I love to read. I read eveything but one  my  of favorites is military sci-fi. I don't know why but it seems to me that female writers of this genre  seem to do it better,but only if they really understand the military. You can tell when they just rely on a little research and haven't lived the life. Women writers seem to give their creations more personality, realism,and believeability than most male writers. In short they are less boring. Elizabeth Moon is the best of the mil sci-fi. She can write beautifully alternate worlds and make them real. If I have to clear out most of my bookshelves her books would stay.  Fast paced yet detailed you feel like you are on board an old ship held together with baling wire and hope. This series has everything pirates an intrepid young hero,  revenge,and a family that will go to the wall for each other. If you buy this book be prepared it is like a bag of your favorite chips, you're not going to stop with one.