RotE1: The Farseer trilogy (BR)

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "Assassin’s Quest chapter 39 [spoilers removed]

Thank you Jemppu (I am happy to continue using that delightful name!) for your wonderfully full and alive distilling of your experience. I so enjoy r..."

Thanks to both of you for sharing all you do. I find (view spoiler)[that Hobb's stories break my heart and then they put it back together again. That's the closest I've ever come to describing my reaction. N.K. Jemisin does something similar in The Broken Earth trilogy. (hide spoiler)]

[Anthony]

Assassin’s Quest chapter 40. This: (view spoiler)[“I healed. Not completely. A scar is never the same as good flesh, but it stops the bleeding.” (hide spoiler)]

Truth is beauty and these words are true.

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "Assassin’s Quest chapter 40. This: [spoilers removed]

Truth is beauty and these words are true."

YES!

[Anthony]

I just finished. Wow. Just wow.

(view spoiler)[It feels so fitting that this boy we’ve heard him mention is his ward, given to him by Starling, and not just a page or aide or apprentice. And yet it’s also fitting that he has withheld that information from us for all of this time.

And it is so fitting that this epic tale ends so very quietly and intimately. The journey has cost him so very much... (hide spoiler)]

I am so grateful that there are more stories of Fitz and the Fool that I will get to experience. I wonder who else from this trilogy will make an appearance in those stories...

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. When I read the first two books, I was alone in my experience. It’s so fulfilling to share in it, especially a tale that is so much about the connections between people...

[Anthony]

Also, (view spoiler)[ I just giggled a bit in my mind’s eye to ponder the reactions of the people who were on the receiving end of the Skill-controlled Regal’s apologies and decrees. “Sir? Your majesty? Are you feeling well? You don’t seem at all yourself...”

I’m also wondering, Jemppu, whether the exploration of his mother’s influence on him and the festering of his jealousies served to fill in the gaps enough for you. I mean, in my country we have a man at the helm who very much reminds me of Regal in so many ways, so I do believe that men as venal and jealous and petty and willing to manipulate anyone and anything for the sake of power do in fact exist... (hide spoiler)]

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "I just finished. Wow. Just wow.

...Thank you so much for sharing this with me. When I read the first two books, I was alone in my experience. It’s so fulfilling to share in it, especially a tale that is so much about the connections between people ..."

I can only echo that. I read the whole cycle on my own and have carried these characters (and some you still have to meet) with me ever since. Watching all of you going on this journey with them was a joy that is hard to describe.
The longer I think about it, the more I feel that I will have to try and make time to actually re-read the books as you progress through the cycle.
So, from me, too, a big thanks to everyone.

As for (view spoiler)[Regal, the dramatic irony is absolutely delicious. (hide spoiler)]

Any firm favorites among the characters? (I do have a gut feeling as to the answers...)

I don't think that I have to try and sell you on the other books at this point, but there's so much yet to come! And I'm so excited for you!

[Jemppu]

Assassin's Quest Chapter 39 (view spoiler)[Oh, what a farewell that was. The transformation of Verity was so magnificent.

It's curious though how Verity's dragon could ever rise up to fly, with such a large part of him as Fitz not put into it.

The image of the Fool and Burl scrabbling over the Girl-on-a-Dragon has got me giggling embarrassingly.

Oh. Didn't realize how long it has been when last hearing Regal's voice. Has he spoken one word in this book? I don't recall he would've. Will's spoken for him, if he has.

Here come the rhymings again. Will's Skill still to kill. And a pretty new word "Skill-illusion". Will: "Dragons at my peck, loyal to me. Dragons to bring down Verity"

"I ran fast, but the wolf ran faster, and Will fled the fastest of all"
This image :D

Curious is also the image of the creature of Girl-on-a-dragon.
(hide spoiler)]


Chapter 40 (view spoiler)[ Ouch. Hacking Will for a link to Regal. My hat's off to Fitz for not just taking over his uncle's body and flinging oneself off of a balcony (for a while I thought, that's exactly what Fitz could do, until he started pitying the man. Surely Fitz is a bigger person than that).

