The first book in a brand new trilogy from the author of the Farseer, Liveship Traders and Tawny Man trilogies.
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 cavalry 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 beliefs on a rational philosophy founded on scientific principle and a 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 circus comes to Old Thares, bringing with it the first Specks Nevare has ever seen...
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers... what makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.'
The Times
Praise for The Liveship Traders series:
‘Even better than the Assassin books. I didn’t think that was possible’
George R R Martin
A truly extraordinary saga... the characterizations are consistently superb, and [Hobb] animates everything with love for and knowledge of the sea. If Patrick O’Brian were to turn to writing high fantasy, he might produce something like this.’
BOOKLIST
‘A wonderful book, by a writer at the height of her abilities’
J V Jones
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
£ 5.99
From United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. All orders are dispatched the following working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we have over 500,000 books in stock. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied. Seller Inventory # mon0004616855
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.6. Seller Inventory # G000719613XI3N00
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 1.6. Seller Inventory # G000719613XI5N00
Book Description Condition: Good. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 47022064-20
Book Description First Printing. Condition: fine. 1st Voyager 2006 large trade edition paperback fine In stock shipped from our UK warehouse. Seller Inventory # 35431
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Book in a good condition. Shows tanning from age. Seller Inventory # 002518
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. 533 pages. Book is in Very good condition throughout. Seller Inventory # 170830
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Good. First Edition. Large softcover, first edition, 726gms, 533 pages. This is the first book in 'The Soldier Son' trilogy by Robin Hobb. Book is in good condition with mild general wear and tear and light page discolouration throughout, otherwise no other pre-loved markings. Seller Inventory # FANFIC1075
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. First edition first printing. Book is tight clean and square. Boards sharp and clean, Feels very lightly read, no creases to spine. Very light bump to fore edge corners, near fine condition. This copy is not ex-lib, not priced clipped and has no inscriptions. For grading accuracy books are photographed without a protective book cover. Note we do not use stock images, the book pictured is the book described. A fine example of this first edition first printing book. Seller Inventory # 001330