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Liaden Universe, Chronological #4
Trade Secret
National Best Seller in Hardcover! The Liaden Universe ® Saga Continues! Star-spanning galactic trader Jethri Gobelyn's adventures are the focus in book 17 by master storytellers Sharon Lee and Steve Miller.
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 end—when several familiar faces threaten all that he knows of himself, and all that he wishes to do.
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 end—when several familiar faces threaten all that he knows of himself, and all that he wishes to do.
496 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 2012
58 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Lee
168 books789 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 148 reviews
June 16, 2017
2 1/2 Stars
This book is a disappointment as a sequel to Balance of Trade. In Balance of Trade you follow along with Jethri as he learns the customs and politics and environments of the alien culture he had become immersed in. In Trade Secret, though this book continues right where the other left off, that literary device to aid the reader to understand all of the vernacular and world building is omitted. Gone. Suddenly Jethri knows everything and you are left in the dark.
I got the Crystal Variation omnibus which contains the first three volumes of the Liaden Universe in chronological order, intended to read a few pages, and did not put it down until the entire 1,200 pages was consumed. This book, the fourth chronologically in the series, did not meet the expectations created by the previous ones that I read. But I persevered through it so as to not omit possible important world building, cultural elements, and characters that might be referenced in further volumes of the series.
I think perhaps the biggest problem with this book is that it is the seventeenth volume written in the series and there are so many unexplained references that leave a new reader of the series lost by trying to read them in chronological order. Probably. That is conjecture. Since I am a new reader of the series.
That being said, it was interesting to learn of the further adventures of Jethri, and I think perhaps if I had read this book further down the line I would have enjoyed his adventure more.
This book is a disappointment as a sequel to Balance of Trade. In Balance of Trade you follow along with Jethri as he learns the customs and politics and environments of the alien culture he had become immersed in. In Trade Secret, though this book continues right where the other left off, that literary device to aid the reader to understand all of the vernacular and world building is omitted. Gone. Suddenly Jethri knows everything and you are left in the dark.
I got the Crystal Variation omnibus which contains the first three volumes of the Liaden Universe in chronological order, intended to read a few pages, and did not put it down until the entire 1,200 pages was consumed. This book, the fourth chronologically in the series, did not meet the expectations created by the previous ones that I read. But I persevered through it so as to not omit possible important world building, cultural elements, and characters that might be referenced in further volumes of the series.
I think perhaps the biggest problem with this book is that it is the seventeenth volume written in the series and there are so many unexplained references that leave a new reader of the series lost by trying to read them in chronological order. Probably. That is conjecture. Since I am a new reader of the series.
That being said, it was interesting to learn of the further adventures of Jethri, and I think perhaps if I had read this book further down the line I would have enjoyed his adventure more.
March 10, 2024
How did I miss the fourth book of this series? It was time to backtrack and patch this hole in my Liaden knowledge. I appreciate how Lee and Miller follow many characters, keeping their story telling fresh. This, then, is the second installment of the adventures of one Jethri Gobelyn ven'Deelin, raised on the Terran ship Gobelyn's Market (such a clever name) but adopted by the Liaden master trader van'Deelin.
Never before has a Terran been adopted and trained as a trader. As a result, there is resentment among certain Liaden clans, who feel that associating with humans is beneath their dignity. Surely Jethri cannot understand their complex system of melanti, Balance. Unfortunately for them, Jethri is quite competent in his understanding of most aspects of trade and of Liaden society. He has had exemplary education, after all.
However Jethri encountered resentment on the Terran family ship also. The current captain disliked him for quite unaccountable reasons, refusing him pilot training and forcing him off ship. Only by a stroke of good luck (or was it bad luck?) did he find his way to his new Liaden adoption. In this volume, he discovers that his biological father's work may account for this situation and he must set about recovering items inherited from that man. He also learns of his close relationship to that mysterious man known only as Uncle to most of the universe.
Jethri gets to grow up, learning about piloting, getting experience at trading, having confidence, not to mention how to conduct himself with young women. Like all the Liaden books that I have read, there is plenty of space travel, subterfuge, and action. I hope I will meet young Jethri again in the future.
Book number 513 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
Never before has a Terran been adopted and trained as a trader. As a result, there is resentment among certain Liaden clans, who feel that associating with humans is beneath their dignity. Surely Jethri cannot understand their complex system of melanti, Balance. Unfortunately for them, Jethri is quite competent in his understanding of most aspects of trade and of Liaden society. He has had exemplary education, after all.
However Jethri encountered resentment on the Terran family ship also. The current captain disliked him for quite unaccountable reasons, refusing him pilot training and forcing him off ship. Only by a stroke of good luck (or was it bad luck?) did he find his way to his new Liaden adoption. In this volume, he discovers that his biological father's work may account for this situation and he must set about recovering items inherited from that man. He also learns of his close relationship to that mysterious man known only as Uncle to most of the universe.
Jethri gets to grow up, learning about piloting, getting experience at trading, having confidence, not to mention how to conduct himself with young women. Like all the Liaden books that I have read, there is plenty of space travel, subterfuge, and action. I hope I will meet young Jethri again in the future.
Book number 513 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project
August 23, 2014
As a long-time Liaden fan, I hate to say this, but I found this one a disappointing instalment. While it was interesting to see a different part of the Liaden universe, the plot was just too obscure to keep my interest and I ended up skimming at times.
