Book completed

[eve_prime]

Quarter Share, by Nathan Lowell. I have to say, this totally hit the spot. I hadn't heard of this self-published series, but a friend of a friend (who is also an author) recommended them, and I am hooked. A young man finds himself with no attachment to the world he grew up on, so has to choose which space career to follow - the military, or employment with a private trading ship? The latter seems safer and less violent, and surely it will be. He finds himself an entry-level position making coffee and helping with the galley for a merchant spaceship, and its employees are also permitted to do their own private trading - so in theory it's possible to gradually get rich. However, nobody's exploiting anybody - it's more a matter of finding new markets for handcrafting artisans, and recognizing opportunities to improve people's quality of life. It's very much a story of found community, too. I don't think I've read any other light novels quite like this one - hard work, quick wits, and kindness are all rewarded well.

Comments

[heleninwales]

That sounds like the sort of story I would enjoy. I've added it to my To Read Next list.

[eve_prime]

I'm also enjoying the second one - the same characters (plus a new one) and some new activities. I had never before daydreamed about how nice it could be to live on a spaceship!

[heleninwales]

I admit that when Babylon 5 was first shown on TV, I was a huge fan of the series and did sometimes daydream about living there. Though of course that was a space station rather than a space ship. I think I'd find a ship too restricting and claustrophobic. but I've put the first book on my To Read list and I'll see how I feel after I've read it. :-)

[eve_prime]

I am sure that in reality I'd much prefer our beautiful green Earth, but it's fun to daydream.