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Liaden Universe, Chronological #3
Balance of Trade
When he is unexpectedly apprenticed to a Laiden ship, Terran Jethri Gobelyn, hired to bridge the gap between two rival clans, learns a valuable lesson in diplomacy when the balance of trade falls on his shoulders. Original.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2004
70 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
165 books788 followersSharon Lee has been married to her first husband for more than half her lifetime; she is a friend to cats, a member of the National Carousel Association, and oversees the dubious investment schemes of an improbable number of stuffed animals.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
Despite having been born in a year of the dragon, Sharon is an introvert. She lives in Maine because she likes it there. In fact, she likes it so much that she has written five novels set in Maine; contemporary fantasy trilogy Carousel Tides, Carousel Sun, Carousel Seas, and mysteries Barnburner and Gunshy.
With the aforementioned first husband, Steve Miller, Sharon has written twenty novels of science fiction and fantasy — many of them set in the Liaden Universe® — and numerous short stories. She has occasionally been an advertising copywriter, a reporter, photographer, book reviewer, and secretary. She was for three years Executive Director of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc., and was subsequently elected vice president and then president of that organization.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 16, 2022
This book returns to the Liaden world that I am familiar with—lots of linguistic complexity (am I addressing this person in the correct mode?), lots of bowing (am I judging my relationship to this person rightly?), plenty of polite manoeuvring, and indirect communication. What's a Terran human to do?
Jethri Gobelyn is an unhappy young man on his family's trade ship. He is youngest and his mother, the captain, dislikes him. This situation reminded me a lot of C.J. Cherry's Company Wars series, with plenty of trade decisions to be made, family ships to be run, and spots to be found for promising youngsters. (Incidentally, the Gobelyn Market is a wonderfully named ship, a clever use of a family name and a well known poem, combined with its appropriateness for a trade vessel). Jethri is ambitious, despite the circumstances against him. He has been studying trade and the Liaden language with an eye to expanding the family's trade horizons. While in a port, he attempts an independent trade which rapidly goes pear shaped. The con man has used the business card of a respected Liaden trader, implying a connection, and does not expect the young man to be able to directly approach the trader in question. It turns out that the trader sees an interesting opportunity in the young Terran who was brave enough to show up in her office.
This is a pretty standard fish out of water story. Master Trader ven'Deelin offers Jethri a position as her apprentice trader. This is unheard of, Terra and Liad being rivals in trade and very different culturally. There is lots of prejudice to go around on all sides. Jethri makes friends and enemies both, eventually becoming the Master Trader's foster son. Watching him learn his lessons, deal with discrimination, and find his place in this new world was compelling. I stayed up much, much too late last night because I simply could not put the book down.
I certainly hope that there will be other Liaden novels in which Jethri (aka Jeth Ree) makes an appearance. He is a charming young man with a good heart and the business acumen of a shark! I've become quite fond of him. And my love of the Liaden universe continues.
Book Number 453 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
Jethri Gobelyn is an unhappy young man on his family's trade ship. He is youngest and his mother, the captain, dislikes him. This situation reminded me a lot of C.J. Cherry's Company Wars series, with plenty of trade decisions to be made, family ships to be run, and spots to be found for promising youngsters. (Incidentally, the Gobelyn Market is a wonderfully named ship, a clever use of a family name and a well known poem, combined with its appropriateness for a trade vessel). Jethri is ambitious, despite the circumstances against him. He has been studying trade and the Liaden language with an eye to expanding the family's trade horizons. While in a port, he attempts an independent trade which rapidly goes pear shaped. The con man has used the business card of a respected Liaden trader, implying a connection, and does not expect the young man to be able to directly approach the trader in question. It turns out that the trader sees an interesting opportunity in the young Terran who was brave enough to show up in her office.
This is a pretty standard fish out of water story. Master Trader ven'Deelin offers Jethri a position as her apprentice trader. This is unheard of, Terra and Liad being rivals in trade and very different culturally. There is lots of prejudice to go around on all sides. Jethri makes friends and enemies both, eventually becoming the Master Trader's foster son. Watching him learn his lessons, deal with discrimination, and find his place in this new world was compelling. I stayed up much, much too late last night because I simply could not put the book down.
I certainly hope that there will be other Liaden novels in which Jethri (aka Jeth Ree) makes an appearance. He is a charming young man with a good heart and the business acumen of a shark! I've become quite fond of him. And my love of the Liaden universe continues.
Book Number 453 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
August 22, 2013
I read this space opera in Kindle format (some typos) in a collection titled The Crystal Variation, containing the first three stories in the series, not by publication order, but chronologically: Crystal Soldier , Crystal Dragon, and Balance of Trade. Of the three, Balance of Trade is the least confusing (thus the most enjoyable) on the first read. It is also the least contingent on the two prequels. It stands alone nicely. Not much background knowledge is needed, since BoT is not set on Liad, and Clan Korval is only a reference.
I read this some time ago — and enjoyed it — but now that a sequel is in press, I am listening to the Audible version, narrated by Kevin T. Collins -- whose cadence suits me to a T (heh-heh).
This book appealed to me, even though it features teenage protagonists, is a bit slow at times, and has nothing to do with the prequels or a sentient tree (but that was a disappointment!) From the two prequels, beginning at the beginning ~1000 years in the past with Crystal Soldier (The Great Migration Duology, #1) a few overlapping characters play a role in Balance of Trade – particularly the enigmatic "Uncle" of dubious ancestry.
So, why did it appeal? In a nutshell, characterization. I liked Jethri, age 17. I liked seeing him come into his own as a young trader, outgrowing his dead "father's" shoes, and far surpassing his witchy mom. I liked several of the secondary characters, too. Plus, some plot sequences were fun, like
But for all the positives, it was a little slow at times, and in the final analysis, we learn very little of consequence to the broader series.
Picking up on the "crystal" prequels, this story does include the "Befores" — old devices used by the merciless Shereikas 1000+ years prior, in Crystal Dragon. This ancient technology is powerful, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous, but it runs on timonium, which is decaying now, in this book. Interested parties are hunting down the old Befores, some to contain it, some to study it, others for more nefarious purposes...
Backstory events in the two Great Migration prequels: Balance of Trade (BoT) takes place a millennium after
So!! In Balance of Trade along with the hunt for Befores, the authors describe the societal norms adopted by all honorable Liaden clans. These norms include concepts of relationship, role, duty, respect, and balance — all part of a person's melant'i. This narrative also illustrates the cultural differences between Terrans (planet Terra) and Liadens. Lots of trading scenes, too.
Balance of Trade portrays protagonist Jethri Gobelyn, a 17-year old intergalactic trader from planet Terra. I felt respect, affection, and sympathy for him, but since he didn't see himself as a victim of his stone-cold mother, neither did I. Thanks to her, he's been the ship's grunt, doing dishes, cleaning vents, carrying out all the unwanted tasks designated as "stinks" yet not getting paid "stink duty" for it. However, Jethri's other kinfolk attempt to make up for the B's deficiencies.
Jethri longs to become a topnotch trader, but as a Terran he cannot trade with Liadens, many of whom are elitist snobs and racists, who see themselves as the equivalent to the descendants of the original Mayflower roster, but on a galactic scale. (By the way, I get the feeling the big bluff Terrans are of mostly European descent, and the smaller, more nuanced Liadens are of Asian/oriental descent.)
