yak_attak's review against another edition
5.0
In many ways this is less the ending to "Fitz and the Fool" than a sweeping conclusion to the realm of the Elderlings as a whole. I certainly hope there's more to come from Robin Hobb, who's more than proven her standing as one of the best fantasy authors of all time, but if not, I'll rest easy knowing everything was concluded so beautifully.
In a way all of the shortcomings of the novel (and really this trilogy) come from this scope, though. We see everyone - literally every single character brought forth from previous books in the series, drawn together by events, all working together. It works, and it's wonderful to see everyone and get a sense for their paths, but this also betrays one of the great strengths of the Realm of the Elderlings - that it's a smaller scope, usually limited to a part of the world, life goes on around them. But even if this does shrink things somewhat, and ties things up perhaps *too* neatly, I can't deny it's done in a deft, poignant, moving way.
A heartbreaking and loving conclusion, absolutely worthy of the series and the author. I implore anyone to read these books, you will not be disappointed.
In a way all of the shortcomings of the novel (and really this trilogy) come from this scope, though. We see everyone - literally every single character brought forth from previous books in the series, drawn together by events, all working together. It works, and it's wonderful to see everyone and get a sense for their paths, but this also betrays one of the great strengths of the Realm of the Elderlings - that it's a smaller scope, usually limited to a part of the world, life goes on around them. But even if this does shrink things somewhat, and ties things up perhaps *too* neatly, I can't deny it's done in a deft, poignant, moving way.
A heartbreaking and loving conclusion, absolutely worthy of the series and the author. I implore anyone to read these books, you will not be disappointed.
reviewsbyjenni's review against another edition
5.0
Now that I’ve finally finished Realms of the Elderlings I can honestly say thay this is my all-time favourite series. And Assassin’s Fate is the perfect last piece that makes the story whole. I laughed and I cried, and when will I have time to read it all again?
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic end to the series. Love the way it brings together threads from the liveships and the dragon traders as well as the Fitz and the Fool main storyline.
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I've been so devastated and yet satisfied by a book in a long time. An absolutely stellar conclusion.
jmazzone's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
5.0
mtaltos's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
hazeyjane_2's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed in a lot of this series as a whole. It didn’t feel like an arc coming to a close, it just felt like an incredibly contrived excuse to have Fitz go to Clerres. The torture was gratuitous, I felt no connection with Bee at all, except where her relationship with Fitz and Molly was discussed, and The Fool became less and less connected to Fitz as the series progressed, and less enigmatic and more of a Sad Torture Victim. The liveship resurrections came out of nowhere & didn’t feel connected to the main plot.
I did enjoy reading about Bee’s captivity and the Whites of Clerres, but that wasn’t enough to save the book for me.
I did enjoy reading about Bee’s captivity and the Whites of Clerres, but that wasn’t enough to save the book for me.
asquareclaire's review
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
Outstanding. The whole thing, all the way through, great book & an excellent wrap to such an epic series. No complaints. Totally worth it.
andrewlh91's review
5.0
A masterpiece in every sense of the word. Robin Hobb, if you ever read this: thank you. RotE was an extraordinary gift. I can only hope to one day have children like Bee and Per and introduce them to your world.