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This series reminds me of those like Forester's stories about Captain Hornblower, where the life of a crewman is chronicled at the rate of one rank per volume. However, I read a comment by Mr. Lowell that he wanted to do something a bit different than the usual stories of this type by focusing on the common person.

I find this an interesting comment because I see nothing significantly commoner about Ishmael than is usual for such a protagonist. So far, we've learned that he's exceptionally gifted at pure academics, an absolute magnet for beautiful women, eerily good a social relationships, level-headed way beyond his years, extremely competent at almost anything he tries, etc. In fact, our paragon seems to make everyone around him look show more rather ordinary.

I'm going to give it the full five-book run since I picked them all up as a group, but it's not impressing me. show less

A nice quiet read, if only Ish wasn't such a Gary Stu and inexplicable chick magnet. Wish-fulfillment in space.

Sex is now _everywhere_, but it's still mostly about the relationships. And Ish shows off, yet again, his grasp of another field useful on the ship...saving the ship in the process, nicely done. Then things get complicated, or more complicated. And just which woman was it he was looking at in the last scene - the one he loves? Hmmm.

Reread - Rather more excitement than the previous books - a useless (and possibly dangerous) shipmate to straighten out, nature and tech combining to actually put the ship in danger (briefly), Ish gets pushed out of his comfortable nest(s) twice over. Also more world-building - Ish (and the readers) discover that the Lois is not the only kind of trader, not even the most common. Lots more about Pip's show more background, a bit more detail about Ish's, quite a bit of sex (not detailed, though). Ish saves the day a couple more times, mostly through listening to others and integrating what he learns (though there's a bit of computer techie "but everyone knows that stuff, right?"). And it ends with Ish, and others, on his way to the Port Newmar Academy. Next! show less

The series continues to delight.... although this is getting close to blue porn for the last tenth of the book haha

Further adventures of Ish and Pip on the Lois McKendrick traversing space and dealing with the challenges of youth as they find their way up the ladder. The crew of the Lois is Family and as Ish garners additional ratings and qualifications, he continues to impress his shipmates and ships officers with his inventive mind, willingness to help out and kindness to others. Ish has gained a family that has been missing most of his life especially following his mothers accidental death. I find the story with the kindnesses shown between mates and officers alike to be a warming story that is a pleasure to read if for no other reason than the kind personal thoughts it inspires and the smiles it leaves on your face. We need more stories that show more focus on the goodness in people and the warmth that expressing this goodness elicits. I strongly recommend this story for the loving and humorous interplay between the characters. I think the success of right thinking, ambitious young people just leaves a good taste in your mouth! I can hardly wait for the sequel. show less

This is a little better, more in line with the first book. We still have some ridiculous romance and our hero is an unredeemable Mary Sue, but it can not harsh my out-of-character-for-me mellow.

My least favorite of the series so far, dragged a fair amount in the middle before picking up at the end. Still enjoying the general calmness and the fact that not much happens :)