Anyway, one day a certain enlightened Liaden master trader named Norn ven'Deelin notices Jethri's integrity and takes him under her wing, as apprentice and foster son. Thus, in much of the book, we see him learn the Liaden culture, including how to interpret and enact specific types of highly nuanced bows, how to keep his tone and face bland, and how to handle offense or simple impertinence.
We also see him learn self defense. That's important, because it turns out he'll need to know (loved the taxi scene).
Lots of good secondary characters, and nicely filled out, including his foster mother and master trader, Norn van'Deelin of Clan Ixin. Loved her, and loved the dramliz teenage twin girls, the Healers. There is no romance in this book, but you get the feeling Jethri and Miandra might make a go of it, someday.
Great scene when Jethri tells the racist Scout off, and when his kinfolk pull together for him at the end. Several good scenes with the cat, Flinx, including two potentially deadly action sequences.
The suspense is well played and fairly absorbing, but not outstanding. The mystery surrounds questions like
Quibbles and Gripes: There is no mention of the sentient tree. None! (see books 1-2). Disappointing! Also, no Clan Korval characters. Sob. (We do find out that Korval herself (may be referring to Cantra) had stood up for the persecuted dramliz folk). Also, as a reader I am impatient with trivial details (exactly where they sit at the table, etc.). In addition, the frequently changing POV is frustrating -- it breaks up the flow too much. Further, not a deal breaker, but the hillbilly dialect bugs me, mainly because it is not consistently applied, but also because it does not seem to fit.
Reading Tip: Many invented terms in this series. There is a dictionary in the e-book anthology, Crystal Variation. However, I didn't find it till I finished all three stories (!!!) because it is placed at the end, and there is no table of contents. Hello? Oh, Publisher? It was surely part of your melant'i to equip readers with a TOC. Or, as Balance of Trade's young space-born agoraphobic might curse, "Mud, dirt, stone, and sweat!" You can bet your sweet fractin I would have utilized the glossary sooner, but no magical dramliza suddenly appeared to point it out, so my knowings was as broke as them there Befores." On the other hand, there is a cast of characters and places located at the beginning of the anthology, and I did gladly utilize that.
About the series: A really fun series, but also somewhat frustrating. Be aware, the short stories often provide important insights into the main characters. Some of them are free, graciously offered online, at Baen. See my book shelves for reviews, with embedded links to the free stories.
My favorite full-length books are Plan B, I Dare, and Necessity's Child. My advice is to start at the beginning, with Crystal Soldier (The Great Migration Duology, #1) (but be prepared for some confusion, and utilize the dictionary at the end of the Crystal Variation anthology).
Or, for an easier, more enjoyable transition into the series, start here, with Balance of Trade, or with Local Custom. It's a lightweight space opera, with Korval's master trader falling in love with a scholar.
Bottom line on this book? Good, but as far as I can tell, nothing occurs in BoT that relates to the entire series. One could skip it, with virtually nothing lost. (But that may change, depending on what the authors do).
I read this some time ago — and enjoyed it — but now that a sequel is in press, I am listening to the Audible version, narrated by Kevin T. Collins -- whose cadence suits me to a T (heh-heh).
This book appealed to me, even though it features teenage protagonists, is a bit slow at times, and has nothing to do with the prequels or a sentient tree (but that was a disappointment!) From the two prequels, beginning at the beginning ~1000 years in the past with Crystal Soldier (The Great Migration Duology, #1) a few overlapping characters play a role in Balance of Trade – particularly the enigmatic "Uncle" of dubious ancestry.
So, why did it appeal? In a nutshell, characterization. I liked Jethri, age 17. I liked seeing him come into his own as a young trader, outgrowing his dead "father's" shoes, and far surpassing his witchy mom. I liked several of the secondary characters, too. Plus, some plot sequences were fun, like
But for all the positives, it was a little slow at times, and in the final analysis, we learn very little of consequence to the broader series.
Picking up on the "crystal" prequels, this story does include the "Befores" — old devices used by the merciless Shereikas 1000+ years prior, in Crystal Dragon. This ancient technology is powerful, unpredictable, and extremely dangerous, but it runs on timonium, which is decaying now, in this book. Interested parties are hunting down the old Befores, some to contain it, some to study it, others for more nefarious purposes...
Backstory events in the two Great Migration prequels: Balance of Trade (BoT) takes place a millennium after
So!! In Balance of Trade along with the hunt for Befores, the authors describe the societal norms adopted by all honorable Liaden clans. These norms include concepts of relationship, role, duty, respect, and balance — all part of a person's melant'i. This narrative also illustrates the cultural differences between Terrans (planet Terra) and Liadens. Lots of trading scenes, too.
Balance of Trade portrays protagonist Jethri Gobelyn, a 17-year old intergalactic trader from planet Terra. I felt respect, affection, and sympathy for him, but since he didn't see himself as a victim of his stone-cold mother, neither did I. Thanks to her, he's been the ship's grunt, doing dishes, cleaning vents, carrying out all the unwanted tasks designated as "stinks" yet not getting paid "stink duty" for it. However, Jethri's other kinfolk attempt to make up for the B's deficiencies.
Jethri longs to become a topnotch trader, but as a Terran he cannot trade with Liadens, many of whom are elitist snobs and racists, who see themselves as the equivalent to the descendants of the original Mayflower roster, but on a galactic scale. (By the way, I get the feeling the big bluff Terrans are of mostly European descent, and the smaller, more nuanced Liadens are of Asian/oriental descent.)
Anyway, one day a certain enlightened Liaden master trader named Norn ven'Deelin notices Jethri's integrity and takes him under her wing, as apprentice and foster son. Thus, in much of the book, we see him learn the Liaden culture, including how to interpret and enact specific types of highly nuanced bows, how to keep his tone and face bland, and how to handle offense or simple impertinence.
We also see him learn self defense. That's important, because it turns out he'll need to know (loved the taxi scene).
Lots of good secondary characters, and nicely filled out, including his foster mother and master trader, Norn van'Deelin of Clan Ixin. Loved her, and loved the dramliz teenage twin girls, the Healers. There is no romance in this book, but you get the feeling Jethri and Miandra might make a go of it, someday.
Great scene when Jethri tells the racist Scout off, and when his kinfolk pull together for him at the end. Several good scenes with the cat, Flinx, including two potentially deadly action sequences.
The suspense is well played and fairly absorbing, but not outstanding. The mystery surrounds questions like
Quibbles and Gripes: There is no mention of the sentient tree. None! (see books 1-2). Disappointing! Also, no Clan Korval characters. Sob. (We do find out that Korval herself (may be referring to Cantra) had stood up for the persecuted dramliz folk). Also, as a reader I am impatient with trivial details (exactly where they sit at the table, etc.). In addition, the frequently changing POV is frustrating -- it breaks up the flow too much. Further, not a deal breaker, but the hillbilly dialect bugs me, mainly because it is not consistently applied, but also because it does not seem to fit.
