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aglaya221b's review
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
charlieteuthis's review
4.0
This is the first Realm of the Elderlings book I've had to put down to walk around for a bit, and it was from sheer exasperation. What wild things to be plot-relevant. I love this absurd, sopa opera of a novel.
heikieesmaa's review
1.0
This time the sentimentality and melodrama really gets on my nerves - and it gets nowhere. This is no high fantasy anymore.
chrysos79's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thewisewombat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
spniko's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
kolymaarasto's review
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
smuts's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
noeyy's review against another edition
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
combativeroboguy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
Golden Fool moves the plot at a snail's pace, but it feels as if I am constantly in a dance as the characters push and pull upon each other's hearts. I cannot describe the beauty of how Hobb presents some themes of prejudice and moving past our mistakes, but allow me to do my best. If you have not read this book- go read it.
In this book we continue off where the last book ended as we continue Fitz's relationships with Prince Dutiful and Hap. Fitz is a father-figure to the both of them and seeing how departed their lives are from each other was beautiful. There was a consistency in how fathers are presented within this book. We have Dutiful with his dead father of Verity, beginning to find Fitz as his father and Hap pushes the limits of his newfound freedom. We also see push and pull between Fitz and Chade. Hobb uses both plotlines between Fitz and Chade and Fitz and Hap to reflect one another, showing a beautiful growth by the end.
Fitz also has to deal with multiple types of prejudice. He finds it with the Outislanders and with the people of Buckeep. I would argue the conflict of this book, is Fitz struggling with actually understanding the people around him. Fitz finds himself judging others off his first glance and acting upon first impressions. But as we live life we have to understand that doing that is a disservice to the complexity of human nature. I found the questions Hobb makes us as the reader ask about prejudice and understanding the most compelling parts of this book. It makes me view the world in a completely different light. I love it in ways I cannot describe.
*Spoiler Warning*
Alright time to talk about the juicy stuff.
Bingtown: Yup, I'm starting with this. I loved how Bingtown acted as the catalyst for this book. When Jek arrived at the Fool's door I knew exactly what was going to happen. I kind of wish that I didn't look up to clarify that The Fool was also Amber so that I could have that final moment of clarification and be able to shout "I KNEW IT!" but oh well. I did not expect the events of Liveship to genuinely have this much of an impact on Fitz's story but it feels so much better to watch it like that. Then we got the moment where Jek assumes that Fitz and the Fool are lovers. I relate to Fitz so much in this situation. I knew/know somebody who I let close to me, but they were so... all over the place in both gender and identity. Seeing how Fitz grew angry that the Fool loved him was the most cathartic thing I have ever seen. Then watching as their relationship remained in such incredible turmoil until Fitz chose to repair it was unbelievably sad and terrible and beautiful all at once. Seeing someone who recovered some semblance of friendship after an experience like that was so beautiful to watch. That was tied for my favorite part of the book, I'll get to the other contender later. I also loved Jek's reaction and how she immediately went to Fitz and called him a jackass. I really am not sure what to think of that but I felt something and I think that counts. Anyways, I want to talk about Selden now. Hobb knows exactly how to take the emotions she wants from me. She immediately made me feel so unnerved by the boy I grew to know and love in liveship. I loved how he sees right through Fitz in every interaction. And hearing Selden repeat Tintaglia's words and calling him a liar was just so cool and bonechilling.
Outislanders: I loved seeing how the Pale Lady has been having some sort of an impact on our story so far. It scares the shit out of me and I love it. The tattoos are so unbelievably fucked up and it just makes me feel more for the Fool and the poor Outislander Princess. I found it interesting how the Outislanders showed such prejudice against the Bingtowners as the Outislanders cursed them as "Dragonbreeders". I wonder why they call her that. I feel like it has something to do with Icefyre. Speaking of Icefyre, how cool is it that Fitz is about to go on another adventure which will gut each and every one of us? AWESOME- I KNOW! Before I stop talking about the Outislanders, I want to talk about the showcase of pride between the Princess and the Prince. I thought it was incredibly interesting to watch and see how they would mock and ridicule each other indirectly until they were forced into the position where they are forced to challenge one another's authority. I also find it ironic because I feel they will grow to love each other on this journey, because it is in times of hardship in which our true colors show themselves.
