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The Steerswoman #1-2
The Steerswoman's Road
If you ask, she will answer. If she asks, you must reply. A steerswoman will speak only the truth to you, as long as she knows it—and you must do the same for her. And so, across the centuries, the Steerswomen— questioning, searching, investigating—have slowly learned more and more about the world through which they wander. All knowledge the Steerswomen possess is given freely to those who ask. But there is one kind of knowledge that has always been denied them: Magic.
When the steerswoman Rowan discovers a small, lovely blue jewel of obviously magical origin, her innocent questions lead to secret after startling secret, each more dangerous than the last—and suddenly Rowan must flee or fight for her life. Or worse, she must lie.
With every wizard in the world searching for her, Rowan finds unexpected assistance. A chance-met traveler turned friend, Bel is a warrior-poet, an Outskirter, and a member of a barbaric and violent people. Or, so it would seem.
For Bel, unknowing, possesses secrets of her own: secrets embedded in her culture, in her people, in the very soil of her homeland. From the Inland Sea to the deadly Outskirts, surrounded by danger and deceit, Rowan and Bel uncover more and more of the wizards’ hidden knowledge. As the new truths accumulate, they edge closer to the single truth that lies at the center, the most unexpected secret of them all. . . .
When the steerswoman Rowan discovers a small, lovely blue jewel of obviously magical origin, her innocent questions lead to secret after startling secret, each more dangerous than the last—and suddenly Rowan must flee or fight for her life. Or worse, she must lie.
With every wizard in the world searching for her, Rowan finds unexpected assistance. A chance-met traveler turned friend, Bel is a warrior-poet, an Outskirter, and a member of a barbaric and violent people. Or, so it would seem.
For Bel, unknowing, possesses secrets of her own: secrets embedded in her culture, in her people, in the very soil of her homeland. From the Inland Sea to the deadly Outskirts, surrounded by danger and deceit, Rowan and Bel uncover more and more of the wizards’ hidden knowledge. As the new truths accumulate, they edge closer to the single truth that lies at the center, the most unexpected secret of them all. . . .
668 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 17, 2009
Low-tech scientist-adventurer kicks ass, takes names, takes extensive notes (with diagrams), and gets shot at by ancient ecocidal weapons systems. Fucking absolutely amazing. I recommend this book series without a single reservation. Could go on and on and on, but a: I'll save it for LJ, and b: must be careful not to screw up the reveals, which are myriad and totally sweet.
November 19, 2015
Fantasy and I have had a tepid relationship as of late. I've always been more of a science fiction fan, anyway, but I've been thoroughly unable to get into the last few fantasy books I've attempted to read. The Steerswoman was thus unexpectedly awesome. As many reviewers have noted, this is basically a science fiction story in the guise of fantasy, which probably explains my reaction. The main characters (who are awesome, by the way) use critical thinking in their search for knowledge whereas a lot of fantasy delves into superstition and unexplainable magic. There is "magic" in this one, but you'd have to be an extremely oblivious reader not to notice that the so-called "magic" has some natural, scientific explanation (it's fun figuring out what's really going on). The Steerswomen (and a couple Steersmen) are a group of people dedicated to the search for, and free dissemination of, knowledge; their adversaries, the Wizards, are an elitist, secretive group who use "magic" and resolutely refuse to share their knowledge. This dichotomy sets the background for the story. Rowan, our intrepid Steerswoman, finds some mysterious jewels and goes on a quest to learn about them. She travels with Bel, an Outskirter who defies stereotypes and has an amusing "odd couple" relationship with Rowan. Along the way they pick up Willam, a commoner who can nonetheless use some "magic." Highjinks ensue, wizards pursue. Without giving too much away, I can say that my favorite dramatic tension was when Rowan had to decide whether or not to do the one thing Steerswomen aren't allowed to do: lie. Did I mention that this has the typical fantasy setting vaguely based on medieval Europe without the medieval European misogyny? I personally would love to be one of the rare Steersmen, but for now I suppose reading the sequels will suffice.
(I will review the second book, The Outskirter's Secret, later) See my discussion of this and other fantasy for science fiction fans here: http://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/20...
(I will review the second book, The Outskirter's Secret, later) See my discussion of this and other fantasy for science fiction fans here: http://examinedworlds.blogspot.com/20...
March 31, 2011
I love the Steerswoman books! Rowan is a steerswoman, part of a guild of travelling librarian/archivist/researchers who swear to answer any question truthfully. She meets up with a fabulous sword wielding barbarian. When they investigate the mystery of some weird jewels, wizards start trying to kill them. Except it's actually all science fiction, with computers and satellites and radioactive weapons and blacksmith's children inventing gunpowder!
The Steerswoman books are awesome for showing cultures and stories where women and men aren't weirdly essentialized in their characteristics and social roles. It's a relief.
I found the torture scene in The Steerswoman quite disturbing. The interpersonal complexities and culture clashes in The Outskirter's Secret were also upsetting. I do adore Rowan and Bel -- Rowan's analytical thinking; Bel's fierceness and epic poems.
You can really see the influence Laurie Marks and Kirstein have had on each other in the style and thinking. It's interesting to read them together or in context of the other writer's works.
Definitely a 5 star book for awesomeness and depth and beauty. I also think of it as feministsf canon -- crucial to read!
The Steerswoman books are awesome for showing cultures and stories where women and men aren't weirdly essentialized in their characteristics and social roles. It's a relief.