Reading Tip: Many invented terms in this series. There is a dictionary in the e-book anthology, Crystal Variation. However, I didn't find it till I finished all three stories (!!!) because it is placed at the end, and there is no table of contents. Hello? Oh, Publisher? It was surely part of your melant'i to equip readers with a TOC. Or, as Balance of Trade's young space-born agoraphobic might curse, "Mud, dirt, stone, and sweat!" You can bet your sweet fractin I would have utilized the glossary sooner, but no magical dramliza suddenly appeared to point it out, so my knowings was as broke as them there Befores." On the other hand, there is a cast of characters and places located at the beginning of the anthology, and I did gladly utilize that.
About the series: A really fun series, but also somewhat frustrating. Be aware, the short stories often provide important insights into the main characters. Some of them are free, graciously offered online, at Baen. See my book shelves for reviews, with embedded links to the free stories.
My favorite full-length books are Plan B, I Dare, and Necessity's Child. My advice is to start at the beginning, with Crystal Soldier (The Great Migration Duology, #1) (but be prepared for some confusion, and utilize the dictionary at the end of the Crystal Variation anthology).
Or, for an easier, more enjoyable transition into the series, start here, with Balance of Trade, or with Local Custom. It's a lightweight space opera, with Korval's master trader falling in love with a scholar.
Bottom line on this book? Good, but as far as I can tell, nothing occurs in BoT that relates to the entire series. One could skip it, with virtually nothing lost. (But that may change, depending on what the authors do).
August 26, 2013
Re-Read, August 2013
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I enjoyed this book much more the second time through and am really glad that Lee and MIller have written a sequel. I am hoping that some of my favorite characters, such as Miandra, Norn ven' Deelin, scout ter'Astin and Tan Sim will be in the next book, along with Jethri. My only complaint about this book is the ending. There were some pretty significant facts revealed in the last few pages. I had the sense of a racing train screeching to a stop.
February 1, 2012
3.25/5; 3 stars; B+
I enjoyed Balance of Trade. That being said, if you are new to the Liaden Universe books, do not start here! Part of my enjoyment arose from the fact that I had a pre-existing, deep appreciation of the culture that Lee/Miller had created through the other Liaden Universe books they have written.
In many of the Liaden books the reader is aware that 'trade' is a big deal. In this book, that reader gets a chance to really understand the 'gift' of trade that some individuals possess and the intricacy of the process. This story is also an insightful demonstration of the depth of 'honor' that imbues the Liaden culture. There are also enticing tidbits to nibble on about the 'old tech' and hints of the history long 'before'. In later Liaden Universe books there are references to things like the healing chamber or 'autodoc' that seem commonplace. In Balance of Trade, which takes place long before most of the other books, the reader gets an idea of the introduction of this amazing technology to their world.
The characterization in this story was good. I loved the character of Jethri Gobelyn . He embodies the concept of honor that underlies so much of the Liaden culture. The same with Norn ven'Deelen. There is . just the barest hint of the magical and mysterious character traits that are more strongly presented in the other Liaden books.
On the downside, Balance of Trade is tedious at first. It slowly gathers speed and is rollicking along quite nicely by about page 200. That is a long ways to expect a reader to go if they don't know these authors and that will deliver. Lee and Miller always deliver.
This is probably the weakest of the Liaden Universe books that I've read and I still give it a B+. Read it, but wait until you've read some of the other books.
4/5; 4 stars; A-
I enjoyed this book much more the second time through and am really glad that Lee and MIller have written a sequel. I am hoping that some of my favorite characters, such as Miandra, Norn ven' Deelin, scout ter'Astin and Tan Sim will be in the next book, along with Jethri. My only complaint about this book is the ending. There were some pretty significant facts revealed in the last few pages. I had the sense of a racing train screeching to a stop.
February 1, 2012
3.25/5; 3 stars; B+
I enjoyed Balance of Trade. That being said, if you are new to the Liaden Universe books, do not start here! Part of my enjoyment arose from the fact that I had a pre-existing, deep appreciation of the culture that Lee/Miller had created through the other Liaden Universe books they have written.
In many of the Liaden books the reader is aware that 'trade' is a big deal. In this book, that reader gets a chance to really understand the 'gift' of trade that some individuals possess and the intricacy of the process. This story is also an insightful demonstration of the depth of 'honor' that imbues the Liaden culture. There are also enticing tidbits to nibble on about the 'old tech' and hints of the history long 'before'. In later Liaden Universe books there are references to things like the healing chamber or 'autodoc' that seem commonplace. In Balance of Trade, which takes place long before most of the other books, the reader gets an idea of the introduction of this amazing technology to their world.
The characterization in this story was good. I loved the character of Jethri Gobelyn . He embodies the concept of honor that underlies so much of the Liaden culture. The same with Norn ven'Deelen. There is . just the barest hint of the magical and mysterious character traits that are more strongly presented in the other Liaden books.
On the downside, Balance of Trade is tedious at first. It slowly gathers speed and is rollicking along quite nicely by about page 200. That is a long ways to expect a reader to go if they don't know these authors and that will deliver. Lee and Miller always deliver.
This is probably the weakest of the Liaden Universe books that I've read and I still give it a B+. Read it, but wait until you've read some of the other books.
April 17, 2020
Such a great story, filled with great characters, who are full of honor, and cultured. 4/18/16 re-read: I stayed up till 6:30am re-reading it, these books are that good! 2018 re-read: Spending time in the Liaden universe is like visiting with old, dear, friends. 2019 re-read: Still just superb.
January 9, 2024
I very much enjoyed this third installment chronologically speaking in the series. The author does recommend chronological as one reasonable way to engage with the series, and since I started with the origin story I intend to continue forward through time. This book could be considered why a; there are teenage characters and not a lot of offensive content. This reminds me of the foreigner series by C J Cherryh, but with a warmer tone. There are many delightful characters, lots of adventure, and a strong theme of intercultural discovery which I generally love.
October 16, 2012
ORIGINAL READ: 10/10 (5 May 2005 - 10 May 2005)
Jethri Goeblyn is a very junior, and somewhat unwanted, apprentice on the Terran trading ship, Gobelyn's Market. While stopped on a Liaden world, Liaden ways being very different from Terran ways, he finds himself embroiled in Liaden politics and a possible trade scam. He is even more surprised at the end of the matter, to find himself apprenticed to Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin.
Thus begins Jethri's apprenticeship not only in Trade, but also in all things Liaden. He stumbles, he makes errors and slowly, he begins to find his feet. If he can keep his life and his melanti intact, Jethri may just find himself the first Trader fully of Terra and Liad.
I loved this book. Reading it was a great experience and that is the main reason for its high score. It is a solid tale, set around 200 years before the main sequence of Liaden books. It throws in some new ideas that had be somewhat confused at first, but that grew clearer as the story progressed. About 100 pages from the end, I was wondering how the authors could possibly tie up all the threads they had produced in the space that was left. Knowing the most recent books were set in a completely different time period, I was worried that I'd be left wondering what the heck was going on and knowing there wasn't another book about Jethri for me to find out.
I was very pleasantly surprised and most impressed to discover it was done perfectly. Suddenly, everything started falling into place and by the end, I was left at a perfect ending point. True, there could be more about Jethri and his companions - and I hope there will be - but it isn't necessary. This book stands beautifully on its own.
