The Sharing Knife, Volume 1

Beguilement

By: Lois McMaster Bujold

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Young, pregnant Fawn Bluefield has just fled her family's farm to the city of Glassforge, where she encounters a patrol of the enigmatic soldier-sorcerers known as Lakewalkers. Fawn has heard stories about the Lakewalkers, who are wandering necromancers with no permanent homes and no possessions except the clothes they wear and the mysterious knives they carry. What she does not know is that the Lakewalkers are engaged in a perilous campaign against inhuman and immortal magical entities known as "malices".

When Fawn is kidnapped by one of these creatures, it is up to Dag, an older Lakewalker, heavy with sorrows and responsibilities, to rescue her. But in the ensuing struggle, it is not Dag but Fawn who kills the creature, at dire cost. And an uncanny accident befalls Dag's sharing knife, which unexpectedly binds their two fates together.

Don't miss the second volume, Legacy.

©2007 Lois McMaster Bujold (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bujold develops the characters and their relationship skillfully enough to please romance as well as fantasy fans." ( Booklist)
"[A] saga of daring deeds and unlikely romance. Bujold quickly develops unforgettable characters as she crafts a world filled with unique monsters and an original approach to magic." ( Library Journal)
"Compelling characters lift this first of a two-book romantic fantasy from Hugo-winner Bujold....Bujold hints at an epic past of mighty kingdoms and ancient sorceries, a past that will hopefully be fully detailed in the sequel." ( Publishers Weekly)

A Wonderful Surprise

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! I recommend this audiobook and this series. Not only is the story engrossing, compelling and witty but the narration is excellent. Just coming from listening to the Richard K Morgan series, I thought this series might be lightweight but I was totally pleasantly surprised. I found the characters refreshing and almost innocent by comparison to the dark characters in the Morgan or Abercrombie books, but they were remarkably attractive and interesting and complex.

What about Bernadette Dunne’s performance did you like?

Dunne's narration is remarkable. She is very versitile and able to clearly differentiate characters for the listener. She is also able to catch and hold the listener's attention and interest through her narration.

I really like this book

What made the experience of listening to The Sharing Knife, Volume 1 the most enjoyable?

I think the most enjoyable part about this book is that I could not predict what was going to happen. Dag and Fawn kept me laughing at the oddities and intrigued with what was going to happen next.

What about Bernadette Dunne’s performance did you like?

She makes you feel like the book was written a long time ago, it wasn't, it is just an instant classic. This book was recommended to me by a friend so I read it without reading up on what it was about. I was surprised to find that this book was written relatively recently.

Any additional comments?

I don't know what there would be to complain about for this book. It is different but once you get into it, I was excited to find out what was going to happen next with them.

Perfect for my COVID brain

This popped up as Audible's new feature of "based on what you've listened to" suggested titles. And it was a great suggestion. I haven't previously dipped into her fantasy work, so this was a pleasant find.

Granted, if you like nonstop action, this won't be your jam. But if you like character introspection and growth, this is enjoyable. In fact, how these people cope in connect in a world where life-sucking monsters keep showing up in unexpected places spoke to me in this moment in time.

Alright but mismatched

The first part was an interesting tale. Action packed: meeting the lake walkers, battling malices. The convincing trauma and recovery gives way to a boring end. Why just talk about things? The pacing is odd.

Also. The romance age gap. Young farmer, battered lakewalker... sounds like it could work. Each learning about love. But the gap is too big to be comfortable. When they reveal the true ages - ew. Spoiled it for me really.

Story did not grip me to read on in the series. Even though the world building and narration was great.

It’s beautiful

This is a romance and fantasy story. I love the relationship it’s none of that cliche drama. It’s a love story between two people who want to make the other happy. It’s a four book series and it still has more story to it, be patient all good things come with patience.

A great story

This was tasteful and sweet. A tale I wouldn’t mind listening to a second time.

A favorite story well told

This series by Lois McMaster Bujold is a favorite of mine. Bernadette brings the story to life. I especially love how Dag, a middle aged man goes through his own hero arc.

More Romance Novel Than Fantasy, But I Like It

I waited to read Parts 1 through 3 before sharing my opinion of "The Sharing Knife" series. While it was more romance novel than my usual liking, I found the characters engaging. The descriptive narrative in that regard was very good (you could cast the movie in your head by reading/listening to the book). The premise of the sharing knife was well thought out, as were the stark differences (and newfound similarities) between the farmers and the lake walkers. The present-day relative class/race/religion struggles are more than subtly entwined in the chasm that separates farmers and lake walkers. I like a story with a moral, and this series has several: we all do better when we work together; don't judge a book by its cover; and try to see the world through another's eyes if you wonder what you have been overlooking...and that's just a few of them.

Love the series and the author

Bujold has come to be my favorite author. I first read her Miles Vorkosigan series, and then I found this one. She has a gift of developing rich and interesting characters, and of moving along a plot without feeling forced. She also does well developing strong female characters. This is an interesting story told well.

Good tale. Nice plot and character development.

good tale. nice plot and character development. looking forward to the next installment. Spark I'd an unusual and admirable character.