Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships—rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens... read full description
reviews
Dec 22, 2011
Benjamin
rated it: 
Having immensely enjoyed Robin Hobb's "Farseer Trilogy", I enthusiastically turned to her next fantasy series, the vast "Liveship Trader's" trilogy. This first novel in the series, "Ship of Magic", is set in the same world as the "Assassins Apprentice" but otherwise has very little to do with it, instead focusing on a whole new and unique fantasy setting. Liveships are large masted sailing ships made of wizardwood that actually become sentient beings after
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Dec 11, 2011
Marie
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Final verdict: a great antidote to A Game of Thrones, with brilliant, complicated characters.
My friend introduced to me to Ship of Magic because I'd been complaining about annoying stupid characters. She recommended Robin Hobb in general, but Ship of Magic especially, primarily for Althea Vestrit, our primary protagonist.
One thing I want to point out is that I would have never picked this up on my own. Not for the title, not the cover (yes, I'm disproportionately attract More...
My friend introduced to me to Ship of Magic because I'd been complaining about annoying stupid characters. She recommended Robin Hobb in general, but Ship of Magic especially, primarily for Althea Vestrit, our primary protagonist.
One thing I want to point out is that I would have never picked this up on my own. Not for the title, not the cover (yes, I'm disproportionately attract More...
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Apr 21, 2011
± Colleen of the Crawling Chaos ±
rated it: 
12/21/10
I'm about 75% through with this book, and I'm finding it frustrating.
As others have said, it's very much a character-based book, and I can dig character-based books if I like the characters, but I'm having a hard time really latching onto anyone that I don't want to smack upside the head.
Actually, no, I do like some characters (Brashen and Paragon, for instance) - but the ones I do like we don't seem to spend enough time with, while we spend far too More...
I'm about 75% through with this book, and I'm finding it frustrating.
As others have said, it's very much a character-based book, and I can dig character-based books if I like the characters, but I'm having a hard time really latching onto anyone that I don't want to smack upside the head.
Actually, no, I do like some characters (Brashen and Paragon, for instance) - but the ones I do like we don't seem to spend enough time with, while we spend far too More...
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Jan 05, 2011
Brian
rated it: 
1/28/04 - 8/10
Book 1:
plot kind of implausible and overboard, why make decisions they do - just to set up bleak situation...no one realize kyle terrible? Could be predictable - althea end up with kennit romantically and to help steal vivacia. some very annoying 1 dimensional characters - malta and kyle
overdramatic, semi-simplistic (not intricate) mysteries - rain wild traders / liveship histories (paragon and vivacia), brashen past
very readable though and some good charcters althea, wintrow, More...
Book 1:
plot kind of implausible and overboard, why make decisions they do - just to set up bleak situation...no one realize kyle terrible? Could be predictable - althea end up with kennit romantically and to help steal vivacia. some very annoying 1 dimensional characters - malta and kyle
overdramatic, semi-simplistic (not intricate) mysteries - rain wild traders / liveship histories (paragon and vivacia), brashen past
very readable though and some good charcters althea, wintrow, More...
Aug 11, 2011
Dorothy
rated it: 
I'm afraid I'm yet another disappointed "Farseer" reader. In fact I may be one of the originals. I purchased both, the first book in the Farseer trilogy, Assassin's Apprentice and Ship of Magic the 1st Live Ship Trader book shortly after they were each released. In spite of an uncertain jacket synopsis on Ship of Magic, I’d hoped for a continuation of the well tempered, 1st person character driven action I'd found in the Farseer books. ( I didn’t much like how that series ended, but I
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Feb 09, 2010
Chip
rated it:
This review is really for the whole trilogy, which I read back-to-back, and so think of as one longer story than three individual books.
So-so at best. In the Farseer and Tawny Man trilogies, Hobb had created not only a great, realistic world, but a fantastic narrator in the protagonist. In this new series, she went from first person to third, which I have no problem with, but also shifted from having just on point of view, to having far, far, far too many! There were AT LEAST SEVEN More...
So-so at best. In the Farseer and Tawny Man trilogies, Hobb had created not only a great, realistic world, but a fantastic narrator in the protagonist. In this new series, she went from first person to third, which I have no problem with, but also shifted from having just on point of view, to having far, far, far too many! There were AT LEAST SEVEN More...
Sep 27, 2009
Suna
rated it:
This series is a guilty pleasure, really, as the books are most decidedly flawed.
But it's a ripping yarn nonetheless, mainly because of the excellent way she has envisaged dragon culture, hierarchy and history.