It does introduce some new concepts that took a while to make sense and made me wonder why I hadn't heard about them before in the books that are set later. Belatedly, I realised that this point too was completely under control and made perfect sense. Instead, I find myself hoping all will become clearer in the next books, which go back in time instead of forward.
I don't think I would recommend making this one's first Liaden book, but I also believe it would stand up to that. Wherever you start, explore Lee and Miller's Liaden universe. It is a fascinating place.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 16 October 2012]
REREAD #1: 9/10 (24 August 2012 - 1 September 2012)
Comments to come. Some time. I hope.
Jethri Goeblyn is a very junior, and somewhat unwanted, apprentice on the Terran trading ship, Gobelyn's Market. While stopped on a Liaden world, Liaden ways being very different from Terran ways, he finds himself embroiled in Liaden politics and a possible trade scam. He is even more surprised at the end of the matter, to find himself apprenticed to Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin.
Thus begins Jethri's apprenticeship not only in Trade, but also in all things Liaden. He stumbles, he makes errors and slowly, he begins to find his feet. If he can keep his life and his melanti intact, Jethri may just find himself the first Trader fully of Terra and Liad.
I loved this book. Reading it was a great experience and that is the main reason for its high score. It is a solid tale, set around 200 years before the main sequence of Liaden books. It throws in some new ideas that had be somewhat confused at first, but that grew clearer as the story progressed. About 100 pages from the end, I was wondering how the authors could possibly tie up all the threads they had produced in the space that was left. Knowing the most recent books were set in a completely different time period, I was worried that I'd be left wondering what the heck was going on and knowing there wasn't another book about Jethri for me to find out.
I was very pleasantly surprised and most impressed to discover it was done perfectly. Suddenly, everything started falling into place and by the end, I was left at a perfect ending point. True, there could be more about Jethri and his companions - and I hope there will be - but it isn't necessary. This book stands beautifully on its own.
It does introduce some new concepts that took a while to make sense and made me wonder why I hadn't heard about them before in the books that are set later. Belatedly, I realised that this point too was completely under control and made perfect sense. Instead, I find myself hoping all will become clearer in the next books, which go back in time instead of forward.
I don't think I would recommend making this one's first Liaden book, but I also believe it would stand up to that. Wherever you start, explore Lee and Miller's Liaden universe. It is a fascinating place.
[Copied across from Library Thing; 16 October 2012]
REREAD #1: 9/10 (24 August 2012 - 1 September 2012)
Comments to come. Some time. I hope.
July 16, 2023
Sept. 2019 reread: This entry in the series takes place 1000+ years after the events in "Crystal Dragon" and about 250 years before "Agent of Change". I still think that Jethri Gobelyn is a great charater! Upon rereading this, having more knowledge of the Liaden Universe, I found the references to "Old Tech" intriguing and also the subplot about the dramlizt held more meaning.
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This entry in the Liaden series takes place earlier than the other books I have read. I enjoyed young Jethri Gobelyn and look forward to discovering some of the mystery that surrounds his background in futher books!
-------------------
This entry in the Liaden series takes place earlier than the other books I have read. I enjoyed young Jethri Gobelyn and look forward to discovering some of the mystery that surrounds his background in futher books!
December 27, 2020
3.75/5
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
L’Univers Liaden, comme beaucoup de grandes saga de science-fiction de ces époques, suit différents personnages à différentes époques, regroupés en plusieurs arcs ou sous-séries. Ce tome ci, ainsi que son suivant, sont une duologie préquelle de la grosse partie en 7 tomes que j’avais lu l’année passée. Je précise que chronologiquement il s’agit du T3 (il y a une autre duologie préquelle se déroulant avant), mais que j’ai choisi de lire la série dans l’ordre de publication plutôt.
Balance of Trade se déroule donc des centaines d’années avant l’intrigue d’avant et n’a rien à voir avec ce qui s’y passe. C’est un tome qui a mon avis fait une bonne introduction à l’univers, plus facile d’accès en tout cas que les livres que j’ai lu précédemment. C’est un tome centré sur la linguistique liaden et sa découverte.
C’est aussi un livre plus jeunesse que les précédents, classé YA, mais juste parce que le personnage est jeune et qu’il s’agit d’un roman d’apprentissage, pas parce qu’il contient certains clichés associés maintenant avec cette classification (il n’y a absolument aucune romance). Il a même gagné le Hal Clement Award for best Young Adult Science Fiction novel of 2004 un prix littéraire jeunesse qui a été donné à la Worldcon jusqu’en 2017.
Les liaden sont un peuple qui n’est plus considéré comme faisant parti de la race humaine. Pourtant ils en ont plus ou moins l’apparence générale, mais ils sont plus petits (un grand liaden fait dans les 1m50), très minces, ils ont la peau dorée et leur caractéristique principale est qu’ils ont quelques pouvoirs psychiques (mais c’est assez rare, même chez eux, seuls leurs aristocrates en ont en temps normal).
Les liaden sont un peuple centré sur le commerce. Ils sont réputés pour être les meilleurs tradeurs de toute la galaxie. Ils sont en conséquence très riches. Mais ils sont aussi très durs et très stricts à ce sujet ce qui fait que les humains ont peur de faire des erreurs fatales.
Car oui, leurs coutumes, façons d’être, et surtout langues, sont très difficile à comprendre pour les autres races (il n’y a pas que les humains et les liaden dans le monde, il y en a d’autres). Un mauvais mot ou geste peut être mal interprété et les liaden sont très prompts à réagir à toute insulte supposée. Sans parler du fait que les liaden sont réunis sous forme de Clans, et qu’être allié à l’un peut signifier être ennemi d’un autre sans même que le pauvre humain le sache car leurs problèmes internes ne sortent jamais en public en dehors de leurs zones.
On raconte partout dans l’espace humain des histoires horrifiques où des humains se font massacrer parce qu’ils ont cherchés à gruger des liadens.
Bref, dans ce tome nous suivons Jethri Gobelyn.
Enfant non désiré il est depuis quelques années l’homme à tout faire sur le vaisseau de sa mère, capitaine de commerce très reconnue. Il profite de ses temps libres pour étudier et son sujet favori sont les Liaden, bien sur. Leur culture est fascinantes pour le jeune homme (il a 17 ans quand tout commence).
Mais voila, le vaisseau familial va rester à quai pendant longtemps car il va subir un changement de moteur et un remodelage complet pour le rendre plus compétitif. L’équipage est donc condamné a trouver du travail ailleurs en attendant. Jethri étant encore enfant, sa mère lui impose une place pour finir son apprentissage chez de vagues cousins à elle. Mais pour Jethri c’est comme une petite mort car ce vaisseau la est vraiment la lie du commerce, faisant uniquement du transport de matériaux brut d’une mine à l’autre. Aucun vrai commerce n’est effectué à son bord non plus car c’est un travail répétitif qu’ils font depuis des années, avec toujours le même tour, les même fournisseurs, les même prix, les même acheteurs …
Ce n’est certainement pas sur ce vaisseau ci qu’il va pouvoir s’affirmer comme Trade master, son but dans la vie.
