I've noticed a strong pattern in all of the Anne McCaffrey books I've tried to read. If she wrote the book herself, I never like it. If, however, the book[return]has a co-author, I usually find it at least good. This book, co-authord by an author who's solo works I've already liked and read, is excelent. I've read[return]all of the other books in the ship series, and this is by far the best of the bunch. If you don't plan on reading the entire series, at least read this[return]book. It stands just fine by itself; don't worry that it's book 3. The rest of the series isn't bad either, but I could take it or leave it.