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smokingchagga's review against another edition
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I stopped reading this book after looking up what event the hard trigger warning for book 3 of the trilogy was for. I don't mind having spoiled it for myself but I had to think long and hard if I was willing to read that. Needless to say, I couldn't stop thinking about this series and had to continue.
Note: sexual violence is a major thing in this particular series. The threat of it is quite heavy and it can absolutely be a deal breaker for someone who is sensitive to it. There were also a few instances where an assault or the direct aftermath of one was explicitly shown.
Note: sexual violence is a major thing in this particular series. The threat of it is quite heavy and it can absolutely be a deal breaker for someone who is sensitive to it. There were also a few instances where an assault or the direct aftermath of one was explicitly shown.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
atalea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Miscarriage, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Excrement, Vomit, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
readwithbells's review against another edition
4.0
I give this a tentative four stars. I love (and hate) the characters of this book, I am incredibly invested in their lives and relationships. Hobb transitions well into the third person POV and the world she creates is expansive and devastating and real. I don’t think I have ever viciously hated a character as much as I hate Kyle. The depiction of domestic violence is difficult but well done, as is the depiction of how women slowly lose their power in an oppressive place. It reads like a punch in the gut, hard to escape into so be aware of that going into it, but it’s a good story.
That being said. A primary focus of this book is slavery, specifically the slave trade on ships. While I do think Hobb did her research and had good intentions, I also take issue with a white woman writing so extensively on slavery. It’s just a little icky?? And very hard for me to put into words. I think this book would have been just as good, if not better, without slavery as a plot device. I think it’s done tastefully, truly. But it gives me the ick and that’s a real bummer because I want to love these books and I am weirdly conflicted in my feelings for them. These are older books and I can acknowledge that Hobb was likely bringing attention to something not a lot of other authors were talking about, but at the same time it gives me an uncomfortable feeling. So.
That being said. A primary focus of this book is slavery, specifically the slave trade on ships. While I do think Hobb did her research and had good intentions, I also take issue with a white woman writing so extensively on slavery. It’s just a little icky?? And very hard for me to put into words. I think this book would have been just as good, if not better, without slavery as a plot device. I think it’s done tastefully, truly. But it gives me the ick and that’s a real bummer because I want to love these books and I am weirdly conflicted in my feelings for them. These are older books and I can acknowledge that Hobb was likely bringing attention to something not a lot of other authors were talking about, but at the same time it gives me an uncomfortable feeling. So.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Slavery
Moderate: Sexual assault, Blood, and Vomit
lunafrmoon's review against another edition
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Slavery, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Excrement
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Terminal illness, Violence, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child death, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Kidnapping, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Excrement, and War
Needles (tattooing). Illness, unsanitary. Hunting and skinning. Slut shaming, discrimination against sex workers (frequent use of "whore"). Sexual/romantic relationships between pre-teen/teenage girls and adult men, with some victim blaming attitudes toward this. Forced abortion, stillbirth.cathepsut's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I approached this book with a lot of trepidation, as I didn‘t finish The Farseer Trilogy. Assassin's Apprentice was too much of a coming-of-age story, focused on one person. And it was depressing. I finished, but never picked up the sequel. Which is a bummer, as it seems to be Hobb‘s most beloved character.
This one here is very much a coming of age story as well, at least for Althea, Wintrow and Vivacia. But I liked the world much better, with it‘s sailors, pirates, conscious ships and the mysterious Rain Wild Traders (already looking forward to the Rain Wild Chronicles). The various port cities were fun to read about. The „whaling“ ship and it‘s trip to its hunting destination was really well drawn. And the descriptions of the slave trade and the slaver ships were fascinating as well. Having the different characters on different paths and plots really gave Hobb ann excellent opportunity to show off the Cursed Shores.
Althea really is a spoilt brat at first. Things happen. Wintrow was not love at first side either, but he started to grow on me. Those two are probably my favourite characters. Although Kennit, Amber and Paragon developed nicely as well along the course of this doorstopper. I am really looking forward to all of their continued adventures in The Mad Ship. I feel really invested in the liveship Vivacia as well and so hope that she will have a HEA at the end of the third book…
The plot developed slowly, but that is to be expected in a book of nearly 900 pages, followed by two equally hefty tomes… Patience was needed—something in short supply for me when reading books. I want a speedy plot and action. But here it didn‘t really bother me all that much. I knew I was in for the long haul, with 2689 pages across 3 books. And I really became invested in the lives of the characters—as opposed to the Farseer Triolgy, where I didn‘t really care all that much.
Not so fun:
The questing serpents were really odd parts of the narrative from the start, I enjoyed their chapters the least. But I guess they really are serving some greater purpose.
And Malta really annoyed me. I think I know what is in store for her, including a very rude awakening. I hope it will make her a better person.
The secret of how liveships are made and where their wizardwood comes from will hopefully be revealed eventually. I also hope that something will come of that wooden pendant that Althea received from Amber!