Fatherhood: This is tied for my favorite part of this book. Probably my favorite character dynamic is that of a father and his child. I am not a father, but one day I hope I will be, but seeing the acceptance of manhood for your child must be a difficult thing. Seeing how Chade struggles to allow Fitz the agency he rightfully deserves as a man and seeing Fitz learn how human Chade is was such a wonderful thing. We all have moments when we discover that our parents are not flawless heroes and seeing Fitz really try to understand that was such a ride. Then seeing how Fitz sees his younger self in Hap and tries to stop Hap from making that mistake was unbelievably painful to read. I related to Hap so much and it hurt me to realize that, just as I had suspected, Svanja was just using him. I find it really funny how, Hobb has this way of creating complexity in the less important characters and giving them such a simple conflict yet still incredibly compelling and nuanced. I think back to Patience and how most representations of a character like that would show Patience as hateful and spiteful towards Fitz since her husband cheated on her so he could exist. Fitz was a living example of her husband's infidelity. Yet Patience still loved Fitz, wishing that she had been able to give birth to him and still calling him her son. I am tearing up just writing this. Then we have characters like Hap who have this nuanced conflict of "love" and believing he is in love whilst just being used by this awful girl. We can make these plots simple but Hobb refuses that simplicity. She acknowledges the nuances of life and strives to represent how even the most simple conflicts have depth to them. Speaking of parents who can't see their children- let's talk about Nettle. I dearly hope Fitz gets to meet Nettle, but I am so conflicted on whether I want Nettle to know who Fitz is because it would probably destroy her and most certainly destroy Burrich. It is such a well-developed conflict that hits at the feels. And I felt very worried for her at the end when something, who I predict is Tintaglia, arrives and tries to get Fitz to tell her where The Black Dragon is. Also, something I've begun wondering is whether or not the dragons in this series breath fire. Hopefully we find out.
The Wit: Now for my last section on the prejudice surrounding the Wit. I loved the inner turmoil amongst the Witted at the end regarding the Piebalds. The separation between these factions just exemplifies the need for us as people to forgive one another. If we perpetuate the hate, all we do is cause more pain. The only cure to this is understanding and seeing how Web simply tries to get the guards to understand him. I loved how he used the story of Fitz to form a bond between the guards and how Fitz just sits there brooding about how much he dislikes that the topic. I also loved the part where Jinna starts to think of Fitz as this abominable Wit-user. A killer. That hurt because here we are, believing that someone is finally trying to understand Fitz but Jinna just starts to assume who Fitz is without trying to genuinely understand or even trying to apply the logic that both witted and non-witted kill for survival. Although, admittedly, Fitz isn't really helping because he is lying through his teeth.
In the end, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that is a must read for anybody who loves Hobb. This book perfectly encapsulates why exactly we as people must try to understand each other rather than jump to conclusions. When we try to understand those around us, we begin to find love and when we assume the aspects of others, we only cause pain. I know that to be true
In this book we continue off where the last book ended as we continue Fitz's relationships with Prince Dutiful and Hap. Fitz is a father-figure to the both of them and seeing how departed their lives are from each other was beautiful. There was a consistency in how fathers are presented within this book. We have Dutiful with his dead father of Verity, beginning to find Fitz as his father and Hap pushes the limits of his newfound freedom. We also see push and pull between Fitz and Chade. Hobb uses both plotlines between Fitz and Chade and Fitz and Hap to reflect one another, showing a beautiful growth by the end.
Fitz also has to deal with multiple types of prejudice. He finds it with the Outislanders and with the people of Buckeep. I would argue the conflict of this book, is Fitz struggling with actually understanding the people around him. Fitz finds himself judging others off his first glance and acting upon first impressions. But as we live life we have to understand that doing that is a disservice to the complexity of human nature. I found the questions Hobb makes us as the reader ask about prejudice and understanding the most compelling parts of this book. It makes me view the world in a completely different light. I love it in ways I cannot describe.
*Spoiler Warning*
Bingtown: Yup, I'm starting with this. I loved how Bingtown acted as the catalyst for this book. When Jek arrived at the Fool's door I knew exactly what was going to happen. I kind of wish that I didn't look up to clarify that The Fool was also Amber so that I could have that final moment of clarification and be able to shout "I KNEW IT!" but oh well. I did not expect the events of Liveship to genuinely have this much of an impact on Fitz's story but it feels so much better to watch it like that. Then we got the moment where Jek assumes that Fitz and the Fool are lovers. I relate to Fitz so much in this situation. I knew/know somebody who I let close to me, but they were so... all over the place in both gender and identity. Seeing how Fitz grew angry that the Fool loved him was the most cathartic thing I have ever seen. Then watching as their relationship remained in such incredible turmoil until Fitz chose to repair it was unbelievably sad and terrible and beautiful all at once. Seeing someone who recovered some semblance of friendship after an experience like that was so beautiful to watch. That was tied for my favorite part of the book, I'll get to the other contender later. I also loved Jek's reaction and how she immediately went to Fitz and called him a jackass. I really am not sure what to think of that but I felt something and I think that counts. Anyways, I want to talk about Selden now. Hobb knows exactly how to take the emotions she wants from me. She immediately made me feel so unnerved by the boy I grew to know and love in liveship. I loved how he sees right through Fitz in every interaction. And hearing Selden repeat Tintaglia's words and calling him a liar was just so cool and bonechilling.