I found the torture scene in The Steerswoman quite disturbing. The interpersonal complexities and culture clashes in The Outskirter's Secret were also upsetting. I do adore Rowan and Bel -- Rowan's analytical thinking; Bel's fierceness and epic poems.
You can really see the influence Laurie Marks and Kirstein have had on each other in the style and thinking. It's interesting to read them together or in context of the other writer's works.
Definitely a 5 star book for awesomeness and depth and beauty. I also think of it as feministsf canon -- crucial to read!
August 7, 2011
Great novel! I love how Kirstein dresses a science fiction book into perfect fantasy clothes. It will be a great journey of discovery for me and for Rowan in the second volume, because every tiny bit of this apparently fantasy world has a science-fictional explanation. I can't wait!
July 23, 2021
This is like nothing I've ever read. It's science fiction, cloaked in fantasy, and very slowly revealed. It's a medieval setting, but women have as much power as men. The world is different from the one we know. Knowledge and logic are paramount to survival. One group hoards knowledge, another group gathers and shares knowledge. Insiders and outsiders are pitted against each other for the benefit of those who would remain in power. There's something mysterious about this world and about those who do not want anyone to have a full picture of what is really going on. There are marvelously detailed settings, creatures, characters, and some of the best poetry you could wish for, provided simply as a reflection of pure unexpected sophistication. Heritage is a sacred thing, and a very important clue to their shared identity. Magic isn't always what it seems in this curious world, and meandering toward the truth involves sacrifice, skill, intuition, teamwork, and intelligence.
This particular volume includes both book one: The Steerswoman and book two, originally titled: The Outskirter's Secret.
This particular volume includes both book one: The Steerswoman and book two, originally titled: The Outskirter's Secret.
November 26, 2011
I enjoyed this book to pieces. It is very difficult to describe. At heart the story is of one woman, interested in ferreting out information on a curiosity and it blows up into a world in danger. Sort of without the reader even being aware until you get there.
I find the concept of the steerswomen fascinating, a group of people dedicated to knowledge, gathering it and sharing it freely like human libraries wandering the earth. I did find a bit of a logical flaw in their makeup but I got over it. Usually, logical flaws are dealbreakers but that is how much I enjoyed this story.
Now this book is the omnibus edition of the first two books. There are four that I know of and at present it looks as if not only does my library not carry any of them, they aren't available digitally and to buy the new paperback at Amazon is $40! So it may be a while before I can continue the story - which is very distressing as the end of book two leaves Rowan and Bel with more knowledge than they started with and a dangerous mission to begin.
While there is action going on, fights and battles, it is essentially a quiet book. Almost a study of life book but at a very personal level that drags you in until you can't escape.
Very good reading if you can find them, but if you think you might like it, you might want to try and acquire them all first to avoid frustration.
I find the concept of the steerswomen fascinating, a group of people dedicated to knowledge, gathering it and sharing it freely like human libraries wandering the earth. I did find a bit of a logical flaw in their makeup but I got over it. Usually, logical flaws are dealbreakers but that is how much I enjoyed this story.
Now this book is the omnibus edition of the first two books. There are four that I know of and at present it looks as if not only does my library not carry any of them, they aren't available digitally and to buy the new paperback at Amazon is $40! So it may be a while before I can continue the story - which is very distressing as the end of book two leaves Rowan and Bel with more knowledge than they started with and a dangerous mission to begin.
While there is action going on, fights and battles, it is essentially a quiet book. Almost a study of life book but at a very personal level that drags you in until you can't escape.
Very good reading if you can find them, but if you think you might like it, you might want to try and acquire them all first to avoid frustration.
December 22, 2014
Bir kitabın bilimkurgu olması için ne içermesi gerekir? Todorov'un formülünü ya da başkalarını göz önüne alsanız da fantastikle, bilimkurgu arasındaki çizgide dolaşmak zordur. Hele bunun üstüne bir de güvenilmez anlatıcıyı eklediğinizde işiniz daha da zorlaşır. Güvenilmez anlatıcı bazen yalancı olduğu için, bazen de okuyucudan daha az şey bildiği için güvenilmezdir. Yalancı anlatıcıları Gene Wolfe çok iyi kullanır. Onun The Shadow of the Torturer ile başlayan serisi bilim kurgunun nasıl fantastikle karışabileceğine dair okuduğum tek beğendiğim örnekti. Şimdi BK ile Fantastik arası kitaplara Rosemary Kirstein'ın The Steerswoman serisi eklendi.
Rowan bir yolgösterici kadın (Steerswoman). Onlar gemilerde yıldızlardan yön bulanlar gibi iç topraklarda insanların yol bulmasını sağlıyorlar. Onların görevi öğrenmek ve kendilerine sorulan tüm sorulara doğru cevap vermek. Yolgöstericinin sorusuna cevap vermeyenlere ceza ise yolgöstericiler tarafından yasaklanmaları oluyor. Asla başka soruları cevaplanmıyor. Aslında onlar ayaklı kütüphane gibiler. Akademileri ve çalışmaları ile dünyayı anlamaya çalışıyorlar. Onların dünyası geç ortaçağ benzeri teknolojiye sahip. İç Topraklarda tarım ve hayvancılık ve ticaret gibi beklendik fantastik öğeli ortaçağ hayatı varken, uzaklara Dış Topraklara gittiğinizde karşınıza insanın yaşamasının zor olduğu ve orada yaşayanların garip kuralları ile karışılaşılıyor. Bu dünyada en büyük güç, Büyücüler. Onlar ejderhalara hükmediyor, fırtınaları önceden haber veriyor ve gizemli güçleri ile insanları iz bırakmadan öldürebiliyorlar. Yolgöstericiler de onların güçlerinden pek haberdar değiller. Çünkü büyücülerle yolgöstericiler arasında her an patlayabilecek bir gerginlik var. Rowan'ın bulduğu mücevherlerle işler karışıyor ve Yolgöstericiler ile Büyücüler arasında mücadele başlıyor.
