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A kingdom built on salt
A people born to grass
Behind it all--a prayer carved in the stones of the Great Caravanserai of Gujarat.
Truth must return to satisfy Justice, but Honor without Mercy is merely hubris.
When the king and queen push Prince Tanan into a whirlpool of intrigue, he's left trying to find his way among the common laborers on a trip up the river named for salt.
First Rider Sukhetai finds himself leading the annual trade caravan instead of his father. His ambition drives him like an angry goose as he tries to live up to his duty on a perilous journey over the grass.
Between them they will be asked to decide between justice and honor, between truth and mercy.
Between the salt and the grass.
A people born to grass
Behind it all--a prayer carved in the stones of the Great Caravanserai of Gujarat.
Truth must return to satisfy Justice, but Honor without Mercy is merely hubris.
When the king and queen push Prince Tanan into a whirlpool of intrigue, he's left trying to find his way among the common laborers on a trip up the river named for salt.
First Rider Sukhetai finds himself leading the annual trade caravan instead of his father. His ambition drives him like an angry goose as he tries to live up to his duty on a perilous journey over the grass.
Between them they will be asked to decide between justice and honor, between truth and mercy.
Between the salt and the grass.
- GenresFantasy
509 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2021
232 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 15, 2021
Nathan's Space-Trader stories have always been well crafted, and though he stepped out of his comfort zone on this one, and wrote a Fantasy tale, his graceful prose is still apparent. For the first time, he's co-written a book with his daughter E.J. and it's a great read!
This book is in the Tanyth Fairport universe, but with very different protagonists, and told from their different and unique perspectives. Although it's a different world from the Deep Dark, it's still classic Nathan Lowell! We immediately start diving into the world of commerce and trading, and much of that trade revolves around Salt! Salt is the backbone of this societal infrastructure assuring peace and prosperity between nations! I think you'll be giving more thought to salt than you ever imagined you could/would, due to it's importance to society, as a truly vital commodity.
This is my second time reading the book (I beta read it 8 months ago) and although I liked both protagonists (Tanan and Sukhetai), I was rather surprised to find myself a lot more sympathetic towards Sukhetai... a seemingly angry young man who feels not only the weight of the world on his shoulders, but carries a chip as well! Is it because it's the second read through?!? Or did E.J. work some magic to make this a better book, hmmmm? I think that as two extraordinary authors worked on this tale, they'll have to share the credit for this dazzling piece of fiction!!!
This book is in the Tanyth Fairport universe, but with very different protagonists, and told from their different and unique perspectives. Although it's a different world from the Deep Dark, it's still classic Nathan Lowell! We immediately start diving into the world of commerce and trading, and much of that trade revolves around Salt! Salt is the backbone of this societal infrastructure assuring peace and prosperity between nations! I think you'll be giving more thought to salt than you ever imagined you could/would, due to it's importance to society, as a truly vital commodity.
This is my second time reading the book (I beta read it 8 months ago) and although I liked both protagonists (Tanan and Sukhetai), I was rather surprised to find myself a lot more sympathetic towards Sukhetai... a seemingly angry young man who feels not only the weight of the world on his shoulders, but carries a chip as well! Is it because it's the second read through?!? Or did E.J. work some magic to make this a better book, hmmmm? I think that as two extraordinary authors worked on this tale, they'll have to share the credit for this dazzling piece of fiction!!!
August 18, 2021
It’s a Couple of Lowells, of COURSE it’s good!
If you’ve read any of Nathan Lowell’s fantasy work, you’ll be familiar with the framework. This isn’t South Coast, though. Thanks in no small part to his daughter’s obvious gifts, it’s a richer, and if possible more complex universe. You get characters you care about. You get a story arc that satisfies deeply. And you get the promise of much more to come.
I wish I could give it six or seven stars.
If you’ve read any of Nathan Lowell’s fantasy work, you’ll be familiar with the framework. This isn’t South Coast, though. Thanks in no small part to his daughter’s obvious gifts, it’s a richer, and if possible more complex universe. You get characters you care about. You get a story arc that satisfies deeply. And you get the promise of much more to come.