Alors qu’il cherche une solution alternative, il se fait arnaquer par un homme qui prétend attendre un virement d’un capitaine Liaden actuellement à quai. Il s’avère que toute l’histoire était fausse, et Jethri s’en rend compte quand il part à la recherche du Liaden en question pour le questionner. Il se trouve que le liaden est en fait UNE liaden et que celle ci est très en colère qu’un humain utilise son nom pour faire des arnaques.
L’affaire se résout rapidement mais la capitaine est impressionnée par l’attitude respectueuse et sincère du jeune homme. Elle lui propose donc une place à bord de son propre vaisseau. Une occasion en or pour Jethri, qui saute dessus.
Mais il va vite se rendre compte qu’il ne connait finalement vraiment rien aux liaden et sa vie va devenir très vite compliquée. Il est loin de chez lui, sans allié, au milieu de personnes qu’il ne comprend pas qui l’entraînent dans un chemin qu’il ne désire pas. Surtout qu’il va enchaîner les erreurs sans même s’en rendre compte …
Ce que j’aime dans cette série, c’est qu’il y a vraiment un style particulier. Certes c’est plus difficile à lire que la SF moyenne mais ça rend vraiment une ambiance différente. Pour avoir une petite idée il suffit de lire le résumé éditeur de ce tome. C’est vrai que dans l’ensemble ce tome avait moins de rebondissements que l’autre série que j’ai lu, mais franchement rien que pour l’avancée des progrès du héros en Liaden j’ai bien aimé et je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
Je pense que ce tome ci était vraiment un tome fait pour l’introduction de la complexité des mœurs liaden. C’est un sujet qu’on avait déjà plus ou moins abordé dans l’arc que j’ai lu précédemment, mais par touches dans différents tomes, petit à petit, pas tout d’un coup. Ce tome ci remet donc tout bien en place.
Je l’avais déjà dit dans mes chroniques précédentes, mais l’univers est vraiment centré sur ce sujet ci. La linguistique liaden avec ses trois langues différentes, ainsi que les gestes de politesse associés, les centaines de façon de saluer, et les différences de rang dans la société rendent l’ensemble très complexe mais vraiment fascinant. Et du coup l’évolution de Jethri qui doit tout découvrir par lui même affin de ne se sortir de ses problèmes est parfaite pour nous expliquer tout les principes fondamentaux.
Au final, même si ce tome n’était pas fait pour être palpitant, j’était vraiment prise dedans et dans la (re)découverte de ce peuple fascinant que sont les liaden. Contrairement à l’arc que j’avais lu les années précédentes, ce tome ci ne parle absolument pas des pouvoirs psychiques et des conflits entres peuples. Il était donc plus calme, plus reposé et moins centré sur l’aventure (en dehors de l’aventure de la découverte de l’autre).
Je lirais la suite avec plaisir !
https://delivreenlivres.home.blog/202...
L’Univers Liaden, comme beaucoup de grandes saga de science-fiction de ces époques, suit différents personnages à différentes époques, regroupés en plusieurs arcs ou sous-séries. Ce tome ci, ainsi que son suivant, sont une duologie préquelle de la grosse partie en 7 tomes que j’avais lu l’année passée. Je précise que chronologiquement il s’agit du T3 (il y a une autre duologie préquelle se déroulant avant), mais que j’ai choisi de lire la série dans l’ordre de publication plutôt.
Balance of Trade se déroule donc des centaines d’années avant l’intrigue d’avant et n’a rien à voir avec ce qui s’y passe. C’est un tome qui a mon avis fait une bonne introduction à l’univers, plus facile d’accès en tout cas que les livres que j’ai lu précédemment. C’est un tome centré sur la linguistique liaden et sa découverte.
C’est aussi un livre plus jeunesse que les précédents, classé YA, mais juste parce que le personnage est jeune et qu’il s’agit d’un roman d’apprentissage, pas parce qu’il contient certains clichés associés maintenant avec cette classification (il n’y a absolument aucune romance). Il a même gagné le Hal Clement Award for best Young Adult Science Fiction novel of 2004 un prix littéraire jeunesse qui a été donné à la Worldcon jusqu’en 2017.
Les liaden sont un peuple qui n’est plus considéré comme faisant parti de la race humaine. Pourtant ils en ont plus ou moins l’apparence générale, mais ils sont plus petits (un grand liaden fait dans les 1m50), très minces, ils ont la peau dorée et leur caractéristique principale est qu’ils ont quelques pouvoirs psychiques (mais c’est assez rare, même chez eux, seuls leurs aristocrates en ont en temps normal).
Les liaden sont un peuple centré sur le commerce. Ils sont réputés pour être les meilleurs tradeurs de toute la galaxie. Ils sont en conséquence très riches. Mais ils sont aussi très durs et très stricts à ce sujet ce qui fait que les humains ont peur de faire des erreurs fatales.
Car oui, leurs coutumes, façons d’être, et surtout langues, sont très difficile à comprendre pour les autres races (il n’y a pas que les humains et les liaden dans le monde, il y en a d’autres). Un mauvais mot ou geste peut être mal interprété et les liaden sont très prompts à réagir à toute insulte supposée. Sans parler du fait que les liaden sont réunis sous forme de Clans, et qu’être allié à l’un peut signifier être ennemi d’un autre sans même que le pauvre humain le sache car leurs problèmes internes ne sortent jamais en public en dehors de leurs zones.
On raconte partout dans l’espace humain des histoires horrifiques où des humains se font massacrer parce qu’ils ont cherchés à gruger des liadens.
Bref, dans ce tome nous suivons Jethri Gobelyn.
Enfant non désiré il est depuis quelques années l’homme à tout faire sur le vaisseau de sa mère, capitaine de commerce très reconnue. Il profite de ses temps libres pour étudier et son sujet favori sont les Liaden, bien sur. Leur culture est fascinantes pour le jeune homme (il a 17 ans quand tout commence).
Mais voila, le vaisseau familial va rester à quai pendant longtemps car il va subir un changement de moteur et un remodelage complet pour le rendre plus compétitif. L’équipage est donc condamné a trouver du travail ailleurs en attendant. Jethri étant encore enfant, sa mère lui impose une place pour finir son apprentissage chez de vagues cousins à elle. Mais pour Jethri c’est comme une petite mort car ce vaisseau la est vraiment la lie du commerce, faisant uniquement du transport de matériaux brut d’une mine à l’autre. Aucun vrai commerce n’est effectué à son bord non plus car c’est un travail répétitif qu’ils font depuis des années, avec toujours le même tour, les même fournisseurs, les même prix, les même acheteurs …
Ce n’est certainement pas sur ce vaisseau ci qu’il va pouvoir s’affirmer comme Trade master, son but dans la vie.
Alors qu’il cherche une solution alternative, il se fait arnaquer par un homme qui prétend attendre un virement d’un capitaine Liaden actuellement à quai. Il s’avère que toute l’histoire était fausse, et Jethri s’en rend compte quand il part à la recherche du Liaden en question pour le questionner. Il se trouve que le liaden est en fait UNE liaden et que celle ci est très en colère qu’un humain utilise son nom pour faire des arnaques.
L’affaire se résout rapidement mais la capitaine est impressionnée par l’attitude respectueuse et sincère du jeune homme. Elle lui propose donc une place à bord de son propre vaisseau. Une occasion en or pour Jethri, qui saute dessus.
