Hobb, Robin

Forest Mage (The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

I don't have the words for how good this book is, but I wrote a lot of them anyway.
absolutely awful
Addictive
Ms. Hobb is always a pleaser
A worthy successor

Forest Mage (The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 2)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060757639
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

The prestigious King's Cavalla of Gernia has been ravaged by the Speck plague. The deadly disease has decimated the ranks of both cadets and instructors, and the few survivors remain weak and frail. Many have been forced to relinquish their military ambitions and will return to their families to face lives of dependency and disappointment.

As the academy infirmary empties, cadet Nevare Burvelle also prepares to journey home. But far from being a broken man, Nevare has made an astonishingly robust recovery from the Speck plague. Furthermore, while in the grip of the plague, he defeated his Speck nemesis, freeing himself, he believes, from the Speck magic that infected him. As he begins the journey to his ancestral home of Widevale, he is in high spirits, expecting a jubilant homecoming, a tender reunion with his beautiful fiancée, Carsina, and a bright future as a commissioned officer.

Yet back in the shelter of his family, Nevare finds his nights still haunted by visions of his Speck self betraying everything he holds dear in his waking life, and his days tormented by a rare side effect of the Speck plague that shames his family—and repulses Carsina. Though he expected to slip back into his family fold effortlessly, Nevare finds himself instead caught between the sensual, enchanting realm of the Specks and his own ancestry, the world he has always known.

And then the magic in Nevare's blood—magic that he thought he had destroyed—roars to life, and he realizes that his most dangerous enemy, an enemy that seeks to destroy all he loves, might dwell within him. . . .

Customer Reviews:

I don't have the words for how good this book is, but I wrote a lot of them anyway........2007-06-26

Robin Hobb, Forest Mage (Eos, 2006)

In all the pictures I've seen of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden--aka Robin Hobb--she is slender, almost elfin, with a glint in her eye and an open, welcoming smile. After reading Forest Mage, I find myself wondering if the person in those photos is, in fact, Robin Hobb. Why? Because I have a very hard time believing that anyone that thin can write a fat guy, and write him with the fabulous, if unsettling, dead-on precision with which Hobb gives us Nevare Burvelle.

Now, those of you reading this and remembering Shaman's Crossing might be wondering what on earth I'm on about. Nevare? The fighting-fit cadet kid? Is a fat guy? Surprise! When we last left Gernia, the Speck plague had finally loosed its hold on Old Thares, thanks in no small part to Nevare and his dream-battle with Tree Woman. Nevare survived, of course, as did some of his friends, but this is a Robin Hobb story. No one gets out unchanged. While most of the Speck Plague survivors are weakened and thin as rails, Nevare's recovery goes the other way--without eating, and while still doing the same amount of exercise, Nevare becomes grossly fat. (Well, not grossly fat by today's standards. When he despairs that he's developing a second chin, I actually snorted.) The Academy's doctor says it's not an unheard-of side effect, but it's a rare one. Nevare has a chance to get himself back into trim, though; he's taking a month off from the Academy to head back home to his brother's wedding. And from there, his troubles really begin...

I've covered maybe the first thirty pages of the seven hundred plus in Forest Mage, and I'll warn you: like most of Hobb's books (Fool's Fate being the sterling exception to the rule), Forest Mage gets off to a slow, slow start. It took me five times as long to get through the first fifty pages as it did to get through the last six hundred sixty-eight. That, too, is typical of Hobb; once the book sinks its claws into you, food and sleep become secondary considerations. You just have to pay a small price to get there. And in this case, "there" is definitely somewhere you want to be. I liked Shaman's Crossing, and I liked it a lot better than many of those I know who have loved Hobb's previous trilogy of trilogies, but it never got to that point where it just ran roughshod over me the way Fool's Fate or, going back a bit farther, Ship of Magic, did. Forest Mage ended up eclipsing both in my estimation, and a large part of that has to do with what I referenced in the first paragraph. I'm a fat guy. I get it. And when Hobb, who has long been an exceptional worker of characters, turns her eye to Nevare's plight, she depicts it better than any book I've read with a fat character. That includes nonfiction books on eating disorders. The details she comes up with are things that research won't tell you; you have to be there. Having to hold your breath when bending over to tie your shoe? That detail, however, small, stopped me in my tracks. Who thinks about stuff like that?

The fat guy, that's who. I think about it every morning. I have no choice in the matter.

One interesting--and probably far more relevant to the average-sized fantasy reader--side effect of Nevare suddenly becoming a fat guy is that the book enters a whole new realm of sensuality for Hobb's writing. Seriously, there are times when this book borders on food porn. If you've attended any wine-tasting classes, or watched specials about that sort of thing on TV, you'll respond when Nevare is discussing the sensation of eating bread. (Amusingly, a few minutes after I finished this, I flipped on the TV, and there was a segment on HRTV's show Inside Information about jockey Alex Solis' new vineyard. So I had a chance to double-check. It was eerie.) And this, too, is a fat-guy obsession; things do get a lot more physical. You notice things more. Maybe it's the latent sensualist in all of us coming forth, I don't know. But it's there. The ability to smell the ingredients of a stew, or to taste perfume in the air. Yeah. That's real. I could keep going, but I'll just say to trust me on this--Hobb nailed that character. I couldn't have written him better, and I AM the fat guy. (This is, of course, assuming any fiction I turned out were of a high enough quality to black Hobb's boots. I put away such childish fantasies long ago, which is the main reason I write poetry.)

Okay, fat guy aside, this book also flays open any pretense we had about the idea that Nevare and Fitz are fundamentally different characters. (For those of you just joining us, Fitz--FitzChivalry Farseer--was the hero-ish type from the Farseer and Tawny Man trilogies.) Whereas Nevare was something of a self-obsessed idiot in Shaman's Crossing, he never got anywhere near the level of self-obsessed idiocy that Fitz comes to realize he's displaying roundabout the end of the second book of the Farseer trilogy. (I'm sure any of you who read it remember exactly what I'm talking about, and its rather severe consequences.) He gets there in this book. And a hundred fifty pages from the end, I was sure I knew where Hobb was going with this, and that it was going to be a replay of the Farseer books, and that as much as I was stunned and grateful that Nevare existed, I was going to end up blasting this book for its ending. I should have known better. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if Hobb was going for that exact reaction. She's too good at setting the reader up to expect one thing, and then dropping another on him. After all, she does it to her lead characters. Every single time. When someone in a robin Hobb novel attempts a selfless act, there are always unforeseen, and sometimes vast, consequences. Do something selfish, and jeez, you're up the creek. Nevare, self-obsessed idiot that he is, and just like Fitz before him, does a wealth of things in this book, of both types. (If anything, Nevare strikes me as a touch less selfish than Fitz; that could be the differences in the early years. You see what I mean about the level of detail Hobb works with?) And, yeah, you're reading Robin Hobb. You know what's coming. Nevare, though, achieves a level of self-awareness here that Fitz never found, though one gets the idea that Hobb subscribes to the idea--in fact, one of the characters, Buel Hitch, comes within a hair of saying it--that one first actually learns something when one admits one knows nothing at all. Knowledge, in Robin Hobb's universe, is an onion that's been sitting out for a few days. Not only does getting through one layer just make you realize how much more there is to go, but man, the thing stinks.

I give out very few five-star reviews per year; I can't check any more (thanks to a hard drive crash), but I'm relatively certain the highest number of five-star book reviews I've given in a single year is four. (Again, for those who have just joined us; in a typical year, that's one to two percent of the books I read.) It wasn't that long ago that Fool's Fate got one of those five-star reviews. It's my favorite Hobb novel, and it's just about perfect in every way. Or, until about five-thirty last night, it was my favorite Hobb novel. As I said, I enjoyed Shaman's Crossing. But it did not, in any way, prepare me for the tour de force that is Forest Mage. If you gave up on this trilogy because of Shaman's Crossing, I implore you to give Forest Mage a try, because I guarantee it will restore your faith in Robin Hobb. Claws and kicks its way to the title of the best book I've read (so far) in 2007. *****

absolutely awful.......2007-06-15

This had to be one of the most relentlessly miserable and depressing books I've read in a long time. Absolutely nothing good happens to anyone and it spirals into one disaster after another with nothing to redeem it or any of the characters. I'd strongly recommend avoiding it.

Addictive.......2007-05-18

Every time I pick up a Robin Hobb book, I seem to lose days of my life. I just finished Forest Mage, and somehow read the 700+ page book in less than 3 days. Don't tell my boss.

I was very sad when I finished the Farseer, Liveship and Fool trilogies. Luckily, the Soldier's Son books have brought me right back to the vivid worlds of Hobb's imagination. (No, the Soldiers Son books are not in the SAME world as the Farseer ones were, but the world is just as imaginative).

Forest Mage, the second book in the series, follows Nevare as he travels home from the Academy to Widevale for his brother's wedding. He expects a happy reunion, in much the same way he expects a happy and promising future. Afterall, he survived the Speck plague and defeated the Tree Woman and severed her power over him.

Or so he thought.

No doubt about it, this book is tough to read, because Nevare's suffering is brutal. But you won't be able to put it down!