The humans can be VERY irritating, especially the Vestrits mimble wimble on and on and on.
But she has a very solid grip on all her plots and subplots, her characters are well fleshed out and she is deft at leading to their final destinations in the third book, with some v More...
But it's a ripping yarn nonetheless, mainly because of the excellent way she has envisaged dragon culture, hierarchy and history.
The humans can be VERY irritating, especially the Vestrits mimble wimble on and on and on.
But she has a very solid grip on all her plots and subplots, her characters are well fleshed out and she is deft at leading to their final destinations in the third book, with some v More...
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Sep 14, 2009
Julie
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Althea Vestrit, wrongly denied her inheritance of the beautiful Liveship Vivacia, leaves Bingtown in order to prove herself as the true sailor she is and claim back her beloved ship from her brother-in-law's greedy grasp.
For Wintrow, Althea's nephew, Vivacia is nothing more than a slave ship wrenching him away from his religious studies so his father can have his son aboard his ship to inherit and keep Althea from coming into her inheritance.
But no one counted on Captain More...
For Wintrow, Althea's nephew, Vivacia is nothing more than a slave ship wrenching him away from his religious studies so his father can have his son aboard his ship to inherit and keep Althea from coming into her inheritance.
But no one counted on Captain More...
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Oct 20, 2011
Cv
rated it:
What I want from escapist fantasy is a good story with good characters, paced well. With Ship of Magic, I got all that. With only a couple of annoyances. (I'll address those later.)
The story, unsurprisingly, centers on majestic sailing ships, the docks, and the lives of its sailors and officers. The style and detail compare favorably to Patrick O'Brien. Heavy discipline, tidy ships, scary storms, politics and abuse all keep the story moving - and the story is good. Liveships are made f More...
The story, unsurprisingly, centers on majestic sailing ships, the docks, and the lives of its sailors and officers. The style and detail compare favorably to Patrick O'Brien. Heavy discipline, tidy ships, scary storms, politics and abuse all keep the story moving - and the story is good. Liveships are made f More...
Apr 29, 2010
TeenFiction
rated it:
TCL Call #: SF HOBB
Madeleine - 5 stars
Lord! To think I almost did not read this because of the humilitation inducing cover art (our library's cover looks a close cousin to a breathless ladies romance novel).
A not-to-be-missed series! Every single person I've suggested the "Ship of Magic" to has gone on to read the entire series. Do not be put off that it is labeled as fantasy nor that it has dragons in it.
The entire Liveship series by Robin Hobb have More...
Madeleine - 5 stars
Lord! To think I almost did not read this because of the humilitation inducing cover art (our library's cover looks a close cousin to a breathless ladies romance novel).
A not-to-be-missed series! Every single person I've suggested the "Ship of Magic" to has gone on to read the entire series. Do not be put off that it is labeled as fantasy nor that it has dragons in it.
The entire Liveship series by Robin Hobb have More...
Apr 29, 2010
AdultFiction
rated it:
TCL Call #: SF HOBB
Madeleine - 5 stars
Lord! To think I almost did not read this because of the humilitation inducing cover art (our library's cover looks a close cousin to a breathless ladies romance novel).
A not-to-be-missed series! Every single person I've suggested the "Ship of Magic" to has gone on to read the entire series. Do not be put off that it is labeled as fantasy nor that it has dragons in it.
The entire Liveship series by Robin Hobb have More...
Madeleine - 5 stars
Lord! To think I almost did not read this because of the humilitation inducing cover art (our library's cover looks a close cousin to a breathless ladies romance novel).
A not-to-be-missed series! Every single person I've suggested the "Ship of Magic" to has gone on to read the entire series. Do not be put off that it is labeled as fantasy nor that it has dragons in it.
The entire Liveship series by Robin Hobb have More...
May 22, 2011
Caroline
rated it:
Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb is the first in a trilogy about the “Bingtown Traders.” Specifically, it is about the Vestrits, a once wealthy family struggling to pay off their debts in a bad economy. Their only asset is their liveship, a magically sentient ship tied to their family. Ephron, the captain-patriarch of the family, has just died, leaving the family in the midst of a bitter feud as to who will succeed him. Intertwined with their problems is the story of Kennit, a pirate seeking to b
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May 13, 2010
Hazel
rated it: 
Recommended by Jamie. I swear I've seen this in the library and assumed I'd already read it! Looking forward to it now.
I was right, and immediately recognised the serpents of the prologue. I remember poor Althea who loses her heart's desire. I'd forgotten Kennit, though, and his character seems more complex than I expected. He's not just a comic book villain.
