When Balance of Trade was released in October 2003, it's quite likely that only Lee and Miller's most ardent fans read the novel. After all, it was in ebook format (and no one knows better than I what a hard sell that technology is). Moreover, it sent the Liaden series in a new direction that some of its long-time readers might not have been ready for: it expanded the Liaden universe and left behind Shan and Val Con and the other members of Clan Korval, who have enthralled readers since the first novels of the series (now collected together in Partners in Necessity). But it's time to put aside such concerns and enjoy this glorious new incarnation of Jethri with the wide, fascinating array of new characters expanding an already amazing universe by elaborating its past.

Of course, the gorgeous new cover by Donato may be more than enough to draw in new readers. That's the power and impact of Donato's artwork, but there is even more artistry between the covers.

As most of the Liaden Universe novels focus on the highest ranking members of the Clans, readers of the series might assume that all members of these families are rich and powerful. It makes perfect sense, then, for a story broadening this universe to focus on the poor Jethri. Not wanted by the most powerful person on his family ship, he's now in deep trouble on the ground that he hates so much.

He belongs in space, but with each passing minute it seems less likely that he will ever escape being planet-bound. And he may run out of time sooner that he thought. Surrounded by the haughty and refined Liadens, he is a Terran in trouble: there are those who would like to see him six feet under that dirt he so despises. The sooner he makes a hasty departure, the less likely it is to be wearing a toe tag. And the worst of it may be that he has no idea what he has done to collect so many enemies in his brief time planet side.

To reach the skies again and to keep his head on his shoulders, he must accept the generous "invitation" of a Liaden, leave his family and the Terran ways he is used to, and board the Elthoria with his savior Master ven'Deelin. Sometimes -- with all that Jethri must learn to become a good Liaden -- he may wish he had died on that planet. Now, he must be always alert to the trouble that follows him everywhere just waiting for a chance to strike and hoping to lay hands on the Old Tech that far too many people believe to have been passed down to him.

It's another thrill ride for loyal Liaden fans and a great place for the uninitiated to jump on. Readers will have time to meet the scores of other characters later. And, believe me, you will want to meet these Liadens and Terrans and tag along on their adventures. Just one sampling of the Liaden Universe will hook you for life.

What is it about Lee and Miller's series that makes it so irresistible? Maybe in a world where no one teaches their children to say excuse me or take off their hats indoors, in a world where the driver who forces you off the road treats you to an obscene gesture, it restores your faith in humans somewhat to see a place where manners actually matter. Maybe they matter too much sometimes, but there are ways around that. Very interesting ways they are, too. The Liadens' manners may seem too complex and rigid at first, but, like most rules of etiquette, they are designed to allow people to live peaceably beside each other, no matter what their differences. As long as one can memorize and assimilate the seemingly endless list of titles, behaviors, language, and prohibitions so necessary to interacting in Liaden society, there should be no trouble. At least, until some unintentional slight places an entire clan in peril as the offended party's clan seeks balance.

Perhaps it is because the Liaden Universe novels so subtly dip into two subgenres that they collect loyal fans from many camps. There is no doubt of the science fiction aspect of Miller and Lee's novels; there is space-faring, futuristic, alien race proof. If the exact point in time is impossible to pin down, the technology in use is proof enough that the stories are not on Earth, and definitely not possible on the Earth of today, even though Balance of Trade is set in the "early days" of the Liaden history.

What some might not be aware of when first venturing into this universe is the strong hint of fantasy that pervades the novels. Forget the elves and unicorns, it's not that kind of fantasy; think more sword, without the sorcery. There is a ruling aristocracy -- the royalty of these worlds -- romance, dashing gentlemen and imperious matriarchs, and, always, a damsel in distress. Sometimes there is even a dashing, romantic, aristocratic gentleman in danger. Equal time is given to both sexes, which may be more proof of the fantasy element.

Then again, maybe it's just that Sharon Lee and Steve Miller know how to write one blazing story. They mix space opera with a fascinating study of a vastly different culture and the unpredictable, sometimes sadly predictable, behavior of humans and make it all as exciting and irresistible as any series in the genre. Luckily for us, they can keep the adventurer -- and the romantic -- inside each of us supplied. Royally.

Lisa DuMond is contributing editor and senior reviewer for SFSite and Black Gate Magazine, and is a freelance reviewer for SFReader.com. To contact her, send email to lisadt@hikeeba.com.