Ms. Hobb is always a pleaser.......2007-05-11

I see that one recent reviewer has shown some negativity toward this book, saying that Ms. Hobb must have been very depressed when she wrote it, and berating her for the extreme mental unhealthiness of how Nevarre deals with his problems. However, I interpret the story differently: as a way to throw our last socially promoted discrimination in our faces, that against fat people. Many are just as helpless to lose weight as Nevarre, and Hobb demonstrates how ruthlessly most people are willing to mock and belittle them for it. I found it to be a very revealing look at just how depressing it is to be openly disdained by the majority of society.

That being said, I highly enjoyed the book. I believe I read it this past December in lieu of studying for final exams; that was one of the easier choices between reading materials I've made in a long time. :-) This trilogy gives me the same sort of feel that I got from reading Tad Williams' MS&T series, or The Silmarillion, that there was a conception of magic going on that was just a little too alien to my way of thinking to quite conceive of properly. I love that sensation; it makes me feel as if these non-human creatures really do operate on a non-human rationality that is not quite commensurable with our own, and that's a trick that few authors pull off effectively. Kudos to Ms. Hobb.

A worthy successor.......2007-05-06

The soldier Son Trilogy is nearly as good as the Farseer/Liveship stories. The first book takes a little effort to get into, but the second one is strong from the first page. This prolific author deserves praise and attention.

Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

royal questing assassin?
On the edge of my seat
Will leave you craving for Book III
Brilliance part II
...kill to live [no spoilers]

Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)
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Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)

ASIN: 0553573411
Release Date: 1997-02-03

Book Description

Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life. With the King near death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire seaside towns. In this time of great peril, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands--and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.

Download Description

Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life.

With the King near death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire seaside towns.

In this time of great peril, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands -- and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.

Customer Reviews:

royal questing assassin?.......2007-04-13

Many, many, many things perplex me in this ever popular series. Certainly Hobb has come up with a winning combination in the character of Fitz. Fitz has the added psychological ramifications of being born illegitamate, as well as being in possession of both the "outlawed" magic (Wit) and "royalty-only" magic (Skil). Basically, Fitz fits the role of cast-off royalty: deserving a position of power, but denied it, yet always even more deserving than "legitimate" heirs since he is cast off, and not raised in a spoiled or pampered way. We have the added chance for attachement watching the cast off child being reared from an early age, and witnessing the tender moments where he comes to understand his new high-born environment, and the obstacles he encounters dealing with his heritage.

This is a perfectly legitimate basis for a hero (if not particularly original), and this is the major theme of this series, and the Tawny man series. However, the titles of the books lead you astray. Fitz is in no way an assassin. He has none of the characteristics that would be necessary for someone to be an assassin, and he never has to deal with the morally ambiguous (at best) issues of killing an innocent person who causes disruption to the government you work for.

Hobb had many interesting opportunities to make this story more interesting, but did not capitalize. Here are a few.

1. Fitz never fails at anything in THIS book, except in his efforts to have a relationship (good interest), and trying to get away with killing people in public (not a mistake made while acting as an assassin, but a mistake any trained assassin would never make).

2. Fitz never feels much alienation from any of the royals except Regal, who never once seems anything but nasty mean (why does no one else distrust him?). Only a very few people outside the royal family openly dislike him, and that is because the royal family treats him almost like one of their own.

3. There are no surprises in this book since Shrewd's life seems in jeopardy for much of the book, with only Regal (and the mean coterie) to be suspect. There are no bad guys who appear as anything but horrible and bad. And by that measure, no good guys who appear as anything buy honorable and good.

4. The existance of many unfortified and unprotected coastal tows seems a bit contrived. It makes it very unclear how the Six Duchies ever became a kingdom, when they clearly cannot defend themselves from raids, especially since they had a warring neighbor Chalced (who continuously commits raids) from whom they've defended themselves against for a long time.

5. While the forged ones are sufficiently creepy and not predictable in behavior, the threat seems vague and the result of poor defense management. Of course, it is learned later that Regal helped to conspire with nobles to lose the coast, and this is even more preposterous.

6. Fitz has none of the savoi faire, the penache, the killer-cool charisma of an assassin. When asked if killing people bothered him, James Bond said in the new movie "If it did I wouldn't be very good at my job." None of that with Fitz. He's no killer. Nothing in secret, just a standard hero with a sword or axe. Imagine an assassin who actually is better with an axe than a sword! Realistic that not everyone is good with every weapon, but a good assassin is nimble a quick with small, easily concealed weapons. Nothing like this is ever even mentioned with Fitz. This is perhaps Fitz's greatest dissappointment, that he doesn't live up to the title of assassin. Not that you are expecting a "sterotyped" assassin, but you are expecting something a lot more like an assassin than what Fitz offers. And what he offers is really pretty standard boring cast-off royal hero with little to distinguish him as anything more than this.

7. Add in Robin's copy of the "wheel of time" philosophy made popular by Robert Jordan... and you have the totally unoriginal basis of this surprisingly popular series.

Some of Fitz's behavior might be chalked up to the fact that he is the catalyst, capable of changing the course of history, but this is indeed very lame. It works to make the hero "legendary" but don't use it as a method of making a highly contrived plot work for you. If Hobb had the courage to make her character not entirely likeable, she might have succeeded in making Fitz something more than ordinary.

Still the book is worthy of 3.5 stars because of it is emminently readable with a lot going on. This is an easy to digest high fanatasy where the bad guy is easy to spot, and a story which has a lot of universal appeal, if somewhat lacking in plausibility and complexity.

On the edge of my seat.......2007-02-20

Again, as with Assassin's Apprentice, I was held fast by a story that constantly kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next. This series is just stunning in the ability to hold my attention and keep me wondering all day exactly where Robin Hobb is taking her characters. Every time I think I know, the outcome is exactly the opposite of what I had predicted. Sometimes it is difficult, even sad, to read this book because you desperately want something good, something he deserves to happen to FitzChivalry, and it almost never does. I'm very eager to begin the third installment in the series.

Will leave you craving for Book III.......2007-02-06

Middle books of trilogies are supposed to be worse than either book one or three but that is so not true for this book. Political drama, adventure and court politics twirl in the Kingdom of Six Duchies where an ailing King is watching his sons combat one another for the throne, or so it seems.
The villain in the form of Regal is simply hateful and that is exactly the image of him that Hobb wants conveyed; there are times when he is a bit scary (because the reader would be reading from the perspective of Fitz, the hero) but that horror is so human that it bites into you for you to feel. It is the ugliness of a ruthless heart that unfolds itself and creates a solid impression on the mind of the reader.
Once again, credit goes to Hobb for a) Excellent characters which leave nothing to desire, b) a page-turning storyline and c) and end that will leave you gasping for the third book. For me, these characteristics of the book put Hobb in the same category as George RR Martin.
HIGHLY recommended.

Brilliance part II.......2006-12-29

This is the second installment of the Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb. In this installment we find FitzChivalry, [...] son of an ex heir to the throne and king's assassin, growing up. He has become an accomplished young man with the burden of many responsibilities. The six duchies that are Fitz' home have been under furious and relentless attacks by the Red raider ships who wreak havoc on the coastline murdering, burning villages and "forging" others by through an unknown process turn people into uncaring savages bent on destruction and death.

King Shrewd is in ill health and King in waiting Verity goes off on a quest to find the mysterious elderlings, of which ancient bards's tells proclaim can save the realm. This leaves Fitz at Buckkeep with little between he and the spiteful and treacherous Prince Regal. FitzChivalry soon finds that he may be little more then a fly caught in an ever growing web of intrigue.

Robin Hobbs' continues this captivating tale and plundering the depths of Fitzchivalry's psyche: His thoughts, his motivations, and his emotions, as well as adding layers and texture to the world she has created. While the book will serve to draw one in deeper and deeper into fitz' story, it does have its moments where it can be a bit overly descriptive and plodding.

This book is a second entry in the farseer trilogy and it should be recognized as such. This trilogy is not really three seperate books in as much as it is one very long book, so one should not expect there to be big climax's at the end, but instead part of the tale that builds the momentum to the climax at the end.

This trilogy is excellent and this book is excellent. Don't let yourself miss out on something well worth your time and effort!

...kill to live [no spoilers].......2006-12-15

"The Farseer: Royal Assassin" continues "The Farseer Trilogy" as FitzChivalry explains his activities using his developing skills as an assassin and in both the Skill and Wit from a first person point of view. Being educated and working alongside the master assassin uncovers more insight into Chade's past.

King Shrewd entrusts political assignments similar to the stereotypical mobster, in a subtle and (resembling his namesake) shrewd fashion asking for resolutions to specific dilemmas. Assassinations can be avoided also with the proper advice or suitable scheme. In the meantime FitzChivalry struggles with his emotions towards childhood friend Molly. Chade, Burrich, and the King's Fool remain refreshing support characters in addition to the unexpected King-in-Waiting Verity. Wide ranges of female characters interact but without the braid tugging or whining found in other series. A couple exciting events at sea and a powerful scene at a funeral pyre identify the amazing talent of the author.

