If you are expecting high adventure or heroics you will be sorely disappointed, but if you are looking for a well plotted view of what life as a crew member on a trading starship over three centuries in the future might be like, you have found a real gem.
The protagonist falls into his new life as one of two possible options when he is left an orphan on a company world with no support. His willingness to work hard and learn could be a lesson for all of us. We get to learn about his new life at the same time he does and I for one found it as interesting as he does.
The characters are well drawn and very believable. The minutiae regarding day to day life, duties and trading theory are surprisingly engrossing. These characters are people I would enjoy working and living with. I plan to continue the relationship by purchasing the next book in the series, Half Share.