Yes, yes, yes. This is what I was hoping for! Family matters. Regal's POV. And he is but a sheltered kid, spoiled and pampered. And lonely within his family. Dang.

Lady Patience's greeting to Verity the dragon. *hohoho* Yes!

No-one was pure evil. And their death will surely not be stuff of songs. Gosh, that was a sorry way to go. Damn, makes me sad for Regal really. BUT, that's exactly what I was hoping for! Just surprising how much this feels... just so wrong. Meh... so true to life though. Good stuff. So sorry, but good.

"Mishap". These moms... please. I'm starting to appreciate that there are actually some form of naming laws in practice here. You can't just name your kid "mistake" or "bastard".

Little Chivalry though :,) And it is clear no mom of Six Duchies named that kid *haha* Oh, Burrich and your undying love.

And gosh darn it, if The Scribe didn't bring tears to one's eyes. (hide spoiler)]


Assassin's Quest. Finally (view spoiler)[
Well. That was marvelous. I do not think a fantasy adventure has ever captured my imagination before quite as this did. Not since teen years anyway, but even then, I must have been a lot more easier target. That this so completely stirred my more 'hardened heart' (not really, but surely somewhat) speaks volumes.

I agree with Anthony, the quiet ending with Fitz and his Boy is a perfect closing to this grand a tale. My mind is so completely soothed by the picture of this old soul with his wolf on the terrace of a cottage by the sea, and can easily imagine the Boy seeing his old mentor in the light much like young Fitz saw Burrich, regarding him much the same way. Tending to his peculiar habits and perhaps disregarding with mild amusement his mentor's ramblings about his majestic dragon prince he loved and some fool white prophet he also loved (and who was definitely "he", no matter what Starling - who sometimes visit - might say).

I am so pleased Fitz eventually got / will get his quiet home life. (hide spoiler)]


Thank you, indeed, for sharing this literary experience. I am certain it aided a lot of the enjoyment of this magnificent journey. And thank you again, Anthony, for the initial introduction. My life has definitely been enriched both by these books and by being able to share this experience here with you.

Anthony wrote: "Thank you Jemppu (I am happy to continue using that delightful name!) for your wonderfully full and alive distilling of your experience. I so enjoy reading your thoughts. "
Thank you. And thank you for sharing your thoughts as well. Was great to see what jumped out to you from the pages. Found myself going back few times and reconnecting with the text at points, which could've otherwise escaped my attention.

Speaking of which, excellent point about the theme of connections between people playing part in both here as in the story. How splendidly apt.

I'm looking forward to hearing the input of those still to join in reading this wonderful series. And most thankful that there are more books still left to explore! Must keep the future BRs in mind and join in to those as well. Can't wait!

[Jemppu]

re Anthony (view spoiler)[Anthony wrote: ".. I just giggled a bit in my mind’s eye to ponder the reactions of the people who were on the receiving end of the Skill-controlled Regal’s apologies and decrees. “Sir? Your majesty? Are you feeling well? You don’t seem at all yourself...”"

*haha* Yes. This was clearly Regal's AA amends step.

Anthony wrote: "I’m also wondering, Jemppu, whether the exploration of his mother’s influence on him and the festering of his jealousies served to fill in the gaps enough for you. I mean, in my country we have a man at the helm who very much reminds me of Regal in so many ways, so I do believe that men as venal and jealous and petty and willing to manipulate anyone and anything for the sake of power do in fact exist..."

Yes, oh, yes! This was so perfect! And so real. So painfully real. Very accessible and easy to understand situation - consequence of sheltered life, lacking upbringing, bad influences and indeed feeling like an outsider in one's own family (tragic situation). And perhaps saddest of all: not fully the 'damaged' kid's fault either - though surely at some point in their life they ought to take control of their own mental growth.

