Shaman’s Crossing. Robin Hobb. 2005.

Nevare Burvelle is the second son of a second son, and will follow his father - newly made a lord by King Troven of Gernia - into the cavalla; to the frontier and thence to an advantageous marriage, to carry on the Burvelle name.

Over twenty years the cavalla have pushed the frontiers of Gernia as far as the Barrier Mountains, home to the enigmatic Speck people. The Specks - a dapple-skinned, forest-dwelling folk - retain the last vestiges of magic in a world which is becoming progressive and technologised. It is said that they harbour strange diseases and worship trees. Sexual congress with them is regarded as filthy: the Speck plague which has ravaged the frontier has decimated entire regiments.

All these beliefs will touch Nevare's training at the Cavalla Academy; but his time there will not be easy.

He will experience prejudice from the old aristocracy, and will encounter injustice, discrimination and foul play in that hostile and deeply competitive environment.

In addition, his world view will be challenged by his unconventional girl-cousin Epiny; and by the bizarre dreams which visit him at night. And then, on Dark Evening, the carnival comes to Old Thares, bringing with it the first Specks Nevare has ever seen...