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Karavans #2

Deepwood

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Deepwood is the sequel to Karavans, the start of a new, highly commercial fantasy adventure series. Filled with magic, mystical beings, and humans with magical powers, and replete with bloody war and illicit romance, the universe of Karavans is already garnering high praise. Even darker and richer than Roberson's previous work, Deepwood is sure to enthrall her already dedicated readership.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

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376 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Roberson

123 books807 followers
Over a 40-year career (so far), Jennifer Roberson has published four fantasy series, including the Sword-Dancer Saga, Chronicles of the Cheysuli, the Karavans universe, and urban fantasy series Blood & Bone. Other novels include historicals LADY OF THE GLEN, plus two Robin Hood novels, LADY OF THE FOREST, and LADY OF SHERWOOD.

New novels are percolating in her always-active imagination.

Hobbies include showing dogs, and creating mosaic and resin artwork and jewelry.  She lives in Arizona with a collection of cats and Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

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5 stars
184 (26%)
4 stars
241 (35%)
3 stars
212 (30%)
2 stars
38 (5%)
1 star
10 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Alyssa Nelson.
518 reviews155 followers
March 23, 2020
Deepwood is the sequel to Karavans, and it follows a group of people who were traveling from a dangerous country that’s been taken over by invaders to a safe haven; however, they’re caught in a storm while on their way, and a dangerous magical forest — the deepwood — has decided to move, trapping some of the travelers inside its borders.

I was kind of bored at first; the book starts off following what happens to everyone in the aftermath of the storm, and there’s only so much I can take of characters facing misfortune after misfortune. Near the middle, things start coming together though, and it looks like a solid plot is developing for the third book in the series. I didn’t like Audrun’s story overly much; half of the time, she’s whining about her misfortune, and the other half she’s throwing herself into danger to save her children, even though she doesn’t accomplish anything by it. But, I do like her developing friendship with Rhuan and how he has to change his behavior to accommodate her frustrations.

My favorite parts is what’s going on with Ilona and her diviner powers; she loses them after the storm, and while she has a broken arm that might be affecting them, she is scared of what that might mean for her. I’m interested to see what her role will be in terms of how they deal with the new Deepwood borders. I also really liked the hints of war with the invaders of the country; people are chafing under the invading people’s rule, so it seems like their might be some sort of war or rebellion in the next book.

I really liked the first book; this one is less exciting, but it seems to be building a foundation for a great third book. And, like I said, the beginning was tough for me to get through, but halfway in, it starts picking up. I wouldn’t say this series is a must-read, but it’s certainly a great read if you’re looking for a decent new epic fantasy!

Also posted on Purple People Readers.
Profile Image for Jackie.
270 reviews13 followers
May 27, 2010
This second book of the series is a rarity for me: it's even better than the first! Interesting characters in Rhuan, Ilona, Audrun, people I really cared about. Yet the most important character is Alisanos, the sentient and enigmatic deepwood. Deepwood is unique in it's conception and execution. This book has a lot to offer: different storylines in different locations, compelling characters, fear, intensity, love, compassion, and a wonderfully imagined new world of sorts. Complete escapism; I was in Alisanos and I want to continue the journey.
My only regret is that the next two of the series aren't available yet. I want more and I want it now!
Profile Image for lynne fireheart.
267 reviews23 followers
May 2, 2008
What I liked most about the continuation of this tale was the atypical combination of journeymates: usually you'll have a male and a female pitted together and whaddaya know, romance flares up. In this case, Audrun (who happens to be happily married to Davyn) is trapped in the fey forest Alisanos with Rhuan (whose heart belongs to the seer Ilona) - so in a typical tale you'd expect Audrun and Rhuan to end up together, right? After all, Audrun does inadvertently perform half a marriage ritual while tending to an unconscious Rhuan's wounds... but refuses to be forced to acknowledge customs she didn't know about, and so this becomes yet another bone she intends to pick with the 1000 gods they are journeying to see in the heart of Alisanos.

The world built here is very rich and detailed: the whole concept of an enchanted forest taken to quite an extreme. The occupying army is reminiscent of Goodkind's Emperor Jagang, ho-hum, but the couriers, the seven-lives Shoia, and other details make for a very readable piece.

That said, I wasn't *that* taken with the tale - perhaps there were just a bit too many threads to keep in mind, and then to have all the kids (minus toddler) reunited with their mother was just too convenient to be satisfying.

I will, however, be on the lookout for what I assume to be the final book of this series, because despite it all, I of course want to know how it all works out.

If I were you, however, I'd wait till that book is out, then read it all in one go. I had to brush quite a bit of cobwebs away in the first few pages to remember who was who and what had happened.
Profile Image for Samantha.
872 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2009
I have to say that I enjoyed Karavans much more than this follow-up in this series. From what I remember, most of the complaints about Karavans was that it felt like it was only about world building, and the real action/events were plainly absent. I could certainly understand that sentiment, but Ms. Roberson has a way of story-telling that even the most seemingly-inane events can become compelling, which I guess isn't exactly the best compliment, but I like reading whatever she writes.