The creative plot becomes darker when Red-Ship Raiders and resulting Forged ones generate difficulties by becoming more aggressive during periods of internal strife. Strangely FitzChivalry does not intuitively observe his surrounding and solve problems like in the previous novel. Nevertheless, the book has an intense and unanticipated end.

The storyline for the most part presents respectable affection between individuals and animals but maintains the cunning of politics to be acceptable for young readers. The many people can be confusing with the odd names. A more detailed map of the significant terrains and comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

I highly recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre.

Thank you.

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Robin Hobb AKA Megan Lindholm
AMAZING!!!!
Good writing...weak plot * Spoliers*
Unrelentingly Depressing
Wonderful series

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)
Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)
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Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)
Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)

ASIN: 055357339X
Release Date: 1996-03-01

Book Description

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Download Description

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Customer Reviews:

Robin Hobb AKA Megan Lindholm.......2007-06-20

I'm not sure who is the really person but I do know I enjoy this writer's books emensely.
I originaly read the Liveship Traders series before this series and thought it was inventive, original and something I had not read before. This series is no different. Are there some sterotypes, yes but when creating fantasy they are fairly hard to avoid.
But what Robin is really fantastic with are her characters so much depth they have, how real even to being petulant and selfish at times. But it is truly a fasinating read.
Her books are character driven not description driven. Something I have less and less patience with these days is when writers take up pages and pages to describe a place to the smallest detail but leave their characters mostly two-demensional. Robin does not waste our time with extraneous descriptions. She gives us a vivid picture but not at the loss of her people.
I have just ordered the books from the Tawny man series and the first two from the new Soldier Son series. I cannot wait to read them!!

AMAZING!!!!.......2007-06-06

This is my favorite fantasy series, and my second favorite over all. The story is involved without being irritating and a drag. Fitz is a perfect hero. I LOVE watching him grow and make mistakes and realize his mistakes. This series has everything - plot twists, intrigue, political machinations, plots, romance, magic, dragons, sinister villans and lovable heroes. Once you begin this book, you won't stop until you have finish every book related to the Farseer world. My one recommendation is to read the Liveship trilogy last, because there are some aspects of the Liveships are revealed that would take away from the mystery of them when they come up in the other two trilogies

Good writing...weak plot * Spoliers*.......2007-04-26

3.5 stars. This book started off very good. Ms. Hobb easily draws you into Fitz's world. How can you not when the hero of the story is a thrown away bastid? But somewhere around the two-hundred page mark, you realize that the book's title is very misleading. The fact that Fritz pretty much just kills people who no longer have a soul, doesn't really lean to the assassin part. Sounds more like mercy killing. I don't understand the whole Chad and Fritz neck-breaking journey to Forge. What was the game plan? I wanted to know more about this Wit stuff. Shrewd didn't really live up to his name and really didn't understand why Chivalry had to step down for having bastid, when it seemed everone had one. Though I'm new to fantasy books, I do know that bastids are really no big deal and couldn't see why someone couldn't be come King because it. The last act with the whole Verity/ Galen angle seemed so contrived and weak that I really don't think I can express how disappointed I am about it; especially given how popular this series is. The saving grace is Ms. Hobbs writing ability. I hope the next book has a little more Hoomph! to it. Still, the book is worth a peek. Recommeded.

Unrelentingly Depressing.......2007-04-10

Book: D- Prose: C- Plot: D Characters: F Enjoyment: F+ SERIES: F!

This is so unrelentingly depressing, each plot development seemed forced, the character's behavior are completely unrealistic in most situations, oh and nothing happens, it's boring, very boring, oh did I mention depressing!

If you like depression, stories where nothing ever goes right for the main character, where there is no emotional payoff, where character suffering is the plot, then this book is for you!

IF not, try one of these instead;

George R.R. Martin's, A Song of Ice and Fire, (A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1), A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2), A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3), and A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire)).

Paul S. Kemp's, Erevis Cale trilogy,(Twilight Falling (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy), Dawn of Night (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy), and Midnight's Mask (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Book 3)) or Shadowbred (The Twilight War, Book 1) (The Twilight War, Book 1).

Richard Baker, The Last Mythal series, (Forsaken House (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal), Farthest Reach: The Last Mythal, Book II (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal), and Final Gate (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal, Book 3)).

Wonderful series .......2007-04-08

This is the first book in the Farseer Trilogy (proceeding the Tawny Man trilogy). Robin Hobb is one of the best fantasy writers out there and this is her best series so far. The characters are fun and believable and very well developed. Her world is well structured and interesting. I highly recommend this whole series.

Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

Good reading, good book but not perfect!
Dead stall...
What happened to the editor?
excellent series
Wonderful

Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)
Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)
Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1)
Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)
Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)

ASIN: 0553565699
Release Date: 1998-01-05

Book Description

From an extraordinary new voice in fantasy comes the stunning conclusion to the Farseer trilogy, as FitzChivalry confronts his destiny as the catalyst who holds the fate of the kingdom of the Six Duchies...and the world itself.

King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz--or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest--perhaps to death. Only Verity's return--or the heir his princess carries--can save the Six Duchies.

But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him--currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was....

Download Description

King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz—or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest—perhaps to death. Only Verity's return—or the heir his princess carries—can save the Six Duchies.

But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him—currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was....<hr>

"Superbly written, wholly satisfying, unforgettable: better than any fantasy trilogy in print—including mine!"
   MELANIE RAWN

"With shimmering language and the alluring garb of Faerie, Hobb concludes her Farseer trilogy with this immense coming-of-age novel."
   PUBLISHERS WEEKLY<hr>

Customer Reviews:

Good reading, good book but not perfect!.......2007-05-04

This I think was the expected ending to the series - not sure if I've just read too many fantasy novels now but I could see what was going to happen pages before it did! That's not to knock the book - it was good, and hard to put down (a sure sign of a winner) but maybe it was a bit too drawn out. There was a point at which the words seemed to be just to fill a quota rather than tell a story.

There is an especially nagging tendency for Hobb to repeat/summarise events at the start of each section of these novels using 1, 2 or even 3 paragraphs - though it is nice enough as a refresher I found it got very tedious by the second novel! Still a great trilogy and this was a good if a bit melancholy ending! 4 stars!

Dead stall..........2007-04-08

Warning spoilers...

In the worst installment of a bad series, Fitzchivalry wont die. Perhaps the most interesting plot point of this whole contrived series is wasted entirely. Fitz, who died, and rose again has his potentially interesting ordeal descrobed in perhaps the most boring way possible. I supposed his dead body was infused with both wolf personality and human for a while (I guess souls mix when they are contained in a tiny brain), and of course the seizures. Seizures trouble Fitz for a while, as long as they are convenient to the plot, and then, of course, they totally vanish. While I found it really interesting that Fitz used to be dead, and the ramifications of that, we find that there are no ramifications whatsoever, except for a brief period of eliminate-the-wolf-behavior rehab. I mean, he was reanimated after a period of time, but that's no big deal I guess.

Robin Hobb is such a good story teller, but she is horrible at plot. Except in the Liveship traders series, but she must have written that one entirely differently, because you can't tell that this is the same author. What she is good at is writing loveable characters, and slowly feeding you tidbits of knowledge about interesting things as the characters "learn" about them. In other words she can "feed the fire" of the story well to keep interest.

But that doesn't mean she does it consistently, and this book is a great example of how even Hobb can utterly fail.

Robin relys solely on you LOVING the characters (which I feel she herself does) and she allows that to distract you from reasonable pacing. This book starts out slow, then begins the ending phase of the master plot, and slowly slowly slowly panders through that and then ends in a rush. Not to mention the fact that she knows nothing about plausibility. This whole series is based on a character that is as loveable as your little brother, yet supposedly kills without compunction. You know, an assassin.

This series asks people a simple question. How would you describe an assassin? Prior to reading this series you might say ruthless, cold, cruel, at best disaffected and callous. Crafty certainly. After reading this book, you would say, kind, affectionate, and loves dogs? Add to that loyal to himself first, good natured, well liked, and an advisor to royalty? So is Robin Hobb rethinking the role of an assassin? No, you can't do that. An assassin is an assassin. You can't change that FACT. No, she's creating a hero who was trained as an assassin, but who only functions as an assassin very very very few times at all, since that is a nasty business. As kind and good natured as Fitz is, he never once questions the morality of killing someone because he was told in the weighty manner such a question deserves. He never is actually put to any test. So, Robin creates a hero, calls him an assassin, and swings the plot around to have him doing everying imaginable EXCEPT functioning as a cold-hearted killer. He's a spy, a soldier, a telepathy partner, a wolf-buddy, and for some reason everyone just thinks he ought to be the hero. When everything comes together, everyone just says Fitz, be the hero. For no good reason at all (because you have telepathy does that make you the guy to go to?). [...]
Perhaps Robin thought the weirdness of the ending scenes would add a sort of tension, and of course, they were being persued, and so I guess that added drama. But of course, the main threat, the "forged ones" were not really a threat anymore, but of course, you still have to resolve that issue, and was neatly done in the end. But I felt the whole story, the drama of the "forged ones" really wasn't so dramatic, and I just don't get what caused them to behave just like they did. On a fantasy scale, it was new, but not very interesting. Robin does much better with dragons in the Liveship traders, and these dragons are just stupid. And Verity-as-dragon is perhaps the dumbest of all. Over all a slow build up for an overall letdown.

