Shaman's Crossing
The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 1
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Shaman's Crossing
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Narrated by:
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Jonathan Barlow
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By:
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Robin Hobb
About this listen
The first book in the Soldier Son trilogy, from the author of the Farseer, Liveship Traders and Tawny Man trilogies.
Young Nevare Burvelle is the second son of a second son. Traditionally in Gernia, the firstborn son is heir to the family fortunes, the second son bears a sword and the third son is consecrated to the priesthood. Nevare will follow his father – newly made a lord by the King – into the cavalry; to the frontier and thence to an advantageous marriage, to carry on the Burvelle name. It is a golden future, and Nevare looks forward to it with relish.
For twenty years King Troven's cavalry have pushed the frontiers of Gernia out across the grasslands, subduing the fierce tribes of the plain on its way. Now they have driven the frontier as far as the Barrier Mountains, home to the enigmatic Speck people. The Specks – a dapple-skinned, forest-dwelling folk – retain the last vestiges of magic in a world which is becoming progressive and technologised. The 'civilised' peoples base their beliefs on a rational philosophy founded on scientific principle and a belief in the good god, who displaced the older deities of their world. To them, the Specks are primeval savages, little better than beasts. Superstitions abound; it is said that they harbour strange diseases and worship trees. Sexual congress with them is regarded as both filthy and foolhardy: the Speck plague which has ravaged the frontier has decimated entire regiments.
All these beliefs will touch Nevare's training at the Academy; but his progress there is not as simple as he would wish. He will experience prejudice from the old aristocracy: as the son of a 'new noble' he is segregated into a patrol comprising other new nobles' sons, all of whom will encounter injustice, discrimination and foul play in that hostile and deeply competitive environment. In addition, his world view will be challenged by his unconventional girl-cousin Epiny; and by the bizarre dreams which visit him at night. And then, on Dark Evening, the circus comes to Old Thares, bringing with it the first Specks Nevare has ever seen…
©2012 Robin Hobb (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers LimitedCritic Reviews
'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers… what makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.'
The Times
Praise for The Liveship Traders series:
‘Even better than the Assassin books. I didn’t think that was possible’
George R R Martin
A truly extraordinary saga… the characterizations are consistently superb, and [Hobb] animates everything with love for and knowledge of the sea. If Patrick O’Brian were to turn to writing high fantasy, he might produce something like this.’
BOOKLIST
‘A wonderful book, by a writer at the height of her abilities’
J V Jones
What listeners say about Shaman's Crossing
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-10-2020
4.1 / 5
good book, got a touch slow around the middle but definitely glad I stuck with it! 4.1 stars out of 5
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Charm Harris
- 13-05-2021
Great story, excellent narration
Really enjoyed this story, narrator was excellent. On to the next one! Just one tiny complaint, about halfway through, was a bit distracted by hearing narrator's intakes of breath, so possibly a bit more post production would be good, but overall, quite brilliant. 😊
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Nawwal
- 18-06-2020
Hobbs does it again.
I have always been a fan of Hobb and her character development within her stories.
This is another example of a well written book. I would describe it as a rewarding, slow burn. I did find the main character lacked depth, though I doubt it was Hobb, and more an issue of the way I couldnt relate to him. I look forward to discovering whether it was just me or if that was the point of the first book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- jackie
- 07-01-2017
Wonderful Characters
Wonderful, value laden characters. Robin Hobb truly understands people. Can't wait to read the next one!
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Daniel
- 26-10-2018
Immersive
A gently narrated and well crafted world with many interesting themes woven in. Hobb is a delight and Barlow brings out her strengths. An immersive and easy listen.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bruce Mason
- 02-07-2020
Thoroughly enjoyed
One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors. ASMR warning for those who suffer.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 09-06-2022
A Repetitive but Well Crafted Story
As per usual with Robin Hobb, the prose is well structured and not needlessly flowery. The first person perspective of a noble soldier makes the inner monologue quite repetitive. He often reminds himself of his responsibilities, his disdain for impropriety and most importantly of his devotion to his religion which is often challenged.
Years ago I made an attempt to read the book physically but couldn't get through it as the aforementioned repetition was quite boring to me. However the slow pace works well in audio form as something to listen to while doing chores and going to sleep.
It is not as good as some of Hobb's other work and certainly not too riveting for me personally. It is however immersive in its slow pace and rich detail.
The narrator, Jonathon Barlow, has a relaxing tone and matches well to the tone of story. Overall a 4/5, I look forward to listening to its sequel over the coming week.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- donnelle
- 04-04-2019
I Love this book
With a capital L. Such an underrated work from Hobb, especially from fans of her Fitz and Fool series. Give it a chance, the world she builds is remarkably unique and unforgettable. The magic system is unlike anything else I've ever read and the slow pace draws you in and is so rewarding. I'd give it 6 stars if I could
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Serina 2290
- 03-09-2019
Robin Hobb does it again
While I did take a little while to get started into this new world, I am now fully hooked and looking forward to the next book. Good characters, a imperfect male lead character and a strong woman who doesn't need to be saved.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Franca
- 28-11-2020
Looking forward to listening to the next one
Very sweet and very well narrated. Like other Hobb books, some very obvious clues are given ahead, but then the story keeps taking interesting turns of events.
I really enjoyed it.
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