In Fanterra, Alurian salt and fresh water traders depend upon wooden vessels powered by huge beasts bonded to them by wizards though some manage to create those bonds on their own through courage. Throughout the book, they seek their own lives and loves while earning their living as traders and exposing the Kogs as their true enemy.
This book also includes the sequels: Guardians of Riverswams, Touch of the Sea Witch, and Shield of Truth.