İki kitabın birleşmesinen olan The Steerswoman's Road önce İç Topraklarda Rowan'ın ve bir Dış Topraklı olan Bel'in büyücülerin saldırısı altında yaşadıkları ve sonunda onlardan nasıl kurtulduklarını anlatıyor. Rowan'ın doğruyu söyleme zorunluluğu, öğrenme isteği ve yazar Kirstein'in bilimsel yöntemi fantastik dünyada kullanmasındaki başarı takdir edilmesi gerekli. Bir yerden sonra okuyucu Rowan'ın karşılaştığı Büyücülerin ve onların "büyülerinin" ne olduğunu anlıyor. Örneğin
İlk kitaptan sonundaki olaylar kahramanlarımızı ikinci kitapta düşen bir yıldızın peşinde Dış Topraklara sürüklüyor. İkinci kitapta Dıştoprakların gizemini Rowan ile beraber öğreniyor, dünyayı ve büyücüleri daha iyi tanıyoruz. Dıştoprakların canavarları ve insana her an saldıran doğası orada yaşayanları da değiştirmiştir. Rowan onları anlamaya çalışırken bizler de Kirstein'in zeki romancılığının keyfini çıkartıyoruz.
Bazı arkadaşlarım Fantastik'den nefret ediyor. On yılı aşkın süredir eline aldığı fantastikden kaçan arkadaşlarım var. İşte bu roman tam onlara ve bilim kurgu severlere göre. Türkçe'ye çevrileceğini zannetmiyorum, çünkü bizim okuyucunun fantastik sevdiğine dair bir şüphem var. Sıradan fantastik okuyucusu için keyifli olan The Steerswoman's Road, bilim kurgu da seven, bilimden keyif alan bir okuyucu için muhteşem. Bakalım seri nasıl devam edecek?
Rowan bir yolgösterici kadın (Steerswoman). Onlar gemilerde yıldızlardan yön bulanlar gibi iç topraklarda insanların yol bulmasını sağlıyorlar. Onların görevi öğrenmek ve kendilerine sorulan tüm sorulara doğru cevap vermek. Yolgöstericinin sorusuna cevap vermeyenlere ceza ise yolgöstericiler tarafından yasaklanmaları oluyor. Asla başka soruları cevaplanmıyor. Aslında onlar ayaklı kütüphane gibiler. Akademileri ve çalışmaları ile dünyayı anlamaya çalışıyorlar. Onların dünyası geç ortaçağ benzeri teknolojiye sahip. İç Topraklarda tarım ve hayvancılık ve ticaret gibi beklendik fantastik öğeli ortaçağ hayatı varken, uzaklara Dış Topraklara gittiğinizde karşınıza insanın yaşamasının zor olduğu ve orada yaşayanların garip kuralları ile karışılaşılıyor. Bu dünyada en büyük güç, Büyücüler. Onlar ejderhalara hükmediyor, fırtınaları önceden haber veriyor ve gizemli güçleri ile insanları iz bırakmadan öldürebiliyorlar. Yolgöstericiler de onların güçlerinden pek haberdar değiller. Çünkü büyücülerle yolgöstericiler arasında her an patlayabilecek bir gerginlik var. Rowan'ın bulduğu mücevherlerle işler karışıyor ve Yolgöstericiler ile Büyücüler arasında mücadele başlıyor.
İki kitabın birleşmesinen olan The Steerswoman's Road önce İç Topraklarda Rowan'ın ve bir Dış Topraklı olan Bel'in büyücülerin saldırısı altında yaşadıkları ve sonunda onlardan nasıl kurtulduklarını anlatıyor. Rowan'ın doğruyu söyleme zorunluluğu, öğrenme isteği ve yazar Kirstein'in bilimsel yöntemi fantastik dünyada kullanmasındaki başarı takdir edilmesi gerekli. Bir yerden sonra okuyucu Rowan'ın karşılaştığı Büyücülerin ve onların "büyülerinin" ne olduğunu anlıyor. Örneğin
İlk kitaptan sonundaki olaylar kahramanlarımızı ikinci kitapta düşen bir yıldızın peşinde Dış Topraklara sürüklüyor. İkinci kitapta Dıştoprakların gizemini Rowan ile beraber öğreniyor, dünyayı ve büyücüleri daha iyi tanıyoruz. Dıştoprakların canavarları ve insana her an saldıran doğası orada yaşayanları da değiştirmiştir. Rowan onları anlamaya çalışırken bizler de Kirstein'in zeki romancılığının keyfini çıkartıyoruz.
Bazı arkadaşlarım Fantastik'den nefret ediyor. On yılı aşkın süredir eline aldığı fantastikden kaçan arkadaşlarım var. İşte bu roman tam onlara ve bilim kurgu severlere göre. Türkçe'ye çevrileceğini zannetmiyorum, çünkü bizim okuyucunun fantastik sevdiğine dair bir şüphem var. Sıradan fantastik okuyucusu için keyifli olan The Steerswoman's Road, bilim kurgu da seven, bilimden keyif alan bir okuyucu için muhteşem. Bakalım seri nasıl devam edecek?