If I began Robin Hobb with this series, I would have never read her again. I am forcing myself to finish the Tawny man series now, because I WANT to like her stuff. But I don't know if I will EVER find enough time to finish that sleeper series.

Overall, try Ship of Magic, unless you are already invested in this, and have to have closure.

What happened to the editor?.......2007-03-10

The first Farseer book impressed me with its great writing and interesting characters. The second book, though not as great, was still a solid sequel. This third Farseer book is a mess (see Kaymin's comments). The 757 page book (paperback version) should have been edited to fewer than 500 pages. A few of the ill-considered, disjointed plot lines also should have encountered the delete key.

What could not be repaired are some of the idiotic key elements such as the fact that no one remembered that the ancient race who helped the citizens of Buck were actually dragons that exist as stone statues until imbued with the memories, souls, and lives of multiple humans. What the heck? And somehow, the protagonist, FitzChivalry, continues to make the same stupid mistakes he did as a teenager and still manages to survive. Of the main characters, only his wit-bonded wolf made reliably sensible decisions.

Given the flaws described above, I am astonished by the many five star reviews of this book. I believe that fans of the first two books were overly generous to this one.

excellent series.......2007-02-08

The final book in the Farseer Trilogy provides an excellent finish to a wonderful series. The build up to a dramatic climax is true to the best fantasy traditions. Many of the unanswered questions raised in the first two books of the series are left unresolved until the conclusion of the story creating a page turning frenzy.
One criticism is the obvious lead into other series by leaving certain matters hanging. This is no real criticism, however, as it just means that I get to read more books by this excellent author.

Wonderful.......2007-02-02

This book is one of those you can't put down until you finish it. Amazingly well written and very realistic characters. This is a must read for all fantasy fans out there.

Average customer rating:

Hobb strikes back...
Brings the Farseer and Liveship trilogies together. Excellent!
The gripping nature of this tale continues
No sophmore slump here
Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 2

Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)
Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1)
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Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)
Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3)

ASIN: 0553582453
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Book Description

The acclaimed Farseer and Liveship Traders trilogies established Robin Hobb as one of the most splendidly imaginative practitioners of world-class fantasy.

Now, in Book 2 of her most stunning trilogy yet, Hobb continues the soul-shattering tale of FitzChivalry Farseer. With rich characters, breathtaking magic, and sweeping action, Golden Fool brings the reluctant adventurer further into the fray in an epic of sacrifice, salvation, and untold treachery.

Golden Fool

Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. But for FitzChivalry Farseer, a return to isolation is impossible. Though gutted by the loss of his wolf bondmate, Nighteyes, Fitz must take up residence at Buckkeep and resume his tasks as Chade’s apprentice assassin. Posing as Tom Badgerlock, bodyguard to Lord Golden, FitzChivalry becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls. And with his old mentor failing visibly, Fitz is forced to take on more burdens as he attempts to guide a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day.

The problems are legion. Prince Dutiful’s betrothal to the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands is fraught with tension, and the Narcheska herself appears to be hiding an array of secrets. Then, amid Piebald threats and the increasing persecution of the Witted, FitzChivalry must ensure that no one betrays the Prince’s secret—a secret that could topple the Farseer throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread “beast magic.”

Meanwhile, FitzChivalry must impart to the Prince his limited knowledge of the Skill: the hereditary and addictive magic of the Farseers. In the process, they discover within Buckkeep one who has a wild and powerful talent for it, and whose enmity for Fitz may have disastrous consequences for all.

Only Fitz’s enduring friendship with the Fool brings him any solace. But even that is shattered when unexpected visitors from Bingtown reveal devastating secrets from the Fool’s past. Now, bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz’s biggest challenge may be simply to survive the inescapable and violent path that fate has laid out for him.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. But for FitzChivalry Farseer, a return to isolation is impossible. Though gutted by the loss of his wolf bondmate, Nighteyes, Fitz must take up residence at Buckkeep and resume his tasks as Chade's apprentice assassin. Posing as Tom Badgerlock, bodyguard to Lord Golden, FitzChivalry becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls. And with his old mentor failing visibly, Fitz is forced to take on more burdens as he attempts to guide a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day.

The problems are legion. Prince Dutiful's betrothal to the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands is fraught with tension, and the Narcheska herself appears to be hiding an array of secrets. Then, amid Piebald threats and the increasing persecution of the Witted, FitzChivalry must ensure that no one betrays the Prince's secret -- a secret that could topple the Farseer throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread "beast magic."

Meanwhile, FitzChivalry must impart to the Prince his limited knowledge of the Skill: the hereditary and addictive magic of the Farseers. In the process, they discover within Buckkeep one who has a wild and powerful talent for it, and whose enmity for Fitz may have disastrous consequences for all.

Only Fitz's enduring friendship with the Fool brings him any solace. But even that is shattered when unexpected visitors from Bingtown reveal devastating secrets from the Fool's past. Now, bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz's biggest challenge may be simply to survive the inescapable and violent path that fate has laid out for him.

Customer Reviews:

Hobb strikes back..........2007-04-14

This book is much better than the first book in this series, as it has much more to offer in terms of plot. However, most of the substance of this book is dervied from small events, and small revelations, which fill the book up like puzzle pieces that provide little clue as to how the series will conclude. Few things happen in this book that seem to have a lot of signficance in terms of the master plot (which is incredibly vague) or taken on their own account, but they offer lots of room for speculation (which some space is devoted to Fitz's own speculation as to what is going on) and on the whole it provides a slightly different form of entertainment.

The other theme of this book (really the series) is relationships. Fitz deals with the loss of the wolf. Fitz's relationship with his estranged daughter. Fitz's relationship with the minstrel Starling. Fitz's relationship with the hedgewitch Jinna. Hap's relationships with girls and work, combined with Fitz's fatherly relationship with Hap and his associates. Fitz's relationship with the half-wit Thick. Fitz's relationship with the queen Ketricken. Fitz's relationship with Chade. Fitz's relationship with the huntress Laurel and the Old Blood, and the Piebalds. The Queen's relationship with the Witted. Prince Dutiful's relationship with the Witted and with the Narcheska. Fitz's relationship with Prince Dutiful. And, finally, Fitz's relatioship with the Fool.

If that doesn't sound confusing, you missed the point. There is a lot going on here, relationship-wise, and this, for this book IS the story. Well, if you toss in spying and speculating and the Skill then that is pretty much the story.

This series has a similar plot derivative of the first series. If you compare both series, you notice Book one, 1) Fitz develops 2) Conflict is explained; Book two 1) Conflict develops further 2) the Quest is found to fix it 3) Fitz nearly dies; Book three 1)Conflic climaxes 2)Quest develops and concludes. Now in the first series, Fitz actually does die, but he is revived so neatly, you might consider it a "near death" experience like in this series. I haven't read the third book in this series, but I pretty much expect it to be similar.

As in all my reviews, I protest Fitz ever being classified as an assassin, but the use of that title is minimized in this series, and actually, Fitz seems more brutal in this series anyway. Not necessarily assassin type, more of a thug, and capable of casual violence (in the previous series it was self-defense or defending the king)... just not steathful like an assassin. It's not that I love violence, but I like characters to be described accurately is all. Assassins should at least seem capable of despicable behavior.

My other qualm in this book particually is the magic of the Skill. I don't understand:
1) why it is common (in this book we learn that there are many weakly skilled people: does this mean many royal bastards had illegitamate children who became common folk? Remember Shrewd said that even Fitz should marry someone who was a noble?)
2) why not everyone is trained (like in the first series, and I believe it was explained that it should be limited to royalty, but in this series there are many people who have it and develop it all on their own with no training, so holding back training prevents what?)
3) why you can heal with it (isn't the Wit the one that has to do with "life-force?") What does telepathy have to do with healing?

I expect more explanation in the third book, and Hobb can be good at tying up loose ends, but overall the experience in these books pales in comparison to the live-ship traders series. I feel Fitz never developed properly as a character, despite all his hardships. There should have been more conflict in his life besides Regal's torture and his own problems dealing with his inability to marry the girl he chooses. Conflict that could have brough out some inner strength, some heroic qualities, some more solid formation of Fitz's identity. These are absent, and since Fitz takes a break from reality and postpones finding himself a purposeful life in the first half of Fool's Errand, Fitz is left with this bizarre array of relationships with no clear direction.

The parallels in this book are there. The parallels with what Fitz wants for Hap and what Fitz wants for himself. The parallels with what Fitz wants for Dutiful and what Dutiful wants for himself. Now, Fitz has a high born son and a common son, and does he want something different for both?

Clearly the ending has something to do with both the Skill and the whole Robert Jordan inspired "wheel of time" type thing with the white prophet and the catalyst. I must say, I am eager to find out how the series ends, because there are a lot of things here I am anxious to see resolved.

The rating is high because of the anticipation created rather than my actual enjoyment of the book itself. The book itself I would rate a three, but since I am overall harsh on the Farseer and Tawny Man trilogys, I will be gracious with my four star rating...