And your 'great orange leader' was indeed one who sprung to mind immediately and a great example. Though - and I can't believe I'm bringing up a case for him - even he has the sense to stay sober. But I'd also argue, that if he had enough self awareness for a conscience, he'd have a lot to drown. ...with this I realize, I don't view Regal as bad as the current POTUS. Which is a worrying thought. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)[Anthony wrote: "“I healed. Not completely. A scar is never the same as good flesh, but it stops the bleeding.”"
This was very poignant. I'd add that in time such scarred tissue does tend to grow stronger than the original flesh. (hide spoiler)]


Anthony wrote: "Sorry you won’t be there, Jemppu. "

Mareike wrote: "It is a shame you won't be there, Jemppu! Hopefully, we'll get to met at some future con! (As I said before: we should keep an eye on FedCon. Are there any cons in Finland to look out for?) And as Dawn already said: we will carry you with us in spirit...."

Yes! In the future - would love to meet! That FedCon sounded a great possibility indeed. There are unfortunately no cons of significant enough scale for ST in Finland, but such a thing as ComicCon Stockholm just blasted itself into my peripheral vision few weeks ago. There wouldn't be a more perfect location, as the ferry cruises between here and there are a great pleasure of mine. Would be a direct route from door to door and cost practically nothing. Hopefully that event will grow and gain popularity in the coming years!

Mareike wrote: "Thanks to both of you for sharing all you do.."
And thank you for weighing in ^^

[Jemppu]

Mareike wrote: "Any firm favorites among the characters?."

Burrich! Verity! ...Chivalry, what we know of him from others. And goddangit, I must say (view spoiler)[Regal now too. Redemption in the last minute by his past, and that was just so sorry the way he went. (hide spoiler)] Yup, all Brothers Farseer.

High Bitch, Fitz and Nighteyes too.

...would say it'd be easier to pick least favourite characters. Except, it wouldn't - not really.

(view spoiler)[Did we ever hear what became of Tag? It'd be so wonderful if he just appeared out of nowhere in some of the upcoming books :D (hide spoiler)]

And, hey. Will! From the villainy side. Much worse than Regal.


Mareike wrote: "The longer I think about it, the more I feel that I will have to try and make time to actually re-read the books as you progress through the cycle."

I highly recommend the Audiobooks! Paul Boehmer's performances are brilliant, and add so much nuance to the telling and the emotions of the characters.

[Anthony]

Oh, and Jemppu, PLEASE share some more artwork inspired by these books. PLEASE!!!

@Mareike to ask me who my favorite characters are is almost too difficult for me to answer. But I think first and foremost it would be Fitz and the Fool, which is probably all too easy for me to say. But I’m deeply drawn to flawed, honorable, kind, troubled souls.

And of course Nighteyes! (view spoiler)[For everything he brings to bear. How he balances and teaches Fitz and remains true to himself even as he grows closer to being human. (hide spoiler)]

And I will always hold a special place in my heart for grumpy, steely, wise Kettle.

[Anthony]

Ahhhhh how could I not mention my love for Burrich?

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "Ahhhhh how could I not mention my love for Burrich?"

Thank you! I was wondering - already going "but as far as flawed and deeply honorable souls go!?" Where ever did Fitz learn that ;).

Anthony wrote: "Oh, and Jemppu, PLEASE share some more artwork inspired by these books. PLEASE!!!."
Aww, yes... I need to find time for at least one of the several inspos already floating in mind. I have *never* before had any desire to draw a dragon, but this awakened that too.

[Anthony]

@Jemppu I’m greedy. Only one? That seems hardly enough. 😜😜😜

[Wen]

No, you’re not, I want it too. Jemppu is SO good at it.

[Bobby]

The Fool has been one of my all time favorites of any series. I definitely look forward to re-reading the rest of the series and getting a refresher.

[Mareike]

@Jemppu and Anthony: I freely admit that it was a mean question. If it helps: I don't have an easier time deciding than you do. Definitely Nighteyes for precisely the reasons you listed, Anthony. The Fool without a doubt and also Fitz. Really, their relationship. I haven't read many (any?) relationship in genre fiction that had such beautiful complexity and depth and felt so true.
(Again: N.K. Jemisin comes to mind as an author who achieves something similar.)

I'm also especially fond of Lady Patience and sad that her and Kettle never got to meet. Can you imagine?

