RotE1: The Farseer trilogy (BR)

[Anthony]

I think this is very apt. And I do so strongly feel a palpable melancholy in these books that very much touches my soul.

[Mareike]

I agree.

There aren't many books/book series that have struck that particular chord with such consistency and skill for me.

[Eric]

Random rambling exercises the brain, Mareike. :)

I'm well into book three, "Assassin's Quest," and continue to be frustrated at Fitz's constant refusal to heed good advice. However, I feel that is part of the angst that Hobb wished to create for the character's immaturity.

[Gabi]

LOL! I feel you, Eric!

[Mareike]

Eric wrote: "Random rambling exercises the brain, Mareike. :)

I'm well into book three, "Assassin's Quest," and continue to be frustrated at Fitz's constant refusal to heed good advice. However, I feel that is..."

Haha! It probably does.

The amount of time I've gone 'Oh, Fitz!' in a frustrated tone in my head is staggering.

I sometimes wonder how I would have read these books as a teenager or in my early twenties....younger me might have been less frustrated with him.

[Eric]

Gabi wrote: "LOL! I feel you, Eric!"

I'm in good company, then. ;)

[Eric]

Mareike wrote: "I sometimes wonder how I would have read these books as a teenager or in my early twenties....younger me might have been less frustrated with him. "

A wee libation to sip while reading helps. LOL!

[Wen]

@Anthony Do we have a schedule for the trilogy, like one per month/or one book per month? Thank you:)

[Anna]

Wen wrote: "Do we have a schedule for the trilogy, like one per month/or one book per month?"

The proposed schedule is in the Realms of the Elderlings thread.

[Wen]

Sorry I should check the other thread first. Thank you!

[Anna]

I haven't been reading the comments thoroughly, if at all, so I don't know if this reminder is needed, but here it is anyway:

Please hide all spoilers inside spoiler tags, and mark with book and chapter number! Thank you!

[Jemppu]

Got inspired by the series - chapter 8 of Royal Assassin to be precise. Hopefully it's okay to post some art here admits the inspired discussion. (view spoiler)[



Queen Awakes


"This is not a hunt. Let your hearts be solemn. We do not go to hunt, but to claim our casulties. We go to lay to rest those the Red Ships have stolen from us. Those we put down today are of the Six Duchies - our own".

Queen in Waiting Kettricken, Daughter of King Eyod of the Mountain Kingdom, from Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy.

Thank you @Mareike and @Anthony for your encouragements.

Posted in full size here on twitter and on DeviantArt. (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

Jemppu wrote: "Got inspired by the series - a scene in Royal Assassin to be precise. Hopefully it's okay to post some art here admits the inspired discussion."

Nicely done!

[Anthony]

Jemppu wrote: "Got inspired by the series - a scene in Royal Assassin to be precise. Hopefully it's okay to post some art here admits the inspired discussion.

Queen Awakes


"This is not a hunt. Let your hearts..."

BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[Jemppu]

@eric thank you, kind ^^

@anthony thank YOU, for introducing me (among many) to these inspirational books. Just finishing up with Fifth Season finally - next one(s) will HAVE to come from that!

[Gabi]

This is terrific, Jemina! I have to go over on dA these days to ask you all kind of technical questions.

Assassin's Quest, Chapter 16

(view spoiler)[So far, I love how the story unfolds. It's going slowly, but with good character parts. It had some great Nighteyes scenes in the first part of the book, and now he's back as "good boy" (this made me laugh out loud. I'm looking forward to the revenge) Since I'm still convinced, that he will meet a terrible fate, I don't get too close to the wolf, but I'm thoroughly enjoying the scenes with him.

Starling is another wonderful female character, I nodded silently, when Fitz realised that she reminded him of Lady Patience.

The old Lady (at first I was thinking of Chade again in disguise, but that would be too awkward) is another great addition. Fitz needs those kind of women around him to keep him on track.
Of course I dearly hope, that the white prophet she seeks will be my beloved Fool. I dearly miss this character. (hide spoiler)]

[Travis]

I'm through Chapter 11 of Royal Assassin. (A humble request from someone lagging behind the rest of you: please include chapters or percentages before spoiler tags. Thank you!)

Some quick thoughts/questions:

(view spoiler)[
I was a bit surprised to hear about how close Verity had been to Chivalry, because that scene in the earlier book where he and Royal had just learned of his death Verity seemed almost casual...

Such a relief that Fitz seems finally to be listening carefully to what the Fool is saying and taking it seriously. Why, though, has no one picked up on what seems obvious: that Shrewd is somehow being poisoned or sickened?

How much do we all love Ketricken? She may be taking Fitz's place as the character with whom I identify the strongest and feel the most sympathy. That scene where she turns a grimly merry hunt into a funeral ritual had me wondering who around me was chopping onions.