Well done, Ms. Hobb. I can‘t promise to read everything—I might make a wide turn around Fitz—but for now I am at least partially sold…
This one here is very much a coming of age story as well, at least for Althea, Wintrow and Vivacia. But I liked the world much better, with it‘s sailors, pirates, conscious ships and the mysterious Rain Wild Traders (already looking forward to the Rain Wild Chronicles). The various port cities were fun to read about. The „whaling“ ship and it‘s trip to its hunting destination was really well drawn. And the descriptions of the slave trade and the slaver ships were fascinating as well. Having the different characters on different paths and plots really gave Hobb ann excellent opportunity to show off the Cursed Shores.
Althea really is a spoilt brat at first. Things happen. Wintrow was not love at first side either, but he started to grow on me. Those two are probably my favourite characters. Although Kennit, Amber and Paragon developed nicely as well along the course of this doorstopper. I am really looking forward to all of their continued adventures in The Mad Ship. I feel really invested in the liveship Vivacia as well and so hope that she will have a HEA at the end of the third book…
The plot developed slowly, but that is to be expected in a book of nearly 900 pages, followed by two equally hefty tomes… Patience was needed—something in short supply for me when reading books. I want a speedy plot and action. But here it didn‘t really bother me all that much. I knew I was in for the long haul, with 2689 pages across 3 books. And I really became invested in the lives of the characters—as opposed to the Farseer Triolgy, where I didn‘t really care all that much.
Not so fun:
The questing serpents were really odd parts of the narrative from the start, I enjoyed their chapters the least. But I guess they really are serving some greater purpose.
And Malta really annoyed me. I think I know what is in store for her, including a very rude awakening. I hope it will make her a better person.
The secret of how liveships are made and where their wizardwood comes from will hopefully be revealed eventually. I also hope that something will come of that wooden pendant that Althea received from Amber!
Well done, Ms. Hobb. I can‘t promise to read everything—I might make a wide turn around Fitz—but for now I am at least partially sold…
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Slavery
Minor: Sexual content
kaziaroo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Trafficking, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Excrement, and Vomit
Multiple graphic limb amputationsbluejay21's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Slavery
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
gladiolus17's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I listened to this on audiobook so sorry for any misspellings!
Writing style
Writing style
I could’ve done without the overt dialog tags, but other than that, no problems here.
Plot
Plot feels almost like a drama, each with their own character arc. I think the book blurb did the book a disservice, because the only arc that was completed was Kennet’s and Wintrow’s, which makes me feel like they are the main characters. The other characters’ arcs ended with a section foreshadowing the future with them. Because of this, I felt like Althea was overshadowed by Kennet and Wintrow.
Kyle was such an asshole and a believable villain. They say everyone is the hero of their own story, and I Kyle believed he was doing the right thing.
As well, I wasn’t sure why Althea and Brashen started having sex, maybe it was just animalistic passion? I didn’t feel any love or chemistry between them, so I felt this was a weak part of the story.
Characters
Captain Kennet.
My first impression was that he’s very toxically masculine, and has an interesting way of handling his crew by showing no weakness. I like his wrist charm, especially since he doesn’t ward magic, but just alerts Kennet to any danger. It’s also quite entertaining the way it makes jabs at Kennet.
After I read the scene with Etta and the sex workers, I thought he is such an asshole! And it’s because he’s depressed and needs to fill the void with his ambition!
Deep inside I feel like there’s a chance for him to be good, but it’s overshadowed by his depression and assholery.
Wintrow
My first impression was that he is a kinda passive character, but compelling in a quiet way. He does stand up for himself, which I like.
In the end he stole my heart. He finally became a man and figured out who he was.
Althea
I admire her ambition for becoming a sailor and was gripped by the way she stood up to Kyle. I was rooting for her to get back the Vivacia the whole time. I did feel like her arc paled against Wintrow’s, but I was happy to see her turn into the sailor she’s always dreamed of.
Molta
Although I understand her reasoning, I hate this little girl with a passion. Rotten to the core. I hoped she’d get better.
Liveships
I love each and every liveship, and, just like the other characters, was fascinated and fearful of them. I felt so sorry for the horrible things done to Vivacia and Paragon, and I was tickled with Ophelia and her personality.
Not sure if we needed the sea serpents’ POV, I would’ve rather it been explored in a successive novel.
Setting
I liked how the mention of the slave trade affected the locals with morals. They just can’t compete with free labor, and that’s why they’re having financial troubles. I never considered how hard it would be to be morally good in a capitalistic society when if you don’t accept slavery, your family will die.
Bingtown itself was such a mysterious place, along with their neighbors the Rainwilds.
Dialog
Wintrow’s dialog seems too old for him, but maybe that’s on purpose.
I adored all the liveships’ dialog. They’re all a little off-kilter and mysterious.
Intellectual value
I never read a book that explored slavery and the effects it had on people in this way, so my mind felt broadened and I enjoyed the ride this story gave me.
Personal enjoyment
I personally enjoy more compact books and I needed a little more tie up in the end to feel satisfied. I’d be okay with a few loose threads, but I feel there were too many with Amber, Paragon, Althea’s egg necklace, the sea serpents, and Brashen’s arc.
Overall, I was entertained because each character had a goal and reasoning behind what they wanted and were ambitious to get it. As well, the world in the story nearly never gave them what they wanted.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, and Death of parent
rabbitreid's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Blood, and Alcohol