I wish I could give it six or seven stars.
August 11, 2021
A tour de force
Nathan Lowell has been one of my favourite authors for his Tales of the Solar Clipper universe. He also writes strong female characters in his Tanyth Fairchild trilogy.
Writing a novel jointly with his daughter who is a fantasy author in her own right is a project for the ages.
Salt is a widespread world building novel with flawed and interesting characters holds the readers attention all the way through as a nomadic culture clashes with a city dwelling mercantile one. The salt of the title is the basis for the city dwellers tax base and trade.
The story is not over and I am very much looking forward to the next in a very enjoyable series.
Nathan Lowell has been one of my favourite authors for his Tales of the Solar Clipper universe. He also writes strong female characters in his Tanyth Fairchild trilogy.
Writing a novel jointly with his daughter who is a fantasy author in her own right is a project for the ages.
Salt is a widespread world building novel with flawed and interesting characters holds the readers attention all the way through as a nomadic culture clashes with a city dwelling mercantile one. The salt of the title is the basis for the city dwellers tax base and trade.
The story is not over and I am very much looking forward to the next in a very enjoyable series.
August 12, 2021
The book has 2 story arcs following different characters that, of course, join at the conclusion. The hook is set for the next book and I can't wait. Without revealing any of the story, I can say this fantasy is a world-building and character-driven tale. It has coming-of-age, politics, accounting (lol!), sailing (of a sort)... and magic, of course. Though unique, this book reminds me of L.E. Modesitt Jr - at his best! Nathan Lowell is well known to me through his Trader's Tales but "E.J." was not. Whatever the mix, I highly recommend "Salt."
August 23, 2021
I really enjoyed this new adventure - though I found myself annoyed at one of the protagonist's attitude and obtuseness - and the extraordinary patience his tribe exhibits over and over again. It did give a window into "difficult people" which was enlightening. I found myself wanting to spend more time with the other, more congenial character (no spoilers, you'll figure it out) and rather rushing through some chapters to get there. This *did* change by the end of the book, when the character seemed to open up a bit and become more 3-dimensional. Now, that said, I am upset that I can't immediately read the next installment! Overall well-written and fairly cohesive despite there being two authors, a good solid read, and one that leaves you looking forward to the next book with a certain amount of impatience. And that unsympathetic character? I found myself rooting for his growth and development by the end.
August 20, 2021
Learning the salt
A bit of a slow start that leads to the beginning of an adventure for the spare heir and his tutor, neither of whom is quite what they first seem. This story is obviously the beginning of a saga, with scattered hints of things to come. I enjoyed reading this first installment, and look forward to reading more about their travels.
A bit of a slow start that leads to the beginning of an adventure for the spare heir and his tutor, neither of whom is quite what they first seem. This story is obviously the beginning of a saga, with scattered hints of things to come. I enjoyed reading this first installment, and look forward to reading more about their travels.
October 11, 2021
While this book was fantasy, it was very much grounded. The author's divided up the two story lines which came together at the end. There was a slightly different flavor in the two writing styles, but both were just wonderful. The descriptions are so rich and flow with the story, not contrived. Really beautiful writing! Both story lines are exciting and enticing. So many characters to get to know and watch them deal with problems and each other. A great story so well told. And it sets things up for a future that I'm looking forward to reading.
August 28, 2021
Lowell, E. J., and Nathan Lowell. Salt. Barbarians No. 1. Kindle, 2021.
Salt is the first collaboration between well-established indie author Nathan Lowell and his son. It is set in the same universe as Nathan’s early Tanyth Fairport series but does not involve any of its characters. Salt is a coming-of-age adventure with two protagonists: young men destined to become the leaders of their cultures. Sukhetai is the lead rider of a nomadic tribe of plainsmen who trade annually for salt with a mercantile kingdom closer to the coast. His older brother is the tribal war chief, and his father is the king. He is leading his first caravan to trade for the salt, but he needs to learn to control his aggressive instincts. Tanan, the second son of the kingdom he will visit, needs to learn to appreciate his people and understand how the kingdom’s salt-based economy works. He makes a dangerous voyage to the mining center to find out why salt production has fallen off, where two young men will eventually meet. Along the way, both find that the secret behind their thrones are wise women with extrasensory powers. The story is well-paced with a satisfying climax that is just open-ended enough to leave room for future novels. The collaboration is seamless to the point that Nathan, at least, says he can’t remember which passages he wrote. I will read the next novels in the series. 4 stars.