Outislanders: I loved seeing how the Pale Lady has been having some sort of an impact on our story so far. It scares the shit out of me and I love it. The tattoos are so unbelievably fucked up and it just makes me feel more for the Fool and the poor Outislander Princess. I found it interesting how the Outislanders showed such prejudice against the Bingtowners as the Outislanders cursed them as "Dragonbreeders". I wonder why they call her that. I feel like it has something to do with Icefyre. Speaking of Icefyre, how cool is it that Fitz is about to go on another adventure which will gut each and every one of us? AWESOME- I KNOW! Before I stop talking about the Outislanders, I want to talk about the showcase of pride between the Princess and the Prince. I thought it was incredibly interesting to watch and see how they would mock and ridicule each other indirectly until they were forced into the position where they are forced to challenge one another's authority. I also find it ironic because I feel they will grow to love each other on this journey, because it is in times of hardship in which our true colors show themselves.
Fatherhood: This is tied for my favorite part of this book. Probably my favorite character dynamic is that of a father and his child. I am not a father, but one day I hope I will be, but seeing the acceptance of manhood for your child must be a difficult thing. Seeing how Chade struggles to allow Fitz the agency he rightfully deserves as a man and seeing Fitz learn how human Chade is was such a wonderful thing. We all have moments when we discover that our parents are not flawless heroes and seeing Fitz really try to understand that was such a ride. Then seeing how Fitz sees his younger self in Hap and tries to stop Hap from making that mistake was unbelievably painful to read. I related to Hap so much and it hurt me to realize that, just as I had suspected, Svanja was just using him. I find it really funny how, Hobb has this way of creating complexity in the less important characters and giving them such a simple conflict yet still incredibly compelling and nuanced. I think back to Patience and how most representations of a character like that would show Patience as hateful and spiteful towards Fitz since her husband cheated on her so he could exist. Fitz was a living example of her husband's infidelity. Yet Patience still loved Fitz, wishing that she had been able to give birth to him and still calling him her son. I am tearing up just writing this. Then we have characters like Hap who have this nuanced conflict of "love" and believing he is in love whilst just being used by this awful girl. We can make these plots simple but Hobb refuses that simplicity. She acknowledges the nuances of life and strives to represent how even the most simple conflicts have depth to them. Speaking of parents who can't see their children- let's talk about Nettle. I dearly hope Fitz gets to meet Nettle, but I am so conflicted on whether I want Nettle to know who Fitz is because it would probably destroy her and most certainly destroy Burrich. It is such a well-developed conflict that hits at the feels. And I felt very worried for her at the end when something, who I predict is Tintaglia, arrives and tries to get Fitz to tell her where The Black Dragon is. Also, something I've begun wondering is whether or not the dragons in this series breath fire. Hopefully we find out.
The Wit: Now for my last section on the prejudice surrounding the Wit. I loved the inner turmoil amongst the Witted at the end regarding the Piebalds. The separation between these factions just exemplifies the need for us as people to forgive one another. If we perpetuate the hate, all we do is cause more pain. The only cure to this is understanding and seeing how Web simply tries to get the guards to understand him. I loved how he used the story of Fitz to form a bond between the guards and how Fitz just sits there brooding about how much he dislikes that the topic. I also loved the part where Jinna starts to think of Fitz as this abominable Wit-user. A killer. That hurt because here we are, believing that someone is finally trying to understand Fitz but Jinna just starts to assume who Fitz is without trying to genuinely understand or even trying to apply the logic that both witted and non-witted kill for survival. Although, admittedly, Fitz isn't really helping because he is lying through his teeth.
In the end, this book is an emotional rollercoaster that is a must read for anybody who loves Hobb. This book perfectly encapsulates why exactly we as people must try to understand each other rather than jump to conclusions. When we try to understand those around us, we begin to find love and when we assume the aspects of others, we only cause pain. I know that to be true