Mais il va vite se rendre compte qu’il ne connait finalement vraiment rien aux liaden et sa vie va devenir très vite compliquée. Il est loin de chez lui, sans allié, au milieu de personnes qu’il ne comprend pas qui l’entraînent dans un chemin qu’il ne désire pas. Surtout qu’il va enchaîner les erreurs sans même s’en rendre compte …
Ce que j’aime dans cette série, c’est qu’il y a vraiment un style particulier. Certes c’est plus difficile à lire que la SF moyenne mais ça rend vraiment une ambiance différente. Pour avoir une petite idée il suffit de lire le résumé éditeur de ce tome. C’est vrai que dans l’ensemble ce tome avait moins de rebondissements que l’autre série que j’ai lu, mais franchement rien que pour l’avancée des progrès du héros en Liaden j’ai bien aimé et je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
Je pense que ce tome ci était vraiment un tome fait pour l’introduction de la complexité des mœurs liaden. C’est un sujet qu’on avait déjà plus ou moins abordé dans l’arc que j’ai lu précédemment, mais par touches dans différents tomes, petit à petit, pas tout d’un coup. Ce tome ci remet donc tout bien en place.
Je l’avais déjà dit dans mes chroniques précédentes, mais l’univers est vraiment centré sur ce sujet ci. La linguistique liaden avec ses trois langues différentes, ainsi que les gestes de politesse associés, les centaines de façon de saluer, et les différences de rang dans la société rendent l’ensemble très complexe mais vraiment fascinant. Et du coup l’évolution de Jethri qui doit tout découvrir par lui même affin de ne se sortir de ses problèmes est parfaite pour nous expliquer tout les principes fondamentaux.
Au final, même si ce tome n’était pas fait pour être palpitant, j’était vraiment prise dedans et dans la (re)découverte de ce peuple fascinant que sont les liaden. Contrairement à l’arc que j’avais lu les années précédentes, ce tome ci ne parle absolument pas des pouvoirs psychiques et des conflits entres peuples. Il était donc plus calme, plus reposé et moins centré sur l’aventure (en dehors de l’aventure de la découverte de l’autre).
Je lirais la suite avec plaisir !
April 2, 2024
So disappointing. Very dull. DNF at 72%.
August 13, 2018
This was a reread after finishing the current latest novel, Neogenesis. I'd forgotten most of what happened in this book, and don't think that I'd had any of the context for the Old Tech elements in it (see Neogenesis and Crystal Soldier/Crystal Dragon) or the Uncle, who shows up in passing again with an unexpected connection to the protagonist. It was interesting to have the later-written Alliance of Equals, also a coming of age story for a young trader, to compare and contrast with it too, though it's been a little while since I read that one now.
I really like the personal stakes of this story; the blend of culture clash, coming of age, and manners was really nice, and the relatively low violence of it is a rare and pleasant thing. We get a peek at daily life on a Terran family ship, of an apprentice trader working with a master trader, and on-planet in a very fancy Liaden House with a vineyard, and while Jethri's foster mother is a widely renowned trader, no one is the extra special best at anything with a particular destiny and a magic soulmate as sometimes happens in the mainline Korval books and that's... kind of nice?
I should note that Jethri ends up with effectively _three_ mother figures who are still alive and well at the end of the book (his birth mother with whom he's practically estranged- she's somewhat neglectful and abusive toward him and there's no forced reconciliation scene, the Master Trader Nephew Norn ven'Deelin who takes him as an apprentice and then foster son, and Norn's own foster mother who teaches him manners) and that was incredibly refreshing since most books don't even manage one for their protagonists.
The follow-up, Trade Secret, is new to me. I'm looking forward to reading it even knowing it's not supposed to be as good.
I really like the personal stakes of this story; the blend of culture clash, coming of age, and manners was really nice, and the relatively low violence of it is a rare and pleasant thing. We get a peek at daily life on a Terran family ship, of an apprentice trader working with a master trader, and on-planet in a very fancy Liaden House with a vineyard, and while Jethri's foster mother is a widely renowned trader, no one is the extra special best at anything with a particular destiny and a magic soulmate as sometimes happens in the mainline Korval books and that's... kind of nice?
I should note that Jethri ends up with effectively _three_ mother figures who are still alive and well at the end of the book (his birth mother with whom he's practically estranged- she's somewhat neglectful and abusive toward him and there's no forced reconciliation scene, the Master Trader Nephew Norn ven'Deelin who takes him as an apprentice and then foster son, and Norn's own foster mother who teaches him manners) and that was incredibly refreshing since most books don't even manage one for their protagonists.
The follow-up, Trade Secret, is new to me. I'm looking forward to reading it even knowing it's not supposed to be as good.
May 6, 2016
It's some centuries after Cantra yos'Phelium and Tor An yos'Galen lead the great migration from humanity's previous home universe. Jethri Gobelyn is a young trader, living and working on his family's ship, Gobelyn's Market. He knows a little bit about all the different areas he needs to know as a trader, and is learning more--including about the Liadens. He's even learning the Liaden language
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. His knowledge of Liadens is just enough to get him in a major tangle that leads learning a lot more about Liadens.
And about his deceased father. And about himself.
But most of all, he's off on a great adventure.
This is a great look at the Liaden culture, at a point when they're well established but not yet what they'll be in later ages. Jethri is a a great character, smart, curious, well-intentioned, and a lot more naive than he thinks he is. He's also finding out that all ships, and all families, have secrets, and they aren't always harmless.
We also another look at Uncle and at the "old tech" he's so involved with in later ages--and why that "old tech" is so dangerous.
Lots of fun. Recommended.
I bought this book.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. His knowledge of Liadens is just enough to get him in a major tangle that leads learning a lot more about Liadens.
And about his deceased father. And about himself.
But most of all, he's off on a great adventure.
This is a great look at the Liaden culture, at a point when they're well established but not yet what they'll be in later ages. Jethri is a a great character, smart, curious, well-intentioned, and a lot more naive than he thinks he is. He's also finding out that all ships, and all families, have secrets, and they aren't always harmless.
We also another look at Uncle and at the "old tech" he's so involved with in later ages--and why that "old tech" is so dangerous.
Lots of fun. Recommended.
I bought this book.
May 12, 2015
I really, really liked it. Again, in fact, as I've read it several times. It's clever, goes a number of really interesting places, has a bunch of interesting people, and has an over-riding purpose to fulfill. Excellent fiction of the sf-space opera variety. And why am I reading so many books by Lee and Miller, you ask? It would be because someone else decided to read all of the Liaden Universe works - novels and short stories, in chronological order, one chapter per day, with commentary on each. This would be the link: http://pdprojects.info/liadread/ for "Reading Liad: from Dragon Tide to Dragon Ship and beyond". This has encouraged me to pick up these stories and re-read them, thinking about what strikes me as I read each one.
May 3, 2021
2021. bk 77. Not the characters in the Korval family, this novel takes a look at a young human ship raid trading apprentice. When his ship captain says it is time for him to seek a new berth, young Jethri, through his honesty uncovers a plot to discredit the Liaden Clan Ixin - and thus finds himself apprenticed to the Liadens to learn the craft of trading. This book and its sequal give us a different view of life for the Liaden and some more back knowledge of the ancients. An excellent read!
