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mary_soon_lee 's review for:
Fair Trade
by Sharon Lee, Steve Miller
Note: I read an ARC (advance reader copy) of Fair Trade, so it will likely differ slightly from the final version.
Fair Trade is the 24th novel in the Liaden Universe, and I'll begin by general remarks about the Liaden Universe as a whole. It's a sprawling science-fiction setting that spans a large expanse of time, many characters, and many plot threads, with a wealth of short fiction in addition to the novels. The stories are character-centered, and the characters are wonderful: likable, distinctive, engaging, and, best of all, connected by their care for each other. Reading the stories makes me feel part of their collective found family. The Liaden Universe is a prime example of science fiction that makes me feel happier, and, taken as a whole, I would give the Liaden Universe 5 out of 5 stars.
Moving to Fair Trade in particular. Mild spoilers ahead....
Three more remarks. Firstly, I wished I'd read the first two books about Jethri more recently, as I had forgotten some pertinent details (including, I deduce, a brief appearance by Squithy). Secondly, neither Jethri's story nor Squithy's story feels complete at the end of the book, and there is indeed a fourth book coming down the line. Thirdly, I found out from an online search that Squithy and Klay are centered in the short story "Out of True," which is reprinted in the anthology "A Liaden Universe Constellation Volume 3."
Overall: 4 out of 5 fairly traded stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
Fair Trade is the 24th novel in the Liaden Universe, and I'll begin by general remarks about the Liaden Universe as a whole. It's a sprawling science-fiction setting that spans a large expanse of time, many characters, and many plot threads, with a wealth of short fiction in addition to the novels. The stories are character-centered, and the characters are wonderful: likable, distinctive, engaging, and, best of all, connected by their care for each other. Reading the stories makes me feel part of their collective found family. The Liaden Universe is a prime example of science fiction that makes me feel happier, and, taken as a whole, I would give the Liaden Universe 5 out of 5 stars.
Moving to Fair Trade in particular. Mild spoilers ahead....
Spoiler
Fair Trade picks up one of the early chronological threads in the Liaden Universe, continuing the adventures of Jethri from the books Balance of Trade + Trade Secret. I was favorably disposed toward Fair Trade before I began, being fond of Jethri, so it didn't surprise me that I enjoyed his share of the book considerably. It did surprise me that I outright loved the share of the book centered on Squithy, a character who seemed new to me. I loved Squithy. I also very much liked her crewmate and friend, Klay. Better yet, Squithy and Klay are both strongly attached to a group of norbears, and, as always, I love the norbears.Three more remarks. Firstly, I wished I'd read the first two books about Jethri more recently, as I had forgotten some pertinent details (including, I deduce, a brief appearance by Squithy). Secondly, neither Jethri's story nor Squithy's story feels complete at the end of the book, and there is indeed a fourth book coming down the line. Thirdly, I found out from an online search that Squithy and Klay are centered in the short story "Out of True," which is reprinted in the anthology "A Liaden Universe Constellation Volume 3."
Overall: 4 out of 5 fairly traded stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).