Brings the Farseer and Liveship trilogies together. Excellent!.......2007-03-13

Hobb continues to impress in this 2nd book of the Tawny Man trilogy. Intricate plot lines keep you thinking, guessing, and reading. You'll fall in love with these characters and agonize over their problems and mistakes. Robin Hobb can bring a story to life like a true master and I'd consider her to be one of the very best authors out there.

Golden Fool brings together the first two Hobb trilogies, with Bingtown traders coming to Buckkeep to petition for aid against Chalced and revealing the rebirth of true dragons to the world. Mysteries about the Farseer trilogy are further explained here, principally about the nature of the Six Duchies dragons and the Elderlings. Additionally, the nature of the Fool is further revealed, and his ties to the White Lady and opposing destinies adds to the wonder of the tale.

In this book, Fitz, Dutiful and co. are all at Buckkeep, working to prepare for the future. Court intrigue and diplomacy replace the breakneck action from the first book. Negotiations with delegations from the Out Islands, Bingtown, and the Old Blood take up the majority of the book, each adding its own element of mystery to an increasingly complex (and beautiful) plot. As Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is kept busy as Lord Golden's bodyguard as well as secretly training the prince and Thick in the Skill, while being distressed by his daughter Nettle and an even stranger voice (whom you suspect to be Tintaglia the dragon). As a part-time spy for Chade, Fitz observes a number of puzzling things, including the intricate (and painful) tattoo on the Narcheska's back. As usual, distrust runs rampant through Buckkeep, with friends keeping too many secrets from one another. The reader gets the feeling that many mysteries could be solved with a little better communication between Fitz and his comrades.

The book ends on a high note, with all of the companions safe and together and the prince about to journey to the Out Islands on what will surely be a monumental quest. Many questions and mysteries are left for the final book in the series, and I'm sure that it will be terrific.

The gripping nature of this tale continues.......2007-02-25

The second book in The Tawny Man series continues along at a speedy pace, drawing the reader further into the machinations of the Farseer court. The political intrigue involving Skill, Wit and prophesying is still a page-turner and one cannot stand to put the book down. One always wants to know what happens next. You won't be disappointed!

No sophmore slump here.......2006-09-22

In Fool's Errand we were introduced to Ms. Hobb's outstanding ability to surprise us - yet again - when we think we've heard everything there is to know about the world she's created and the characters we've come to love and enjoy. And this book is no different. We are introduced to a considerable amount of "new things", and "possible new things".

Dutiful's betrothed is the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands - the same Out Islands who peppered the Farseer trilogy with the Red Ship Raiders and created horrors from citizens in the Six Duchies that were dubbed the Forged Ones. The two kingdoms are attempting the typical "medieval truce", but when the Narcheska arrives with her retinue, it is obvious that their cultures are so considerably dissimilar that any pairing between the two seems unlikely. Not exactly Eleanor of Aquitane and Henry II.

And as always, with everything that Robin Hobbs has written, there is more here than meets the eye. Luckily, our Catalyst, Fitz, is quite adept at his role of "royal spy", and sees just enough to know something is very wrong. What he sees is fascinating.

Robin Hobb gives us just enough information to intrigue us, but not enough to give anything away. This is not a skill to be undervalued - this is one of the skills that separates good writers from great writers. I would place Ms. Hobb squarely in the latter.

Serving as almost more of a foreground than a background is the need for the prince to learn how to both Skill and use the Wit. Chade demands that Fitz be his tutor, for who else could do both, but Fitz finds himself considerably at odds with the ethics of teaching anyone to use the Skill. Chade does not share these ethical qualms (unsurprisingly), and has designs of his own with the Skill.

While the Out Islanders are at Buckkeep Castle, Bingtown traders arrive unannounced asking for help from the Six Duchies in their seemingly never ending war with the Chalced states. This upsets the Out Ilsanders, but as you get to know them you have to wonder what doesn't. The Bingtown traders bring some startling revelations about the identity of Lord Golden, and Fitz finds himself fitted with yet one more burden as a result. As if he needs more. Robin Hobb spent three books in the Farseer trilogy practically slaughtering him, and she's back at it again. She took Nighteyes from him in Fool's Errand (not a spoiler because it's on the jacket of this book), and now he juggles a relationship with Dutiful, who is his physical son, and other relations of his that come into his life unannounced and certainly unlooked for. If Fitz survives this trilogy intact, it will amaze me. Ms. Hobb has hit Fitz harder than Donaldson hit Thomas Covenant, and that's saying a lot.

But she hasn't done it gratuitously. Her treatment of Fitz, so to speak, has arisen out of his role as the Fool's Catalyst. There was/is no one else suited to bear his burdens by the nature of his existence.

Back to the story...

The Prince is a child. The Narcheska is a child. The Prince spoke out of turn, and the Narcheska believes that he slighted her. Therefore, in her youthful genius, she commands of him a ridiculous and impossible task: to bring her the head of a dragon, and not any dragon (as if there are multitudes), but her people's legendary "champion". Dutiful foolishly accepts the quest before his mother can put a stop to the nonsense, and as he has given his word, she must go along with his decision.

Now Chade has all of the ammunition he needs to demand that the Prince have a coterie, but what the Prince gets isn't quite what Chade expected. It might be, however, just what he needs.

Robin Hobb fans - enjoy this. It is a feast.

Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 2.......2006-08-02

The Tawny Man Trilogy picks up the tale of Fitz and the Fool some fifteen years after the Red Ship wars. Queen Kettricken is determined to secure her son's throne by arranging a marriage between Prince Dutiful and Elliania, the daughter of their old enemies in the Outislands. But the Six Duchies themselves are restless. The Witted are weary of persecution, and may choose to topple the throne of the Farseers by revealing that young Prince Dutiful carries an old taint in his blood. The Narcheska Elliania sets a high price on her hand: Dutiful must present her with the head of Icefyre, the legendary dragon of Aslevjal Island.

Meanwhile, to the south, The Bingtown Traders continue to wage war against the Chalcedeans, and seek to enlist the Six Duchies into the effort to obliterate Chalced. Bingtown's temperamental ally, the dragon Tintaglia, has her own motives for supporting them in this, ones that may lead not only to the restoration of the race of dragons but also to the return of Elderling magic to the Cursed Shores.

Fitz, in the person of Tom Badgerlock, will accompany the prince on his quest to secure the dragon's head. For reasons of his own, he decides that it is of the utmost importance that his old friend, The Fool, not accompany him. Chade agrees with him, and thus Fitz sets out without his companion, to face an enemy from his past and also decide what future he will claim for himself.

Average customer rating:

a wild voyage [no spoilers]
solid performance
Wonderful
Liveship Traders, Book 2
I can't wait for my copy of "Ship of Destiny" to arrive!

Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders, Book 2)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3)
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ASIN: 0553103334
Release Date: 1999-04-06

Amazon.com

Robin Hobb returns to the sea with Mad Ship, the second book in a projected trilogy set in the same world as her famed Farseer series. Many unresolved questions from Ship of Magic are answered in this tale of sea serpents and dragons; living ships made of wizardwood; the Bingtown Trader families who sail the ships; and their disfigured cousins, the Rain Wild Traders, who build them.

The Vestritt family's liveship, Vivacia, has been taken by Kennit, an ambitious pirate. Captain Haven is a prisoner; his son Wintrow, who bears the Vestritt blood, finds himself competing with Kennit for Vivacia's love as she becomes a pirate ship. Althea Vestritt, in training to become Vivacia's captain, arrives home to discover her beloved ship lost. Brashen Trell, her old friend and shipmate, proposes that they sail to Vivacia's rescue in the liveship Paragon, who has lost two previous crews and is believed mad. Malta, Althea's niece, seeks help from her suitor, the Rain Wild Trader Reyn, whose family is the Vestritt's major creditor. Meanwhile, the sea serpents who follow sailing ships struggle to remember their history and return to their place of transformation.

Each volume in this series is a major undertaking, but those who enjoy original, epic fantasy, characters who grow and change believably, and fine writing will not want to miss The Liveship Traders. --Nona Vero

Book Description

In Ship of Magic, the breathtaking first volume in her new fantasy trilogy, Robin Hobb wrote of the Liveship Traders of Bingtown. Now a new tide of glory and terror sweeps forward the story of the proud Vestrit clan, their priceless liveship Vivacia, and all who strive to possess her.

"If Patrick O'Brian were to turn to writing fantasy, he might produce something like this," raves Booklist, and truer words have never been spoken. This is a tale of the Old Traders of Bingtown and their rare magic ships--carved from sentient wizardwood that bonds them mystically with those who sail them. Theirs is an ancient tradition, but one that is slowly eroding under the harsh realities of a cold new order.

For these once proud Traders, it is a humbling lesson to learn that the foundations of their world, which had seemed immutable, are resting on shifting sands. Their corrupt ruler is deeding away their ancestral lands to upstart newcomers, and a growing traffic in human flesh is eroding the boundaries of civilized society. A plague of sea serpents and pirates off the coast is destroying the established trade routes, and ancient fortunes are dwindling. Old debts are coming due, and talk of rebellion is growing. And added to this uneasy mix, ancient powers are stirring on the banks of the mysterious Rain Wild River.

