Alternative Worlds
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Shaman’s Crossing
Robin Hobb
Eos, Sep 2005, $25.95, 624 pp.
ISBN: 006075625
The military of the Kingdom of Gernia conquers the nomads and other tribes of the uncivilized plains. The king rewards his officers by adding new lines of nobility that not only raises morale among the troops but provides a personally loyal cell within the ruling class. The cavalry next conquers the strange forest dwelling Specks of the Barrier Mountains. The Specks are considered blood-drinking tree worshipers who carry a plague that can kill Gernians.
The second son of a new lord’s second son Nevare Burvelle becomes as expected a student learning steed combat at the King’s Cavalry Academy. Upon graduation he will marry his chosen bride and relocate to the Speck zone. However, at school Cadet Nevare runs into prejudice and hostility from faculty and students detesting the new nobles. Even more mysterious, Nevare meets the Plainspeople and is attracted to their magic especially as he comprehends their freedom of choices, which he lacks, but also was ignorant about it. He questions his lifestyle, but as he becomes deathly ill he also finds his name tattered by the son of a distinguished officer.
Through Nevare’s eyes and those who come into contact with him, readers gain a savory taste of conflicting cultures, historical background (mostly recent) and strident religions. The story line, like most first fantasies, sets the world scene so that the audience gains a full understanding of what the hero undergoes as a cadet. Readers are hooked from almost the start as they follow Nevare’s planned life not going according to the plan. Fans of Robin Hobb’s Farseer tales will want to read this fabulous opening novel that sets the stage for what looks kike a terrific series a terrific saga. However, it can also stands alone more like a historical fiction.
Robin Hobb
Eos, Sep 2005, $25.95, 624 pp.
ISBN: 006075625
The military of the Kingdom of Gernia conquers the nomads and other tribes of the uncivilized plains. The king rewards his officers by adding new lines of nobility that not only raises morale among the troops but provides a personally loyal cell within the ruling class. The cavalry next conquers the strange forest dwelling Specks of the Barrier Mountains. The Specks are considered blood-drinking tree worshipers who carry a plague that can kill Gernians.
The second son of a new lord’s second son Nevare Burvelle becomes as expected a student learning steed combat at the King’s Cavalry Academy. Upon graduation he will marry his chosen bride and relocate to the Speck zone. However, at school Cadet Nevare runs into prejudice and hostility from faculty and students detesting the new nobles. Even more mysterious, Nevare meets the Plainspeople and is attracted to their magic especially as he comprehends their freedom of choices, which he lacks, but also was ignorant about it. He questions his lifestyle, but as he becomes deathly ill he also finds his name tattered by the son of a distinguished officer.
Through Nevare’s eyes and those who come into contact with him, readers gain a savory taste of conflicting cultures, historical background (mostly recent) and strident religions. The story line, like most first fantasies, sets the world scene so that the audience gains a full understanding of what the hero undergoes as a cadet. Readers are hooked from almost the start as they follow Nevare’s planned life not going according to the plan. Fans of Robin Hobb’s Farseer tales will want to read this fabulous opening novel that sets the stage for what looks kike a terrific series a terrific saga. However, it can also stands alone more like a historical fiction.
