scroggin_cooper's review against another edition
5.0
A fantastic return to the story of Fitz and his pal the Fool, with emotional gut punches and breath-taking action that made me want to keep reading after every chapter.
amryden's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brittonthenderson's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sepptb's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
atalea's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, Animal death, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Drug use, Gaslighting, and Torture
Minor: Abandonment, Confinement, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Self harm
sophiapinheiro's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
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
4.0
justgj's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
enbyglitch's review against another edition
4.0
Instantly more enjoyable again than the Liveship Traders trilogy was for me, don't know if her writing is remarkably different there or if I just have a weird mental block with it, but there you go.
The plot of this novel could comfortably fit in a 3-4 hour audiobook. This one was over 25. The first 10 hours consisted of an extended epilogue to the Farseer trilogy, and while it was initially amusing to see Fitz refuse a half-dozen calls to adventure, it also couldn't help but get a little dull after a while (even listening at 1.35x speed as I was for a bit).
Even once the plot starts moving this book is incredibly contemplative, with Fitz mentally going over his decisions and emotions time and again. I found it strange that despite all this self-examination, we never see him grappling with those memories he gave to Verity at the end of the last trilogy. Maybe they have contributed to him being more of a big brute than cunning spy as in the last books? He duuuuuuuumb at some points in this novel, and although I switched from paper to audio I do not remember that vibe from him previously.
Hobb explores relationships in depth here, both through human and Wit-animal. The abuse seen in the villains' actions is a fitting lesson for real life, where I'm sure balance and consideration are of utmost importance in maintaining healthy relationships. Was sad to see Nighteyes aging and ultimately passing, but I think Hobb wrote it well. Still lots of weird gender things going on that I assume Hobb is either exploring or unknowingly bringing from her experience of fantasy, but I didn't see much use for it.
Ultimately it was a good read and a welcome return to Fitz, Nighteyes, and the rest. Wish Kettricken had gotten more screen time as she was a highlight of the first trilogy for me, but I get that she's basically in Shrewd's lofty position at this point. I kind of wish this had been split into a 4th, epilogue style Farseer book and then a shorter, fresh start to the new trilogy in a separate volume, but in the end it works well enough. Just be prepared for a slow, thoughtful ride and not much new lore to be found.
The plot of this novel could comfortably fit in a 3-4 hour audiobook. This one was over 25. The first 10 hours consisted of an extended epilogue to the Farseer trilogy, and while it was initially amusing to see Fitz refuse a half-dozen calls to adventure, it also couldn't help but get a little dull after a while (even listening at 1.35x speed as I was for a bit).
Even once the plot starts moving this book is incredibly contemplative, with Fitz mentally going over his decisions and emotions time and again. I found it strange that despite all this self-examination, we never see him grappling with those memories he gave to Verity at the end of the last trilogy. Maybe they have contributed to him being more of a big brute than cunning spy as in the last books? He duuuuuuuumb at some points in this novel, and although I switched from paper to audio I do not remember that vibe from him previously.
Hobb explores relationships in depth here, both through human and Wit-animal. The abuse seen in the villains' actions is a fitting lesson for real life, where I'm sure balance and consideration are of utmost importance in maintaining healthy relationships. Was sad to see Nighteyes aging and ultimately passing, but I think Hobb wrote it well. Still lots of weird gender things going on that I assume Hobb is either exploring or unknowingly bringing from her experience of fantasy, but I didn't see much use for it.
Ultimately it was a good read and a welcome return to Fitz, Nighteyes, and the rest. Wish Kettricken had gotten more screen time as she was a highlight of the first trilogy for me, but I get that she's basically in Shrewd's lofty position at this point. I kind of wish this had been split into a 4th, epilogue style Farseer book and then a shorter, fresh start to the new trilogy in a separate volume, but in the end it works well enough. Just be prepared for a slow, thoughtful ride and not much new lore to be found.
heddasch's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aglittercobra's review
3.0
***3.0 Stars***
Overall,
I liked this story well enough. As usual Robin Hobb weaves an interesting story with well developed characters. We are once again back with Fitz and the Fool. The small issue I take with this book is that as it stands (and obviously I haven't read the rest of this trilogy) it feels more like it could be a novella and did not need to be as long as it was. The majority of the beginning of the book was just catching up with all the things that Fitz has done in the last 15 or so years since the end of the Farseer trilogy. We got several reunions which was nice to see. We learned a lot more about the Wit magic and even got a nice little Easter egg from the Liveship Traders trilogy. However, the majority of the book takes place over a handful days. That little adventure could have been paired down quite a bit. In addition, Fitz is incredible melancholy throughout the entire story, and very aggressive at times. I will be continuing the trilogy, but this one was not a favorite of the overall Elderling series.
Overall,
I liked this story well enough. As usual Robin Hobb weaves an interesting story with well developed characters. We are once again back with Fitz and the Fool. The small issue I take with this book is that as it stands (and obviously I haven't read the rest of this trilogy) it feels more like it could be a novella and did not need to be as long as it was. The majority of the beginning of the book was just catching up with all the things that Fitz has done in the last 15 or so years since the end of the Farseer trilogy. We got several reunions which was nice to see. We learned a lot more about the Wit magic and even got a nice little Easter egg from the Liveship Traders trilogy. However, the majority of the book takes place over a handful days. That little adventure could have been paired down quite a bit. In addition, Fitz is incredible melancholy throughout the entire story, and very aggressive at times. I will be continuing the trilogy, but this one was not a favorite of the overall Elderling series.