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guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
Very weird series that gets weirder and more difficult to read as it goes on. Does depart some from most fantasy -- instead of standard "low status guy ends up high status," this one starts with a high status character.
redlotus_andjoy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
5.0
An underappreciated, absolutely fantastic work from the amazing Robin Hobbs. An absolute 5 star read for me.
Nevare, the central protagonist, drove me absolutely crazy with his silence, his hesitancy, his cowardice. I also loved him for his devotion to duty, his persistence, and his reverence for his father and the soldier son tradition. Following his growth from back country naïveté towards a glimmer of political/social reality was a great deal of the tension in this story. How many times did I mutter, ‘Oh, for pete’s sake, Nevare, get a clue!’?
I loved how Hobbs portrayed his father, a new noble, a good man full of kindness and care, and nevertheless a sexist bigot. People are complicated, we are often living contradictions, and Hobbs really captured that.
Nevare, the central protagonist, drove me absolutely crazy with his silence, his hesitancy, his cowardice. I also loved him for his devotion to duty, his persistence, and his reverence for his father and the soldier son tradition. Following his growth from back country naïveté towards a glimmer of political/social reality was a great deal of the tension in this story. How many times did I mutter, ‘Oh, for pete’s sake, Nevare, get a clue!’?
I loved how Hobbs portrayed his father, a new noble, a good man full of kindness and care, and nevertheless a sexist bigot. People are complicated, we are often living contradictions, and Hobbs really captured that.
annarod's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
ladyaligator's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
2.0
I normally love Robin Hobb, but this was super painful to get through. The first half (at least) was so boring I could hardly stand it, and I wanted to give up. But, because of my love for this author, I had already bought all three books in the series, so I figured I would push through.
There were a few interesting things that happened, and I will definitely keep on with reading the other two books, especially since I have them. But I probably won't be in any hurry. This is not her best writing, for sure.
There were a few interesting things that happened, and I will definitely keep on with reading the other two books, especially since I have them. But I probably won't be in any hurry. This is not her best writing, for sure.
mrbear's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't been totally sure what to rate this because, like her other books, I didn't like her style. The book proceeds at a snails pace and the protagonist just seems like a complete idiot until she decides to have him buck up in the last 30 pages or so. While the story is interesting and slightly engrossing (due to its harry-potterlike fashion), I found it hard to care what someone like Nevare thought of anything. He seemed incapable of having fun or even living his life in any normal way (he'd react strongly to things many wouldn't even notice and ignore other things that I know would bother everyone...). I'm not sure if I'll read the second one, so I guess I have to say Hobb is 0/2 for me...
After all of this, the book wasn't exactly bad and I have trouble rating it too poorly because it was both readable and had a cool resolution/setup.
After all of this, the book wasn't exactly bad and I have trouble rating it too poorly because it was both readable and had a cool resolution/setup.
bennysbooks's review against another edition
Ultimately I think this book, and likely the entire series, has the capacity to tackle some big themes (colonialism, "civilization", discrimination, duty) etc. in a satisfyingly Hobb-y way. But it doesn't have the spark that I felt reading the Elderlings series, and I don't have the space in my life for plodding through a 600 page book that I'm not connecting with right now. I feel completely uninvested in the plot and the world and the characters. I'd rather just re-read RotE.
rynnikins's review against another edition
It does not align with my current interests and althought the writing is beautiful I did not enjoy it overmuch.
aepstone's review against another edition
4.0
Robin Hobb creates such a complex world... fun fantasy reading.
potathoe's review against another edition
4.0
It’s very Robin Hobb, which is probably only a negative when you read 16 of her books in a row.