Royal is a truly fantastic villain. I sort of hope that the novel seems to be largely blaming his mother for his dishonorable scheming and overstepping ambition, but I do nevertheless really love to hate him. (hide spoiler)]

[Mareike]

Jemppu wrote: "Got inspired by the series - chapter 8 of Royal Assassin to be precise. Hopefully it's okay to post some art here admits the inspired discussion.

Queen Awakes


"This is not a hunt. Let your hear..."

OMG, that scene! I have goosebumps just reading that quote.
And your art is utterly beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with us!

[Travis]

Jemppu wrote: "Got inspired by the series - chapter 8 of Royal Assassin to be precise. Hopefully it's okay to post some art here admits the inspired discussion. "

LOVE! You captured so much about her character. Thank you for sharing!

[Eric]

Gabi wrote: "Assassin's Quest, Chapter 16"

You are ahead of me, but...Chapter 13, Assassin's Quest:

(view spoiler)[Once again as Fitz performs the Blue Lake attempt on Regal, my brain is screaming....again, again, he makes a foolish mistake...again! And what does Hobb do? She sends a ferret to (catch the use of the words) ferret him out. "Trap, trap." Not a weasel or some such thing. A ferret. A deliberate choice by Hobb, I'm sure. Quite the imagination she has, while still driving the reader nuts about Fitz's stupidity. Yikes! (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

Eric wrote: "You are ahead of me, but...Chapter 13, Assassin's Quest:

[spoilers removed]"

Agreed (view spoiler)[ Fitz' stupidity drives me crazy! It is as if he completely loses track when there isn't some mentor around him.
BTW, the ferret was cute. I would have loved to hear more of it. I love this Wit stuff! (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

Gabi wrote: "I love this Wit stuff! "

(view spoiler)[And now it is the "Old Blood." :)) (hide spoiler)]

[Mareike]

Gabi wrote: "Eric wrote: "You are ahead of me, but...Chapter 13, Assassin's Quest:

[spoilers removed]"

Agreed Fitz' stupidity drives me crazy! It is as if he completely loses track when there isn't some ment..."

Oh my God, that was SO frustrating to read! Gaaaaah! Fitz, you know better!

As for (view spoiler)[the Wit/Old Blood stuff: patience. (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

Mareike wrote: "As for...."

Ich verstehe Geduld.

[Gabi]

Assassin's Quest Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[ Well here's a drawback of the audio version. The Fool finally is back and the narrator speaks him like an old woman. Sounds horrible! (hide spoiler)]

[Mareike]

Whaaaat? Why would someone do such a thing????

[Jemppu]

The English version? I recall it having sounded a bit feigned, though I could've been thinking that was to add to the 'confusion'.

[CBRetriever]

Gabi wrote: "Assassin's Quest Chapter 20: [spoilers removed]"

isn't that because (view spoiler)[the Fool is posing as an old woman at the time and that's his/her old lady voice (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

I'm only on Chapter 16 of Assassin's Quest, and I'm reminded of Robert Burns. "The best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry."

I'll give a Fool's opinion (pun intended) when I get there. :))

[Gabi]

CBRetriever wrote: "Gabi wrote: "Assassin's Quest Chapter 20: [spoilers removed]"

isn't that because [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ at the moment he's with Fitz alone, they both know who the other is, and the narrator uses this irritating voice. I guess from next book on it is back to ebook for me, unless I don't get used to it (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

I have never listened to an audio book. That is my preface.

Assassin's Quest, Chapter 20:

(view spoiler)[I don't get that Fool would be portrayed as a woman in the audio version. The Kindle version of the book I have is plain as day that Fool is a he. "White Prophet, puppet maker." So now the arrow is out of Fitz's back. Wolf continues to have Fitz's back. And once again, Chade has his own agenda. What goes around, comes around. (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

Eric wrote: "I have never listened to an audio book. That is my preface.

Assassin's Quest, Chapter 20:

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I phrased that incorrectly. He's not reading the Fool as being a female, but he changes his voice for this character like usually is done for old folk, especially older women. And since there were several statements about the Fool still growing and therefore being quite young, this voice throws me off. (hide spoiler)]

[Eric]

Not having listened to audio books, I didn't know that the narrators use voice inflection to mimic what they think the characters should sound like. Thanks, Gabi.

[Eric]

I finished "Assassin Quest." Intense! I won't add any spoilers, because it really needs to be read. Onward I go with "Ship of Magic," by Hobb. The next in the series. I tried for a link, but it wouldn't work. Happens some times.

[Anthony]

Eric wrote: "I finished "Royal Assassin." Intense! I won't add any spoilers, because it really needs to be read. Onward I go with "Ship of Magic," by Hobb. The next in the series. I tried for a link, but it wou..."

