From Booklist
Rather than returning to their popular Liaden universe, Lee and Miller offer a thoroughly absorbing take on the old theme of a hero undertaking a dangerous mission and learning more about himself than he ever expected. Gem, a freelance thief, refuses a commission from the local crime boss and plunges into a confusing and dangerous situation involving a generation ship, a legend, an ancient artifact, and the threat of war. When he also refuses a commission from the generation ship's potentates, he winds up fighting for his life and for the life of a hostage taken to ensure his compliance with the ship leaders' demand. If characterization here isn't as good as in their Liaden books (but then, most of those characters have become old friends to dedicated readers), Lee and Miller's new universe is adequately fleshed out, the action is well up to Lee and Miller's usual standard, and the whole story is full of original touches. Roland Green
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