At the center of the conflict lies the Vestrit clan and their liveship Vivacia. The Vestrits long for the Vivacia to make port, certain that her arrival will restore the family fortunes. And Althea Vestrit, beautiful and dauntless, yearns more deeply than any. For she lives only to reclaim the liveship as her lost inheritance and captain her on the high seas.

But unknown to Althea, the lovely magical vessel has been seized for a slave galley and a privateer by the ruthless pirate captain Kennit, and now the Vivacia sails, her decks washed with blood, through the perilous southern passages of the Pirate Isles. Held captive onboard is Althea's nephew, Wintrow, who has made a desperate bargain: he has promised to heal Kennit of a mortal wound using arts learned in his monastic boyhood--or forfeit his life and that of his father.

Meanwhile, in Bingtown, Althea finds her onetime sea mate Brashen still struggling to redeem his wild past and out to prove himself a ship's master. Though wary of each other since their brief, ill-fated flare of passion, they now make common cause in a quest to find the Vivacia. But should they risk all they possess to rescue a liveship who may not want to be rescued? For the Vivacia is far from unhappy in her new life--and for Althea and Brashen, the method of Vivacia's liberation may prove more dangerous than leaving her in Kennit's ambitious grasp.

Mad Ship is a rich, tapestried epic of enchantment that will set your imagination ablaze, proving that Robin Hobb is a writer not only working at the top of her form, but constantly surpassing it.

Download Description

In the second breathtaking volume of Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy, a new tide of glory and terror sweeps forward the story of the Vestrit clan, their liveship Vivacia, and all who strive to possess her.

As the ancient tradition of Bingtown's Old Traders slowly erodes under the cold new order of a corrupt ruler, the Vestrits anxiously await the return of their liveship -- a rare magic ship carved from sentient wizardwood, which bonds the ships mystically with those who sail them. And Althea Vestrit waits even more avidly, living only to reclaim the ship as her lost inheritance and captain her on the high seas.

But the Vivacia has been seized by the ruthless pirate captain Kennit, who holds Althea's nephew and his father hostage. Althea and her onetime sea mate Brashen resolve to liberate the liveship -- but their plan may prove more dangerous than leaving the Vivacia in Kennit's ambitious grasp....

Customer Reviews:

a wild voyage [no spoilers].......2007-04-07

"The Liveship Traders: Mad Ship" continues "The Liveship Traders Trilogy" as Wintrow adapts to a new life aboard his ship controlled by the pirate Kennit. The author masterfully blends numerous plotlines of continuous adventure into an extraordinary middle novel tying traditional family issues and values with survival inside a changing society during a political upheaval.

In a host of characters predominately female, Kennit reigns supreme by his engaging personality and arrogant attitude even when he reveals a fair amount of his mysterious and painful past. One of the best lines is when he commands a particular person to do something, the person boldly informs Kennit he cannot make him do anything, he is not a slave, to which Kennit replies, "I can make you dead."

The abundant cast, which includes many newer individuals, is nearly overwhelming. From Amber befriending the liveship Paragon to Brashen Trell and Althea Vestrit enduring separation, the characters themselves are the strongest point in the multi-layered tale. A few people mature like the glowing Wintrow Haven, and even his conniving and deceitful sister Malta begins to show positive changes in her behavior.

The challenging life of a Rain Wild Trader on a volatile land addresses the recurring Elderkind and magic quickened inanimate objects into living creatures theme from "The Farseer Trilogy". Near the end of the story, there is enlightenment about the unusual "tangle" segment and could have a great impact on the relationship between the Rain Wilder Traders and Old Traders.

There are disturbing events similar to the prior novel, which may be questionable for young readers. A more detailed map of the significant terrains including a legend plus a comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

I highly recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre.

Thank you.

solid performance.......2007-03-04

This is Robin Hobb's best series.

Her characters, plot, and theme are all well-fleshed out.

unlike her other series, the plot line moves at an appropriate pace.

Wonderful.......2007-01-09

This is the second book of the Liveship Traders trilogy. I found I just could not put this book down I read it in record time and could not wait to start the third book. I love Robin Hobb's style of writing, I wish I had discovered her earlier. I read and enjoyed the Farseer trilogy and I look forward to reading all of her books.

Liveship Traders, Book 2.......2006-08-02

The Vestrit family verges upon bankruptcy, and the Vivacia, the Vestrit family Liveship, is long overdue to return from trading. Their vast debts to the Rain Wild Traders are owed "in blood or gold." Unbeknownst to them, the Vivacia has been captured by Kennit the pirate, along Wintrow and Kyle Haven. But the Vestrits are not the only Trader family in trouble. All the Old Traders are feeling the pinch from the Satrap of Jamaillia's increasing taxes and the New Traders slave-made fortunes. People begin to openly discuss rebellion from Jamaillia. Althea returns home expecting to take over her ship, only to find it missing in action. When her old shipmate and former lover, Brashen Trell, also returns and confirms that pirates have captured the ship, the family initiates a mission to rescue Vivacia and their family members. Young but headstrong Malta Vestrit fears the possibility that she may be forced to marry a Rain Wilder to pay the family debt, while also secretly yearns for the adventure and the mystery of the Rain Wilds.

Kennit works his charms on Vivacia, attempting to win her over to the freedom and excitement of the pirate life.

The sea serpents gather and find a new way to restore their lost memories - namely eating Liveships. However, these memories are insufficient to allow them to complete their transformation alone. Even as they despair, She Who Remembers, freed by Wintrow at the cost of his life, is seeking them.

The Liveship Trader's Trilogy takes place in Jamaillia, Bingtown and the Pirate Isles, on the coast far to the south of the Six Duchies. The war in the north has interrupted the trade that is the lifeblood of Bingtown, and the Liveship Traders have fallen on hard times despite their magic sentient ships. At one time, possession of a Liveship, constructed of magical wizard wood, guaranteed a Trader's family prosperity. Only a Liveship can brave the dangers of the Rain Wild River and trade with the legendary Rain Wild Traders and their mysterious magical goods, plundered from the enigmatic Elderling ruins. Althea Vestrit expects her families to adhere to tradition, and pass the family Liveship on to her when it quickens at the death of her father. Instead, the Vivacia goes to her sister Keffria and her scheming Chalcedan husband Kyle. The proud Liveship becomes a transport vessel for the despised but highly profitable slave trade.

Althea, cast out on her own, resolves to make her own way in the world and somehow regain control of her family's living ship. Her old shipmate Brashen Trell, the enigmatic woodcarver Amber and the Paragon, the notorious mad Liveship are the only allies she can rally to her cause. Pirates, a slave rebellion, migrating sea serpents and a newly hatched dragon are but a few of the obstacles she must face on her way to discovering that Liveships are not, perhaps, what they seem to be, and may have dreams of their own to follow.

I can't wait for my copy of "Ship of Destiny" to arrive!.......2006-02-18

In "Mad Ship", Hobb accelerates the pace of her epic saga of the Liveship Traders and significantly expands the breadth and scope of the canvas on which she dramatically paints the lives of her colourful characters.

The ancient traditions of Bingtown's old traders are under siege and a tariff revolt pushes Bingtown close to war with the Jamaillian government and their Chalcedean mercenaries. Internal strife and bickering between the Rain Wild families and the old and new traders make reaching a common, united front in the dispute near impossible. Satrap Cosgo, the self-indulgent and immature leader of Jamaillia is being held hostage up the Rain Wild River for his own protection and for use in negotiating a settlement to the escalating battle. At the same time, with the capture of the liveship Vivacia, Captain Kennitt establishes a growing reputation as the scourge of the ocean trade routes, a freedom fighter against the evils of slavery and Jamaillia's Public Enemy #1.

It is worth re-iterating the opinion that I expressed in my review of "Ship of Magic". Hobb's mastery of multiple plot lines that weave in and out of one another with exactly the right pacing is to die for. Her characters become so real that I swear I can hear them breathing as I turn the pages as quickly as I can manage. They mature, they change, they develop, they move, they live, love and die, they struggle, they whine, they moan, they celebrate, they laugh and cry, they succeed and fail - every aspect of their lives is astonishingly realistic. Just as it would be in the real world, it is difficult to determine whether events are driving their reactions or whether their actions are causing events to evolve. Of course, we know it is both!

Even as she becomes a more skilled sailor with every passing day, Althea develops the wisdom to acknowledge her one-time lover, Brashen Trell, to be a superior leader of men and grudgingly accepts his position as the Captain of the re-fitted liveship Paragon. Malta, the immature, self-centered and materialistic brat child of the Haven family, grows into an exciting, mature strong-willed woman who cares deeply for her family and struggles with her passion for Reyn, the scion of the wealthy Rain Wilds Khuprus family. She shares his dream of releasing "She Who Remembers", the only surviving dragon from her eternal prison inside the last remaining piece of wizardwood hidden in the old Rain Wilds city. Her missing father, Kyle Haven, now languishing in a prison of Kennitt's making, seems to have descended into the depths of a drooling madness as his hatred for Wintrow knows no limits! Even as they continue to hold Captain Kennitt on a hero's pedestal, Wintrow and Etta grow in strength and wisdom and display some stumbling confusion about their developing feelings for one another. Whether Kennitt's position of esteem will hold up through the third part of the trilogy remains unresolved and, indeed, it is clear that for now he treads an exceedingly narrow path between saint and egotistical psychopath! At the end of the story, it has become obvious that there is a deep and abiding relationship between Amber, the serpents, the dragon and the liveships, but its nature has become even more elusive and mysterious!