No, Assassin's Quest is the next book in the series.

[Anna]

If someone is indeed starting Ship of Magic, it's a past group read, and here are the discussions:


*No spoilers*
*Spoilers*

[Eric]

Anthony wrote: "Eric wrote: "I finished "Royal Assassin." Intense! I won't add any spoilers, because it really needs to be read. Onward I go with "Ship of Magic," by Hobb. The next in the series. I tried for a lin..."

Correction. It was Assassin's Quest I finished. Getting them mixed up. I edited the post. Thanks!

[Anthony]

I finally just started Assassin's Quest and am so glad I did. I’ve been reading some books that haven’t been reaching my heart too often, and right away in chapter 1 I was already moved by (view spoiler)[ Fitz’s plight of coming back to himself with Burrich’s help. Their relationship has been so powerfully rich in this trilogy, and Hobb continues to outdo herself by showing its richness and complexity and deep, abiding love and loyalty. (hide spoiler)]

I need to go to bed (another long workday awaits) but I look forward to blazing through this book.

[Jacqueline]

I’ve been looking for 2 and 3 but the shops have everything but those. I’ll keep looking.

[Bobby]

Anthony wrote: "I finally just started Assassin's Quest and am so glad I did. I’ve been reading some books that haven’t been reaching my heart too often, and right away in chapter 1 I was already m..."

I think you will find what you are looking for here. This book is such a great ending to the trilogy. I look forward to hearing what you think.

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "I finally just started Assassin's Quest and am so glad I did. I’ve been reading some books that haven’t been reaching my heart too often..."
So glad to hear this might serve as a safe haven. Eagerly awaiting to hear of your experience.

Joining in as well. The play button on the audiobook has been waiting to get pressed.

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "I finally just started Assassin's Quest and am so glad I did. I’ve been reading some books that haven’t been reaching my heart too often, and right away in chapter 1 I was already m..."

The opening chapter of this book is so strong!

(view spoiler)[That Burrich went along with this plan, even though he's so opposed to the Wit.... It must have been almost ubearably for him to see Fitz like that. "Heart of the Pack" indeed. (This name is so right for Burrich, it's giving me goosebumps.) (hide spoiler)]

[Jemppu]

Assassin's Quest

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[Oh, these two. The pure innocence of wolf Fitz is just adorable, and his reacting to things with his wolf mind is described with such believable accuracy.

Burrich's steadfast believe to getting him 'better' is so touching (debatable, if being a human would be better - but Burrich's reasoning here might have parental worry for his kid - that being born and 'trapped' in a man's body, it'd be easier for Fitz to function in it in society).

The whole routine of teaching him to be a human again! So directly comparable to teaching dogs to behave. That whole drill at the dinner table, with Fitz made patiently to wait to eat his food, and then to eat it at leisurely pace, is exactly the regime that'd go about daily in a kennel at feeding times. Quite maddening to observe it by the sidelines routinely. That Burrich has the patience for this, speaks strongly of his animal wrangling skills. And of his caring.

While it straining on his apparent resolve to keep away from a drink. Oh, the struggles of parenting. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[Fitz lashing out to Burrich - ooh, so painfully earnest and indeed indicative of the bond between these two - hitting right where it hurts. Powerful. We are capable of hurting those closest to us the most, indeed.

And then Burrich the closeted Wit-user finally coming out with it :,) These two - so much alike. How much it must pain as a parent to watch your kid do all the same 'mistakes' you did and not being able to prevent it - just have to let them experience it themselves to learn from it.

Incidentally, I'd love for some more Burrich and Chivalry.

I'm also sorry for having gotten spoiled an aspect of the story laid out here - wondering how this would play, if one didn't know. Now I'll never experience that. Pity. (hide spoiler)]

@Mareike (view spoiler)[Yes on "Heart of the Pack", yes on these being strong chapters! Can't believe it's only been the two first - there are whole books with less substance in them than either of these chapters alone. (hide spoiler)]

[Jemppu]

Assassin's Quest. Enjoying this immensely.

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)["I am the same about porcupines" *hah* The choice commentary Hobb themself poses to the characters' actions adds so much trust to the instances where the story or the character motivations seems to be taking otherwise questionable directions. Nighteyes playing the part of the Fool here, as it were.

Enjoying the spontaneity of the way Nighteyes' animalistic 'living in the now' gets depicted. He just roll around, when he feels like it. Eat, sleeps when he feels like it. It's all so relaxing and soothing. Standing in stark contrast to all what the humans are up to with their schemings and revenge plots, and all such 'unnecessary stuff' - their porcupine hunts.