March 10, 2011
Rowan is a steerswoman – a sort of wandering philosopher/scientist/librarian whose purpose in life is to discover what she can of the world that is true and pass that knowledge on to anyone who needs/seeks it. If you ask a question of a steerswoman, she must answer. If she asks a question of you, you must answer. The flow of information must go both ways. Rowan becomes interested in a jewel – a blue stone that has unknown properties – and the wizards have set themselves up to thwart her efforts. They are a secretive group, working in opposition to the steerswomen and they hoard knowledge – seemingly of a higher technology that most people have forgotten. They control it, and to some extent they control the people in the areas where they live – enough to press them into service to fight their wars for them. Not much else is known about the wizards. Rowan’s quest leads her into the Outskirts, where the jewels were found. She makes a friend and gains a traveling companion along the way, the Outskirter, Bel. Together they learn more about the jewels and the wizards – what they really are, what they can do, and what their plans for the world are. They draw some terrifying conclusions.
I loved the idea of these itinerant librarians, out and about in the world, seeking the answers to the questions that most perplex them. This is the beginning of a great series.
I loved the idea of these itinerant librarians, out and about in the world, seeking the answers to the questions that most perplex them. This is the beginning of a great series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2021
I was so thoroughly engaged in this book, from the beginning. The characters, the world, the adventure. I love the foundations the story is built on, the whole concept of the Steerswomen, with mysteries and questions and puzzles, pulling me in more with every chapter.
I found many things unexpected, but all the more satisfying for how they turn out because of it, both large and small things. Many things also being both familiar, but so casually slightly and subtly different the world I unconsciously expect, that each little piece building the world and the events is just a joy to read.
Luckily Book Two is in this volume, which I shall be starting while I also look for the rest of this authors work, which I hear are sadly only few.
Some of my favourite bits.
I found many things unexpected, but all the more satisfying for how they turn out because of it, both large and small things. Many things also being both familiar, but so casually slightly and subtly different the world I unconsciously expect, that each little piece building the world and the events is just a joy to read.
Luckily Book Two is in this volume, which I shall be starting while I also look for the rest of this authors work, which I hear are sadly only few.
Some of my favourite bits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2021
Reread of the first, first read of the second, for the Series discussion in the SFFBC November 2021 &etc. Brilliant works; wonderful discussions in that group.
"You choose a seyoh from the mertutials. If your leader knows only how to fight people, and not how to fight the land, or hunger, or disease ...."
"Truth is the only weapon steerswomen have."
"It's the large things in life that drives us, that we measure ourselves by; but it's the small things, the daily things that--that become precious to us."
I bought this and the next two in paper because it's easier for me to read than e-books... and yet, tbh, I'm having trouble moving on. I *think* it's a case of too many books too little time, and not the books' fault, though.
"You choose a seyoh from the mertutials. If your leader knows only how to fight people, and not how to fight the land, or hunger, or disease ...."
"Truth is the only weapon steerswomen have."
"It's the large things in life that drives us, that we measure ourselves by; but it's the small things, the daily things that--that become precious to us."
I bought this and the next two in paper because it's easier for me to read than e-books... and yet, tbh, I'm having trouble moving on. I *think* it's a case of too many books too little time, and not the books' fault, though.
March 23, 2010
Okay, that was interesting!
The first book "The Steerwoman" felt like a standard fantasy, if fairly slow going. But Kirstein gives you the clues bit by bit and you the reader as well as the characters build up them up piece by piece.
The second book "The Outskirters Secret" was more interesting to me and I really liked the world buildup of the Outskirts including the flora and fauna, the tribal life and customs, and the way they all interacted. I also especially enjoyed the friendship between the two women characters. They are very different in personality and in background, and there were lots of opportunities for betrayal and distrust (and I was kind of expecting that), but they stayed supportive, trusted each other, and complemented each others skills. I liked that and find it unusual in my reading. In a quiet way these are very 'woman empowering' books--nice, strong, and intelligent characters.
The 2nd book ends on a cliff hanger so I am curious to see how the series continues.
I do want to point out that this is not the reading material for you if you are a reader who enjoys a quick read and action-packed book. These were both slow (although things do happen), reading them is about the journey rather than the goal. (Although if you blink, you can miss some pretty important clues and plot points.) So, if you're the type to find that journey frustrating, be warned. This is also an unfinished series. Four books so far and more to come supposedly. You're going to have to wait for a finale...maybe a loooong time?
I was reminded of Jaran by Kate Elliot and somewhat of Sharon Shinn 'Samaria' series.
Book 1 was a 3-star read for me, Book 2 a 4-star read. Together 3.5.
The first book "The Steerwoman" felt like a standard fantasy, if fairly slow going. But Kirstein gives you the clues bit by bit and you the reader as well as the characters build up them up piece by piece.
The second book "The Outskirters Secret" was more interesting to me and I really liked the world buildup of the Outskirts including the flora and fauna, the tribal life and customs, and the way they all interacted. I also especially enjoyed the friendship between the two women characters. They are very different in personality and in background, and there were lots of opportunities for betrayal and distrust (and I was kind of expecting that), but they stayed supportive, trusted each other, and complemented each others skills. I liked that and find it unusual in my reading. In a quiet way these are very 'woman empowering' books--nice, strong, and intelligent characters.