Salt is the first collaboration between well-established indie author Nathan Lowell and his son. It is set in the same universe as Nathan’s early Tanyth Fairport series but does not involve any of its characters. Salt is a coming-of-age adventure with two protagonists: young men destined to become the leaders of their cultures. Sukhetai is the lead rider of a nomadic tribe of plainsmen who trade annually for salt with a mercantile kingdom closer to the coast. His older brother is the tribal war chief, and his father is the king. He is leading his first caravan to trade for the salt, but he needs to learn to control his aggressive instincts. Tanan, the second son of the kingdom he will visit, needs to learn to appreciate his people and understand how the kingdom’s salt-based economy works. He makes a dangerous voyage to the mining center to find out why salt production has fallen off, where two young men will eventually meet. Along the way, both find that the secret behind their thrones are wise women with extrasensory powers. The story is well-paced with a satisfying climax that is just open-ended enough to leave room for future novels. The collaboration is seamless to the point that Nathan, at least, says he can’t remember which passages he wrote. I will read the next novels in the series. 4 stars.
August 16, 2021
Three and a half stars. This felt like two-quarters of one book. It should be maybe the first half of a book but differing styles of the collaborators made it feel like two separate first halves. I am by no means opposed to collaborations, I have read many throughout the years. Usually the authors are similar enough in style that the transitions, if not always seamless, at least don't interfere with the story. That was not the case here. Both authors are capable. The different worlds represented by the two sides of this story might have been better served by a single style tying them together. Instead, the disparate styles drove the worlds apart.
This was supposed to take place on the same world as the "Tanyth Fairport" series by Nathan Lowell. In that world only very few women go through the "change" and experience an interesting form of natural magic (think good witch). In this world every woman expects to face the "change" it is a subtle but world changing difference. Enjoyable, but imperfect.
This was supposed to take place on the same world as the "Tanyth Fairport" series by Nathan Lowell. In that world only very few women go through the "change" and experience an interesting form of natural magic (think good witch). In this world every woman expects to face the "change" it is a subtle but world changing difference. Enjoyable, but imperfect.
August 24, 2021
No spoilers. I HATE spoilers
Confession. I devour everything Nathan Lowell touches. One of my top ten all time favorite authors. First time for E.J. Was initially worried this was one of those rent your name out type things. No way. The characters, the storyline, the world building are all pure Lowell. Sucks you in in a way that consumes. Reminds of a Jerry Pournellie / Larry Niven partnership.
The split storyline model - jumping between characters and and locale are far from my favorite style, but they carry it off very well. The pacing and the insane character development the authors achieve leaves me humbled and jealous. A worthy addition to the Lowell bookshelf.
Confession. I devour everything Nathan Lowell touches. One of my top ten all time favorite authors. First time for E.J. Was initially worried this was one of those rent your name out type things. No way. The characters, the storyline, the world building are all pure Lowell. Sucks you in in a way that consumes. Reminds of a Jerry Pournellie / Larry Niven partnership.
The split storyline model - jumping between characters and and locale are far from my favorite style, but they carry it off very well. The pacing and the insane character development the authors achieve leaves me humbled and jealous. A worthy addition to the Lowell bookshelf.
February 7, 2022
So Skillfully Written
I loved Tanan's story more than Sukhetai's, but I think that is by design. Tanan's teachable character and willingness to grow and change makes a sharp contrast to Sukhetai's prickly pride and fear of losing respect.
Spending part of my childhood in Arabia, the culture of many of the peoples in this story made me homesick for the Bedouin friends I had.
I'm not sure if the sequel is published yet, but I hope it is because I can't wait to read more of this story.