All the aww for Burrich's visit, and the less-than-subtle leather carving - just can't keep from parenting *hah*

Oh, and the connection between Fitz and Verity - just as soul-stirring as ever. Just as the descriptions of the forced Skill connections here are effectively distressing. (hide spoiler)]

[Mareike]

Jemppu wrote: "Chapter 1 [spoiler removed] ..."

I am still hoping for (view spoiler)[a prequel series centered on Burrich, Chivalry, and Lady Patience. But my hopes aren't high. Also, the things we don't know about them (or only find out later) are what makes them so fascinating I guess. (hide spoiler)]

[Jemppu]

Assassin's Quest

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[Wait. With all the death and carnage that has been going on with the Forged ones, has rape been established to belonging to their 'repertoire' before until now? Been imagining them as these soulless, desireless zombie-like creatures, but of course it makes some sense given the themes here: rather than actual 'living dead' these creatures must indeed be more like men driven to bare animalistic needs. Apparently carnal needs included. 'Zombies' with a desire to mate? Since, as they do not feel - have no sensation to pain - one would assume pleasure is out of their reach as well. And what else good would it be for them then? Just blind desire to satisfy unfulfillable cravings?

Aanyway. The pin - or lack of it - seems to be getting heavily set up. Curious to see what that'll lead up to.

Why do I fear for people getting introduced to our hero? Surely at some point excess company must be shed one way or other *fingers crossed* (hide spoiler)]

@Anthony for chapter 4 (view spoiler)[Is this perhaps the first tavern visited since Wheel of Time? Might I hazard a guess, that this compares favorably? :D (hide spoiler)]


Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[Well, that was an action-y chapter!

What an adventure in dreams with the skill walking - something completely new. And I'm excited for every chance we get a peek of Verity.

Then some more terror with the walkers forged ones on the road. Addressing the 'animalistic nature' off them right away too (and bringing up the rape again - was this really a thing before?).

Curiously (or not?), I found the dream terrors more menacing than these 'actual' physical threats. Masterful as Hobb's ability to describe the battle and the Skill shared injuries in intense, vivid detail is, and the sheer physical demand of them, the mindf*cks still feel much more invasive, inescapable. Refer to the aforementioned violation for comparison.

The scene by the fire with the singing was a delightful interlude in between though. The delivery of the "The fish is burning" line prompting a genuine laugh. This is the point where I must thank the great performance of Paul Boehmer, the audiobook narrator. Convincingly delivering even these young maidens.

And again I found myself cursing for having been spoiled for a thing. Well, at least I won't need to wade back to see how obvious things were. I will never know if they weren't though *sob* (hide spoiler)]

@Mareike, yes, please! With hefty servings of the other princes, Verity and Regal too, please.

[Anthony]

Jemppu wrote: "Enjoying this immensely.

Chapter 3

I loved that quote as well! And the (view spoiler)[ visit from Burrich. Hobby so beautifully and achingly depicts the cruelty and love two men who are bound to one another can shower on one another. (hide spoiler)]

I’d be making faster progress if it weren’t for my pesky work schedule. I love being back in this world and in the deeply capable hands of Robin Hobb. Except for Babel-17 and Rendezvous with Rama — two relatively compact books — I’ve spent a lot of the last few weeks reading work that rambled and spun its wheels and peopled its pages with less-than-compelling characters. So this book is filling a deep craving in me.

[Mareike]

Jemppu wrote: "Chapter 4 [spoiler removed]..."

I hadn't thought about (view spoiler)[rape coming up before...now that you point it out, it is curious. But since it's usually about power, not pleasure, it does seem like something the Forged might do. (hide spoiler)]

I'm curious, what were you spoiled for?

@Anthony: Hobb's books are special in that way. Returning to that world is almost like coming home for me.

[Jemppu]

Ah, work. I'm myself 'blessed' with desk work, where putting on an audiobook is an option - at least when the job at hand isn't demanding any concentration, and the brain can be put on idle. Though, surely, one shouldn't be worrying about speed, as much as time spent savoring the story. But yes, I share your feeling about being back here with this world - like coming home after some strange, not fully satisfactory journeys. Even Babel-17 was that for me - confusing first and foremost. I did manage to encounter one wonderful and quick read, which featured heavily Rama, the book, and which I would dare recommend even: The Man Who Ended the World (would love to some day hear your opinion).

So gladdened to hear this is fulfilling a need now! Enjoy it! I know I do.

Assassin's Quest, chapter 3: (view spoiler)[Anthony wrote: "...so beautifully and achingly depicts the cruelty and love two men who are bound to one another can shower on one another"
*nods vigorously* Yes! And bound they all are. Sharing so much of themselves with each other. The trust and vulnerability they bestow on one and other is so touching. (hide spoiler)]

[Sabrina]

Anthony wrote: "So this book is filling a deep craving in me..."

Oh, I agree, I didn't even realise how much I needed to re-read this series :-)