The 2nd book ends on a cliff hanger so I am curious to see how the series continues.
I do want to point out that this is not the reading material for you if you are a reader who enjoys a quick read and action-packed book. These were both slow (although things do happen), reading them is about the journey rather than the goal. (Although if you blink, you can miss some pretty important clues and plot points.) So, if you're the type to find that journey frustrating, be warned. This is also an unfinished series. Four books so far and more to come supposedly. You're going to have to wait for a finale...maybe a loooong time?
I was reminded of Jaran by Kate Elliot and somewhat of Sharon Shinn 'Samaria' series.
Book 1 was a 3-star read for me, Book 2 a 4-star read. Together 3.5.
February 21, 2011
This is an omnibus edition of The Steerswoman and The Outskirter's Secret, originally published in 1989 and 1992. They're books with the outward form of fantasy, and the underlying structure of science fiction.
Rowan is a steerswoman, an initiate of a privileged group of knowledge-gatherers who travel assigned routes through the world, filling in missing details and sharing their gathered knowledge with anyone who asks--provided that they also answer any questions the steerswomen have. Individuals can get themselves permanently ostracized by the steerswomen, but the only group that is collectively under their ban are the wizards, who refuse to share any of their knowledge. Early on in the first book, Rowan meets Bel, an Outskirter, a barbarian from beyond the fringes of settled human habitation. They both have reasons to travel to the Archives, the center of the steerswomen's operations, and decide to travel together.
It quickly becomes apparent that they're being hunted by wizards, and as they work together to survive, what was a purely pragmatic arrangement becomes a strong friendship. And as they learn more about what's going on, it begins to appear that wizards may also be behind the increased incidence of Outskirter attacks on settled communities, and that a wizards' conspiracy threatens everyone.
In the second book, they travel to the Outskirts together, to warn the Outskirter tribes and attempt to create an organized, cooperative response to the wizard threat.
What's apparent to the reader but not the characters is what the Guidestars are, what the wizard or wizards behind their troubles are using against them, and what the underlying problem of their world is. It's an interesting and well-realized world, with the added entertainment value of knowing, or quickly figuring out, things that the intelligent and observant characters aren't in a position to figure out.
Very enjoyable.
Rowan is a steerswoman, an initiate of a privileged group of knowledge-gatherers who travel assigned routes through the world, filling in missing details and sharing their gathered knowledge with anyone who asks--provided that they also answer any questions the steerswomen have. Individuals can get themselves permanently ostracized by the steerswomen, but the only group that is collectively under their ban are the wizards, who refuse to share any of their knowledge. Early on in the first book, Rowan meets Bel, an Outskirter, a barbarian from beyond the fringes of settled human habitation. They both have reasons to travel to the Archives, the center of the steerswomen's operations, and decide to travel together.
It quickly becomes apparent that they're being hunted by wizards, and as they work together to survive, what was a purely pragmatic arrangement becomes a strong friendship. And as they learn more about what's going on, it begins to appear that wizards may also be behind the increased incidence of Outskirter attacks on settled communities, and that a wizards' conspiracy threatens everyone.
In the second book, they travel to the Outskirts together, to warn the Outskirter tribes and attempt to create an organized, cooperative response to the wizard threat.
What's apparent to the reader but not the characters is what the Guidestars are, what the wizard or wizards behind their troubles are using against them, and what the underlying problem of their world is. It's an interesting and well-realized world, with the added entertainment value of knowing, or quickly figuring out, things that the intelligent and observant characters aren't in a position to figure out.
Very enjoyable.
July 3, 2018
The Steerswoman's Road is two books in one - The Steerswoman and The Outskirter's Secret
I first read Rosemary Kirstein's “Steerswoman” over ten years ago, re-read it a couple of times and having just re-read it again am reviewing it.
It is the first book of four published (so far). To long term fans of this series – like me – it is great news that Rosemary Kirstein is back at work on book five. On her blog it says that by September 2018 she hopes to be able to have a better idea when the publication date will be. (She has also re-released all four existing books as eBooks.)
At first sight, the Steerswoman comes over as a fantasy with magic set in a maybe seventeenth or early eighteenth century level of knowledge in a more village and town type of society rather than city level. It gradually becomes clear through the first book that it is actually a science fiction book. For the ordinary people the world is pre-major industry, but what is first seen as magic – special glowing lights for example - is revealed as technology. The workings of the technology is known only to an elite of a maybe a dozen wizards, who graciously gift the occasional crumb to towns or villages in their holdings. The reader can easily identify limited use of such things as gunpowder and electricity, but to those in the story, it is “magic”.
The wizards come in two factions, who sometimes war with each other. While they benefit their holdings with protection from dangerous beasts such as dragons, they demand a levy of food, goods, servants and in war time troops. The wars can and have laid waste to areas of countryside.
The order of Steerswomen is an interesting invention. (Incidentally, while the majority are women, there are some men in the order.) They are mathematicians, map makers, navigators, explorers and reliable news carriers. The duties are suited to the individual – whether going out on a journey to update or expand charts, or staying at home to collate and copy the log books sent back by steerswomen who are out exploring. They have an important status in society, because they are the best source of accurate, regularly updated maps and charts and also of accurate news. This is important to mariners and merchants and also to ordinary people – who want to know relatives living fifty or a hundred miles away in a town the steerswoman passed through a week back are doing well.