February 5, 2022
This is a direct sequel to Balance of Trade. The authors have stated that Balance of Trade was originally written as a stand-alone book within the Liaden Universe, but that many fans had asked "What happened to Jethri afterwards?"
Although Trade Secret has many of the same characters, it has a different feel. Balance of Trade was more character driven and had more world-building. The reader was introduced to the Liaden culture along with Jethri. In Trade Secret, the Liaden/Terran culture conflict is still a big part of the story, but it was mostly assumed as if the reader already knew. In some cases, the differences were told rather than shown.
I enjoyed the book, but not nearly as much as some of the other Liaden Universe books. It's a "must have" for people who already enjoy the series, but I wouldn't recommend it as an entry point.
This review is based on reading the eArc which is an unproofed version and is subject to revision. (The most common typo was "form" instead of "from". Also, a minor character (Mel) who was mentioned as female in Balance of Trade, was referred to as male in this edition of Trade Secret. For some reason this jumped out at me, even though Mel is hardly seen in either book.) I plan to read this again when the final version comes out in November.
Although Trade Secret has many of the same characters, it has a different feel. Balance of Trade was more character driven and had more world-building. The reader was introduced to the Liaden culture along with Jethri. In Trade Secret, the Liaden/Terran culture conflict is still a big part of the story, but it was mostly assumed as if the reader already knew. In some cases, the differences were told rather than shown.
I enjoyed the book, but not nearly as much as some of the other Liaden Universe books. It's a "must have" for people who already enjoy the series, but I wouldn't recommend it as an entry point.
This review is based on reading the eArc which is an unproofed version and is subject to revision. (The most common typo was "form" instead of "from". Also, a minor character (Mel) who was mentioned as female in Balance of Trade, was referred to as male in this edition of Trade Secret. For some reason this jumped out at me, even though Mel is hardly seen in either book.) I plan to read this again when the final version comes out in November.
May 6, 2016
2/5; 2 stars; C
I can't recommend this one, even to fans of the series. I really enjoy Jethri and Balance of Trade is a great story featuring him. Jethri shines in this one too but its hard to see that shine.
This was a disappointing jumble of ideas and information. There were a few nuggets to treasure buried in amongst the effluvia but geez, it wasn't worth the effort to find them.
I can't recommend this one, even to fans of the series. I really enjoy Jethri and Balance of Trade is a great story featuring him. Jethri shines in this one too but its hard to see that shine.
This was a disappointing jumble of ideas and information. There were a few nuggets to treasure buried in amongst the effluvia but geez, it wasn't worth the effort to find them.
April 19, 2020
I so enjoy escaping into the Liaden universe. Good, honorable characters, who respect and encourage others are so edifying! 4/19/16 re-read so good I stayed up till 5am. There is a joy, a deep delight in immersing one's self in the worlds created by Lee and Miller. They are masterful authors!
November 8, 2013
Another Liaden treat!
Mmm, here's the difficulty about reading a Liaden Universe book, I immediately want to reread those that have come before, those that come after, those that follow other characters, and those that are just there in tandem. I settled for rereading Balance of Trade, but I've since found myself once more up to my elbows in all things Liaden, and enjoying every moment.
Having been a longtime fan of the Liaden Universe it's absolutely fantastic when another piece of the puzzle is revealed, opening up new vistas, sometimes solving old mysteries and ever, ever delightful.
I first met Jethri Gobelyn in 'Balance of Trade'. Jethri, a Terran trader was adopted by the Liaden clan Ixin, having solved an issue that had impinged the clan's honour. Balance and Necessity, two Liaden concepts, part of Liaden melant'i (code of behaviour and order of things) came into play. At that time Jethri was looking for another ship to work on. In that interaction Jethri, 'found his ship,'
'On the clan ship Elthoria, he [is] Jethri the trader, son of the trader ven'Deelin, the family name, Ixin the clan.'
Sent by his adopted mother Norn ven'Deelin to a trade meeting, Jethri is also trying to recover artifacts inherited from his father, Arin Gobelyn, that he'd lent to the Scouts and that had not been returned. Touching as they do upon old technology, more than one party appears interested. Scout Ter'Astin, his melant'i having been touched by this Scout inaction, is helping Jethri to reclaim his belongings, his birthright. What is Jethri's birthright? The mysteries surrounding his father are matters that occupy Jethri's thoughts. Why his mother seems unable to bear the sight of him is another question. On the journey, Jethri sits as second pilot with ter'Astin, learns a new skill, increases his trading reputation, runs into old friends and makes new enemies. Jethri finds out more about his father, and the larger vision his father had for 'loop' traders. He meets his Uncle. Uncle is another mysterious character who weaves in and out of many Liaden adventures. Intrigue, mishap and adventure dog Jethri's steps. Through it all Jethri's melant'i increases. Balance is brought into being.
To share in the developing life of Jethri Gobelyn is to delight in the person he has become.
A welcome opportunity for renewal with old acquaintances entering into new horizons.
A NetGalley ARC
Mmm, here's the difficulty about reading a Liaden Universe book, I immediately want to reread those that have come before, those that come after, those that follow other characters, and those that are just there in tandem. I settled for rereading Balance of Trade, but I've since found myself once more up to my elbows in all things Liaden, and enjoying every moment.
Having been a longtime fan of the Liaden Universe it's absolutely fantastic when another piece of the puzzle is revealed, opening up new vistas, sometimes solving old mysteries and ever, ever delightful.
