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)

This book is really hard to put down from reading

I get through Books much too fast and when I have a trilogy to look forward too I just push on through them if it is a good book this is an excellent book. The characters are very well developed the theme though I thought was a little slow in getting to the point once it grabs your attention it’s got to you all the way.

Great!

Loved it! Harry Potter-ish in some ways. Great narrator too. Looking forward to the next one

First person story telling…

2.5 Stars
Reading from a single persons point of view was difficult for me – maybe that is because I rarely read a long book that only has one point of view.

The overall story was average but it seemed to be mostly terrible experiences to the main character and only a few parts that I could get excited about. The parts with the childish cousin were almost unreadable – really, she walked around with a whistle in her mouth! Much of the story was predictable as was the world, people and magic. I am not sure yet if I want to move on to the second book.

Robin Hobb rocks

I love this - my first time reading this series, and on my 2nd read of alll her other stuff. She’s the best

slow to start but good book.

it starts off kinda slow with character and story development but gets really good after that.

Is being fat the end of the world?

Whatever they say about this book, it is really about being fat, The author pounds you over the head about it, the characters go on and on about it. As a result of magic ad nauseum, the main character becomes obese. VERY obese. And everyone in the story (and this applies to all 3 books in the series) is obsessed by his obesity. Everyone. If you are overweight or have ever been overweight or KNOW anyone who has ever been fat, you will reach the point where you want to find the author, wherever he or she may be, and beat them soundly with a stick. I highly don't recommend this book. I kept thinking it would get better and besides, I didn't have anything else to read at the time, but when I finally waded through this loooong loooong set of books, I was embarrassed that I'd bothered. Save the embarrassment. Don't bother.

Simply. Amazing.

What made this book impossible to put down? The details! Fantastic narrator as well! Amazing.

A sparkling gem in a sea of dross

Marvel and gasp as characters are actually fleshed out. Exclaim in delight when the story does not conform to tropes. Stand and applaud as subtle interweaving of plot bear rich fruit. Leave satisfied knowing that there are more books to read in this series, and that you wont be left hanging for years.

Slow to go

Robin Hobb is extremely detailed at first in each of the series. That's probably good because I was so used to dragons, Fitz and the Fool adventures that this was an interesting and welcome redirect to a whole new realm. Subsequent books in the Hobb series are full of action and an exciting read. Looking forward to the next one.

A very unique book and series.

This is the second time I have had the pleasure of reading this book. Well read some and listen to some. I tend to find books more enjoyable once you have sat it down after completed the series and then coming back to them after some time has passed for a second go through. I found this true for this book as well, but a little more than most books. I admit I didn’t like this book or series as much her other works. I found it a little bland for my taste. Now, however after seeing the big picture of the entire series, I can see the beauty in the details. It was masterfully crafted.