And obviously Burrich/Heart of the Pack. (There's a scene in one of the upcoming books that is just so.....perfect? Not quite sure how to describe it.)

I do have a love-hate "relationship" with Chade. Another marvelously complicated character!

@Jemppu: Hmmmm, I'll keep the audiobooks in mind. And I'll need to join the chorus clamoring for illustrations. We're insatiable. 😉

Speaking of fanart, I found these way back when and have been meaning to share them. I was just waiting until there was no danger of them spoiling anything:
https://polycount.com/discussion/1711...

[Jemppu]

Mareike wrote: "...And I'll need to join the chorus clamoring for illustrations. We're insatiable. 😉..."

Anthony wrote: "@Jemppu I’m greedy. Only one? That seems hardly enough. 😜😜😜"

I know! It hardly is! I'm setting the bar so low - the mind has a habit of wandering off after which ever sudden inspirations much quicker than I have time to act on it, so can't really make much promises for it one way or other, much as I'd love to get all the ideas done <;D

(this very much applies to those pertaining certain pair of Lieutenant Commanders too, whom I've been regretfully neglecting lately)

Thank you so much for the enthusiasm though! It truly is immensely encouraging... and already working on getting things started.


And as of the characters here, I feel, that there's another one who deserves a mention. One, who when ever brought up in brief glimpses managed to touch something inside me: Lady Desire, with her unfortunate demise (should've seen how this must have impacted her son as well).

[Anthony]

@Jemppu I’m not sure I have any sway, but I temporarily release you from creating images of certain Lieutenant Commanders if it means I get to enjoy images you’ve created of the characters from The Farseer Trilogy...

(I also would always love more Broken Earth Trilogy images as well but I’m not THAT greedy Or am I...)

@Mareike I agree with you about the manner in which both Jemisin and Hobb are able to create incredibly rich, complex relationships between their characters. I know Jemisin has railed against mediocre medieval fantasy. I hope she was only speaking of the work of folks like Robert Jordan and not about Robin Hobb. I wonder whether she’s read Hobb...

[Wen]

Aww, but I love that Lieutenant Commanders more than anything:) All of you are so talented!

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "@Mareike I agree with you about the manner in which both Jemisin and Hobb are able to create incredibly rich, complex relationships between their characters. I know Jemisin has railed against mediocre medieval fantasy. I hope she was only speaking of the work of folks like Robert Jordan and not about Robin Hobb. I wonder whether she’s read Hobb... ."

Oh, I did not know that. But I can sympathize. I sure hope she's read Hobb. If only to make up for the mediocre texts out there. If I'm ever lucky enough to be able to go to a reading by Jemisin, I might just ask her....

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "@Jemppu I’m not sure I have any sway, but I temporarily release you from creating images of certain Lieutenant Commanders..."

*hohoo* I suspected as much - distractions ;D I know, you must not care for those that much... buuut it's for the fans (self included). I also love/need to keep contributing to the Trek fandom, lest I'll soon feel completely useless outsider to it again and start drifting (plus, there are these nagging ideas, that have been pestering for a release for months - would be a pity to just let them wither completely).

But, dang it, you should know of course you have a sway. And I do love and appreciate, that you're being greedy - hogging my attention away from the Trek fans *hah* If there's a reason to let oneself drift, this is surely it. Broken Earth too, yes... oh, where to cut more time. (Plus, I'm currently busy creating some graphics for brother's small game demo project - how frickin' exciting!)

---

Mareike wrote: "...And obviously Burrich/Heart of the Pack. (There's a scene in one of the upcoming books..."

This! Burrich too is in the upcoming books still? Yes!! I was worried we might not hear of him again *happy dance*

---

Wen wrote: "Aww, but I love that Lieutenant Commanders more than anything:)"
See? I have expectations on me, not only from myself - this is how we bond ;D Much appreciated <3 (me too, Wen, me too)

[Wen]

Aww, no pressure, please. Yes, that’s how we met on Twitter:) Sorry that I have not started these two books yet and keep chatting here.

