Star-spanning galactic trader Jethri Gobelyns story continues in the seventeenth entry in the Liaden Universe® series by master storytellers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. In a universe full of interstellar intrigue and burgeoning commerce novice Terran trader Jethri Gobelyn, adopted by a Liaden clan after an ill-directed bow of honor insulted the scion of a major Liaden house, is alive and whole to tell the tale. Convinced that the adoption has saved his life and made his future he settles into a comfortable and even elite routine, a Trader's Ring his goal. Even as Jethri's initiation into the mysteries and joys of Liaden Festival bring him to manhood he's forced to face Necessity and the facts of life: his adoption has also invigorated a net of unfinished Balance far more complex and potentially deadly than a simple Terran blood feud. He must embrace his Terran birthright as well as his Liaden connections while leaving behind the safety of the great Liaden trade ship Elthoria to defend his honor and that of shipmates past and present. Forced to sit Second Board as a back-up pilot on a Liaden Scout ship, Jethri's convinced he's already at wit's end¾when several familiar faces threaten all that he knows of himself, and all that he wishes to do. Celebrating 25 Years of the Liaden Universe® At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management). About Trade Secret prequel Necessity's Child: "Compelling and wondrous, as sharp and graceful as Damascus steel, Necessity's Child is a terrific addition to Lee & Miller's addictive series."¾#1 New York Times best seller, Patricia Briggs About the Liaden Universeï series: _Every now and then you come across an author, or in this case, a pair, who write exactly what you want to read, the characters and personalities that make you enjoy meeting them. . . . I rarely rave on and on about stories, but I am devoted to Lee and Miller novels and stories.Ó ¾Anne McCaffrey _These authors consistently deliver stories with a rich, textured setting, intricate plotting, and vivid, interesting characters from fully-realized cultures, both human and alien, and each book gets better.Ó¾Elizabeth Moon _[A] recommended, powerful pick . . . a fast-paced military and political thriller.Ó¾Midwest Book Review on Ghost Ship _[D]elightful stories of adventure and romance set in a far future. . .space opera milieu. Its all a rather heady mix of Gordon R. Dickson, the Forsythe Saga, and Victoria Holt, with Lee and Milliers own unique touches making it all sparkle and sizzle. Anyone whose taste runs toward SF in the true romantic tradition cant help but like the Liaden Universe.Ó¾Analog _[T]he many fans of the Liad universe will welcome the latest . . . continuing young pilot Theo Waitleys adventures.Ó _ Booklist on Saltation _[A]ficionados of intelligent space opera will be thoroughly entertained . . . [T]he authors' craftsmanship is top-notch.Ó _Publishers Weekly on Lee and Millers popular Liadenï thriller, I Dare