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maithaalfalasi's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content
errie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
stripeyworm's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
The topic is heavy but handled well.caroclaw's review against another edition
- 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
This time, I deliberately relaxed through it and took it chapter by chapter, relishing the thoughtful characterisation and trying to pick up on those hints at the great mystery of this series that Hobb is so good at threading through her books. It was so much easier, and reading this with the eyes of an adult certainly tinted many parts with different colours- particularly parts to do with Malta.
As usual, no matter how the pace dawdles through 85% of the book, Hobb sure does body slam you right at the end. I'm hoping the final Liveship Traders novel is complete chaos, because I have only the tiniest clue where this is going.
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
cossty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Firstly, the romantic relationship between a young teenage girl (13) and a much older man (22ish) felt uncomfortable and left a bad taste in my mouth. While the author intended to make the male character relatable or likeable, his interest in such a significantly younger partner raises red flags. Furthermore, the possibility of marriage between these two individuals only serves to further normalize this behavior. It's essential to acknowledge that this type of dynamic can be particularly damaging and unsafe for the minor involved.
Regarding the second issue, the book employs the troublesome trope where a female protagonist must suffer from sexual violence to undergo some form of transformation. This arc suggests that trauma is necessary for women to find their inner strength or discover themselves. Not only is this narrative dangerous and misguided; it also perpetuates harmful myths about the impact of sexual assault on survivors. The idea that trauma has any redeeming qualities should be carefully examined and avoided in fiction.
Despite these concerns, the rest of the book is impressive and enjoyable to read. The plot structure, character development, and world building all showcase exceptional skill on behalf of the author. Had these problematic elements been addressed or handled differently, I might have given the book a full five-star rating. Nevertheless, it's crucial to critically evaluate our entertainment choices and encourage creators to prioritize responsible storytelling that avoids normalizing harmful behaviors or tropes. In short, while “Mad Ship” has its flaws, it still offers thought-provoking content worth exploring – just be prepared to critically examine these questionable aspects alongside the more praiseworthy features.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Pedophilia and Slavery
atalea's review against another edition
- 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
Between the two, I do prefer Ship of Magic over Mad Ship because I felt more was happening in that book. In Mad Ship we take a slower pace. Mysteries of the world are slowly being unraveled. Most of the book felt like set-up for the conclusion of the story and focused instead in character development. I don't mind a slow burn (I mean that's Hobb in a nutshell), but it was only 3/4 into the book that things started going down, so it dragged a bit.
I am very interesting to see how Hobb will bring everything together in the end and can't wait to start the final book in this trilogy.
Graphic: Slavery and Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, and Infidelity
gabbyyyyy's review against another edition
- 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
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
kirstym25's review
- 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
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Slavery
kitausu's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
poisonenvy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Some of her characters I love, some of them infuriate me and make me want to slap them. One of my least favourite from last book developed in such a wonderful way in this book that she might be one of my favourites now.
The world building is brilliant: I want to learn everything I can about this Realm of the long passed Elderlings, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
I listened to a large chunk of this book on audio, and Anne Flosnik is an excellent narrator, who brings a lot of character and flavour to her narration. I could listen to her read a shopping list.
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Drug abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexism and Slavery