The steerswomen have one crucial rule – if you ask them a question, they have to give an accurate answer and in turn if they ask you a question, you have to give an accurate answer. (Though by custom and practice, personally harmful or nosy questions should be avoided.) If you fail to answer a steerswoman's question, you are put under a ban – none of your questions will be answered by any steerswoman (once news of your ban has reached them). This means you cannot gain any information about trade, your family or anything else the steerwoman knows. The wizards do not answer questions.
The book opens with the arrival of Rowan, a steerswoman. Shortly after the start of the book she meets Bel, who is a warrior from the Outskirts – a bit like the steppes. The Outskirters live a nomadic and tribal life as goatherders and warriors, sparring with neighbouring tribes and raiding the “soft” farmers.
Bel the Outskirter has an unusual belt, set with strange, smooth blue jewels. Rowan and Bel take a liking to each other and decide to travel together, while Rowan starts to investigate those jewels. This precipitates all sorts of discoveries and trouble.
All the characters are well drawn, convincing and interesting as is the world building.
I particularly like this book because of the way it handles the investigation of the jewels and the author's understanding of the scientific method. At least to me, she makes Rowan's maths and investigation both convincing and interesting - not heavy handed. I have seen a few reviews which criticise what Rowan is able to work out, saying it is too advanced for the story and the tools available. I disagree, because the Romans had a sound understanding of ballistics from their use of catapults, and Newton worked out the mathematics of gravity in the seventeenth century. So to me Rowan's deductions are entirely plausible.
In the Outskirter's Secret, Rowan and Bel travel to the Outskirts to find the source of the jewels on Bel's belt. This is my favourite book of the series as the creation of the Outskirts and the customs and people of the tribe who Rowan and Bel travel with are absolutely brilliant.
I first read Rosemary Kirstein's “Steerswoman” over ten years ago, re-read it a couple of times and having just re-read it again am reviewing it.
It is the first book of four published (so far). To long term fans of this series – like me – it is great news that Rosemary Kirstein is back at work on book five. On her blog it says that by September 2018 she hopes to be able to have a better idea when the publication date will be. (She has also re-released all four existing books as eBooks.)
At first sight, the Steerswoman comes over as a fantasy with magic set in a maybe seventeenth or early eighteenth century level of knowledge in a more village and town type of society rather than city level. It gradually becomes clear through the first book that it is actually a science fiction book. For the ordinary people the world is pre-major industry, but what is first seen as magic – special glowing lights for example - is revealed as technology. The workings of the technology is known only to an elite of a maybe a dozen wizards, who graciously gift the occasional crumb to towns or villages in their holdings. The reader can easily identify limited use of such things as gunpowder and electricity, but to those in the story, it is “magic”.
The wizards come in two factions, who sometimes war with each other. While they benefit their holdings with protection from dangerous beasts such as dragons, they demand a levy of food, goods, servants and in war time troops. The wars can and have laid waste to areas of countryside.
The order of Steerswomen is an interesting invention. (Incidentally, while the majority are women, there are some men in the order.) They are mathematicians, map makers, navigators, explorers and reliable news carriers. The duties are suited to the individual – whether going out on a journey to update or expand charts, or staying at home to collate and copy the log books sent back by steerswomen who are out exploring. They have an important status in society, because they are the best source of accurate, regularly updated maps and charts and also of accurate news. This is important to mariners and merchants and also to ordinary people – who want to know relatives living fifty or a hundred miles away in a town the steerswoman passed through a week back are doing well.
The steerswomen have one crucial rule – if you ask them a question, they have to give an accurate answer and in turn if they ask you a question, you have to give an accurate answer. (Though by custom and practice, personally harmful or nosy questions should be avoided.) If you fail to answer a steerswoman's question, you are put under a ban – none of your questions will be answered by any steerswoman (once news of your ban has reached them). This means you cannot gain any information about trade, your family or anything else the steerwoman knows. The wizards do not answer questions.
The book opens with the arrival of Rowan, a steerswoman. Shortly after the start of the book she meets Bel, who is a warrior from the Outskirts – a bit like the steppes. The Outskirters live a nomadic and tribal life as goatherders and warriors, sparring with neighbouring tribes and raiding the “soft” farmers.
Bel the Outskirter has an unusual belt, set with strange, smooth blue jewels. Rowan and Bel take a liking to each other and decide to travel together, while Rowan starts to investigate those jewels. This precipitates all sorts of discoveries and trouble.
All the characters are well drawn, convincing and interesting as is the world building.
I particularly like this book because of the way it handles the investigation of the jewels and the author's understanding of the scientific method. At least to me, she makes Rowan's maths and investigation both convincing and interesting - not heavy handed. I have seen a few reviews which criticise what Rowan is able to work out, saying it is too advanced for the story and the tools available. I disagree, because the Romans had a sound understanding of ballistics from their use of catapults, and Newton worked out the mathematics of gravity in the seventeenth century. So to me Rowan's deductions are entirely plausible.
In the Outskirter's Secret, Rowan and Bel travel to the Outskirts to find the source of the jewels on Bel's belt. This is my favourite book of the series as the creation of the Outskirts and the customs and people of the tribe who Rowan and Bel travel with are absolutely brilliant.
