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The Outskirter's Secret

(The Steerswoman #2)

Rosemary Kirstein

4.34 · Rating details · 1,577 ratings · 158 reviews

Two shining lights hung above, motionless in the night sky as the constellations slowly passed behind them. The common folk knew them well, and used them to count the hours, mark the seasons.

But when the steerswoman Rowan discovered a number of broken blue jewels of clearly magical origin, her investigations led to a startling discovery: a Guidestar had fallen.

There were m ...more

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Kindle Edition, 342 pages

Published March 24th 2014 by Rosemary Kirstein (first published October 24th 1992)

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Apr 01, 2022 Nataliya rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2022-reads

Rowan laughed. "How does a goat thank someone?"
"By not crapping on your foot."

I was not entirely won over by the first book in this series, The Steerswoman, but something about it made me want to go on even if I was a bit lukewarm about it. And then this book solidly won me over by tickling just the right spots in my brain, and it did end up going in the direction I did not anticipate as Rowan’s desire to find out more about a strange jewel that got wizards all concerned leads her to see how ...more

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Apr 28, 2022 carol. rated it really liked it

It only took me two months to finish, which probably counts as some kind of personal record for category of Book-I-Actually-Liked-Even-Though. The 'even-though' was the kicker, clearly. Kirstein writes an interesting world, and there's a lot going on both in terms of world-building and in terms of character exploration. But in terms of plot? Not so much. The writing is lovely, however, and once I started reading, I enjoyed it, until interrupted by sleep or obligation (this is not Murderbot, wher ...more

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Jan 07, 2022 Hank rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: tbr-clean-2022, owned_kindle

Lets cut to the chase and quote Allison "why not the fifth star?" There was a bit of disinterest/boredom in the middle that I can't scrub from my rating, otherwise....

Amazing second book in an amazing series. Some of the things I rather enjoy about it are the fact that the two MCs are women who are smart, capable, different and imperfect. It isn't a plot point that they are women and they don't continually talk about being women and that makes me happy. I like the traveling adventure, I like the ...more

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Apr 14, 2020 Phil rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction

The second volume in the series continues to delight. Rowan, our Steerswoman, is something like a druid-- she must answer all questions honestly to anyone, with the expectation that this will be reciprocated. Those that refuse to answer her questions become banned' and she no longer answers their queries. In the first volume, Rowan discovers that Slado, the 'king wizard' has basically put a death warrant on her due to her inquiries into strange jewels (which are something akin to solar power gen The second volume in the series continues to delight. Rowan, our Steerswoman, is something like a druid-- she must answer all questions honestly to anyone, with the expectation that this will be reciprocated. Those that refuse to answer her questions become banned' and she no longer answers their queries. In the first volume, Rowan discovers that Slado, the 'king wizard' has basically put a death warrant on her due to her inquiries into strange jewels (which are something akin to solar power generators). Here, she sets off with her outskirter friend Bel to find the site of a crashed satellite far in the outskirter region.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that wizards basically use electricity and other modern tech for their 'spells', but the population at large does not know this. The mysteries go deeper with Rowan's journey into the outskirter region after meeting with more outskirter 'tribes'. The tribes are actually quite well versed in some aspects, even though they no longer read/write. The knowledge is passed down Homer like via long poems/songs. A fun world that seems to be rapidly turning into the realm of scifi.

Via the various clues parsimoniously given out over these two volumes, we know that Rowan's world is actually a human colony 'adrift' for 1000 years or so. The planet is slowly being terraformed in a rather unique way. First, various satellites (deemed 'guidestars' by the population) use microwaves to kill the native flora/fauna. The first plant species to grow back is 'red grass' and is found in the outskirts. Outskirters are basically tribes of goat herders whose goats eat the red grass and their poo serves to kill it as well. Eventually, 'normal' flora and fauna take over the depleted red grass areas, causing the Outskirts to 'move' gradually East.

Something, however, has changed in the Outskirts. For generations, every twenty years strange weather happened in the Outskirts and induced the various tribes to gather peacefully-- a great rendezvous. We gradually learn that the strange weather is due to the guidestars nuking the edges of the Outskirts. With the falling of a guidestar, the pattern has been disrupted. In fact, the 'face' people (tribes that roam the very edges of the red grass areas) are starving as the terraforming process seems to have been halted. Why? Who is the Slado and what does he want? Kirstein teases us here will drips and drabs of the big picture as Rowan slowly unravels what is going on.