I first met Jethri Gobelyn in 'Balance of Trade'. Jethri, a Terran trader was adopted by the Liaden clan Ixin, having solved an issue that had impinged the clan's honour. Balance and Necessity, two Liaden concepts, part of Liaden melant'i (code of behaviour and order of things) came into play. At that time Jethri was looking for another ship to work on. In that interaction Jethri, 'found his ship,'
'On the clan ship Elthoria, he [is] Jethri the trader, son of the trader ven'Deelin, the family name, Ixin the clan.'
Sent by his adopted mother Norn ven'Deelin to a trade meeting, Jethri is also trying to recover artifacts inherited from his father, Arin Gobelyn, that he'd lent to the Scouts and that had not been returned. Touching as they do upon old technology, more than one party appears interested. Scout Ter'Astin, his melant'i having been touched by this Scout inaction, is helping Jethri to reclaim his belongings, his birthright. What is Jethri's birthright? The mysteries surrounding his father are matters that occupy Jethri's thoughts. Why his mother seems unable to bear the sight of him is another question. On the journey, Jethri sits as second pilot with ter'Astin, learns a new skill, increases his trading reputation, runs into old friends and makes new enemies. Jethri finds out more about his father, and the larger vision his father had for 'loop' traders. He meets his Uncle. Uncle is another mysterious character who weaves in and out of many Liaden adventures. Intrigue, mishap and adventure dog Jethri's steps. Through it all Jethri's melant'i increases. Balance is brought into being.
To share in the developing life of Jethri Gobelyn is to delight in the person he has become.
A welcome opportunity for renewal with old acquaintances entering into new horizons.
A NetGalley ARC
April 24, 2014
First off I'm about the biggest fan of the Liaden Universe you're going to find. But I have to say that if you aren't pretty well versed in the Liaden Universe, I think you'd be pretty lost reading this book. That being said I enjoyed it. Maybe not as much as Balance Of Trade. The reason being that Lee and Miller's books have been getting more difficult to follow, more convoluted as the years have gone on. There were parts of the action that were not totally clear. Lots of intuitive leaps a reader has to make about Liaden customs or Terran customs or Looper customs. Their stories were mores straight forward earlier on. Example the original series of 5 books (books now listed as numbers 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13) with a lot of fast clear action that was easy for any reader to follow. Now I believe that to follow the most recent books you pretty much have to be a student of Liad.
So I did like this book. I loved Jethri in his first book and he continues to grow and evolve here. The character of Norn his adoptive mother is also one of my favorites. You can just feel her presence even when she is not an active part of the story. The Gobelyn family continues to evolve also and I was pleased to see mention of Korval in this book although just a casual mention. I would love it if in future books in this series, Jethri could actively interact with Clan Korval. There was quite a bit of action taking place in this book, learning taking place, new alliances made, old ones reaffirmed and bad guys getting what's coming to them. Still this story is obviously far from done and I hope we don't have to wait another 10 years before we get more of Jethri's story.
So I did like this book. I loved Jethri in his first book and he continues to grow and evolve here. The character of Norn his adoptive mother is also one of my favorites. You can just feel her presence even when she is not an active part of the story. The Gobelyn family continues to evolve also and I was pleased to see mention of Korval in this book although just a casual mention. I would love it if in future books in this series, Jethri could actively interact with Clan Korval. There was quite a bit of action taking place in this book, learning taking place, new alliances made, old ones reaffirmed and bad guys getting what's coming to them. Still this story is obviously far from done and I hope we don't have to wait another 10 years before we get more of Jethri's story.
November 4, 2022
[Nov 2022] Re-read.
[Apr 2014] Sequel to Balance of Trade (found in the omnibus The Crystal Variation, which I devoured last year.) Not quite as charming as its predecessor, though--and occasionally I wondered whether an awkward phrase or sentence was due to an editing mishap, or simply to the idiosyncratic ways in which Liadens and Terrans express themselves.
It was lovely to catch up with Jethri, though, and see how exquisitely he has learned to Deal--and to navigate the myriad perils and pitfalls of Liaden society, which is founded upon the very un-Terran concepts of Balance and Necessity. (For the record, I really love the protocol-driven Liadens, who can express even the most complex, nuanced thoughts through a simple bow or hand gesture, and who drink wine all day long, even with their breakfast.) Jethri also finds unexpected answers to some (though not all!) of his questions about his long-lost father Arin, and meets some family he never knew he had. That, I think, was the most satisfying part of the story, as it brought back old friends (from the Crystal timeline) whom I hadn't expected to see again.
The cover art, though--goodness me, what is poor Jethri wearing around his neck?!...
[Apr 2014] Sequel to Balance of Trade (found in the omnibus The Crystal Variation, which I devoured last year.) Not quite as charming as its predecessor, though--and occasionally I wondered whether an awkward phrase or sentence was due to an editing mishap, or simply to the idiosyncratic ways in which Liadens and Terrans express themselves.
It was lovely to catch up with Jethri, though, and see how exquisitely he has learned to Deal--and to navigate the myriad perils and pitfalls of Liaden society, which is founded upon the very un-Terran concepts of Balance and Necessity. (For the record, I really love the protocol-driven Liadens, who can express even the most complex, nuanced thoughts through a simple bow or hand gesture, and who drink wine all day long, even with their breakfast.) Jethri also finds unexpected answers to some (though not all!) of his questions about his long-lost father Arin, and meets some family he never knew he had. That, I think, was the most satisfying part of the story, as it brought back old friends (from the Crystal timeline) whom I hadn't expected to see again.