September 12, 2011
I personally think it's weird to have all these scifi books about trading- Elizabeth Moon, Charles Stross- very ironic, there is another. Or they're strictly martial- Laura Reeve, Cherryh is a mix of the two, I guess. Or more of a sociological/global take. Anyway, I liked this very much, esp the language! The Liaden way of conversing is a character in itself. And It's pretty obviously Eastern ways vs Western ways. Also great tension with the sub-stories- can't wait to read the sequels.
December 12, 2018
Another strong entry in the Liaden series. This is one of my favorites so far, because I enjoyed the protagonist's struggles to understand and fit in as he tries to navigate the Liaden culture. There's some great humor, mixed with the usual politics and strong characters that I have come to expect from the authors.
This book would actually serve as a good place to start for people wondering where to start in the series, which is over 20 books long now, since it explains many of the elements that were fairly oblique in previous books. (One of the nice things about the Liaden books is that you don't REALLY have to read most of them in a particular order, since it's more of a UNIVERSE than a series, even though I keep calling it a series.)
This book would actually serve as a good place to start for people wondering where to start in the series, which is over 20 books long now, since it explains many of the elements that were fairly oblique in previous books. (One of the nice things about the Liaden books is that you don't REALLY have to read most of them in a particular order, since it's more of a UNIVERSE than a series, even though I keep calling it a series.)
May 2, 2018
Interesting story with good characters! I had originally skipped over this book because Korval wasn't involved but I'm so glad I finally read it. I enjoyed reading about the old tech and how Jethri came into being!
Read
November 6, 2023DNF
August 11, 2025
BALANCE OF TRADE is an excellent coming of age story set in a richly detailed alien world. Jethri Gobelyn is the son of a trading family and is being taught to become a trader himself. His mother is the ship's captain and his father, deceased for ten years, was the ship's master trader. Jethri's relationship with his mother is poor as she seems to blame him for the loss of her husband. She wants to sell him off her ship to another trading family.
Jethri has come into contact with a Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin when he brings a plot to her attention that has the intent of defrauding humans by using false claims on Liaden's honor. His courteous ways and honorable nature make her offer him a place as her apprentice on the Liaden ship Elthoria. Jethri wants to learn and certainly doesn't want to be sold where his mother wants to send him. He accepts Master Trade ven'Deelin's offer and begins his learning as a Terran among Liadens.
Jethri has a lot to learn about Liadens and about trading but nothing to learn about honor and diligence. He makes friends on the ship and even befriends another trader who is not valued by his family. The consequences of that put him at odds with that trader's family though and may even put his Gobelyn family in danger.
The story was filled with rich detail as Jethri learns about the Liadens both on ship and on planets. He is sent to the Master Trader's foster mother to gain some polish and additional knowledge of Liaden culture. There he comes into contact with twin daughters of the House who are near him in age and who introduce him to the magical abilities some Liadens have.
Also woven into this story is alien technology from times well past. His father was studying it and buying and selling it. He has left some to Jethri. The Liaden Scouts are determined to confiscate, study and destroy all the Old Tech that they can find. His father's people are also interested in the Old Tech but they want to learn to duplicate it. When Jethri and his partner Tan Sim pen'Alka come upon a pod containing Old Tech, his father's family and the Scouts converge.
I really liked this story and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to Young Adult science fiction readers. It is not an easy read because the reader is immersed in cultures not familiar to the reader. I don't necessarily recommend this title to those new to the Liaden Universe. But the persistent reader can't help but come to admire Jethri Gobelyn.
Jethri has come into contact with a Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin when he brings a plot to her attention that has the intent of defrauding humans by using false claims on Liaden's honor. His courteous ways and honorable nature make her offer him a place as her apprentice on the Liaden ship Elthoria. Jethri wants to learn and certainly doesn't want to be sold where his mother wants to send him. He accepts Master Trade ven'Deelin's offer and begins his learning as a Terran among Liadens.
Jethri has a lot to learn about Liadens and about trading but nothing to learn about honor and diligence. He makes friends on the ship and even befriends another trader who is not valued by his family. The consequences of that put him at odds with that trader's family though and may even put his Gobelyn family in danger.
The story was filled with rich detail as Jethri learns about the Liadens both on ship and on planets. He is sent to the Master Trader's foster mother to gain some polish and additional knowledge of Liaden culture. There he comes into contact with twin daughters of the House who are near him in age and who introduce him to the magical abilities some Liadens have.
Also woven into this story is alien technology from times well past. His father was studying it and buying and selling it. He has left some to Jethri. The Liaden Scouts are determined to confiscate, study and destroy all the Old Tech that they can find. His father's people are also interested in the Old Tech but they want to learn to duplicate it. When Jethri and his partner Tan Sim pen'Alka come upon a pod containing Old Tech, his father's family and the Scouts converge.
I really liked this story and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to Young Adult science fiction readers. It is not an easy read because the reader is immersed in cultures not familiar to the reader. I don't necessarily recommend this title to those new to the Liaden Universe. But the persistent reader can't help but come to admire Jethri Gobelyn.
December 28, 2020
Re-read in July 2013 since a sequel is coming out later this year with an eARC possibly this month.
Changed rating from four to five stars.
After Local Custom this is the best book for introducing Liaden society through the eyes of a Terran. Jethri Gobelyn, member of a Terran family of traders, becomes apprenticed to Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin.
The main focus of the story is Jethri's evolution from the youngest member of a ship's crew to a young gentleman and recognized trader. This was originally written as a stand-alone, and works quite well on its own. It has more of a YA flavor than other Liaden books.
Some of the history and references have been developed in books that were written later (some set as prequels and others later in the Liaden history. Having read those brought a deeper understanding of the subplot about Jethri's background.
Changed rating from four to five stars.
After Local Custom this is the best book for introducing Liaden society through the eyes of a Terran. Jethri Gobelyn, member of a Terran family of traders, becomes apprenticed to Liaden Master Trader Norn ven'Deelin.
The main focus of the story is Jethri's evolution from the youngest member of a ship's crew to a young gentleman and recognized trader. This was originally written as a stand-alone, and works quite well on its own. It has more of a YA flavor than other Liaden books.
Some of the history and references have been developed in books that were written later (some set as prequels and others later in the Liaden history. Having read those brought a deeper understanding of the subplot about Jethri's background.
May 21, 2022
I am enjoying the Liaden series of books so much. I'm actually almost angry when I finished this one that there wasn't more to the story. And, I can see by the universe timeline that I won't be seeing these characters again. (edit: a sequel is coming out in 2013) Phooey! I really, really like Jethri and the twins. I'm going to be grumbly until I get well started with the next story. (I'm thrilled that there are many stories left to read!)
On the reread, I was just as smitten with the story. I do wish we could learn more about the twins and the Scout and the Liaden trader we meet in this story. Ah my friends!
2012: And now I have the audio version as well! Listening to it on our road trip. The narrator is doing a really good job.
2022: Still love this story. After 10 years I only remember a few points (totally forgot I had the audio book, wondering about a few pronunciations). It holds up well.
