Paperback, 290 pages
Published Feb. 23, 2018 by Rosemary Kirstein.
Rosemary Kirstein’s acclaimed epic continues, as a servant of truth journeys through a world where the powerful rule by lies.
The steerswomen were seekers, collectors of knowledge, and whatever they learned was free for the asking. The wizards also had knowledge– the knowledge to command nature itself–but they jealously guarded their dark wisdom. The two groups have been at odds for They do not agree, they do not converse, they do not associate.
Now the steerswoman Rowan has uncovered evidence that the master wizard, Slado, is conjuring dangerous spells in shadow, devastating the distant lands called the Outskirts and changing the course of the world. Rowan has no choice: Slado must be stopped . . . if he can even be found.
Following a dubious clue, Rowan and her friend Bel, an Outskirter, have come to the city of Donner, seeking answers from the past for a danger in the …
Rosemary Kirstein’s acclaimed epic continues, as a servant of truth journeys through a world where the powerful rule by lies.
The steerswomen were seekers, collectors of knowledge, and whatever they learned was free for the asking. The wizards also had knowledge– the knowledge to command nature itself–but they jealously guarded their dark wisdom. The two groups have been at odds for They do not agree, they do not converse, they do not associate.
Now the steerswoman Rowan has uncovered evidence that the master wizard, Slado, is conjuring dangerous spells in shadow, devastating the distant lands called the Outskirts and changing the course of the world. Rowan has no choice: Slado must be stopped . . . if he can even be found.
Following a dubious clue, Rowan and her friend Bel, an Outskirter, have come to the city of Donner, seeking answers from the past for a danger in the present. But the secrets go deeper than Rowan had ever imagined, compelling her to What if all this time she has been asking the wrong questions?
Unfortunately, we have to wait to see if the series will finish. A return to the first book's themes, revealing more past steadily.
I wanted to go as far as possible with the published books, and this one got back on the main plot with a lot more to learn, deduce, suspect and guess. The writer said she was working on the following ones, so I can leave the series for a while and be on the lookout for the next one when it's published. All in all, the whole series is really worth the time, even though it's a bit long sometimes, everything matters, all the details build up an very interesting universe, with its people, customs, landscapes and monsters of all types... it's pretty unforgettable.
Actually finished this weeks ago, but have been in denial because it’s the last one but it’s at a cliffhanger! The plot isn’t done!! So close and yet so far!! Still thinking about what makes these books so compelling. It’s the way of thinking about what magic is, absolutely. But it’s also about what community is and what knowledge is and why curiosity is important. Grateful to the friend who recommended these and said to dive in without reading anything about them first.
I really enjoyed this. The slow-burn reveal of the over-arching plot of the whole series is handled so so well.
Each of the Steerswoman books are great, individually, but taken together it's one of my favourite series I have read. I'm not going to give a summary of the story, because I don't want anything I write to count as a spoiler for earlier books. But it's a lot of fun, probably my favourite so far. Apparently books five and six are in the works. I can't wait.
4/5
The fourth book of the series did not disappoint. Continuing with the revelations of the previous book it led back to a familiar city where we learn more about the inner workings of the wizards.
There were so many small details I really enjoyed during this book, all small clues that unfold the mystery of the world and the technology that is hiding in plain sight. It was a very interesting experience trying to figure out what Rowan was seeing from her perspective and match it with what we take for granted. Simple things like satellite dishes or wiring. It was a interesting execution!
One thing that did strike me as a bit odd was how shocked Rowan still was whenever she confronted more magic. It feels like she should have started to somewhat be less frightened and more curious. But to be fair it would be startling if …
4/5
The fourth book of the series did not disappoint. Continuing with the revelations of the previous book it led back to a familiar city where we learn more about the inner workings of the wizards.
There were so many small details I really enjoyed during this book, all small clues that unfold the mystery of the world and the technology that is hiding in plain sight. It was a very interesting experience trying to figure out what Rowan was seeing from her perspective and match it with what we take for granted. Simple things like satellite dishes or wiring. It was a interesting execution!
One thing that did strike me as a bit odd was how shocked Rowan still was whenever she confronted more magic. It feels like she should have started to somewhat be less frightened and more curious. But to be fair it would be startling if you suddenly saw something you thought was impossible.
I think what really tied things together was a really cool scene where we finally see the unfiltered view of the technology. I think that was a smart thing to add to really drive home the difference in life for the normal people and the technology that is a available to the wizards.
I have a suspicion about what I think the overall story is, and where the story will go next. And I am really hoping that the next books will eventually come out. Until then though, it has been a great series and I loved the world and the characters throughout!
Fabulous! Couldn't put it down and now it's 2am
Another strong entry in the Steerswoman series. Unfortunately and frustratingly the last. I have some ideas about what's going on but it's still very sad to not having more to read about Rowan.
Another strong entry in the Steerswoman series. Unfortunately and frustratingly the last. I have some ideas about what's going on but it's still very sad to not having more to read about Rowan.