The cover art, though--goodness me, what is poor Jethri wearing around his neck?!...
May 29, 2015
I am torn. In some ways this is some of the most thoughtful world building Lee and Miller have ever done. For example, the scene where two independently owned trade starships circle around each other with cameras to allow the crews to inspect the exteriors of their own ships for problems...brilliant and I never heard of that idea in any SF before.
On the other hand, the world building, often more at a personal interrelation level, is so dense as to impede the flow of the plot, and to slow the reading overall. This comes off as very much a middle novel, as though the story requires one more volume to end. At least I very much hope so, not because I'm that enthralled with the story (it got dull, and the overall structure super-humble-young-man-who-is-actually-extraordinary telegraphed plot points way in advance) but because I've now plowed through 490 pages of details, such as what everyone on the Gobelyn retrofitted ship gave away via minute nuances in their first re-teamed meeting...and frankly I deserve a payoff for that. Because there sure wasn't one here.
There was a whole lot of detail, and no inkling of what to pay attention to it and what not, because it was all detail with little forward thrust on the story.
I have the feeling the authors were far more in love with exploring the realities of this world, than they were in telling a story.
Even the big revelation at the end, the secret people were all striving for, turns out to be something that was not really meant to have been a big secret all that while.
Ok, so. Whatever.
And, the sex scenes. Well this is the first book in a very long series with this much detail on the sex part. I felt embarrassed to read that bit in part due to the author's 20+ years of not going there. As with the rest of the book, these scenes were also almost unbearably nuanced, mannered and detailed and went on for too long...until anyone actually did anything, and then the authors skipped quickly to afterwards. I really did not want to know that much about Liadan manners in that situation, thank you very much! Nothing, and I mean nothing, was remotely smexy about any of it.
On the other hand, the world building, often more at a personal interrelation level, is so dense as to impede the flow of the plot, and to slow the reading overall. This comes off as very much a middle novel, as though the story requires one more volume to end. At least I very much hope so, not because I'm that enthralled with the story (it got dull, and the overall structure super-humble-young-man-who-is-actually-extraordinary telegraphed plot points way in advance) but because I've now plowed through 490 pages of details, such as what everyone on the Gobelyn retrofitted ship gave away via minute nuances in their first re-teamed meeting...and frankly I deserve a payoff for that. Because there sure wasn't one here.
There was a whole lot of detail, and no inkling of what to pay attention to it and what not, because it was all detail with little forward thrust on the story.
I have the feeling the authors were far more in love with exploring the realities of this world, than they were in telling a story.
Even the big revelation at the end, the secret people were all striving for, turns out to be something that was not really meant to have been a big secret all that while.
Ok, so. Whatever.
And, the sex scenes. Well this is the first book in a very long series with this much detail on the sex part. I felt embarrassed to read that bit in part due to the author's 20+ years of not going there. As with the rest of the book, these scenes were also almost unbearably nuanced, mannered and detailed and went on for too long...until anyone actually did anything, and then the authors skipped quickly to afterwards. I really did not want to know that much about Liadan manners in that situation, thank you very much! Nothing, and I mean nothing, was remotely smexy about any of it.
March 21, 2015
It's never quite as much fun following a character who's mostly gotten his life together properly as it is to follow them when they're still confused, but I enjoyed this regardless.
But it was great to see what I assume is the very beginning of the Department of the Interior and the brief references to Clan Korval (though I kept expecting some ancestor of Shan yos'Galen to swoop in with a perfect glass of wine).
Most of the hanging plot threads from Balance of Trade are now about as wrapped up as Lee & Miller ever make them - but I'd be agreeable to one more book about Jethri or better yet one about Tan Sim - I bet his story is going to be fascinating! Even a chapbook or a couple of short stories about them would make me happy! (A chapbook/story might already be written, come to think about it. I'll have to take a look.)
For a final point, why do Lee & Miller feel the need for ALL of their main characters to be pilots? It makes perfect sense when you're dealing with Clan Korval, but it doesn't really make sense when you're talking about other clans. And here, his pilot training takes up quite a few pages, but it doesn't really affect the plot in any meaningful way - other than bragging rights.
But it was great to see what I assume is the very beginning of the Department of the Interior and the brief references to Clan Korval (though I kept expecting some ancestor of Shan yos'Galen to swoop in with a perfect glass of wine).
Most of the hanging plot threads from Balance of Trade are now about as wrapped up as Lee & Miller ever make them - but I'd be agreeable to one more book about Jethri or better yet one about Tan Sim - I bet his story is going to be fascinating! Even a chapbook or a couple of short stories about them would make me happy! (A chapbook/story might already be written, come to think about it. I'll have to take a look.)
For a final point, why do Lee & Miller feel the need for ALL of their main characters to be pilots? It makes perfect sense when you're dealing with Clan Korval, but it doesn't really make sense when you're talking about other clans. And here, his pilot training takes up quite a few pages, but it doesn't really affect the plot in any meaningful way - other than bragging rights.
May 7, 2021
Comfort read, direct sequel to Balance of Trade.
April 29, 2014
The continuing adventures of Jethri Gobelyn—Liaden Trader, Terran Trader, the one man with good standing in two cultures. Jethri had loaned the Liaden Scouts a notebook he inherited from his father. It was supposed to be copied and then returned to him. It wasn’t returned. Balance was required. Jethri teamed up with a Liaden Scout, to track down and recover his stolen notebook.
