Audio Book Review: Pathfinder's Way - A Novel of the Broken Lands by T.A. White

I devoured this fantasy novel full of action and intrigue.

Pathfinder's Way
A Novel of The Broken Lands
Written by T. A. White
Narrated by Christa Lewis

Broken Lands Series, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 59 mins
Release Date: January 18, 2017
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

The Trateri are about to learn a vital lesson of the Broken Lands. Deep in the remote expanse where anything can happen, it pays to be on a pathfinder's good side. Nobody ventures beyond their village. Nobody sane, that is. Monstrous creatures and deadly mysteries wait out here. Luckily for the people she serves, Shea's not exactly sane. As a pathfinder, it's her job to face what others fear and find the safest route through the wilderness. It's not an easy job, but she's the best at what she does. When the people she serves betray her into servitude to the Trateri, a barbarian horde sweeping through the Lowlands intent on conquest, Shea relies on her wits and skill to escape, disguising herself as a boy to hide from the Warlord, a man as dangerous as he is compelling. After being mistaken as a Trateri scout during her escape, Shea finds herself forced to choose between the life she led and the possibilities of a new one. Her decision might mean the difference between life and death. For danger looms on the horizon, and a partnership with the Warlord may be the only thing preventing the destruction of everything she holds dear.

Review:
Shea went through rigorous training and testing to become a Pathfinder. As such, she knows the monster creatures in the dangerous lands she explores and maps. Unfortunately, Shea has been assigned to a highland community that is led by men who disdain her guide skills and blame her for their own shortcomings. Only one or two men truly recognize and support Shea, and she is glad when they join her missions.

Shea and a handful of men are sent to rescue two young men, one the son of a village elder, who ventured off to a town in spite of warnings. During the rescue efforts they discover other men waiting to be executed. All of the men are released, and the strangers help Shea and her team escape pursuit. Shea wonders about these men especially when the apparent leader declares that she will go with him as ‘his possession’.

Shea escapes but the Trateri warlord, Fallon Hawkvale, declares that he will find her again. The Trateri, a people living in the badlands, are pushing in to conquer the lowlands. They would move into the highlands too if they could figure out how to safely get past the mists.

Shea’s village elders send her and their choice of men to negotiate trade routes with a lowland village. The negotiations are going strangely and as the team tries to leave, they discover they have been betrayed. Shea and her team are given as ‘tribute’ to appease the Trateri who conscript them into service. When Shea is recognized, she is held to be delivered to Fallon. Once again Shea is able to escape before Fallon arrives. As she tries to leave camp she is mistaken as a Trateri scout and pulled into a mission.

Shea finds herself fighting monsters alongside men who should be her enemies. Shea has to decide if she is going to make an escape to the highlands or if she is going to remain with the Trateri and maybe find a relationship with the fierce warlord.

I totally love Shea’s skills and her ability to defeat or escape from the monsters. It seems she isn’t the most patient communicator and that creates the friction that gets her into trouble. I also liked Fallon as soon as he appeared even if he is a bit of a chauvinist barbarian. He is intense and intriguing and there is more to him than initially apparent. It was good to see his character modify as a result of his respect for Shea.

I enjoyed the monsters, action and relationship issues in this well-written story. I was drawn in and wanted to keep reading. I look forward to reading more in the series. I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good fantasy and aren’t offended by a 'barbarian' hero.

Audio Notes: Christa Lewis does a very fine job with the narration. She provides clear voices and conveys the personalities of the characters. The narration enhanced my enjoyment.

Source: 12/19/20199 Chirp purchase $1.99. This qualifies for 2021TBR, 2021Audiobook and 2021Alphabet Audio goals.