December 10, 2017
Those from the wealthy Inner Lands fear the warriors from the dangerous Outskirts, but Rowan and Bel buck this trend when they become allies and close friends. This volume contains two novels in the Steerswoman series: in the first, we explore the prosperous Inner Lands, encounter magic and wizards, and see Rowan and Bel for the courageous and compassionate women they are. In the second, more compelling, novel, we travel to the dangerous Outskirts, where humans eek out a living on the dangerous red-grass veldt where few humans can survive. The pacing of these books is slow, and I found them quite dense at times. While I loved the women-centric world and the descriptions of place and landscape, I got frustrated at times by how long it took for anything to happen.
My favourite trope in SFF is exploring an alien world and examining the biology of a different place. In the second novel, this happens all the time, as Rowan is exploring the world of the Outskirts and trying to figure out why it differs from her native Inner Lands. There are many discussions of unfamiliar biology and the ways to live in a hostile environment. I hugely enjoyed this aspect of the novel, and I loved how Kirstein spent time on this subject and how well-thought out it was.
The central idea of the novel --
I felt let down at times by this book, especially its plotting, but overall I found it very compelling and different, and would certainly read more by this author. I didn't realise that there were more books in this series and I'll definitely get hold of the rest of them.
My favourite trope in SFF is exploring an alien world and examining the biology of a different place. In the second novel, this happens all the time, as Rowan is exploring the world of the Outskirts and trying to figure out why it differs from her native Inner Lands. There are many discussions of unfamiliar biology and the ways to live in a hostile environment. I hugely enjoyed this aspect of the novel, and I loved how Kirstein spent time on this subject and how well-thought out it was.
The central idea of the novel --
I felt let down at times by this book, especially its plotting, but overall I found it very compelling and different, and would certainly read more by this author. I didn't realise that there were more books in this series and I'll definitely get hold of the rest of them.
June 12, 2016
Wow! I found this on a list of recommendations from Jo Walton, because Walton is currently one of my favourite authors. Clearly she can be trusted.
You get pretty far into this book before you realize it's a completely different story than you thought it was going to be. Kirstein provides subtle clues, and the pace of the reveals is perfect. Plus, this book is feminist without ever overtly talking about women's rights. It's just part of the world-building, and it's totally matter-of-fact. Also, the steerswomen are a super awesome concept. Plus, characters in this series behave with much more common sense and wisdom than in most plot-driven genre fiction.
I am on board with this series, is what I'm saying!
The one thing that could possibly be improved, in my opinion, is the style of the prose, which is pretty comparable to any other straight-ahead fantasy/sci-fi you'd read. Oh, and also, this would be better with a core lesbian relationship, but I do also appreciate that the (hetero) romance in the book is very tertiary, and that the characters' professions and personal quests are much more important.
You get pretty far into this book before you realize it's a completely different story than you thought it was going to be. Kirstein provides subtle clues, and the pace of the reveals is perfect. Plus, this book is feminist without ever overtly talking about women's rights. It's just part of the world-building, and it's totally matter-of-fact. Also, the steerswomen are a super awesome concept. Plus, characters in this series behave with much more common sense and wisdom than in most plot-driven genre fiction.
I am on board with this series, is what I'm saying!
The one thing that could possibly be improved, in my opinion, is the style of the prose, which is pretty comparable to any other straight-ahead fantasy/sci-fi you'd read. Oh, and also, this would be better with a core lesbian relationship, but I do also appreciate that the (hetero) romance in the book is very tertiary, and that the characters' professions and personal quests are much more important.
March 26, 2014
This series looks like fantasy, but behind it is real science, and the mind of a scientist: Rowan, the Steerswoman. Ask her a question, and she'll answer you, but you must answer her questions truthfully, or she (and any other Steerswoman) will never answer your questions again. Ever. (Makes you wish you were a Steerswoman yourself.)
Rowan seeks knowledge as avidly as a thirsty person seeks water in a desert. The story stays in the mind a long time, and one must pay attention to small details to understand what is going on. This book (and the ones that follow) is not for everyone. The pace is glacial, and one must think long and deeply to get full enjoyment out of it. But the rewards are great when you get to the end. You feel as if you've eaten (very slowly) a rich meal with many delicacies, and feel that you will never forget the flavors. I recommend all four, and hope that #5 comes out soon.
And the cover on this edition is gorgeous.
Rowan seeks knowledge as avidly as a thirsty person seeks water in a desert. The story stays in the mind a long time, and one must pay attention to small details to understand what is going on. This book (and the ones that follow) is not for everyone. The pace is glacial, and one must think long and deeply to get full enjoyment out of it. But the rewards are great when you get to the end. You feel as if you've eaten (very slowly) a rich meal with many delicacies, and feel that you will never forget the flavors. I recommend all four, and hope that #5 comes out soon.
And the cover on this edition is gorgeous.
December 24, 2014
There are so many words I want to use to describe how much in love I am with this book (or two books, as it were) and I can't seem to bring them together coherently. I fail as a critical reviewer.
Still, I was hoping for Bel and Rowan to get together. None of my favorite female relationships seem to end up that way. None! I just want lesbians in all my fiction. Is that so much to ask?!
Still, I was hoping for Bel and Rowan to get together. None of my favorite female relationships seem to end up that way. None! I just want lesbians in all my fiction. Is that so much to ask?!
January 8, 2013
This book gets such a high rating not for the story (which is good but not amaaazing) but the fact that there are TWO strong independent female protagonists who are NOT changed by a romantic relationship that robs them of their strong independence. Hooray!
July 14, 2013
I really enjoyed this book, and the whole series. This edition contains the first two books, there are two more published, and a fifth is in progress. There are two strong female protagonists with very different personalities that are very enjoyable. This is smart fantasy.
