Above average first novel, definitely one of the best of the Laser Books. The first third, which introduces Daenek, the son of a traitorous thane, exiled to a small village on a feudal colony planet, where, he eventually learns, he becomes fair game to anyone who wants to kill him when he become 17. This is by the strongest part of the novel, as the background of the world is skillfully set up without infodumps and with the occasional surprising revelation or observation along the way. The second third follows his travels as an engine mechanic with a caravan of traders. This section is more standard level SF adventure, but accomplished and readable. Things fall apart a fair bit in the final third. Infodumps and unconvincing set pieces abound. The best that can be said is that I've seen far worse. Some of this may be the result of Laser's strict page limits, which frequently resulted in Draconian editing, though no amount of extra text could make the basic explanations given convincing. But still, it's a modest investment in reading time, and a lot of fun for most of the trip. Recommended if you can find it. ( )