On the reread, I was just as smitten with the story. I do wish we could learn more about the twins and the Scout and the Liaden trader we meet in this story. Ah my friends!
2012: And now I have the audio version as well! Listening to it on our road trip. The narrator is doing a really good job.
2022: Still love this story. After 10 years I only remember a few points (totally forgot I had the audio book, wondering about a few pronunciations). It holds up well.
July 10, 2021
Lee, Sharon, and Steve Miller. Balance of Trade. Liaden Universe No. 3. Ace, 2004.
Balance of Trade is a good place to begin reading Liaden novels. It provides a look at two separate strains of humanity. The Liadens are an alien engineered race whose breeding is strictly controlled, their culture insists on formal politeness, and tit-for-tat ethics dominate every aspect of life; the goal in every deal is to achieve balance. You do not want to cheat a Liaden. The Terrans, by contrast, are free-wheeling, ruthless traders, who have given up planetary existence for a nomadic space-born life. The Liadens consider them barbarians. The novel is a neatly told coming of age narrative. Jethri, a Terran lad, looking for a new ship, is adopted by Liaden trader when her identity is used to cheat him. Abandoned by his own people, he must adapt to Liaden ways. Balance of Trade and its sequel, Trade Secret, are two of the better novels in the series. 4 stars.
Balance of Trade is a good place to begin reading Liaden novels. It provides a look at two separate strains of humanity. The Liadens are an alien engineered race whose breeding is strictly controlled, their culture insists on formal politeness, and tit-for-tat ethics dominate every aspect of life; the goal in every deal is to achieve balance. You do not want to cheat a Liaden. The Terrans, by contrast, are free-wheeling, ruthless traders, who have given up planetary existence for a nomadic space-born life. The Liadens consider them barbarians. The novel is a neatly told coming of age narrative. Jethri, a Terran lad, looking for a new ship, is adopted by Liaden trader when her identity is used to cheat him. Abandoned by his own people, he must adapt to Liaden ways. Balance of Trade and its sequel, Trade Secret, are two of the better novels in the series. 4 stars.
September 28, 2014
A little slow to start, with the introduction of new people, in a new time. But once the exposition was out of the way, this novel picked up the pace and delivered another great installment. Set between the original books and their prequel, and written from the perspective of a Terran 'outsider' this story fills in more details of Liaden society. Interestingly it was written before the prequels; having read it afterwards it slots neatly in between them, describing how society has changed since the 'great migration' and showing us how it got to where it will be by the time we meet the Korval clan in the books set later in time. (I continue to be impressed with these authors who have written such complex tales entirely out of their chronological order, and stitched them together so very well.)
May 24, 2018
This is my third time reading this book, and I seem to like it more every time.
The ebook I got from Baen calls this a Liaden origin story, and it's set probably centuries before the main line stories. It's a standalone, though I'd still be happy to see a sequel and see more of Jethri and his foster-cousin twins.
Jethri Gobelyn is a teen boy who's lived his whole life on his family's Trader ship. His father is dead, his mother is the Captain and prefers to ignore Jethri as much as possible, but he's close to his other relatives.
Jethri is studying Liaden, and points out something that helps the ship make a large profit when they come to a spacestation where Liadens also trade. When Jethri makes a deal with a man in a bar, the followup changes the course of his life.
The ebook I got from Baen calls this a Liaden origin story, and it's set probably centuries before the main line stories. It's a standalone, though I'd still be happy to see a sequel and see more of Jethri and his foster-cousin twins.
Jethri Gobelyn is a teen boy who's lived his whole life on his family's Trader ship. His father is dead, his mother is the Captain and prefers to ignore Jethri as much as possible, but he's close to his other relatives.
Jethri is studying Liaden, and points out something that helps the ship make a large profit when they come to a spacestation where Liadens also trade. When Jethri makes a deal with a man in a bar, the followup changes the course of his life.
May 26, 2010
This book is Liaden in a nutshell, as it doesn't tie into any of the longer arcs of the story but has a lovely insight into Terrans and Liadens intersecting in the person of Jethri Gobelin. The book doesn't explain a lot of its background info which you can find more of in the other books, but truly it's not necessary. This is lovely space opera adventure and coming of age and just fun to read and it even has a happy end.
May 7, 2022
Story: A Terran among Liadens! *happy sigh* 4.5 stars
Narration: Basic narrative is good, pleasant to the ear. Male voices are pretty good, female voices between acceptable and good. Some voices are on the edge of annoying—or over the edge to smarmy. Accents… accents are between good and totally wrong. The use of British and Irish accents for Liadens is especially wrong, as BD uses Irish for Terrans from New Dublin. 2.5-3 stars
Narration: Basic narrative is good, pleasant to the ear. Male voices are pretty good, female voices between acceptable and good. Some voices are on the edge of annoying—or over the edge to smarmy. Accents… accents are between good and totally wrong. The use of British and Irish accents for Liadens is especially wrong, as BD uses Irish for Terrans from New Dublin. 2.5-3 stars
May 19, 2020
I originally read this book before the migration duology, as that was the publishing order. Re-reading this after the other set gives a lot more clarity to the masters of the Uncle and the old technology. That aside, I really enjoyed this tale of Jethri and his apprenticeship with a Liaden master trader.
September 6, 2020
An enjoyable prequel to the main Liaden universe stories. Looks like I need to pick up the others now...
Liaden books are a guilty pleasure every time...
Liaden books are a guilty pleasure every time...
August 29, 2021
4.5 stars. Exactly the kind of character based sci fi novel I enjoy!
November 30, 2021
I guess it's the authors MO to start super slowly and confusingly and then get really good. I'm looking forward to more in this series. (I like that it's not all war war war.)
November 19, 2019
I read this book when it first came out and I seem to remember think it was just all right. I’m rereading all the books and stories in series chronological order and liked it much better this time.
Sometimes I got really annoyed by Jethri’s youth and naiveté, and I just wanted to be back with the grownups, but there were some scenes that were just spot on, such as when, . Jethri grew on me, and while sometimes he seemed a little too perfect, he makes mistakes, he makes choices that may or may not work out, he knows when he’s in over his head. I ended up enjoying watch him grow up.
I loved the complexity of all the characters except for Jethri’s mother. I never understood why she was so awful, I never understood what Grig and Arin were doing on that ship with her. That, and the fact that book wraps up/brings up a bunch of stuff in the last ten pages of the book are my only quibbles.
Oh, and another quibble? I really, really hate the cover art which as far as I can tell has nothing to do with anything in the book.
Sometimes I got really annoyed by Jethri’s youth and naiveté, and I just wanted to be back with the grownups, but there were some scenes that were just spot on, such as when, . Jethri grew on me, and while sometimes he seemed a little too perfect, he makes mistakes, he makes choices that may or may not work out, he knows when he’s in over his head. I ended up enjoying watch him grow up.
I loved the complexity of all the characters except for Jethri’s mother. I never understood why she was so awful, I never understood what Grig and Arin were doing on that ship with her. That, and the fact that book wraps up/brings up a bunch of stuff in the last ten pages of the book are my only quibbles.
Oh, and another quibble? I really, really hate the cover art which as far as I can tell has nothing to do with anything in the book.
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