September 11, 2008
I really enjoy the concept of Steerswomen. It drives the book and sets up strings of events that follow logically and impeccably.
September 19, 2010
I stopped at 80 or so pages - it just wasn't holding my interest.
November 4, 2013
Not the book for me. Not being able to bring myself to care about what was going on, plus some annoying authorial tics conspired to end the book early for me.
January 3, 2024
The Steerswoman's Road is a combination of the first two books in the Steerswoman series - the first was a decent read but the second book was outstanding!
People weren't lying when they said it's a fantasy novel written like a sci-fi, though unlike many sci-fi novels the dialogue felt very natural. I really enjoyed both the idea of a skeptical protagonist in a fantasy world, and how the thought process of the steerswoman was detailed so that as a reader you figured out the little puzzles or came to conclusions at the same time she did. The little hints to the true nature of the world throughout were fun too.
The first novel was less refined but still had a lot of charm. The chapters involving Will had some repetitive descriptions. The second novel is among my favourite fantasy novels - I really enjoyed learning about Outskirter culture and the geography of the Outskirts. Great worldbuilding.
People weren't lying when they said it's a fantasy novel written like a sci-fi, though unlike many sci-fi novels the dialogue felt very natural. I really enjoyed both the idea of a skeptical protagonist in a fantasy world, and how the thought process of the steerswoman was detailed so that as a reader you figured out the little puzzles or came to conclusions at the same time she did. The little hints to the true nature of the world throughout were fun too.
The first novel was less refined but still had a lot of charm. The chapters involving Will had some repetitive descriptions. The second novel is among my favourite fantasy novels - I really enjoyed learning about Outskirter culture and the geography of the Outskirts. Great worldbuilding.
December 31, 2022
I have plenty of complaints about this book, but in spite of myself I really enjoyed it. The cultures and characters held my attention throughout. Steerswomen = very cool, and I enjoyed the complexity and nuance in the Outskirter culture. The characters themselves were consistent, varied, and decently interesting, and the plot moved forward logically (mostly).
It bothered me that Rowan made an awful lot of assumptions based on very little information. I know her thing is supposed to be analytical prowess, but it was unrealistic to me: I could think of multiple other explanations for certain events, which were never considered. The plotting was a little meandering and unsupported for my taste. But again, in spite of all this, I enjoyed the story
It bothered me that Rowan made an awful lot of assumptions based on very little information. I know her thing is supposed to be analytical prowess, but it was unrealistic to me: I could think of multiple other explanations for certain events, which were never considered. The plotting was a little meandering and unsupported for my taste. But again, in spite of all this, I enjoyed the story
January 18, 2024
The main characters are quite the unique and an interesting choice of a non-romantic pair for the genre. Two women: one a wandering sage that’s equally skilled at deciphering conundrums and dispatching foes with a sword, and the other an adventurous barbarian that loves to craft and recite long poems when she is not busy kicking ass and teaching her bestie survival skills.. Unfortunately, the main plot of them being persecuted by conniving and secretive wizards is not as exciting as it sounds, There’s some grand reveals at certain points, but it didn’t make me want to read more than the first two books.
July 19, 2019
The first two books, The Steerswoman and The Outskirter's Secret, of Rosemary Kirstein's phenomenal series.
Pros:
An intellectual love letter to the scientific method and the power of communication in a unique fantasy world.
A lovely focus on the friendship of two middle aged women.
A romance that isn't just 'you look good, let's get married'.
The prose is simple but effective. It flows well. The dialogue is also pretty good, you can tell characters apart by it.
Cons:
The series is not currently finished. There are currently 4 books available.
Pros:
An intellectual love letter to the scientific method and the power of communication in a unique fantasy world.
A lovely focus on the friendship of two middle aged women.
A romance that isn't just 'you look good, let's get married'.
The prose is simple but effective. It flows well. The dialogue is also pretty good, you can tell characters apart by it.
Cons:
The series is not currently finished. There are currently 4 books available.
December 1, 2020
Amazing fantasy world building that up ends so many eurocentric dichotomies around civil/savage cultures and landscapes. Such phenomenal protagonists that win my heart fully over. Rowan and Bel are such amazing foils, and their friendship is so brilliant and charismatic.
There is quite a bit of violence throughout the stories, often with little consequence or weight, which felt jarring to me at times. And each book ends very abruptly, which isn't too my taste. Still, 5/5 such a brilliant universe and cast.
There is quite a bit of violence throughout the stories, often with little consequence or weight, which felt jarring to me at times. And each book ends very abruptly, which isn't too my taste. Still, 5/5 such a brilliant universe and cast.
June 3, 2024
This was really enjoyable. The first book felt a little rough in places but the underlying mystery was well constructed and compelling. Rowan and Bel were interesting and likeable characters. In the second book Kirstein did a great job in imagining and portraying a strange but understandable society, and giving us further glimpses of the puzzle that is the world she created. I look forward to reading the next volume!
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May 4, 2021I can't even be coherent about this. I love Rowan, I love Bel, I love the worldbuilding, I love the slow reveal of the world itself, I love the science and the constant search for truth, I love the fierce friendships and their priority in the characters' lives .... ugh! So good. I reread this at least once a year.
April 19, 2020
Great book! Super interesting twists, believable characters. Easy to recommend, and gets even better as the plot goes along and the reader delves deeper into the wizard's sekrits.
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