The notebook, of course, is a MacGuffin. It’s an excuse to send Jethri and the Scout from port to port, world to world, both Liaden and Terran. It’s an excuse to show Jethri operating in both of his cultures, sometimes simultaneously.
There were some interesting moments. But, mostly, I was unimpressed by the book. Jethri had a purpose to what he did but I didn’t feel a connection to that purpose. The story itself wandered all over the place and didn’t have a strong narrative thread.
The book constantly jumped back and forth in time. There were a lot of chapters that started out a day or more after the previous chapter ended, making it feel like you’d blacked out and missed what had been happening. Then, all of the sudden, one of the characters would either reflect on what had been happening or would relate the events to another character, filling in the details of what you’d missed. It was an irritating narrative device and quickly grew old.
I normally enjoy Liaden Universe stories. I didn’t really enjoy this one and I would have been happy to have missed it.
Read this review on my blog.
The notebook, of course, is a MacGuffin. It’s an excuse to send Jethri and the Scout from port to port, world to world, both Liaden and Terran. It’s an excuse to show Jethri operating in both of his cultures, sometimes simultaneously.
There were some interesting moments. But, mostly, I was unimpressed by the book. Jethri had a purpose to what he did but I didn’t feel a connection to that purpose. The story itself wandered all over the place and didn’t have a strong narrative thread.
The book constantly jumped back and forth in time. There were a lot of chapters that started out a day or more after the previous chapter ended, making it feel like you’d blacked out and missed what had been happening. Then, all of the sudden, one of the characters would either reflect on what had been happening or would relate the events to another character, filling in the details of what you’d missed. It was an irritating narrative device and quickly grew old.
I normally enjoy Liaden Universe stories. I didn’t really enjoy this one and I would have been happy to have missed it.
Read this review on my blog.
maybe-or-not
May 6, 2016The jury is still out on this one. I may not even read it, unless it contributes to the larger plot and the Dept of Interior.
Prolly I will not buy this, even though I liked Jethri in Balance of Trade. Apparently, it does little to advance the current plot. "Mud!" as Jethri the agoraphobic spacer might say. Why go back in time, while meanwhile Daav is vulnerable, Surebleak is besieged, and Korval is relentlessly hunted across the galaxy? Moreover, the seam between the old universe and the new appears to be widening, allowing even a space ship to slip through the Teapot crack?
But alas, it's centuries back we go. I feel frustrated with this leapfrog approach to storytelling.
On the other hand, if Trade Secret reveals the origins of the Dept of the Interior – as it might! – or if it adds something about Bechimo, it might be interesting. Quite possibly, there is a link to Uncle, The Builders, Bechimo, and perhaps even Joyita, all of whom play sizable roles in Dragon Ship (Theo Waitley, #4).
Prolly I will not buy this, even though I liked Jethri in Balance of Trade. Apparently, it does little to advance the current plot. "Mud!" as Jethri the agoraphobic spacer might say. Why go back in time, while meanwhile Daav is vulnerable, Surebleak is besieged, and Korval is relentlessly hunted across the galaxy? Moreover, the seam between the old universe and the new appears to be widening, allowing even a space ship to slip through the Teapot crack?
But alas, it's centuries back we go. I feel frustrated with this leapfrog approach to storytelling.
On the other hand, if Trade Secret reveals the origins of the Dept of the Interior – as it might! – or if it adds something about Bechimo, it might be interesting. Quite possibly, there is a link to Uncle, The Builders, Bechimo, and perhaps even Joyita, all of whom play sizable roles in Dragon Ship (Theo Waitley, #4).
March 15, 2016
I love Liaden Universe SF novels because of the positive view of humanity's future: most characters are basically good, helpful, and cooperative. Balance of Trade was fascinating as Jethri, a ship-born Terran, learned from the skin out how to be Liaden. But I found its sequel, Trade Secret, less interesting because of the emphasis on trade and vendetta instead of Terran vs. Liaden culture. I did enjoy Jethri's introduction to the mysterious Uncle, who becomes increasingly important to later Liaden novels.
Read
June 2, 2014This comment is only for the audiobook version. I started this several times and couldn't continue because the narrator was not suited to the book, at all. I couldn't stand listening because the noninflected voice seemed much more suited to a non-fiction book. The vocal variety offered by Kevin Collins was not engaging at all.
I own the ebook of this story and intend to read it and fully expect to enjoy it as much as the many Liaden Universe stories I've read over the years.
I own the ebook of this story and intend to read it and fully expect to enjoy it as much as the many Liaden Universe stories I've read over the years.
June 30, 2014
This book reminds me, tragically, of the authors' previous "Mouse and Dragon" -- because, like that book, "Trade Secret" is an indifferent sequel to a really good book. "Scout's Progress" was one of my favourite Liaden books, but "Mouse and Dragon" was no better than so-so. And so it is with "Trade Secret". The previous book, "Balance of Trade," was marvellous...but this is just a muddled mess.
February 19, 2015
I liked the continuation of Jethri's story and the other view of Uncle and Terran Liaden trading.
But was Arin's secret the Venturi tables that the Caylon then updated?
But was Arin's secret the Venturi tables that the Caylon then updated?
February 18, 2014
Probably the worst Lee and Miller book I've ever read. I gave up half way which is really surprising since normally I can't put their books down.
September 17, 2016
I always enjoy reading (and re-reading) the books in this series. :)
April 28, 2018
I love the series of books in the Liaden Universe, but this one was not as captivating as Balance of Trade; however it is an important addition to the series. I would even go so far as to say I would like another book in the Jethri arc.