May 13th
This has been so much fun that I've read it through in just a couple of days. Very More...
I was right, and immediately recognised the serpents of the prologue. I remember poor Althea who loses her heart's desire. I'd forgotten Kennit, though, and his character seems more complex than I expected. He's not just a comic book villain.
May 13th
This has been so much fun that I've read it through in just a couple of days. Very More...
Jun 05, 2008
Nikki
rated it:
I was intrigued by this book. I got about two thirds of the way through it before things really started to bug me. Robin Hobb's writing is still good, and readable, but the way this story is put together is really quite flawed, in my opinion. It's in the characters, the way the plot is put together, the pacing.
I'll post my full analysis of why it's "broken" for me on the last book of the trilogy.
I'll post my full analysis of why it's "broken" for me on the last book of the trilogy.
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Jan 10, 2012
Tammy
rated it:
Economic circumstance robs Althea Vestrit of her inheritance, and the sentient liveship, Vivacia, passes to her sister and brother-in-law, Kyle Haven. Kyle, weak on the ethics front, immediately sets his eyes on the profitable slave trade, and drags his unwilling son, Winstrow, aboard to solidify his claim on the ship. Althea Vestrit's love for the ship causes her to make questionable choices in a desperate attempt to regain Vivacia. Meanwhile, the pirate Kennit seeks to capture a liveship an
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Dec 27, 2010
Gill
rated it:
Althea Vestrit was born to sail. She comes from an Old Trader family who have sailed their ship Vivacia for 3 generations and she is expected to continue that tradition. But when her father dies, Althea's inheritance is snatched from her. Estranged from her family, she must disguise herself as a boy to sail on other ships, whilst plotting to regain Vivacia.
But Vivacia is under threat - Althea's brother-in-law doesn't understand how ships made from wizardwood are completely different More...
But Vivacia is under threat - Althea's brother-in-law doesn't understand how ships made from wizardwood are completely different More...
Jan 31, 2012
Widdershins
rated it:
Since I loved the Farseer trilogy so much, I had high expectations for this trilogy. Unfortunately, I was not crazy about this book. First of all, book 1 did not have a stand-alone ending, which is a pet peeve of mine. Because the story was told through several character's eyes, I didn't make as strong of a connection with them and found the story to be very sprawling and loose. I also don't love the sea serpent tangent - I'm finding the mystery frustrating instead of inviting. Lastly, the
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Nov 29, 2009
Elaine
rated it:
This is a long book, and it really isn't a complete book. It is pretty clearly 1/3 of a much longer story told in a trilogy. Most of the book's main themes have no real resolution in this volume. So, it seems premature to review it. That being said, this is one of those books that will stay with me for a while. The characters, the world building, the themes, have all gotten under my skin.
This is my second Robin Hobb trilogy and her real strength is her characters, their motivati More...
This is my second Robin Hobb trilogy and her real strength is her characters, their motivati More...
Dec 27, 2011
Paul
rated it:
As you'd expect, Robin Hobb delivers some fully fleshed out characters. She also puts some nice conflict in. I disliked the situation they all find themselves in, which is a good thing: it means the author did a good job creating some story elements that need resolving.
The book feels a bit long, and it's not a page-turner: it's on the slow side. Still, it was interesting enough to finish, and I have a desire to read about everything that happens in the same land as the Six Duchies, eve More...
The book feels a bit long, and it's not a page-turner: it's on the slow side. Still, it was interesting enough to finish, and I have a desire to read about everything that happens in the same land as the Six Duchies, eve More...
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Jul 09, 2011
Věrka
rated it:
I started reading the Liveship Traders Trilogy right after finishing the Farseer Trilogy. I actually wanted to skip right to Tawny Man - but someone convinced me to read this first - and I'm glad he did, I think. I can't help but compare the Farseer Trilogy with what I've read of this one so far. They're actually similar and yet very different at the same time:
First of all, the setting is different. We get to spend most of the time on the sea (naturally). Jamailia and Bingtown are no More...
First of all, the setting is different. We get to spend most of the time on the sea (naturally). Jamailia and Bingtown are no More...
Jan 01, 2012
Charlotte
rated it:
I think that this is my favorite book of the entire series. It is an action-packed, completely unique story with plenty of well-developed characters. Hobb does a fantastic job of introducing the world. There is no excess explaining and she leaves the reader delighted with the world and curious to learn more. My annoyances with this book were the slow beginning to the Paragon plot and the lack of interaction between the characters.
