The Warrior's Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga)

Discharged from the Barrayan Military Academy, Miles Vorkosigan chances on a jumpship with a rebellious pilot and arranges to take over the ship. Events escalate from there, and soon Miles is commander of a mercenary fleet and reinvents himself as Admiral Naismith of the Dendarii Mercenary Army. “The pace is breathless, the characterizations thoughtful and emotionally powerful… Highly recommended,” writes Booklist.