Kirstein has fewer pacing issues with this volume in the series and it seems a little more polished as well. Despite the character driven feel of the story (especially in volume one), this is really turning out to be something of a hard science fiction epic. Looking forward to moving on to the next installment!

This was a buddy read with Carol, Nataliya and Anna-- thanks!! ...more

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Jun 15, 2007 Lobeck rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: those who like logic puzzles, lifetime students at heart, observers, fantasy lovers

Shelves: scifi-fantasy, favorites, top-10

I'm not even sure where to begin expessing how amazing I find this series and this book in particular - my favorite of the series. This world has two main cultural and geographic divings. The Inner Lands folks live in the center of the know world, and the setting is somewhat standard fantasy. In the Outskirts live nomadic communities who live a simpler life in a harsher environment.

The Steerswomen (or occaisonally steersmen) are a key group in this series; a steerswoman Rowan is the main charact I'm not even sure where to begin expessing how amazing I find this series and this book in particular - my favorite of the series. This world has two main cultural and geographic divings. The Inner Lands folks live in the center of the know world, and the setting is somewhat standard fantasy. In the Outskirts live nomadic communities who live a simpler life in a harsher environment.

The Steerswomen (or occaisonally steersmen) are a key group in this series; a steerswoman Rowan is the main character. They are lifelong students who travel the world to observe and study it. If asked a question, steerswomen must tell the truth, and anyone to whom they ask a question must do the same or be put under the steerswoman ban. Under ban, no steerswoman will answer even the simplest of questions, which can be a serious consequence in a society where the steerswomen are the gatherers and spreaders of knowledge. In fact, their role in society is so highly valued that it is custom to give them food and shelter for free. I have a soft spot for Rowan because I identify with her thirst for knowledge, her analytical mind, her textbook-like manner of explanation when a question is asked, and her sometimes stilted social skills.

In this book, we travel to the Outskirts and are able to learn about the culture and ecology of these people. Any able-bodied person in a warrior, protecting the tribe from potential attack from other tibes. In injury, old age, or mental inability, outskirters become mertutials, the people who cook, herd goats, or otherwise care for the tribe. Both warriors and mertutials are equally respected. Some evenings are filled with songs, poetry, and tales from a people of surprising intellectual sophistication for having been stereotyped as barbarians. I love outskirter culture, and I particularly love Bel, main character number two, best friend to Rowan, who is both fierce warrior and singer/poet. I would love to be more like her but sadly end up more like her literal, bookish counterpart.

The best thing about this series is following Rowan's investigation. Though this is a fantasy setting, it is clear from early on that there is some very sophisticated technology on this world that the common folk are not allowed to understand. Anything high-tech is labeled as magic, a catch-all cagegory for anything whose causes are not understood. Rowan, of course, will not rest until she does understand, and it is amazing to watch her mind wrap around concepts that are commonplace to us but far beyond anything she's ever dealt with. I also enjoy learning in this book about the unique ecological systems of the outskirts, which end up being an important piece of the puzzle. I don't think you necessarily have to love fantasy to get into this series because unlike most fantasy it plays to a broader type of audience. It is these unusual qualties that make the book stand out for me and that push it into my top 10 category.

The one drawback: most charcters are straight, which would be fine if I weren't already drowning in straight fantasy and in a world with a hetereosexual and gender normal paradigm. But again, as with Flewelling's books, there is not excessive differentiation between women and men main characters, which is a redeaming quality. ...more

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Feb 07, 2021 Mareike rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Kirstein expertly continues to expand her world and hint at parts of its history. She keeps me on my toes, but at the same time she writes characters that are deeply human and cultures feel very, very real.
I can't wait to see how this story continues. ...more

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Mar 01, 2021 Ryan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: female-lead, favorites

This book, this series, will change the way you use the term 'worldbuilding'.

My thoughts about this book and the others in the series can be found here ...more

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Dec 14, 2021 Allison Hurd rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A great sequel, perhaps even stronger than the first book.

CONTENT WARNING: (view spoiler)

Things to love:

-The world. Truly amazing in its scope and detail. I love that we get to see the Outskirts in detail--from the difference in temperatures to botany to goat droppings.

