Book Review: Shaman's Crossing by Robin Hobb

This is a book review for the novel Shaman's Crossing by Robin Hobb. It is the first part of the fourth fantasy trilogy Megan Lindholm has written under the moniker, the Soldier Son Trilogy. It is also the first to be placed in a different world.

As Hobb aficionados will attest, characterization is what she does best. I do not think that fans of Farseer and Tawny Man will be disappointed by Nevare Burvelle, the protagonist of this new series. The trials and tribulations that he faces and that forge him involve the reader every bit as much as those that Fitzchivalry faced.

Any apprehensions a fan may feel at this being placed in a new world can be immediately discarded. If anything, this world is more successfully fleshed out than the Six Duchies is in the first trilogy. The social situation is every bit as intriguing. The magic, or at least that which has been hinted at, is every bit as mystical as the Skill and the Wit were. I look forward to seeing how Hobb will take the loose ends she has created in the society and weave them into a story worthy of her former offerings.

The book flows much like Assassin's Apprentice, where most of the book consists of the learning experiences that the protagonist goes through. It may try the patience of newcomers to Hobb, because, while the book contains rich storytelling and presents a memorable character, it takes a very long time to introduce a clear beginning to the trilogy's story arc.
Having experienced the same flow with Assassin's Apprentice and to a lesser extent with Ship of Magic, I was expecting and the experience has been a very pleasurable one. I admit that I have not quite finished the book yet, but I just got up from a great reading section and felt the need to share my elation.

Even while a concrete beginning to the over-arcing plot takes a long time to flesh out, there are hints and mysteries peppered throughout that will have you almost salivating for more, if you do not find the book too slow. The book leaves you anxious to know more at every turn, and involves you with Nevare in a way that is almost unparalleled by any other author out there. Certainly, Hobb's characterization is stronger than any other fantasy I have read.

If you are a long time Hobb fan, I think you will find this novel a more than welcome addition to her repertoire. It is altogether different and yet maintains the strengths of her former writings: Strong characterization, an undeniable 'page-turner' quality, and a rich world that is full of mysteries to be unraveled.

If you are a newcomer to Hobb, this is as good a place to start as at the beginning of Assassin's Apprentice. If you have the patience to stick this book out, I think you will find it very rewarding. Hobb ranks as one of my all-time favourite authors, fantasy or no, and I think that it is high time you came and fell into one of her worlds.