[Mareike]

Jemppu wrote: " I also love/need to keep contributing to the Trek fandom, lest I'll soon feel completely useless outsider to it again and start drifting..."

As if we'd let you drift away. Or, to put it differently: "We are pack now." ;-)

I hope my remark about Burrich wasn't too spoiler-y? Should I go back and put that under a tag? (I do share the sentiment!)

[Anthony]

@Jemppu I didn’t mean to give the impression I dint enjoy the Lt Cmdr images! I am very honored by them. I just mean I’d love to see more if these other images, based on your incredible Alabaster and Kettricken pictures. 😎

[Jemppu]

Mareike wrote: "If I'm ever lucky enough to be able to go to a reading by Jemisin, I might just ask her.... ."

She seems active enough on twitter to perhaps answer this (you two just got me curious too if she's read Hobb would she consider it mediocre).

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

I felt something in the umbra. I would like to add a call for all visual artists to keep making fan art of books and then gently suggest we circle back in on this series so that anyone new who joins can follow the conversation for what sounds like a very rewarding series!

Think I'm gonna go start a fan art thread...

[Mareike]

Allison wrote: "I felt something in the umbra. I would like to add a call for all visual artists to keep making fan art of books and then gently suggest we circle back in on this series so that anyone new who join..."

Thanks for reining us in, Allison, and for starting the fan art thread!

[Dawn F]

@Jemppu Those are the very audio books I’m listening to and I completely agree, Paul Boehmer reads them brilliantly. It’s like listening to a one-man radio play!

My only complaint is he makes the Fool sound nasal and shrill, it’s annoying, as he’s my favorite character and I’m not into that kind of voice XD I try to ignore it, though. I think he’s toned it down in the second book, or maybe I’m becoming desensitized to it.

[Jemppu]

Thank you for keeping us in line, Allison.

Is it on topic enough to mention: I just realized Paul Boehmer, the narrator of the Farseer trilogy, is in fact known for his numerous Trek appearances as well. I had no idea there was a connection!

In case anyone ever likes to bother them about Fitz or Burrich or Nighteyes or the Fool (or any number of other fantasy lit voice works - and games too) at Trek conventions ;)

[Mareike]

Jemppu wrote: "Thank you for keeping us in line, Allison.

Is it on topic enough to mention: I just realized Paul Boehmer, the narrator of the Farseer trilogy, is in fact known for his numerous Trek appearances a..."

WAIT, the guy from "The Killing Game 1&2" is reading the Farseer books???? The world is such a small place...

To get back on track: Am I the only one who kept hoping that we'd learn more about (view spoiler)[Fitz's mother? Or at least more than we did? (hide spoiler)]

[Anthony]

@Mareike I think that last question should have a spoiler tag...but to answer you, I can go either way about it...

[Jemppu]

Dawn wrote: "My only complaint is he makes the Fool sound nasal and shrill, it’s annoying...."
Aww <:) I get how it could be that, but I don't mind it, really. It adds so much to the uniqueness of the character. (view spoiler)[And confuses/conceals further their age/sex/gender. (hide spoiler)]

Of all the character voices I absolutely lurv that of Kettricken. So noble, so refined, so distinguished, and the titillating accent! Paul is outdoing himself there and I must certainly credit a big chunk of my love for the character to his performance as well.

[Mareike]

Anthony wrote: "@Mareike I think that last question should have a spoiler tag...but to answer you, I can go either way about it..."

You're right, it should! I've tagged it.

I've been going back and forth (view spoiler)[ about it. Part of me was hoping for a grand reveal during their journey in the mountains - if only to give Fitz some sort of closure in that quarter. On the other hand, it would almost have been too neat if he'd just happened to have stumbled into someone who knew his mother or even into her herself. So, story-wise it's probably better that we didn't learn more. I do like that she seems to have been a peasant and not someone "important", since that is a slightly over-used cliché by now. But I do remain curious and kinda hope Robb will write a short story featuring her one day. (hide spoiler)].