That talent was definitely put to use in Deepwood to a far greater extent. In this story we follow along in basic plot points and each character's inner dialogue. In the special way a middle novel can do, this feels like fluff filling up the pages until we get to the next installment.

So why four-stars? Well, for all it's not so good aspects, the story does progress and is ultimately interesting. We get to enter the mysterious Alisanos, learn more about Rhuan's birthplace, and are introduced to a couple of new characters that will clearly be important in the showdown finale. The questions left at the end of Deepwood will keep me patiently waiting to see how this will all end. According to her website The Wild Road was delayed for release until this year and the fourth book in this world has been sold. I only hope that some events of more consequence happen.
Profile Image for Julia.
2,041 reviews58 followers
January 24, 2009
This is the second in Roberson’s Karavans series. In the first, as I was quickly reminded at the beginning of this book, Audrun and her children Gillan, Ellica, Torvic and Megritte are stranded in Alisanos, a sentient land of wild magic with Rhuan, who is of Alisanos.

Outside the borders are Davyn, Audrun’s husband, Brodhi, Rhuan’s cousin, and Ilona, the diviner of the Karavan and Bethid, a courier, like Brodhi. As each of Audrun’s children are separated, there are multiple viewpoints. Along the way, we’ll get to learn more about Alisanos – its magic, how it changes a person, its inhabitants including the one thousand gods, and its strange customs. Of those that survived Alisanos’ relocation, we’ll see Ilona deal with her loss of power; Bethid aid the survivors with their recent tragedy while further developing the rebellion against the tyrannical Hecari and becoming a leader; Brodhi continuing his rite of passage among the humans; and Davyn coping with the fact that all of his family is now ensnared by Alisanos. We’ll also get to learn more about Rhuan and Brodhi who are much more than just Shoia.

It’s a keeper, a fun, action-packed fantasy, with the intricate world- building that those who know Roberson’s work, have come to expect. I look forward to as many of these novels as Roberson’s cares to write.
Profile Image for Burt.
296 reviews36 followers
November 23, 2007
This book was MUCH better than the first. It has begun to move the story of the characters presented from the first novel in the series forward and has finally given them purpose and drive.

With the nigh-unto destruction of the Karavan, those left unclaimed by the Living Wood of Alisanos now begin to lay the foundation for a stand against the savage warriors of the Heccai. For those consumed by the Deepwood, they have begun to come to understand the true nature of the cursed forest and have begun to change as a result. The Demon Wood changes all that it holds in its domain, and the characters are no different. Better yet, the mystery of the Shoia is unfolded, then twisted to present yet more mystery in its wake.

I can really only recommend this book if you read the first one (Karavans). You'll be thoroughly lost without it.
Profile Image for Beth (moonivy).
83 reviews
September 15, 2007
Read 9/4-9/5/07

Deepwood is the second book in Roberson's Karavan trilogy. In this volume Rhuan, the mysterious karavan guide, shows his true mettle and not quite human origins as he struggles to herd Audrun and her children to safety. This second volume is SCADS better than the first installment, Karavan, and explains many of the plot twists that were just weirdly obscure in Karavan. Roberson is a favorite author of mine, from way back, so I'm thrilled to see her back in good form after the somewhat disappointing first novel in this trilogy. This novel is tight, fast-paced and blessedly lucid, recommended for fantasy fans.

Genre : Fantasy
Publicaton : 2007
Rating : 9.25
Where From : the library
Reason : a favorite author


Profile Image for Laura.
780 reviews
April 27, 2008
While I really enjoyed the first book of this new series, maybe I jumped too soon into this one. Maybe I didn't give my brain enough time to savor the story of the first book. Because, truthfully, I found this novel tedious. I wasn't at all enthralled with the story, as I was with the first novel. I didn't even stay up late once to read just one more chapter.

I'm sort of glad the third in this series hasn't come out yet. Maybe by the time it does, I'll be ready to read more about Audrun, Rhuan, Brodhi and the rest of the Sancorrans.

In the meantime, maybe I'll re-read my Tiger and Del books. I can't ever get tired of them! :)
Profile Image for Jennifer.
339 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2009
I checked out Karavans because I have been interested in reading some of Roberson's books for some time, and it was the only "book 1" the library had on the shelf.

It was not a disappointment.

DeepWood picked up right where the hanging ending of Karavans left you - Audrun just having given birth inside of Alisanos. You discover just what has happened to the entire family as well as the changes that take place within the settlement.

The only downside I see to this series is that books 3 & 4haven't been written yet... and I am very eager to read them now!