I would rate this PG-13, only for some mild language and very mild sexual innuendo.
I highly recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
I loved Tanan's story more than Sukhetai's, but I think that is by design. Tanan's teachable character and willingness to grow and change makes a sharp contrast to Sukhetai's prickly pride and fear of losing respect.
Spending part of my childhood in Arabia, the culture of many of the peoples in this story made me homesick for the Bedouin friends I had.
I'm not sure if the sequel is published yet, but I hope it is because I can't wait to read more of this story.
I would rate this PG-13, only for some mild language and very mild sexual innuendo.
I highly recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.)
September 25, 2021
Sorry
Sorry, I tried to like this book as I loved the solar clipper series, but it just never got started. Loads of world building and setting up the background , very little action. It has good ideas but I think trying to set up two very different backgrounds and characters comes over as just too much. Basically both these young men are entitled, arrogant and ignorant and I just cannot be bothered to read anymore about them.
Sorry, I tried to like this book as I loved the solar clipper series, but it just never got started. Loads of world building and setting up the background , very little action. It has good ideas but I think trying to set up two very different backgrounds and characters comes over as just too much. Basically both these young men are entitled, arrogant and ignorant and I just cannot be bothered to read anymore about them.
September 27, 2021
very slow at the beginning. worth it
When I started this book, the first 5 chapters were a slog. I wasn't sure where it was going. I stuck with it, and was glad I did. The story line of the spoiled second Prince and the prideful First Rider came together and it was a great book from there on out. I went back and reread the whole thing because I knew there were things I learned because I didn't know what I didn't know (read the book, you'll get it)
When I started this book, the first 5 chapters were a slog. I wasn't sure where it was going. I stuck with it, and was glad I did. The story line of the spoiled second Prince and the prideful First Rider came together and it was a great book from there on out. I went back and reread the whole thing because I knew there were things I learned because I didn't know what I didn't know (read the book, you'll get it)
August 20, 2021
Interesting new world
I found this story an interesting take, loosely based on Mongols and what appears to be Arabic or Persian influences. The fantasy elements are lightly woven in with the rest of it. I found the characters personalities to be well-developed, and I look forward to seeing what happens as City Mouse meets Country Mouse.
I found this story an interesting take, loosely based on Mongols and what appears to be Arabic or Persian influences. The fantasy elements are lightly woven in with the rest of it. I found the characters personalities to be well-developed, and I look forward to seeing what happens as City Mouse meets Country Mouse.
August 23, 2021
Good enough
It's a good start, and there is much opportunity for expansion and character development. It feels as if there were three writers and few editors though. The two stories are not equal and the untold story begs to be told. I suppose it's unfair as I've enjoyed the father's workamentally and I hope both would meet that standard.
It's a good start, and there is much opportunity for expansion and character development. It feels as if there were three writers and few editors though. The two stories are not equal and the untold story begs to be told. I suppose it's unfair as I've enjoyed the father's workamentally and I hope both would meet that standard.
September 15, 2021
Fantastic Story
I was upset that this wasn’t a fisherman, trader, or a butler story. Then I read this book and I forgot about all those other series. This story of a kingdom whose main resource was its salt mines. This book follows a the kings second son, and a nomadic tribes first son who is tasked to pick up their share of salt. Great Story
I was upset that this wasn’t a fisherman, trader, or a butler story. Then I read this book and I forgot about all those other series. This story of a kingdom whose main resource was its salt mines. This book follows a the kings second son, and a nomadic tribes first son who is tasked to pick up their share of salt. Great Story
October 13, 2021
Left me hanging
Not in favor of "cliffhangers". Other than the whip sawing between the two main characters and my intense dislike of unfinished story lines, it could be a five star rating.
Nathan Lowell is one of my favorite Kindle authors and I will continue to follow him and his books.
Not in favor of "cliffhangers". Other than the whip sawing between the two main characters and my intense dislike of unfinished story lines, it could be a five star rating.
Nathan Lowell is one of my favorite Kindle authors and I will continue to follow him and his books.
