Shaman's Crossing

Shaman's Crossing

Author	Robin Hobb
Cover artist	John Howe (UK) & Christophe Vacher (US)
Language	English
Series	Soldier Son Trilogy
Genre	Fantasy
Publisher	Voyager Books (UK) & EOS (US)
Publication date	4 July 2005 (UK) & September 2005 (US)
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print (Hardback & Paperback)
Pages	400 p. (hardback edition) & 544 p. (paperback edition)
ISBN	ISBN 0-00-719612-1 (UK hardback edition)
Followed by	Forest Mage

Shaman's Crossing is a book by Robin Hobb, the first in her Soldier Son Trilogy.

Plot introduction

It is written in first-person narrative by Nevare Burvelle and follows his life up to his first year in the King's Cavalla Academy.

Plot summary

Template:Spoiler Young Nevare Burvelle is the second son of a second son. Traditionally in Gernia, the firstborn son is heir to the family fortunes, the second son bears a sword and the third son is consecrated to the priesthood. Nevare will follow his father -- newly made a lord by the King -- into the cavalry; to the frontier and thence to an advantageous marriage, to carry on the Burvelle name. It is a golden future, and Nevare looks forward to it with relish.

For twenty years King Troven's cavalla have pushed the frontiers of Gernia out across the grasslands, subduing the fierce tribes of the plain on its way. Now they have driven the frontier as far as the Barrier Mountains, home to the enigmatic Speck people. The specks -- a dapple-skinned, forest-dwelling folk -- retain the last vestiges of magic in a world which is becoming progressive and technologised. The 'civilised' peoples base their convictions on a rational philosophy founded on their belief in the good god, who displaced the older deities of their world. To them, the Specks are primeval savages, little better than beasts. Superstitions abound; it is said that they harbour strange diseases and worship trees. Sexual congress with them is regarded as both filthy and foolhardy: the Speck plague which has ravaged the frontier has decimated entire regiments.

All these beliefs will touch Nevare's training at the Academy; but his progress there is not as simple as he would wish. He will experience prejudice from the old aristocracy: as the son of a 'new noble' he is segregated into a patrol comprising other new nobles' sons, all of whom will encounter injustice, discrimination and foul play in that hostile and deeply competitive environment. In addition, his world view will be challenged by his unconventional girl-cousin Epiny; and by the bizarre dreams which visit him at night. And then, on Dark Evening, the carnival comes to Old Thares, bringing with it the first Specks Nevare has ever seen...

Characters in "Shaman's Crossing"

• Nevare Burvelle – the main protagonist
• King Troven – ruler of Gernia
• Keft Burvelle – Nevare's father
• Corporal Parth – Nevare's soldiering tutor at the story's opening
• Scout Halloran – scout for the army
• Sil Halloran – Halloran's daughter, part Gernian, part Plainspeople born
• Commander Hent – commander at Franmer's Bend
• Sargeant Duril – Nevare's riding tutor
• Rosse Burvelle – the eldest brother
• Vance Burvelle – the younger brother
• Yaril Burvelle – the younger sister
• Elisi Burvelle – the elder sister
• Master Rissle – Nevare's academic tudor

External links

• Review by Jay Tomio at Fantasybookspot.com

Trivia

• The book's dedication reads "To Caffeine and Sugar, my companions through many a long night of writing."

Release details

• 2005, UK, Voyager ISBN 0-00-719612-1, Pub date 4 July 2005, Hardback
• 2005, UK, Voyager ISBN 0-00-721468-5, Pub date 4 July 2005, Hardback (1000 copy limited and numbered edition)
• 2005, USA, EOS ISBN 0-06-075762-0, Pub date September 2005, Hardback
• 2006, UK, Voyager ISBN 0-00-719613-X, Pub date 6 February 2006, Trade Paperback
• 2006, UK, Voyager ISBN 0-00-719614-8, Pub date 3 July 2006, Paperback (with new cover)
• 2006, USA, EOS ISBN 0-06-075828-7, Pub date September 2006, Paperback