Passage

March 3, 2008
Nebula and Hugo–winner Bujold explores culture clashes in this compelling third segment of the Sharing Knife series (after 2007's Legacy
). Former Lakewalker captain Dag has been exiled from his family for marrying an outsider, farmer's daughter Fawn. Farmers and riverfolk need the secretive Lakewalkers for their ability to manipulate “ground energy” and battle the deadly blight-causing creatures called malices, but few trust them completely, and the Lakewalkers haven't helped the situation by remaining aloof from the rest of the world. Dag longs to build a bridge of understanding and respect between Lakewalkers and those who depend on their protection. “The old ways have worked for better 'n a thousand years,” another Lakewalker captain warns, but as farmers settle dangerous territory and Dag's own groundsense abilities develop in dangerous directions, big changes are inevitable. Bujold excels at creating interesting and sympathetic characters, and this story will satisfy readers who enjoy romance as much as adventure.

March 15, 2008
The third volume of Bujolds increasingly popular Sharing Knife series opens with young farmer Fawn Bluefield and her lakewalker husband, Dag, leaving her familys home to take a trip downriver. After their disagreeable reception from Dags family (in Legacy, 2007), Fawns family, though nervous and not quite sure how to deal with the new family member, extends a welcome. Dag even agrees to take Fawns brother, Whit, along on what is the couples working honeymoon. Since meeting Fawn, Dag has realized that farmers and lakewalkers need better working relationships; otherwise, both groups will suffer from habitat disruption. One reason for the trip is for Dag to try talking to farm folk to discover what proposals they will listen to. Heading downriver, Fawn and Dag find plenty of chances to practice diplomacy and healing in both communities and to recover themselves from battle injuries (see Legacy). Bujold extends the series portrayal of a pastoral world haunted by ancient ills. The characters are so superbly realized that the reader feels like a fellow passenger on their voyage. In the end, the question of cooperation between communities is still vexedly present, and Fawn and Dags journey will continue.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

May 15, 2008
Fawn Bluefield and her Lakewalker husband, Dag Redwing Hickory, travel to see Fawn's family and receive a reception only slightly less hostile than that given by Dag's family. Deciding to set out on their own, the couple begin a long riverboat journey, accompanied by Dag's seemingly hopeless brother, Whit, and are soon joined by others drawn to the couple's vision and to Dag's growing magical powers. The third installment (after "The Sharing Knife: Beguilement" and "The Sharing Knife: Legacy") in Bujold's latest multivolume saga takes her characters into uncharted lands that test both their talents and their loyalty. The creator of the popular Miles Vorkosigan series writes with skill and insight, making her foray into fantasy a good selection for most libraries, particularly those in which she has a following.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.