Fair Trade

Liaden Universe, Book 24

De: Sharon Lee, Steve Miller

Narrado por: Eileen Stevens

New entry in the landmark Liaden Universe® series

Jethri Gobelyn has risen far: from despised youngest on a Terran family Loop ship to second trader on premier Liaden tradeship Elthoria under the guidance of his unlikely foster-mother, Norn ven'Deelin Clan Ixin. Master Trader ven'Deelin has taught Jethri much, and she expects great things from him. Indeed, one might say she demands them.

Jethri has inherited a mission from his father, a plan that will allow family Loop ships like the one he grew up on to survive the encroachment of Rostov’s Dust. In this, he’s backed by several prominent Looper families who are scheduled to meet and plan at the South Axis Trade Fair.

In what seems to be a fortunate pairing of missions, Master Trader ven'Deelin sees Jethri become lead trader on his own small ship, which is scheduled to arrive at the South Axis Fair.

Unfortunately, that “fortunate coincidence” may instead be a test of Jethri’s loyalties, as he’s thrust into a tangle of grey-trading, mistaken identity, misinformation, and galactic politics....

©2022 Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (P)2022 Audible, Inc.

I hope they never ever stop writing!

Lee & Miller have my utmost respect and thanks for so many hours of joyful listening. All hail Tree, Dragon and Rabbit!

One story thread dropped abruptly

This book follows two viewpoint characters, alternating between them. One of them is abruptly dropped. We hear what happened, but never return to that character. The remainder of the book follows Jethri, with a bit from the shipmates of our missing character. It is possible that a future book will follow up, but the disconnect felt jarring to me. Aside from that, I enjoyed the book.

I love a bit of history...

I really enjoy how the Jethri stories flesh out the history and background of our current heroes. This was slower moving than most of the Liadan Universe stories but it tied in a number of the short stories from the Constellation series (someone asked about Dulcimer's backstory - I think that was in #3). I don't always love this narrator but after this many books I'm used to her. I agree with other reviewers that it seems to be leading to something - not really a finished ARC. I don't mind though. I hope Sharon will keep up the good work - so sorry to lose Steve.

Snarky

Up & comets vs the old guard, & how petty the old seem to be in blocking everyone they can from spite.

I liked the story of the Dulcimer & the relationships the lead developed

The story was a bit disjointed & the reader somewhat deadpanned. I like the series and Jethrie’s coming of age. I do like the characters but did I miss Dulcimer’s beginning in some other story?