December 26, 2021
INTRIGUING
A small change of pace for Nathan, but it's got his sticky fingerprints all over it. I dont know EJ 's work but it's clearly blended well. I didn't take any chances buying this book. I knew already it wouldn't disappoint. Nathan doesnt write bad books. He's kinda legendary really, for good reason. I hope the next installment doesnt take forever.
A small change of pace for Nathan, but it's got his sticky fingerprints all over it. I dont know EJ 's work but it's clearly blended well. I didn't take any chances buying this book. I knew already it wouldn't disappoint. Nathan doesnt write bad books. He's kinda legendary really, for good reason. I hope the next installment doesnt take forever.
August 19, 2021
A fun an interesting adventure
This book starts slow, world building and character development takes a minute....the story builds, the characters grow or not, and tension builds to a crescendo .... enjoyable and well worth the trip. Now the wait for book 2
This book starts slow, world building and character development takes a minute....the story builds, the characters grow or not, and tension builds to a crescendo .... enjoyable and well worth the trip. Now the wait for book 2
August 31, 2021
Another fine story from the Lowell’s. The two paths that wind and turn until they twist together into one story. Good character development, good stories and the obligatory drink and food. Can’t wait to the next book.
September 14, 2021
What a great read! Not just one “coming of age” tale but two… with differing degrees of success… whose arcs cross… and lead into a next great adventure. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series!
November 4, 2021
What a great start to the story!
As a fan of Nathan Lowell’s books, I can’t believe it took me so long to read this book. It’s a great beginning to the series. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
As a fan of Nathan Lowell’s books, I can’t believe it took me so long to read this book. It’s a great beginning to the series. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.
January 25, 2022
Fast moving plot and engaging characters
I recommend this book —the switching of point of view in two generations of future leaders from different cultures is interesting and the action moves at a pace that keeps up the momentum of the tale.
I recommend this book —the switching of point of view in two generations of future leaders from different cultures is interesting and the action moves at a pace that keeps up the momentum of the tale.
Read
January 27, 2022I'll probably give this a try again another time, but I was struggling with the pov changes to really connect to either of the main characters, and by about six chapters in nothing had really happened and I just wasn't feeling it
March 3, 2022
Story telling at its best
If you like any of Nathan Lowell's books you will enjoy this one. Looking forward to the second book. Two main characters one you like and the other is well flawed. Can't wait to see the clashes in the next book
If you like any of Nathan Lowell's books you will enjoy this one. Looking forward to the second book. Two main characters one you like and the other is well flawed. Can't wait to see the clashes in the next book
July 11, 2022
A slightly different tale than expected.
I have a number of Nathan Powell's space trader stories, this is a completely different type of novel. Very interesting and fun reading. Looking forward for the next in the series.
I have a number of Nathan Powell's space trader stories, this is a completely different type of novel. Very interesting and fun reading. Looking forward for the next in the series.
July 19, 2023
Great Characters loved way this came together
Two main story arcs here one character is certainly more likable than the other. I absolutely love the way this came together. I cannot wait for the second book in the series book is a little slow to start but worth it.
Two main story arcs here one character is certainly more likable than the other. I absolutely love the way this came together. I cannot wait for the second book in the series book is a little slow to start but worth it.
January 16, 2024
A good beginning
A solid foundation for a very good story. We hope it continues at this level or better. Wisdom or ignorance, light or dark, adaptive knowledge and life or violence, blood and suffering, death. A very, very old and complex story.
A solid foundation for a very good story. We hope it continues at this level or better. Wisdom or ignorance, light or dark, adaptive knowledge and life or violence, blood and suffering, death. A very, very old and complex story.
November 11, 2024
Two arcs that blend together
I enjoy N Lowell’s books for their adventures and details of everyday life. I particularly enjoy the references to tea and other necessities. This is my first book that EJ coauthored. Great collaboration.
I enjoy N Lowell’s books for their adventures and details of everyday life. I particularly enjoy the references to tea and other necessities. This is my first book that EJ coauthored. Great collaboration.
dnf-not-for-me
September 7, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews