualifies as a strange attractor.

In the rough and tumble aftermath of Clan Korval’s arrival, Surebleak attracts rude mercenaries, pilots galore, Scouts, grifters, and, from time to time, those who have lived under the promise of Korval’s Tree, elsewhere. Chaotic change is in progress, daily.

Bring together legitimate cabbies and fare-jumpers, a sudden Surebleak blizzard, a pregnant cat, and odd young woman with a mission; add the heat of promises made light years away, and you find the winds of change rocking the very roots of the Korval's house, blown against the very gate that locks the tree. It may be that not even the Tree knows what happens next.

This is a brand-new novella set in the bestselling Liaden Universe® created by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller!

My Thoughts: It doesn't matter how many generations of Korval who have been raised under their great tree, there are still new things to learn. In the middle of a Surebleak blizzard with impending visitors including one very pregnant cat, new things are being discovered about the tree and its relationships.

This is a novella told in chapters from a variety of viewpoints including a cab driver transplanted from Solcintra who has always used the tree as a beacon and a young woman who cares for cats and is on Surebleak to take the tree to task for not fulfilling a promise made to the cat in her care. Still other chapters are centered on Val Con and Miri who learn startling new things about the way Jeeves, the cats, and the tree communicate.

This was an entertaining novella. It illustrates the depth and breadth of the Liaden Universe which is filled with interesting beings and stories.

Favorite Quote:

"Is this not a great muddle, Jeeves?" he asked.

"It is, sir," Jeeves acknowledged. "Without speaking out of turn, sir, I believe I've not seen such a comprehensive muddle for some time. If you'd like, I will prepare a list of the ten greatest Korval muddles."

Miri burst out laughing.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.