-The characters. Rowan is a lot easier for me to handle in this one because she's sort of constantly on her left foot, so to speak, and ...more

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Jul 27, 2021 Jan rated it really liked it

Shelves: sci-fi, fantasy

Another entertaining adventure with Rowan and Bel. Very different from Book 1, but still highly enjoyable. Another road trip, but this one is set in a different part of Kirstein's world. The flavour is a little like they are travelling with a nomadic Mongol tribe.

I love the original and interesting ideas Kirstein has come up with. I haven't read a book with a setting and characters quite like this one. The plot moved a little slowly at times, but the characters took you with them on their journ ...more

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Dec 03, 2016 Robin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, friend-recommendation, maps-on-the-endsheets, published-1900s, speculative-fiction, 2016, strong-women, female-author

I love how Kirstein takes her time telling this story, again shrugging off any traditional expectations about how the story in book two should follow from book one. If you are a fan of continuous world building that fits in naturally with the evolution of a story and characters, this series is for you.

Because of the detailed depiction of a distinctly non-Western society -- nomadic, well-organized, proud, and tough as nails due to the challenges of their environment -- I was reminded of another b ...more

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May 21, 2018 Res rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: sff

The one where Rowan and Bel explore the Outskirts and make shocking discoveries.

Wow! I really enjoyed the first book, but this is a level up.

The Outskirters are the ones that the villagers view as barbarians, and in some ways their culture is exactly what you'd predict, while in other ways it's entirely different. I particularly loved the role played by poetry. And I liked the introduction of the Face People -- the ones that the barbarians view as barbarians -- and the reasons why they do the The one where Rowan and Bel explore the Outskirts and make shocking discoveries.

Wow! I really enjoyed the first book, but this is a level up.

The Outskirters are the ones that the villagers view as barbarians, and in some ways their culture is exactly what you'd predict, while in other ways it's entirely different. I particularly loved the role played by poetry. And I liked the introduction of the Face People -- the ones that the barbarians view as barbarians -- and the reasons why they do the things they do.

And then the pleasant slow-ish exploration of other cultures got knocked down by wave upon wave of danger, and I read the last hundred pages all in one dizzying swoop and ended up blinking and dazed.

Worldbuilding predictions: (view spoiler) I did not know when I started reading this series that it was a five-book series with four books finished. I don't usually volunteer for suffering like that.

As the publication date gets closer to the present, it gets more annoying that nobody is gay. The fact that we're not meeting dozens and dozens of pregnant women is also kind of puzzling, and if it's the result of some physical condition that reduces human fertility, I'm afraid I need some explanation for why the Outskirters and villagers haven't responded with a lot of restrictions on the behavior of women(view spoiler) ...more

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Jun 09, 2010 Althea Ann rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In this book, the story begun in "The Steerswoman" continues. The Steerswoman Rowan and her friend, the Outskirter Bel, travel to find the source of mysterious jewels. At first, this was no more than a routine inquiry, but as deception and violence follow them, they begin to suspect there's something more to discover. Is there a plot by an evil wizard to disrupt weather patterns and take over the world? Is the way of life followed by the barbarians of the Outskirts threatened? What do the Guides ...more

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May 04, 2011 Maree rated it really liked it · review of another edition

*This review contains spoilers for "The Steerswoman," the first book in this series*

The second book in the Steerswoman series picks up very quickly from where the first one leaves off. Will has gone off to become a wizard, and while I have no doubt he'll appear in later books to help foil the mysteriously evil Slado's plot, he didn't make an appearance in this book at all, which, though I have nothing against the boy, made it all the better.

We're again left with Bel and Rowan together as traveli *This review contains spoilers for "The Steerswoman," the first book in this series*

The second book in the Steerswoman series picks up very quickly from where the first one leaves off. Will has gone off to become a wizard, and while I have no doubt he'll appear in later books to help foil the mysteriously evil Slado's plot, he didn't make an appearance in this book at all, which, though I have nothing against the boy, made it all the better.

We're again left with Bel and Rowan together as traveling companions, and in my mind they make a very agreeable pair, with each covering the other's weaknesses in knowledge and figuring things out. They also compliment one another as characters, in that they have disagreements and can remain playful just the same. It's more fun when they team up against others, where we again enjoy Bel's quick wit and forward manner. This time, however, it's Rowan who is unused to the customs as they head to the Outskirts to take a look at the site where Bel's father found so many of the curious blue jewels, now believed to be part of a fallen guide star, so long ago.