Winthow and Vivacia both shone in this novel and I f More...
Winthow and Vivacia both shone in this novel and I f More...
Feb 04, 2009
Cait
rated it:
I've read this series before, but after watching some movies with ships in them I suddenly felt the need to read books about ships. These came to mind, so I picked them up again.
The first time I read them, I was a bit disappointed because they are quite different from the Farseer Trilogy, which I think is a truly wonderful series. However, this time I was quite impressed by Ship of Magic. While some of the characters are still annoying, they are very convincingly so. My only complaint More...
The first time I read them, I was a bit disappointed because they are quite different from the Farseer Trilogy, which I think is a truly wonderful series. However, this time I was quite impressed by Ship of Magic. While some of the characters are still annoying, they are very convincingly so. My only complaint More...
Mar 23, 2007
Jewel
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Oct 03, 2011
Scarlet
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 24, 2011
Stephen
rated it:
3.0 to 3.5 stars. Another good, solid effort by Hobb. Excellent world-building and great character development, but bogged down by a pace that was a bit too leidurely for me. Still, a fairly enjoyable read and it sets the stage very well for future books in the series.
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Jan 16, 2012
Jana
rated it:
Robin Hobbs' "The Realm of the Elderlings', 4 sets of trilogies which include, in order, "The Farseer Trilogy," (which includes, "Assassin's Apprentice, "Royal Assassin, "Assassin's Quest,"); "Liveship Traders Trilogy," (which includes, "Ship of Magic," "The Mad Ship," "Ship of
Destiny"); "The Tawny Man Trilogy," (which includes "Fool's Errand," "Golden Fool," "Fool's Fate,"); More...
Destiny"); "The Tawny Man Trilogy," (which includes "Fool's Errand," "Golden Fool," "Fool's Fate,"); More...
Apr 16, 2010
Gaby
rated it:
After reading the entire series I can only give it three stars, I had dearly wanted to give it four but...... in the very end it was an unsatisfying read.
A rip roaring tale, let me summarise my feelings on each of the books.
Ship of Magic. Was a bit slow, and I was initially not drawn in, but the character Wintrow was interesting and was the only reason I carried onto the next book
Mad Ship. Was the best of the three. It redeemed the first book in my eyes. More...
A rip roaring tale, let me summarise my feelings on each of the books.
Ship of Magic. Was a bit slow, and I was initially not drawn in, but the character Wintrow was interesting and was the only reason I carried onto the next book
Mad Ship. Was the best of the three. It redeemed the first book in my eyes. More...
May 17, 2011
Mazil
rated it:
Magic, fantasy, pirates, mythological creatures, and a huge cast of varied, flawed and lovable characters. What more could you ask for?
I first read the Robin Hobb trilogies quite a few years ago. The release of the first books of the Rain Wild Chronicles tweaked fond memories of reading the Liveship Traders series, so I decided to re-read them before embarking on the new books. I'm glad I did.
Ship of Magic follows the adventures of Althea Vestrit, a young woman whose dreams More...
I first read the Robin Hobb trilogies quite a few years ago. The release of the first books of the Rain Wild Chronicles tweaked fond memories of reading the Liveship Traders series, so I decided to re-read them before embarking on the new books. I'm glad I did.
Ship of Magic follows the adventures of Althea Vestrit, a young woman whose dreams More...
Aug 07, 2010
Ann-Marie
rated it:
This is the second time I've read this book. To be frank, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I had originally intended to buy a differnt book by the same author, but the bookshop I was in didn't have it at the time, so I somewhat grudgingly bought this one instead.
First time I read the story, I wasn't all that taken with one of the main characters, but this time around, I didn't mind him so much, which probably was the reason why I was pleasantly surprised at how keen I beca More...
First time I read the story, I wasn't all that taken with one of the main characters, but this time around, I didn't mind him so much, which probably was the reason why I was pleasantly surprised at how keen I beca More...
Nov 07, 2011
Alessandro
rated it:
The giant sea serpents are pissed off. They are sapient and have decided to take over the world. Step 1 for complete world domination: destroy all sentient wizard wood ships. Holy shit! Best premise ever! I am completely sold on this book. Please, take my money, Robin Hobb. And give it to the poor. Or keep it. Whatever. See if I care.
Ship Of Magic has flaws. I found it very hard to relate to characters like Ronica, Keffria and even Althea. They are clearly meant for female readers. S More...
Ship Of Magic has flaws. I found it very hard to relate to characters like Ronica, Keffria and even Althea. They are clearly meant for female readers. S More...