[Anthony]

Jemppu wrote: "Dawn wrote: "My only complaint is he makes the Fool sound nasal and shrill, it’s annoying...."
Aww <:) I get how it could be that, but I don't mind it, really. It adds so much to the uniqueness of ..."
Also, Jemppu, I think the comment following confuses/conceals is a minor spoiler...

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "Also, Jemppu, I think the comment following confuses/conceals is a minor spoiler..."

Ach, How true. Thanks! Edited.

[Wen]

Jemppu wrote: "Anthony wrote: "Also, Jemppu, I think the comment following confuses/conceals is a minor spoiler..."

Ach, How true. Thanks! Edited."

All of you are so nice!

[DivaDiane]

Hi everyone! I’m rereading the series and in the middle of Royal Assassin. I tried to read your posts, but most have the “spoilers removed” and I can’t seem to figure out how to get them to show on the app.

At any rate, I have read Assassin’s Apprentice now 3 times but this is my first reread of Royal Assassin since I first read it 20 years ago! It’s fascinating reading it with the knowledge of all that happens in the rest of the series.

[Jacqueline]

Yeah the app is nasty and won’t let you look and is very frustrating. You can open Goodreads in your browser on your phone/tablet and you can look at them there.

[DivaDiane]

Ok, good tip. Thanks.

[Jacqueline]

Found book 2 in a second hand shop today. Someone walked in and bought every other Robin Hobb book in the place yesterday. This one was only still there because they had 2 copies of Royal Assassin. I was heading in there on Saturday but stuff got in the way and I couldn’t get there. Sucks but there you go.

[Mareike]

Jacqueline wrote: "Found book 2 in a second hand shop today. Someone walked in and bought every other Robin Hobb book in the place yesterday. This one was only still there because they had 2 copies of Royal Assassin...."

Arg! That's both great and annoying at the same time. Hopefully they'll have more copies by the time you're through with book 2!

It would be kinda funny if the other person were also a member of this group....

[Jacqueline]

It would lol They got the whole Farseer Trilogy and bits and pieces of a few of the others.

[Wen]

I finally start reading Royal Assassin... It feels good to come back:) And as always, it's very juicy.

[Wen]

Royal Assassin, chapter three: (view spoiler)[I am so happy that Fitz and Molly met again:) This made my day. (hide spoiler)]

[Travis]

I spent the whole day walking around groggy because I stayed up until midnight finishing Assassin's Quest and then couldn't get to sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I really love fantasy novels with quests/travel, and the band of characters who undertake this novel's adventures is just fantastic. One of those fantasy novels that is as magical as it is about magic.

[Anthony]

I love your post, Travis, and I totally agree. I’ve been so spoiled by this trilogy and The Broken Earth Trilogy, by encountering characters I feel so much for, and whose stories pierce my soul. I want more of those kinds of stories in my life.

[Jemppu]

Travis wrote: "I spent the whole day walking around groggy because I stayed up until midnight finishing Assassin's Quest and then couldn't get to sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I really love fan..."

As I sit here nodding off, having stayed up yet another night with a book - just like I did with these -, I cannot but relate to this. It must be a sign of the true invigorating powers of these stories, that one is able to go on without much sleep for so long with these.

And full agreement with Anthony there - on wanting more of these kind of stories in my life. Preferably with these particular characters too.

[Mareike]

Travis wrote: "I spent the whole day walking around groggy because I stayed up until midnight finishing Assassin's Quest and then couldn't get to sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about it. I really love fan..."

I remember this post-Assassin's Quest state well. When I first read them, Hobb's books were the first in a while that made me stay up waaaaaay to late to read "just one more chapter" and that also made me cry.

[Wen]

Royal Assassin, chapter four: (view spoiler)[Just finished chapter four and I was already crying again. It is so beautiful that Fitz told the wolf that I will take care of you, aw. This is such a magic book cause you are crying and then laughing again. When the wolf asked about the meat? *blinking blinking* It sounds sooo cute:) And I want to have this framed! “He set his head atop my shoulder and fell asleep, his muzzle snuffling damply against my ear” (hide spoiler)]

[Anthony]

@Wen I too love those scenes and indeed their entire relationship. One of the best relationships I’ve ever read, anywhere.