Profile Image for Lisa.
359 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2013
I like this world and the cousin characters. I am bored by the family and their quest. I am far more interested in what will happen to the cousins. I'm also pretty bored by the warlord thread. They are like a mix of villains from Goodkind's books and the Mongols. More importantly, the author hasn't made a case for why I should care about that plot line. I wold drop the extra plot lines and focus on the interesting which is the cousin demigods and the forest itself. Still a pretty good book and I'll probably read the third.
Profile Image for Maren.
645 reviews19 followers
January 30, 2009
My only real complaint about this book is the same as with the first: some parts moved to slow. Frankly, I am not a huge fan of the parallel storyline in the human world w/the Hecaris. I would've greatly preferred more emphasis on the Deepwoods aspect. However, I like the unusual storyline w/Audrun & Rhuan, and the twist at the end, I never saw coming. (Of course, I am pretty gullible.) Eager for #3 now...
Profile Image for Jennifer.
50 reviews
September 6, 2007
I know it's awful, but when I've been waiting for the next installment of a good story (and I finally get my hands on it) when it's a skinny little book, I am sad! I waited patiently for this one - only to get wrapped up and am now waiting again...excellent story, wonderful creatures - but I want more, and now
Profile Image for Sandra .
1,143 reviews127 followers
December 23, 2012
Wonderful. Riveting. Really, a continuation of book one, Karavans. I'm not reading three yet as I understand it ends in a cliff hanger. (Bah.) But a very interesting world, well wrought and vividly drawn. And great characters.
Profile Image for MJ.
2,145 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2008
Disregard the cover--too stupid for words!

An excellent sequel to Karavans and picks up right where Karavans stopped. We continue the stories of the family trapped in the live wood Alisanos, the beings trying to help/hinder them and the folks left at the crossroads.
Profile Image for Mylissa.
9 reviews
October 22, 2008
The second book in the Karavans series, Deepwood, was an excellent read. I could not put this book down. Very exciting and scary tale. I bought this in hard-cover, which I only reserve for my faves. I can't wait for the next in the series! I read this book twice.
Profile Image for Debbie.
844 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2009
This was a very good book. I can't wait for the third one to come out to find out what happens to Audurn and her family, Rhuan, Brodhi, and Ilona, and to find out whether the primaries in Alisanos do build the road through it and whether the rebellion against the Hecari is successful.
28 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2008
This is much better then the first book in the series. The story has been developed according to the expectations I have developed from this author.
Profile Image for Maya.
58 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2009
barring a couple of slight discrepencies and that I think she could've fleshed out the end a bit more, loved this one too!

can't wait for the next installment...
Profile Image for Foggygirl.
1,855 reviews30 followers
March 21, 2011
I love this series and have been waiting (somewhat) patiently for the third installment.
Profile Image for Aaron Williams.
71 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2011
This one was better than the first - I liked the first one too, but this book engaged me a lot more. I look forward to reading more in the series.
Profile Image for bumblethunderbeast.
1,046 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2012
I'm feeling like this trilogy really could have been one substantive, good book. The cliffhangers are not my favorite part of the structure.
3 reviews
September 11, 2009
A little lost prefer to read my series all at once read the first book last year
Profile Image for Rebecca Lowe.
687 reviews4 followers
December 8, 2023
Written for adults but fine for middle grade aside from potential textual complexity. I like some of the unusual characters we see like how Audrun is a mother and not a princess or something. I like how Bodhi is basically a big unlikeable jerk. The rest of the characters are pretty bland. I think Davyn the husband came across the worst and I found myself not liking him very much. His wife is so much more compelling and such a stronger character! He just doesn’t seem strong enough as a personality to be matched to her. Also, I read through this book super fast but I struggled with it due to my personal issue of not liking reading about body modification. I really don’t like reading about things like Luke Skywalker losing his hand or that kind of thing. The threat of Alisanos changing people really bothered me. I will follow through and read book three but it was a close decision…
Profile Image for Creel Unbelove'D.
34 reviews
January 9, 2018
The marvelous world building shown in the first of the series is continued. We get to see inside of Alisanos in its great variety, meeting demons who once were human, dryad trees with their women, the heat of two suns, and the plants that are dangerously sharp, seeking, and hungry. Definitely worth the read for this alone. I didn't care for how one of the leads, Ilona, recovers unexpectedly and a bit too unbelievably from an injury at the end. Yet, I will read the third book eagerly. I do not want to leave the overlapping worlds of Sancorra or Alisanos.
285 reviews
May 4, 2019
So good. Can't believe I didn't find this author sooner.
Profile Image for Tim.
865 reviews51 followers
July 20, 2016
OK, what now?

Having nicely established a setting and populated her world in this series' opening book, "Karavans," Jennifer Roberson seems to struggle with just what to do with it in the follow-up, "Deepwood." I'm not accusing Roberson of having no plan, but you know what they say about the best-laid plan of mice and ...