For all the mostly useless walking around they did throughout the book (and it was pretty much throughout the ENTIRE book, as Outskirters tend to roam with their herd of goats) it was a captivating book. Bel and Rowan become immersed in tribal politics, which is interesting because of the different point of view the Outskirters have from the Inner Landers. Their job is to conquer the land, not live in harmony with it, and even their death ritual involves flinging body parts around to kill the land.

Again, I'm kind of at a loss to explain why I enjoyed this book so much, but I'd probably put it down to the characters -- I love how Rowan is always curious and thinking, and her discoveries don't seem put on at all when she makes them, like other books I can think of. And Bel's straightforward bluntness is continually refreshing, in addition to the tribe's.

I felt the eventual discovery of (view spoiler)

Overall, I'm amazed at how into the book I was when I consider that it didn't seem like much happened in it toward the main plot. But I'll definitely be reading the others! ...more

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Nov 30, 2021 Kevin rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction

I've read reviews of The Outskirter’s Secret, that criticize it for being too long, I didn't feel that way at all. I loved the details that we get on Bel's homeland tribes. I hated to hear that they gave up
(view spoiler) ...more

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Sep 28, 2021 Jess rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction, female-protagonist

I liked this one even better than the first. Something that occurred to me as I was reading the first one, that has only gotten more noticeable as I get to know this world, is how much these books and their heroine remind me of the Winnowing Flame trilogy (the one that starts with The Ninth Rain) by Jen Williams. These came first--the first Steerswoman book was published in '89, Ninth Rain in 2017--but I read the Williams books first. Though they're very different stories, I'm struck by some of ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Frances rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantastical, kindle, sci-fi

No joke though. I actually enjoyed this book more than the first. It follows through, treats the reader with respect, and continues to explore then world EXTREMELY thoughtfully. And “world” encompasses more than just the environment: the makeup of the protagonists continues to deepen in the most fascinating way.

I was a little concerned because the “villain” is so abstract, but the author continues to be effective. So good. I’m beginning to think on who to recommend this series to.

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Jan 24, 2020 Jessica Mae Stover rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-will-read-again, my-favorite-books, critically-rated-best-of-sff

I reviewed this series on the page for the first book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... It's my intention to convince you to read this series. It is possible to start with this book (book two), if you wish. Book two was my favorite in the series, followed by book three. I'm looking forward to forthcoming volumes! ...more

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Apr 16, 2018 Mike rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So when I picked up this series, I saw that book 4 had been published in 2004, and concluded that the series was complete (that's good!). Then I learned that was not the case, but that Del Ray had lost interest and stopped publishing them (that's bad). Then I learned that Rosemary Kirstein had re-acquired the rights, had re-released them in e-book and trade paperback, and was planning to self-publish 5 and 6 (that's good!). Then I learned the frogurt is also cursed (that's bad). Anyway, Rosemary ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 Rosie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Similar to book 1 this one slowly builds, laying on discoveries, information, characters and a richly realised and depicted life of the places and people encountered, leading to a building intensity that is gripping.

This upended my expectations of what it would actually be about in several ways and it is so much better than I imagined. I will have a hard time not jumping tight into part 3.

The ever growing and expanding mystery is as captivating as the growing world being revealed.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Sep 07, 2017 Mark rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The sequel to the superb The Steerswoman somehow manages to be at least good as the original despite the clever twist on science and fantasy no longer being a twist.

Much of the appeal for me is that the order of steerswomen this captures the joy and excitement of scientists, and scientists at their very best on a good day. They know things, but what is really important is learning, and learning requires embracing exactly those things they are ignorant of. They are impressively competent and deli ...more

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Dec 07, 2011 John rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sf-fantasy

Wow, the author created a rich society and filled it with complex characters in the opener, and here she does it again with both--sending Rowan and Bel into the Outskirts to check out the fallen Guide Star and having them fall in with several communities of Outskirters. The only quibble I can make is that, because she's such a dab hand at creating believable details (as well as the broader stuff) it seems odd that Rowan can slaughter experienced warriors in droves when she fights. Otherwise terr ...more

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Jul 21, 2016 Juushika rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-fantasy, genre-science-fiction, status-borrowed, favorite-and-formative

Rowan heads deep into the Outskirts in search of the fallen Guidestar. The series's fantasy-meets-science fiction premise doesn't grow tiresome, in large part because the major plot twist is unpredictable but logical--drawing the reader into the protagonist's limited PoV, while still allowing their wider knowledge to inform the worldbuilding. The strengths of the first book, the detailed, lived-in world and the compelling ways in which characters reason through the mysteries that surround them, ...more

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Dec 13, 2021 Jeffrey Shrader rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great! The world seemed much larger and more richly drawn this time around. The book benefitted from the scaffolding laid down in the first installment and from a narrower focus just on the outskirters.

