Published June 2005 in Australia by Voyager
Australian Hardcover (Voyager) ISBN 0007196121
Australian Trade Paperback (Voyager) ISBN 000719613X
US Hardcover (HarperCollins) ISBN 0060757620
Book 1 of Soldier Son
Shaman’s Crossing by Robin Hobb is the first book in a new trilogy . It is written in a similar style to the Liveship Traders trilogy. I really enjoyed her other trilogies and have been waiting for this new one. This book, like the other trilogies, is filled with complex character development and scene settings.
The central character, Nevare Gerar, is the second son and therefore in the very structured society is destined to be a soldier, like his father. The book introduces Nevare at the age of 8 and follows his coming into manhood after an early encounter with a mysterious Shaman character. Nevare is sent to the Kings Cavalry Academy where two thirds of the book is set. There he endures many hardships, many of which have to do with the political state of the society.
He himself starts out as a very obedient and unquestioning boy about his place and responsibilities in society. He is accepting of his preordained place in the world and cannot see why others, including women, are not so. We follow him through his painful awakening and how he becomes a catalyst for a huge change in the fabric of his ordered society.
I really enjoyed reading this book, even though at the beginning I thought reading about a young man’s growth into manhood was not to my interest. But as I got further into the book I was waiting to read how the story and the character developed. By the end of the book I felt ready for the future adventures of the central character Nevare.
Reviewed by Catherine M.
Last updated 27th June 2005