The Warrior's Apprentice (The Vorkosigan Saga #2)

After failing entry to the Barrayaran Military Academy, Miles Vorkosigan chances on an obsolete jumpship with a rebellious pilot and arranges to take over the ship. Events escalate wildly from there, and soon Miles reinvents himself as Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Free Mercenary Fleet. "The pace is breathless, the characterizations thoughtful and emotionally powerful... Highly recommended," writes Booklist.