The story made it clear that my Grossman-Stiglitz reading of the first book is not the central conceit of the story, but I knew that was just my particular flight of fancy. The unveiling of more of the true thrust of the series was highly satisfying.

It is odd that for both this and the first boo ...more

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Aug 30, 2014 Heidi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sff

This is one of those series where I finish each book in a sitting but then make myself wait between books so I'll appreciate them more. The characters are interesting, the plot is slowly showing itself, and I want to cheer on each discovery and it's interconnections. Very enjoyable read which I'm sure I'll still be slowly processing for awhile. ...more

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Jan 23, 2015 Anna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: f-sf, have-e-book

2022 I completed a reread in advance of an upcoming buddy-read with Carol.’s Chaos Oasis group, liberally highlighting and bookmarking points for discussion.
I just love these books and I was so happy to hear them mentioned by Dan Moren in a recent Incomparable podcast, and I’m delighted to have them be the focus of a buddy read here.

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Oct 19, 2010 Jenne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sf

Oh man, I love this series.

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Jun 04, 2016 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, thriftbooks

I haven't been so consumed by a book in almost a decade. This series is incredible. ...more

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Mar 14, 2022 Xan Shadowflutter rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: science-fiction, 2022_reads

The first volume was good, and this one is better. The deep dive into nomadic tribal life, customs, traditions, and daily life was fascinating. And the rest of the story is really good too. I should add that while there is action, the emphasis is on world building over action, and some may not like that. I thought it was great.

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May 04, 2017 Dearbhla rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sff, us-author, female-author

I read the first book in this series, The Steerswoman because it was recommended by Renay.

This book follows on from book one, so I would highly recommend that you read the first book first. I mean, you could pick this up and follow along with no clue as to what has gone before, but why would you do such a thing? You’d miss out on all the backstory and you wouldn’t know how Bel and Rowan came to meet. Go read The Steerswoman first, things’ll work much better that way.

Determined to learn the truth I read the first book in this series, The Steerswoman because it was recommended by Renay.

This book follows on from book one, so I would highly recommend that you read the first book first. I mean, you could pick this up and follow along with no clue as to what has gone before, but why would you do such a thing? You’d miss out on all the backstory and you wouldn’t know how Bel and Rowan came to meet. Go read The Steerswoman first, things’ll work much better that way.

Determined to learn the truth about the Guidestars–two points of light that hang motionless in the sky–Rowan sets out into the Outskirts, where barbarian tribes and the land itself could destroy her. (blurb from Goodreads)

I will admit that it took me a while to get my head into this book. It seemed like Bel and Rowan were just wandering, wandering, wandering. But that could’ve been because I was reading in 5 minute bursts, and infrequently. So it probably didn’t take up too much time in the book, but in my head it seemed to go on forever.

I didn’t mind it too much, because I like both Bel and Rowan, I like the way they approach the world. They have similarities, but in many respects they are very different. Of course they come from different backgrounds and cultures so they should be different. So while I was enjoying spending time with them I was also wondering when exactly the story was going to kick off properly.

But kick off it did, and soon enough I was totally engrossed. I didn’t even mind my insomnia on a few nights as I took the opportunity to read a few chapters while waiting for sleep. And I’ll admit, I read more than I had intended, so that’s a sign of a good book.

The main plot revolves around the quest to discover where the fallen Guidestar is, and what it is, but also to discover is it part of a wizard’s plot. And if so, why?

But in the course of that quest we get to spend a lot of time among the Outskirters, the “barbarians” of the blurb above. And they have a really interesting culture and outlook on life. They are constantly on the move, the land cannot support them if they stay in one place. And the land they travel through is actively hostile against them, plus they often come into conflict with other tribes. So they live a lot of their life under threat. A fact which makes some of their laws and practices seem a bit harsh, but they have to deal with the realities of their land.

I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend the series for anyone who enjoys science fiction/fantasy. ...more

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