July 24, 2018
I found the story line slow moving but I did enjoy the book!
August 2, 2023
I still have a problem with who is whom especially the Liaden's whose names are so close to each other. There is a lot of running around which especially concerning Jethri seemed almost too much. Some of the port stops didn't make a whole lot of sense. Overall though a solid 4 and I am looking forward to the next book.
January 21, 2014
Disclaimer: The Liaden novels are some of my all-time favorites, and I am devoted to Lee and Miller.
This latest installment just did not achieve the greatness of all the others. I felt confused throughout the first half, and certain things still did not make sense even by the end. I ended up reading the whole thing without trying to go back and make sense of it. Would I have done that if I were reading a paper copy? I'm not sure - but on an eReader, it's not worth it.
The first of Jethri's stories was published with the Crystal Variation omnibus (loved that one! The stories about how the Korval clan got its start, and especially the anthropomorphic tree!). I read it two (?) years ago and could not remember the context for this follow-up. Which really hindered my ability to understand the plot in this one.I usually enjoy the slow reveal of the story, the context, and the plot, but I could not follow this one. One thing that might help is a summary of what went before at the beginning.
Over the course of this novel, I felt it was disjointed, uneven, confusing, and slow at times. Some of the alternate viewpoints were interesting (I generally love Liadens' perceptions and worldviews), but others dragged.
I did find parts of the world-building helpful and interesting - for example, we learn more about the Uncle, and his organization - and about how Terrans see Liadens. This last, in particular, is enlightening - for the most part so far, the point of view has been that of the Liadens. This different, outsider's perspective on the Liadens gives readers the chance to learn a bit more about them than we have in the other books. Along the same lines, we get a more specific look at the social structure and customs surrounding intimate relationships. Jethri's Terran perspective means the authors have to explain what, from a Liaden's point of view, would be natural, assumed, and taken for granted.
My favorite thing about these books is the dry, witty humor, the bantering, insults and wordplay - and this book is definitely full of those.
Some sections with high action (a duel! betrayal and a stand-off!) brought my heart rate up.
Ultimately, this book has some value in its narrative and point of view. It will also be interesting for long-time fans who want to know more about the context of the Korval novels, and the Terran and Liaden interactions. There are some great scenes in here, and those who enjoy the Liadens' wit will find that here.
I would recommend it for fans who have read all the others, and in particular have *recently* read Jethri's first story. However, I think it (unlike any other Liaden novel I've read) is skippable.
This latest installment just did not achieve the greatness of all the others. I felt confused throughout the first half, and certain things still did not make sense even by the end. I ended up reading the whole thing without trying to go back and make sense of it. Would I have done that if I were reading a paper copy? I'm not sure - but on an eReader, it's not worth it.
The first of Jethri's stories was published with the Crystal Variation omnibus (loved that one! The stories about how the Korval clan got its start, and especially the anthropomorphic tree!). I read it two (?) years ago and could not remember the context for this follow-up. Which really hindered my ability to understand the plot in this one.I usually enjoy the slow reveal of the story, the context, and the plot, but I could not follow this one. One thing that might help is a summary of what went before at the beginning.
Over the course of this novel, I felt it was disjointed, uneven, confusing, and slow at times. Some of the alternate viewpoints were interesting (I generally love Liadens' perceptions and worldviews), but others dragged.
I did find parts of the world-building helpful and interesting - for example, we learn more about the Uncle, and his organization - and about how Terrans see Liadens. This last, in particular, is enlightening - for the most part so far, the point of view has been that of the Liadens. This different, outsider's perspective on the Liadens gives readers the chance to learn a bit more about them than we have in the other books. Along the same lines, we get a more specific look at the social structure and customs surrounding intimate relationships. Jethri's Terran perspective means the authors have to explain what, from a Liaden's point of view, would be natural, assumed, and taken for granted.
My favorite thing about these books is the dry, witty humor, the bantering, insults and wordplay - and this book is definitely full of those.
Some sections with high action (a duel! betrayal and a stand-off!) brought my heart rate up.
Ultimately, this book has some value in its narrative and point of view. It will also be interesting for long-time fans who want to know more about the context of the Korval novels, and the Terran and Liaden interactions. There are some great scenes in here, and those who enjoy the Liadens' wit will find that here.
I would recommend it for fans who have read all the others, and in particular have *recently* read Jethri's first story. However, I think it (unlike any other Liaden novel I've read) is skippable.
January 12, 2017
3.25 stars (but still 4 on Amazon) : I liked it.
Parts read a bit slow (what Gail Carriger would call chewy), with technicalities of trade law and melant'i — oh, and piloting, unexpectedly — but Jethri is still a likable lead, as he gets more lessons and experience, both intimate and in commerce.
Again, occasional chapters are from Khat's PoV, aboard the newly refitted and refurbished Gobelyn's Market, as the crew settles into a new dynamic, and encounters continuing repercussions and rumors from Jethri's groundbreaking new situation.
The field scout reappears in Jethri's life, with apologies (indirect and Liaden though they be) for having been prevented from returning Jethri's childhood journal as promised, and together the two travel in pusuit of leads, to get it back and to learn more of Arin's secrets, old but now coming to a head.
Also, I, at least, got a clearer understanding of Jethri's creation and Iza's resentment — though I didn't warm to her any more.