A phenomenal five star continuation of the epic tale which began in "Ship of Magic"! Hold onto your hats - "Ship of Destiny", here I come!

Paul Weiss

Average customer rating:

Awesome Series
Very slow...
A patient debut for chapter II
Gripping from beginning to end
liked it

Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)
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Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)
Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)
Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3)

ASIN: 0553582445
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Amazon.com

This first volume of a new trilogy from one of fantasy's most popular and skilled authors will delight longtime Hobb fans as well as first-time readers of her work.

FitzChivalry, the hero of The Farseer trilogy, now lives an isolated and quiet life with his foster son Hap and his Wit partner wolf, Nighteyes, until he is sought out by his old mentor Chade and the enigmatic, charming Fool. Once again, duty calls: Fitz must find a missing prince and prevent political chaos in the Six Duchies. The mission will test his conflicting loyalty to country and family, his uneasy compromise with his own magic, and all the relationships he values most.

If you're a fantasy fan who hasn't yet explored the Farseer world, this is a fine place to start: Hobb deftly provides new readers with all the needed information. The finely detailed world building and intensive character development rarely slow down the action of the story. Fool's Errand is a complex, beautifully written and sometimes heart-rending examination of the consequences of duty and love. --Roz Genessee

Book Description

Robin Hobb has emerged as one of today’s foremost fantasy authors. Now she continues the adventures of one of her most popular heroes in the first book of what promises to be her most spectacular trilogy yet.

Fool’s Errand

For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But that is about to change when destiny seeks him once again. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished and FitzChivalry, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony--thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment...or worse. But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him or how his loyalties to his Queen, his partner, and those who share his magic will be tested to the breaking point.

Download Description

Robin Hobb has emerged as one of today's foremost fantasy authors. Now she continues the adventures of one of her most popular heroes in the first book of what promises to be her most spectacular trilogy yet.

For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But that is about to change when destiny seeks him once again. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished and FitzChivalry, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony -- thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment...or worse.

But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him or how his loyalties to his Queen, his partner, and those who share his magic will be tested to the breaking point.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome Series.......2007-06-08

I loved every book in this series and the trilogy before it. Robin Hobb is a great story teller and I'm never disappointed when I pick up one of her books.

Very slow..........2007-04-04

This book disappoints. I mean really, really disappoints. NOTHING happens for half the book, and then, she slips in a little bit of plot and a neat conclusion. Really, why read a whole book for a half-books worth of story?

This book has two acts. Act I: What Fitz does when he isn't doing anything interesting. Act II: A short plot, which is extended to fill half the book. Basically, if you LOVE Fitz, you will LOVE the book. Of course, I don't LOVE Fitz or even the Fool (since his personality and demeanor change all the time).

While Robin can come up with interesting magical details about the worlds she writes about, her characters are unrealistic. They behave like real people, but they don't behave like "assassins" or "royalty" should. They behave like regular people. Surely, assassins would not share a similar mindset to say, your little brother. But yet, in Robin Hobb's world, her characters are designed to create that empathetic response in their behavior, and her plots spin and twist to avoid their character having to do something that most people would hate to do, say like kill some innocent guy in his sleep like an assassin would. In her world, royalty has no advisors, and no other assassins. And they take advice from assassins, and chum around with assassins, finding them nice people. Because, they are nice guys!

Her books are popular, because she creates likeable characters and put them into interesting situations that people can relate to. And then she adds a few fantasy elements, and kabam! You got a story. Not a really coherent plausible story, but people stop paying attention to the details because they LOVE the characters!

That is the ONLY way she could have gotten away with a book that talks about a lonely guy and his dog (sorry wolf) raising chickens in the middle of nowhere for hundreds of pages! Oh, and it is TOTALLY logical to adopt a son? A single parent with no job adopting a son? Try something else, please!

A patient debut for chapter II.......2007-02-20

Fool's Errand is the first book of the Tawny Man Trilogy. This is the second series that focuses on Fitzchivalry Farseer, the royal bastard and the world of the Six Duchies. The first series was called the Farseer trilogy. It is recommended that one reads the Farseer trilogy before starting this book and series. However, It is not necessary as Hobb takes care to fill the reader in on the backstory as the book progresses.

As reviewers have noted, the story begins with Fitzchivalry and his wolf companion, Nighteyes fifteen years removed from saving the Six Duchies from the terrors of the outislands Red Ship raiders and the cruel regime of King Regal. Fitz is living the quiet life with his adopted son Hap, and Nighteyes in a remote cabin. Fitz has severed most of his ties with those from his past and removed himself from the intrigue and politics of the royal court. This quiet life is interupted when he gets a visit from his old friend the Fool, who not only looks completely different from his days as a King's fool, but who has assumed the guise of a motley Jamaillian noble known as Lord Golden. The sole heir to the six duchies throne, Prince Dutiful, is in trouble and the Six Duchies needs his help.

This book centers on the hostile environment that has been created towards the Wit, a magic known by some as "beast magic", in the wake of King Regal's reign. Fitz and Dutiful both possess the Wit, as well as "the Skill" and there are those who would exploit that knowledge. Fitz must take on a new guise himself in his quest along with Lord Golden.

As one who loved the Farseer trilogy, I was not disappointed in this novel. Coming back to Fitz and the six duchies was like coming back to an old friend. Hobb displays her keen insight into humanity and knack for flowing and attentive detail. This book is a must for any fan of the first trilogy and any fantasy fan, however as I have stated before that although this is an adventure novel, it has a measured pace and spends more time on character development and intrigue. This book does stand alone, and does not leave one feeling as though there is no ending as the first book of the first series does, however it most definitely sets the stage for the second book. I can tell you that after this book it gets even better.

Gripping from beginning to end.......2007-02-19

I read the Assassin series many years ago and was afraid that I would be unable to pick up where it left off, while reading Fool's Errand. I was mistaken. Hobb takes a significant amount of time to bring the reader back to how Fitzchivalry came to be and how he has fared 15 years later. She does it in a way that captivates the reader, without being tedious or repetitive. Yes, it was a little slow in the beginning but the pace quickens and the reader is swept away into the Farseer saga once again. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

liked it.......2007-01-05

I really was happy to find these books by Robin Hobb I have really enjoyed all 9 books.

Ship of Magic (The Liveship Traders, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Very good ... stands on its own.
A beginning of a great trilogy
Great high seas adventure
sailing into the imagination [no spoilers]
Flowery prose in a dull, pointless, illogical story.

Ship of Magic (The Liveship Traders, Book 1)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders, Book 2)
Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3)
Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)
Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)
Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1)

ASIN: 0553575635
Release Date: 1999-02-02

Amazon.com

Robin Hobb, author of the Farseer trilogy, has returned to that world for a new series. Ship of Magic is a sea tale, reminiscent of Moby Dick and Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series in its details of shipboard life. It is also a fantasy adventure with sea serpents, pirates, and all sorts of magic. The liveships have distinct personalities and partner with specific people, somewhat like Anne McCaffrey's Brain ships and their Brawns, though these are trading ships and have full crews.

Hobb has peopled the book with many wonderfully developed characters. Most of the primary ones are members of the Vestritts, an Old Trader family which owns the liveship Vivacia. Their stories are intercut with those of Kennit, the ambitious pirate Brashen, the disinherited scion of another family who served on the Vestritt's ship, and Paragon, an old liveship abandoned and believed mad. The sentient sea serpents have their own story hinted at, as well.

Though Ship of Magic is full of action, none of the plotlines get resolved in this book. Readers who resent being left with many questions and few answers after almost 700 pages should think twice before starting, or wait until the rest of the series is out so that their suspense won't be too prolonged. But Hobb's writing draws you in and makes you care desperately about what will happen next, the mark of a terrific storyteller. --Nona Vero

Book Description

Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships--rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. The fortunes of one of Bingtown's oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia.

For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy unjustly denied her--a legacy she will risk anything to reclaim. For Althea's young nephew Wintrow, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard ship, Vivacia is a life sentence.

But the fate of the Vestrit family--and the ship--may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider. The ruthless pirate Kennit seeks a way to seize power over all the denizens of the Pirate Isles...and the first step of his plan requires him to capture his own liveship and bend it to his will....

Download Description

For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy unjustly denied her -- a legacy she will risk anything to reclaim. For Althea's young nephew Wintrow, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard ship, Vivacia is a life sentence.

But the fate of the Vestrit family -- and the ship -- may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider. The ruthless pirate Kennit seeks a way to seize power over all the denizens of the Pirate Isles... and the first step of his plan requires him to capture his own liveship and bend it to his will.

