Shaman's Crossing, Book One of the Soldier Son Trilogy

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 24 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A Hugo and Nebula Award finalist, New York Times bestselling author Robin Hobb is hailed by the Baltimore Sun as a “master fantasist.” Shaman’s Crossing begins her epic Soldier Son Trilogy.

The second son of a recently titled nobleman, Nevare Burvelle survives the King’s Cavalla Academy—where nepotism and corruption reign—to become a soldier in the Gernian king’s army. As he and his fellow soldiers are thrust onto the front lines of the king’s brutal territorial expansion campaign, they struggle against the Plainspeople—forest-dwellers who possess a powerful magic long dismissed by the Gernians. These rebels refuse to bow to the king’s tyranny. And as the battles rage, dangerous thoughts invade Nevare’s consciousness, forcing him to question his role in the army—and the life he’s always known.

Hobb doesn’t disappoint with this intricate fantasy tale featuring larger-than-life characters and exotic landscapes.

©2005 Megan Lindholm (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Here is a master storyteller out to make a point and succeeding beautifully." (Publishers Weekly)

Robin Hobb is a good Author!

Would you consider the audio edition of Shaman's Crossing, Book One of the Soldier Son Trilogy to be better than the print version?

The story started out slow, but as I read it got very interesting and I could not stop listening to it. And yes, I love being able to hear the character's speaking and put a face on each one. Can't wait til the next one.

great start

i really enjoyed this first book of this series. Robin Hobbs kept me intrigued and entertained. already have the next book in the series

30 Years War Era Fantasy

Technology equivalent to the Early to mid 1800's, and military cavalry of the same era, only with dream wandering shamanistic magic thrown in. Great story. I'm looking forward to the sequel. Narrator plays all characters excellently. Excellent recording quality.

Excellent book

This is an excellent book. The characters are well developed and the writer has an excellent way of telling the story. I also enjoyed her Farseer Trilogy and Tawny man series. Excellent books! It would be good when Audible gets those in their bookstore.

Emotional rollercoaster

Hobb has a wonderful way of getting me deeply connected to her characters in a way that makes me feel so hopeful for them, but casually pulls down any beacon of hope I have, then restores is so beautifully. I'ved this book before, but hearing it on audible definitely added so much value to the narrative. Hobb is such a talented author. This novel is gripping and immersive, and Navare is such a relatable character. The pattern of thought he has echos deep into my being, I can't help but find myself completely immersed in the story. Highly recommended.

overall, pretty gpod

it wasn't Hobbs best work but I did still enjoy it... four extra words needed

a little strange

the story was different but no big surprises. some parts were a little slow. overall a good listen.

Slow read but,

The story was not bad, but not engaging enough for an adult . This would probably be a 4 star for a 13-16 year old or anyone dealing with class/race issues in school or work. The style is consistent with the authors other work and the performance of the narrator is on par with other good narration.

The main character is a train wreck!

Robin Hobbit is such an outstanding writer that I couldn't resist buying her Soldier Son Trilogy. Her skills of world building and character creation is fascinating! But, sadly, in this trilogy the main character is drama queen who over thinks everything and has the courage of a dead mouse! I almost get a twisted fascination in trying to see where he'll wimp out nxt! He's surrounded by good friends, bully associates and nasty superiors. As a Veteran with a Military Sciences degree I can appreciate what Hobby has created with her Soldier Son with his overbearing father but his failure to grow a spine of any kind guarantees failure ahead.

too much inner dialog

the plot is strong. the story is ok. the main character is ok. the three together don't stand up. it's too much like he's carried away by external events only to get lucky because other people think he's valuable.