The interstellar schemes cold-hearted Delm Rinork is steering become a bit clearer, too, while her arrogant and impetuous heir seeks revenge on Jethri and his kin. (Incidentally, I saw one move coming when Jethri finally finds himself with no way to prevent a direct confrontation. )
Along the way, we catch up with Tan Sim, and meet several interesting new characters, including a bearded Terran lawyer who provides a weapon Jethri hopes he won't have to use, a grandmotherly hostess/mentor aboard a just-opened combined-trade space station, and a couple more admirers for Jethri: a renewed connection from another Terran tradeship, and a young a'thodelm.
Overall, I definitely did enjoy the book, but it won't become one of my frequent rereads, like the Agent of Change sequence or Daav & Aelli's tales.
ETA: There's no way to get a couple accidental entries out of my reading history for a book, is there? Very annoying!
Parts read a bit slow (what Gail Carriger would call chewy), with technicalities of trade law and melant'i — oh, and piloting, unexpectedly — but Jethri is still a likable lead, as he gets more lessons and experience, both intimate and in commerce.
Again, occasional chapters are from Khat's PoV, aboard the newly refitted and refurbished Gobelyn's Market, as the crew settles into a new dynamic, and encounters continuing repercussions and rumors from Jethri's groundbreaking new situation.
The field scout reappears in Jethri's life, with apologies (indirect and Liaden though they be) for having been prevented from returning Jethri's childhood journal as promised, and together the two travel in pusuit of leads, to get it back and to learn more of Arin's secrets, old but now coming to a head.
Also, I, at least, got a clearer understanding of Jethri's creation and Iza's resentment — though I didn't warm to her any more.
The interstellar schemes cold-hearted Delm Rinork is steering become a bit clearer, too, while her arrogant and impetuous heir seeks revenge on Jethri and his kin. (Incidentally, I saw one move coming when Jethri finally finds himself with no way to prevent a direct confrontation. )
Along the way, we catch up with Tan Sim, and meet several interesting new characters, including a bearded Terran lawyer who provides a weapon Jethri hopes he won't have to use, a grandmotherly hostess/mentor aboard a just-opened combined-trade space station, and a couple more admirers for Jethri: a renewed connection from another Terran tradeship, and a young a'thodelm.
Overall, I definitely did enjoy the book, but it won't become one of my frequent rereads, like the Agent of Change sequence or Daav & Aelli's tales.
ETA: There's no way to get a couple accidental entries out of my reading history for a book, is there? Very annoying!
October 30, 2019
First, I was already excited, knowing that this was finally being released. Getting an ARC was just a happy added bonus, and I was not disappointed.
"Trade Secret" continues Jethri's story, started in Balance of Trade. Jethri, self-described trader and changeling, is trying to maintain balance between two worlds, his Terran heritage from the ship Gobelyn's Market and his adoptive Liaden heritage through Ixin, but imposter syndrome keeps threatening to unbalance him.
Most of the Liaden books show the Liaden culture from within, from the point of view of an insider. Balance of Trade and Trade Secret are two of the exceptions, giving us a glimpse through the eyes of a Terran, and giving us a better idea of the complexities involved through Jethri's dedicated studies.
The multi-threaded plot follows Jethri, his family on Gobelyn's Market, and a new viewpoint, that of Bar Jan, a non-honorable Liaden nadelm from Rinork's house, whose incensed sense of propriety and Balance builds throughout the book towards the inevitable collision.
If you haven't read any others in the series, I recommend you start with either Balance of Trade (one earlier) or Fledgling (quite later), as both provide good entry points.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"Trade Secret" continues Jethri's story, started in Balance of Trade. Jethri, self-described trader and changeling, is trying to maintain balance between two worlds, his Terran heritage from the ship Gobelyn's Market and his adoptive Liaden heritage through Ixin, but imposter syndrome keeps threatening to unbalance him.
Most of the Liaden books show the Liaden culture from within, from the point of view of an insider. Balance of Trade and Trade Secret are two of the exceptions, giving us a glimpse through the eyes of a Terran, and giving us a better idea of the complexities involved through Jethri's dedicated studies.
The multi-threaded plot follows Jethri, his family on Gobelyn's Market, and a new viewpoint, that of Bar Jan, a non-honorable Liaden nadelm from Rinork's house, whose incensed sense of propriety and Balance builds throughout the book towards the inevitable collision.
If you haven't read any others in the series, I recommend you start with either Balance of Trade (one earlier) or Fledgling (quite later), as both provide good entry points.
Disclaimer: I received a free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2019
I’m rereading the Liaden books and stories in universe order. I remember this book being somewhat boring the first time I read it. It didn’t improve on rereading.
It’s too bad as Jethri is a likable character, and unlike other reviewers, I was fine with his sexual escapades. But the plot was slim and murky. I never really did understand what Arin’s plan was or why it had to be a secret. There were mysterious meetings with lawyers that hammered out… something, and a meeting with the Uncle which revealed a little, but left more in the dark, an interminable trade show too many pointless scenes on Gobelyn's Market.
As in the previous book, we flip back and forth between Gobelyn’s Market and wherever Jethri is now, but the Gobelyn’s Market sections seemed more pointless this time round. I couldn’t keep track of which ship or person was feuding with whom, much less why, with the exception of one of the main plot lines involving Jethri and his nemesis from the previous book.
Towards the end, Gobelyn’s Market and some other random ship inspect each other from the outside. There’s an anomaly on Gobelyn’s Market, but then – nothing? I like world building, but not just to make a book longer! Or did I miss something?
