When three generations of a ship's owners die on board, a liveship "quickens", becoming a sentient being with a personality, the memories of the dead ancestors, and a psychic connection to living family members.

In Bingtown, the culture is increasingly patriarchal and the practice of slavery puts a financial strain on many Trader families.

His daughter, Althea, thought she would be the ship's new captain and is shocked to learn that Ephron has given Vivacia to her sister, Keffria, who in turn gives captainship to Kyle, her Chalcedean husband.

Kyle believes he can restore the family fortune by entering the slave trade and banishes Althea from the ship.

Wintrow has a growing bond with Vivacia, but finds it hard to adjust to life on the ship and cruel treatment from Kyle and the crew.

Malta inadvertently captures the attention of Reyn Khuprus, the son of an influential Rain Wilder family; he begins courting her.

Brashen Trell, former first mate on the Vivacia and a disowned son of another prominent Bingtown family, is also serving on the ship.

Slaves on the ship revolt, killing the entire crew except for Kyle and Wintrow, forcing Vivacia to feel the suffering of all.

[1][2] Wayne MacLaurin for SF Site said the book "weaves an intricate web of sword play, intrigue, family conflict and personal struggle all the while dropping delicious hints of darker secrets and unknown magic.