This novel is a miscellaneous entry into the Warhammer 40,000 literature, focused on a Rogue Trader dynasty in decline. They're sort of authorized smugglers chartered to extend the economic reach of the Imperium of Man.

In principle, Rogue Traders are easier for a reader to sympathize with than the general run of WH40K protagonists: posthuman Space Marines, Tech Priests, and so on. Still, the little family of the trader patriarch and his two adult offspring who head up this story are not terribly likable. They certainly don't get along with each other very well.

Rogue Star is a readable little yarn, with some loose ends that suggest the author aspired to make it the first of a series. It appears to have one sequel to date (Star of Damocles), but I'm certainly in no hurry to seek it out.