therunningbookworm's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
prairieraven's review
adventurous
inspiring
relaxing
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lkmreads's review
4.0
While the story was interesting, I felt the book suffered from a slow start and an abrupt ending. In fact the ending felt so abrupt for a moment I thought I was actually missing some pages. It does make you want to read more, however, I think it's a series you will have to read one after the other non-stop if all are going to end so abruptly.
honu_girl's review
4.0
3.75 stars? Not really 4, but not really 3 either.
Certainly an enjoyable read, and one that I would encourage others to partake of. This is not great literature, but it's a fun read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Certainly an enjoyable read, and one that I would encourage others to partake of. This is not great literature, but it's a fun read, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
yak_attak's review against another edition
4.0
Very much a setup book for what will undoubtedly come later - it kinda just ends without any fanfare, and much of the time is a slow setup of the situation and the characters involved. But as always with Hobb the situation is unique, complex, and denies cliche through the motivations of *very* well rounded characters.
This book is a little weak on its own, but I'll be surprised if it doesn't pay off well over the next four. As before, the Rain Wilds setting is *by far* the more interesting one in her world, and even if lacking in "events", this is still hugely compelling.
This book is a little weak on its own, but I'll be surprised if it doesn't pay off well over the next four. As before, the Rain Wilds setting is *by far* the more interesting one in her world, and even if lacking in "events", this is still hugely compelling.
lunanschko's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought this book was reaaally slow paced and the characters seemed a bit flat to me, but I've read the second book as well and the pace does pick up after a while in the second book and theres some really interesting character development that adds a lot more depth, so if you're interested in the farseer world on general and liked the farseer trilogy I would keep going!
zoeelizabethk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sophiewilliams's review
4.0
I really like the characterisation that Hobb always puts into these books. There were some developments that left me stunned and disappointed in characters that had acted worse than I expected (though reasonably for their characters and what we knew of them).
I'm in agreement with the other reviewers who feel that it's a shame the publishers split this into two - it doesn't make anywhere near a rounded book on it's own.
I'm in agreement with the other reviewers who feel that it's a shame the publishers split this into two - it doesn't make anywhere near a rounded book on it's own.
inneradventures's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
2.0
Hmm. Well, the Rain Wilds make for a more interesting, exotic setting than Bingtown, in my opinion. And I like the theme of these deformed dragons setting out for a false promised land (Kelsingra) with the 'rejects' of human society.
But, like with the Liveship Traders trilogy, this series seems to be afflicted with the problem of low stakes and little reason to care about the drama that happens between characters. At least there aren't any irritating characters, like Malta initially - and note that this category excludes antagonists like Kennit and Hest; I really do mean purely irritating characters.
On the other hand, it bothers me that there's a secret gay relationship in this book (), but it's an unhealthy power dynamic between immoral people. I can only trust that the author has an arc in mind - and that it won't be troubling in its implications.
But, like with the Liveship Traders trilogy, this series seems to be afflicted with the problem of low stakes and little reason to care about the drama that happens between characters. At least there aren't any irritating characters, like Malta initially - and note that this category excludes antagonists like Kennit and Hest; I really do mean purely irritating characters.
On the other hand, it bothers me that there's a secret gay relationship in this book (