Customer Reviews:

Very good ... stands on its own........2007-06-05

'The Liveship Traders' trilogy fits in between the 'Farseer' tilogy and the 'Tawnyman' trilogy. If you have not read any of them, I highly recommend them all. This paricular trilogy may fall between the other two, but if you dont have time to read all 9 books, dont hesitate to pick this one up anyways, it stands on its own.

The story revolves around Althea Vestritt, a woman who most think should be at home raising children, but wants to follow her fathers path as a liveship captain. She needs to defy tradition and take what is hers by rights. She will be thwarted by pirates, politics and her own family.

Im a man, and sometimes have trouble getting into female characters, but not so with this one. Robin Hobb created a wonderful cast of characters with diverse and complicated personalities. Athea is beautiful but tough as nails, and I had no trouble getting into her storyline. There are alot of other characters you follow through out the series as well. All equally as complex. As with all good stories, sometimes you hate the good guys, love the bad guys, and sometimes cant tell wich is wich. There is plenty of action, love, and intrigue in this series to make it a must read series.

If you have read any of Hobbs writing, you know the quality of her work and will not be dissapointed.

A beginning of a great trilogy.......2007-05-31

is what this book is. It is mostly the character and setting development of what will come. The story gets set up but doesn't even really become a full story until the second book of this - the 3rd story - in this world. Still, I enjoyed this book immensely. I especially liked the link up with the second trilogy set in this world although familiarity with that trilogy isn't necessary to enjoying this one. Small links are made. I just like to have some clues as to what happened to someone or something mentioned in the preceding story but wasn't fully explored or explained. There are several instances of this...sort of "Easter Eggs" of the series - little extra bonuses for dedicated readers. In fact after this trilogy, the author has left room for more stories to come. They aren't necessary, but there's room and clues to follow just in case.
I think there is room for more in this world without it becoming overdone since new protagonists and new areas of the world are covered. The biggest mystery with this trilogy is "What are Liveships?". You may think that is explained...but it isn't until much later. Enjoy this if you like very full worlds. I did. The other big question is "Who are these "tawny people"? This is a big question because they (3) appear in the 3 trilogies about this R. Hobb world. So far I don't know...but they are remarkable. And thanks for the map...it helps!

Great high seas adventure .......2007-04-08

Robin Hobb is a master story crafter. Set in the same world, although different location, as her Farseer and Tawny Man series. This is a great sea faring adventure that is so authentic you will feel like you are on a midlevel ship sailing through sea monster infested waters right with the crew. Her imagery is so original and her world very thorough and well constructed. I didn't think this series was quite as good as her Farseer trilogy, but still very good. Highly recommended.

sailing into the imagination [no spoilers].......2007-04-06

"The Liveship Traders: Ship of Magic" begins "The Liveship Traders Trilogy" history within the realm of "The Farseer" saga (chronologically published after "The Farseer" and before "The Tawny Man") yet centers on a seafaring life as opposed to any connection with FitzChivalry. Although I was apprehensive to start a series with an entirely new cast of individuals on a different continent in a familiar world, I am extremely pleased with the experience entailing action, adventure, and romance.

Whereas "The Farseer" narrates from a first person point of view, "The Liveship Traders" skillfully relates numerous tales bouncing between assorted individuals through a vast range of experiences. Wintrow Haven battles between his faith and his fate. Althea Vestrit strives against all odds to improve her life and obtain what is destined to be hers as Brashen Trell simply struggles to survive. Kennit the pirate is rather selfish but quite lucky in his decisions and cunning to behold.

Similar to the earlier unusual theme, magic quickens inanimate objects into living creatures. The brief "tangle" segments involving the ocean serpents are very confusing and lead almost nowhere in the storyline. The nerve-wracking politics of the Vestrit women may be occasionally maddening.

The storyline for the most part presents respectable affection between individuals but contains some disturbing moments, which may be questionable for young readers. The many people can be confusing with the odd names. A more detailed map of the significant terrains including a legend plus a comprehensive appendix would have been useful.

I highly recommend this series to any fan of the fantasy genre.

Thank you.

Flowery prose in a dull, pointless, illogical story........2007-03-11

Robin Hobb knows how to write well and proved it with Assassin's Apprentice. Unfortunately, she seems to be in love with her descriptive prose and forgets mundane items such as plot, action, and likable (or at least interesting) characters. Ship of Magic suffers from an excess of flowery prose adorning a dull, meandering story containing uninteresting and mostly unlikable characters. I read a quarter of the book and stopped. Some of the (mostly glowing) reviews claim that the book gets better, but my patience dwindled to naught.

Specific things I disliked:

1. Another Hobb book in which magic but inanimate objects (the wood of the liveship) come to life only after multiple people (three generations of ship owners, in this book) die while touching the object. Can't her magic creatures have lives and personalities of their own?

2. Teens and young adults rarely learn from mistakes and repeatedly act stupid. (Maybe they are all budding politicians.)

3. The interwoven story of sea serpents from some other plane of existence is distracting because of lack of context. It probably will make sense later, but it adds nothing but confusion in the early chapters. Hobb should have started the book at the middle or near-end of the story (so we would know the importance of the serpents and the liveships) and then gone back in time.

4. The members of the main family are mostly unlikable. The only likable one has unrealistic lines: the 13-year-old acolyte talks like a 50-year-old philosopher.

Average customer rating:

Hobb wraps up a wonderful gift...
The fantastic conclusion to the Farseer-Liveship-Tawny Man series.
Great Ending to a Great Series
Triumphant finale?
Grey Haven Strikes Again

Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3)
Robin Hobb
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2)
Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1)
Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3)
Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3)
Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders, Book 2)

ASIN: 0553582461
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Amazon.com

Fool's Fate is the third book of Robin Hobb's Tawny Man trilogy, and the ninth and concluding volume of the Fitzchivalry Farseer saga, one of the best high-fantasy series of the turn of the millennium. Fitz is the bastard son of the royal family of the Six Duchies, which he serves as assassin, guardsman, and Skill-magician. Fitz also serves the White Prophet as "Catalyst," the unique person who may enable the White Prophet to change human destiny for the better. In Fool's Fate, Fitz must accompany his kinsman, Prince Dutiful Farseer, to a distant northern island, where the prince must slay the world's last male dragon to win the hand of the Out Islands princess Elliania, the woman he loves. However, not even Elliania wants the dragon dead; why, then, does she require Dutiful to kill Icefyre? Are darker forces manipulating Elliania? Even worse, if Icefyre dies, the White Prophet foresees not only his own death, but a grim future for humankind. The prophet's only hope of changing the future is his Catalyst. --Cynthia Ward

Book Description

A heralded writer of epic fantasy, Robin Hobb has given readers worlds within worlds in her heroic Farseer and Liveship Traders trilogies. Now she takes the final step in the breathtaking trilogy of the Tawny Man, as the tale of FitzChivalry Farseer comes to an epic end. Rife with boundless adventure and unforgettable characters, Fool’s Fate is destined to become a classic of the genre.

Assassin, spy, and Skillmaster, FitzChivalry Farseer, now known only as man-at-arms Tom Badgerlock, has become firmly ensconced in the queen’s court at Buckkeep. Only a few are aware of his fabled, tangled past—and the sacrifices he made to survive it. And fewer know of his possession of the Skill magic. With Prince
Dutiful, his assassin-mentor Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, FitzChivalry strives to aid the prince on a quest that could ultimately secure peace between the Six Duchies and the Outislands—and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

For the Narcheska has set the prince on an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice—the legendary Icefyre, on the island of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support the prince’s effort to behead their
legendary defender. Are there darker forces at work behind the Narcheska’s imperious demand? As the prince and his coterie set sail, FitzChivalry works behind the scenes, playing nursemaid to the ailing Thick, while striving to strengthen their Skill—ultimately bringing his unacknowledged daughter into the web of the Skill magic, where the truth must finally unfold.

The quest emerges amid riddles that must be unraveled, a clash of cultures, and the ultimate betrayal. For knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, FitzChivalry has plotted with Chade to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.

From the Hardcover edition.

Download Description

Assassin, spy, and Skillmaster, FitzChivalry Farseer, now known only as man-at-arms Tom Badgerlock, has become firmly ensconced in the queen's court at Buckkeep. Only a few are aware of his fabled, tangled past -- and the sacrifices he made to survive it. And fewer know of his possession of the Skill magic. With Prince Dutiful, his assassin-mentor Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, FitzChivalry strives to aid the prince on a quest that could ultimately secure peace between the Six Duchies and the Outislands -- and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

For the Narcheska has set the prince on an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice -- the legendary Icefyre, on the island of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support the prince's effort to behead their legendary defender. Are there darker forces at work behind the Narcheska's imperious demand? As the prince and his coterie set sail, FitzChivalry works behind the scenes, playing nursemaid to the ailing Thick, while striving to strengthen their Skill -- ultimately bringing his unacknowledged daughter into the web of the Skill magic, where the truth must finally unfold.

The quest emerges amid riddles that must be unraveled, a clash of cultures, and the ultimate betrayal. For knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, FitzChivalry has plotted with Chade to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.