To be fair, it's not as if Roberson just drops the ball here. "Deepwood" is a decent, competent sequel. It just doesn't go where most readers probably want it to go.

Roberson established a nice central premise in the first book, even if it didn't really appear on stage until the end: a sentient dark wood called Alisanos populated with demons and other beings, but a forest that can move. The end of "Karavans" had Audrun, her new baby (Alisanos induced it four months early) and her four other children trapped in the wood and its world of two suns. "Deepwood" features a few snappy demon encounters, but in some ways the concept of a dangerous wood you can't escape and that's populated by all sorts of nasty beasties, seems like false advertising. There's not much of that. "Deepwood" deals more intensively with the two god-spawns who had lived among humans, their god-mandated rites of passage and the machinations of Alisanos' gods themselves. More dark demon action, please! Roberson continues to bounce back and forth among characters; Audrun and her children are conveniently scattered into three groups that have no contact with each other.

I'm also not entirely sure what the "rules" of Alisanos are. At times you wonder how humans can survive there; other times they wander around totally unhindered by the wood's denizens. I know the demons primarily wanted Audrun's baby, but how dangerous is it to others?

Roberson also chronicles ably the lives of those not caught in Alisanos: Audrun's husband, the lesbian courier Bethid, hand-reader Ilona and others trying to restart their lives after Alisanos' move disrupted their encampment.

Roberson seems not as committed to this story, as if she didn't have as much of a plot as she thought she'd had. That applies to her writing, as well, which seems less sharp, rushed, and prone to an odd tendency to repeat words. From the point of view of a boy: "He ran. He ran and ran." And, very shortly thereafter: "Screaming. Screaming." Gets a little old. A little old.

"Deepwood" certainly is worth reading, for those who were engrossed by "Karavans." But when Roberson should be ratcheting up the action, the sequel feels thinner and less committed.

And another thing ... the paperback's back-cover description is very odd. Almost every word is a synopsis of the first volume. Hey man, what's this book I'm holding about?
Profile Image for Brian.
122 reviews
January 21, 2013
This second book in the Karavans series far outshines its predecessor. In Book two, titled Deepwood, author Jennifer Roberson capitalizes on the world building and intense character development that I thought bogged down the first book. This sequel is briskly paced, and more concise (a suprising and welcomed 100 pages less than the first book). However do not mistake that the book is devoid of action, suspense and a lot more character development. It has that in spades. In fact, several characters that I hated, were annoyed by, or ambivalent towards in the first book became more interesting as they grew throughout their experiences within this installment.
Deepwood begins after Karavans ends. Much like Tolkien's Two Towers, All of the characters are spread out, dealing with their own dangers and challenges, while only occasionally overlapping. Many questions are answered in this book: The Origin of Rhuan and Brodhi (and their bloodline), The Truth of what Alisanos is, and the "gods" that reside there, We even get the fate of the Shoia race. However even with those questions answered, more are asked that are left to the next volume: "The Wild Road".
This book is filled with hope and dispair, tragedy and determination ( not necessiarily in that order). I would recommend it to anyone. This is the payoff to a series that was slow to start. It is my hope that this momentum continues into the third and fourth books in the series.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
21 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2014
I really enjoyed the second book in the Karavan series! I found it a lot more of a fast pace compared to the first, which was nice, but it was still a steady amount of information. (I can't stand when books pump out too much information at once, and I have a hard time keeping up with it!)

I'm always unsure when it comes to books that flip-flop between character POV, as I get attached to one, then Bam we're onto someone else.. Sometimes there would be times I would completely forget about a character, namely the two elder children.. Only to come back to them at some random point.

Through the story I think my favourite character was Ilona, I just loved how her story played out, and I can't wait to see where her story leads in the third book. My least favourite would have to be Davyn, just because he was so stubborn!

I wouldn't recommend this book as a stand-alone, if only because you get a lot of back story with the characters and the world in the first book, and a lot of things would be confusing if you only read this book.

Profile Image for Danielle Bullen.
Author 3 books223 followers
April 22, 2022
Entertaining, with interesting characters, but lacking... hope? I guess? There was nothing really worth anything in this book. Family was altered beyond hope, but at least they'll be together. Loved ones may die, but at least some of them can die more than once before they are truly dead.
Characters lacked depth of any sort, and all felt similar. It was as though the author wrote the book to show off her world.
Profile Image for SBC.
1,472 reviews
February 7, 2015
I enjoyed this sequel to Karavans, but neither this not he next novel, The Wild Road, held my attention as deeply as the first, which laid out characters and plot elements which were not developed in much depth in either of the sequels. Hardly anything really happens in The Wild Road. The fragmented narration also got a little off-putting by the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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