There was a nice conclusion, and I ended up feeling like things were mostly wrapped up. But I’m glad the next books up in my re-read are the ones that caused me to get addicted to this series in the first place.
It’s too bad as Jethri is a likable character, and unlike other reviewers, I was fine with his sexual escapades. But the plot was slim and murky. I never really did understand what Arin’s plan was or why it had to be a secret. There were mysterious meetings with lawyers that hammered out… something, and a meeting with the Uncle which revealed a little, but left more in the dark, an interminable trade show too many pointless scenes on Gobelyn's Market.
As in the previous book, we flip back and forth between Gobelyn’s Market and wherever Jethri is now, but the Gobelyn’s Market sections seemed more pointless this time round. I couldn’t keep track of which ship or person was feuding with whom, much less why, with the exception of one of the main plot lines involving Jethri and his nemesis from the previous book.
Towards the end, Gobelyn’s Market and some other random ship inspect each other from the outside. There’s an anomaly on Gobelyn’s Market, but then – nothing? I like world building, but not just to make a book longer! Or did I miss something?
There was a nice conclusion, and I ended up feeling like things were mostly wrapped up. But I’m glad the next books up in my re-read are the ones that caused me to get addicted to this series in the first place.
April 26, 2022
Trade Secret is the sequel to Balance of Trade, but there is enough information included that you could read this book without having read any of the Liaden Universe stories before. I had read Balance of Trade more than once, and have read all of the Liaden Universe stories for that matter, but I had forgotten a lot of the details from Balance of Trade. (Time to reread it??)
I found the beginning less enjoyable than the last third of the book. For the first quarter of the book, the point of view switches frequently and it was hard for me to keep track of the characters. The last third of the book kept almost always to Jethri's point of view and there was more action as well.
The ending was a nice resolution, but there is definitely room for another book about Jethri. Overall, I think I enjoyed Balance of Trade more, but then I tend to enjoy seeing a character who is lost in another culture struggling to adapt, and Jethri has definitely had enough time to adapt to a lot of the Liaden culture.
Both Balance of Trade and Trade Secret can be classed as space opera, however the focus is on trade and culture clash. Don't expect any wars or pirates, although there are a few bullies/jerks to contend with.
I highly recommend ALL of the Liaden Universe novels.
I found the beginning less enjoyable than the last third of the book. For the first quarter of the book, the point of view switches frequently and it was hard for me to keep track of the characters. The last third of the book kept almost always to Jethri's point of view and there was more action as well.
The ending was a nice resolution, but there is definitely room for another book about Jethri. Overall, I think I enjoyed Balance of Trade more, but then I tend to enjoy seeing a character who is lost in another culture struggling to adapt, and Jethri has definitely had enough time to adapt to a lot of the Liaden culture.
Both Balance of Trade and Trade Secret can be classed as space opera, however the focus is on trade and culture clash. Don't expect any wars or pirates, although there are a few bullies/jerks to contend with.
I highly recommend ALL of the Liaden Universe novels.
October 19, 2013
While this book was a nice read, it wasn't as well written as most of the other Liaden universe books. I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the other books in this series I've read. This one though, left me feeling as if it were thrown together. There's just too much in it that doesn't flow well, parts that add nothing to the story line, and even things that aren't explained. Usually, the Liaden books are excellent reads, have wonderful story engrossment, and leave me wanting more. After finishing this book, I'm still puzzled over several things, wondering why some things were even in the book, and still trying to figure out what the whole point of the book was. It was supposed to tell the story of one character, and what happened to him, and that it did, and did well. But, the book took on other subplots, and did not resolve them well, or even engross me in their telling. This book did not come close to the quality of the rest of the series. My recomendation is, if you really like these books, go ahead and read this one, it will add a little to the whole picture. On the other hand, if you're not a huge fan of these books, or if you're looking for a place to start, give this one a pass, it won't help new comers obtain the necessary depth to enjoy the series as a whole.
November 5, 2013
Not my favorite of the Liaden books, but having a few good moments.
I wouldn't recommend reading it without reading the prequels though. I've read them, but maybe a year ago and I didn't remember most of the characters and what was going on, and that was a problem because little background was given.
While I enjoyed Jethri's continued story, the novel didn't seem to sparkle as much as other Liaden novels. Part of the problem was the info dumps in the beginning. I get that Jethri had a lot to learn. That doesn't mean I wanted to read his textbooks with him.
The other problem was that this felt like a middle book too much. There were a lot of problems with little resolution. It felt like being midway on a trip to somewhere. One of the things I love in the Liaden books is how cleverly and, well, dashingly those within solve their problems. And while two problems were solved, nothing else was.
So, a decent middle book, but one I'll re-read out of necessity in the future, not out of love.
I wouldn't recommend reading it without reading the prequels though. I've read them, but maybe a year ago and I didn't remember most of the characters and what was going on, and that was a problem because little background was given.
While I enjoyed Jethri's continued story, the novel didn't seem to sparkle as much as other Liaden novels. Part of the problem was the info dumps in the beginning. I get that Jethri had a lot to learn. That doesn't mean I wanted to read his textbooks with him.
The other problem was that this felt like a middle book too much. There were a lot of problems with little resolution. It felt like being midway on a trip to somewhere. One of the things I love in the Liaden books is how cleverly and, well, dashingly those within solve their problems. And while two problems were solved, nothing else was.
So, a decent middle book, but one I'll re-read out of necessity in the future, not out of love.
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