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  • Shaman's Crossing

  • The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: Robin Hobb
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Barlow
  • Length: 21 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (167 ratings)

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Shaman's Crossing

By: Robin Hobb
Narrated by: Jonathan Barlow
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Publisher's Summary

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 Limited

What listeners say about Shaman's Crossing

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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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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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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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful Characters

Wonderful, value laden characters. Robin Hobb truly understands people. Can't wait to read the next one!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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Thoroughly enjoyed

One of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors. ASMR warning for those who suffer.

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    4 out of 5 stars

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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I love this series

I did a larger reviewfor book 3. But I've come back to give book 1 the equal score. I really love this series. Sometimes I think I like Nevarre better than the Fool or Fitz, and the story is certainly just as engrossing and lovely. Please read it. I enjoy both by paper book version and the audible version.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Difficult but worth it.

Robin Hobb is a master storyteller. While often hard to stomach and a frustrating read/listen her ability at showing character growth and beautifully tying up her plot by the end makes this series very worthwhile.

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Love Robin Hobbs Stories

I really enjoy Robin Hobbs stories. She has a great imagination, writes well structured tales and her series are very "more so", you look forward to the next one eagerly.

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