This is a copy paste from Jan 6th, 2024’s X Post for more convenient viewing.
Book Introduction
The book, or more accurately Audible Original, since that is the only way to consume it, is Black Crow White Snow.
My overall impression of the story is meh at best, but the narrator is superb!
What’s it About?
This is a novella that led to Michael Livingston’s Seaborn Cycle. The story is about Bela who is at the helm of the Sandcrow and in search of a legendary power, a weapon that could turn the tides of war. Her society is ruled by women and Bela treats the only man on her ship, a scholar, with dignity and respect.
As they search the frozen northern ocean, the Sandcrow is lost to the ice and the crew is ordered to search on foot despite nature’s fearsome attempts to stop them. They eventually find an ancient place in the ice, and realize that the scholarly man has the knowledge to get through it, making the remaining members question all they know.
What I Liked
The narrator and the speech patterns for the characters are great, and it really brought something to stay the course through the book. I also caught excellent word choice and some vivid descriptions. I also enjoyed the fact it is a self-containing story that is 2.5 hours long.
What I Didn’t Like
The mature content and ran with many stereotypical traits/archetypes for men but gave them all to women. It didn’t work for me, and the “women purring” thing was…interesting. But my biggest gripe I have is the lack of true main character development. I would also have liked a bit more world development as well, particularly on the magic system with weaver and dust and what the war is all about that sent them on this journey. I assume this comes in the Seaborn Cycle and maybe that’s why.
Conclusion
Just because there’s a good author with an idea, doesn’t mean it is executed well. No writer is perfect. With that said, I would recommend this for mature audiences who enjoy fantasy and want to listen to something short and different. I mean, how often do you hear about a matriarchal sea faring people that have access to magic and where women run everything?
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