Realms of the Elderlings Series by Robin Hobb - Reading from 'The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince (Realms of the Elderlings 0.5)' from February 8th 2019

[Natalie]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[So I’m lost... was that from the perspective of sea serpents? O.o (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[So we seem to be introduced to two (I think) main characters; Kennit, a pirate captain, and Wintrow, a priest noviciate.

Kennit seems like a pretty self-important idiot to me, to be honest... isn’t it like... this unwritten rule that you shouldn’t piss off beings like the ‘Other’ he encountered? It’s definitely prophesying something... and I doubt that it’s what Kennit thinks... (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[Okay, that took me a while to work out but I think that Wintrow is Althea’s nephew, and thus Kyle’s child? I dunno, but regardless I don’t like Kyle at ALL and hope he’s not a main character :/
—
What’s he bet that Althea and Brathen will be a couple by the end of this? 😛
—
Is this Paragon a... suicidal living ship? O.o I dunno, but I’m intrigued. And I feel that he(?) will have a big part to play... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[...well I definitely don’t trust Davad, but more importantly... they keep mentioning these ‘Cursed Shores’ and I want to know more! I hope that some of the main characters visit them at some point in this trilogy! (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 2 (view spoiler)[ What an Ass Kyle is I just hope he does not get to remain captain of the ship when his father in-law dies. I doubt his son will want to give up the priest hood for a life on the sea.
Althea I really like she belongs with that ship.
Brathen I imagine will grow on me and is potentially a mate for Althea. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Thank goodness Ephron woke in time to let his feelings be know to Ronica but she is jealous of the love her husband has for his ship I would not be surprised if she sells it to clear the debt. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 2: Okay, that took me a while to work out but I think that Wintrow is Althea’s nephew, and thus Kyle’s child? I dunno, but regardless I don’t like Kyle at ALL and hope he’s not a main chara..."

(view spoiler)[ Yes you have Wintrow's relation ship to Althea and Kyle correct.
I am intrigued by the Paragon and look forward to finding out what becomes of it especially if it is broken up (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 4 & 5 (view spoiler)[ We get a little bit of insight into Kennit and his grandiose dreams in chapter 4.
For me chapter 5 is where things start to really happen. Kyle is determined to have Althea off the ship permanently. I just hope Ephron has the ship going to her in the Will or can make a death bed declaration before them all as witnesses. I am a little suspicious of the cryptic words "Keffria and her children are not like you I had to provide for them, I had too" Ephron said to Althea it makes me think that the Keffria may not be his child. Which would make it difficult for Kyle to keep Althea off the ship. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Gillian wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Chapter 2: Okay, that took me a while to work out but I think that Wintrow is Althea’s nephew, and thus Kyle’s child? I dunno, but regardless I don’t like Kyle at ALL and hope he’s ..."

I'm actually curious if Paragon is (view spoiler)[the titular ship in the second book, The Mad Ship, because there seems to be hints at that already! (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Gillian wrote: [spoilers removed]

To be honest, I'm expecting that (view spoiler)[Wintrow will have to leave his priesthood for some "greater calling" or something, perhaps as a result of his visions of uhh... dragons and snakes? Whatever that was? I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up on the ship... though I'm expecting him to be there with Althea and NOT Kyle, despite Kyle's ambitions ;D

I hope they don't sell the ship! O.O (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Gillian wrote: [spoilers removed]

To be honest, ."
(view spoiler)[ I expect Wintrow will have to be involved some how. I had forgotten about his visions. The serpents keep cropping up also so they have to come into play somewhere. I wonder if Athea's sighting of them will be an ill omen. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Gillian wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Gillian wrote: [spoilers removed]

To be honest, ."
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[It's definitely possible! Plus, didn't Brathen ALSO see a serpent? They're everywhere! Maybe the dragons that Wintrow sees refer to the ships, and the snakes as the sea serpents or something? I dunno... (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Gillian wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Gillian wrote: [spoilers removed]

To be honest, ."
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I was thinking the same thing.

[Natalie]

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[Sooo... Kennit is basically a disillusioned pirate? XD He definitely seems to be angry at the world and everyone in it (including his loyal crew). Not a pleasant character by any means.
—
So he gave Etta the ruby earring that he took from the Other’s island. Wonder what significance that would have, especially as the ‘only treasure ever taken’ from that place... is there going to be some negative consequences to that for Etta? I hope not. She seems like a rather pitiable character and I feel really sorry for her and her lot in life :/ (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[Hmmm... Althea’s visions on the deck of the Vivacia remind me of that first glimpse we had of Winthrow... I wonder if there is some significance to that.
—
Althea’s definitely going through a lot with the (soon to occur) death of her father, and quickening of the live ship... and whilst I understand her want to be closer to the ship (so to speak) I also don’t think now is the best time! And pushing away those (like Brashen) who care for her father as well is really not the right thing to do. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Psst. Haris. Where’d you go? 😂

Do you need me to pause and wait for you to catch up? c:

[Haris]

Natalie wrote: "Psst. Haris. Where’d you go? 😂

Do you need me to pause and wait for you to catch up? c:"

Hell no. I'm at chapter 4 and have written up my comments on a notepad file. But for some reason I don't have internet at home for 2-3 days now (Using college wi-fi currently)

[Natalie]

lol, sounds good! XD I'll keep at this pace then ;D

I'm really enjoying it so far! I think that compared to Assassin's Apprentice, it's easier to get sucked in [from the beginning], though that may be BECAUSE we started with Assassin's Apprentice... are you finding this an easier read than the Farseer trilogy too? c:

[Haris]

Eh, I was kinda confused by the prologue but reading the Liveship chapter sure made me hooked

[Natalie]

Haris wrote: "Eh, I was kinda confused by the prologue but reading the Liveship chapter sure made me hooked"

Agreed, the prologue WAS pretty confusing...

[Haris]

Natalie wrote: "Haris wrote: "Eh, I was kinda confused by the prologue but reading the Liveship chapter sure made me hooked"

Agreed, the prologue WAS pretty confusing..."

All I remember was snakes glaring, or something like that

[Natalie]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[Alright, whose bright idea was it to pass the ship onto Keffria rather than Althea? Because it sure as HELL wasnt Ephron’s! If Althea is to lose the ship (her HOME), what’s to happen to her next? Unless she’s somehow going to end up with Paragon? O.o
—
Poor Althea ;-; Looks like she’s left the Vivacia after all. I hope that they’re reunited by the end of this (book or series, I don’t care - just reunite them dammit! And preferably get rid of Kyle). On the bright side though, it looks like Brashen will be keeping his promise to his captain and watching over her... they are 100% going to become a couple 😛 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[Kyle is SUCH A DICK. Let’s all just leave the Vivacia alone, sure. Great idea. Good on Wintrow for managing to stand up to his father and volunteering to stay behind so that Vivacia wasn’t alone.
—
Torg is also a right bastard. I suppose ‘birds of a feather flock together’ and all that though... certainly seems a good match in ‘friend’ to Kyle.
—
Althea wants to go back to the Vivacia and apologise for her departure... but why do I have the feeling she might not get that chance? ;-; (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[Well Keffria getting control of the Vivacia was the worse possible scenario. What was Ephron thinking to put the live ship into Kyles hands. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[ Wintrow surprised, me he has a much stronger character than I suspected. Good on him for staying on board. Torg is an ass I hope the Vivacia can tip him overboard when they are in rough seas. I feel sorry for Ephro's hand picked crew, I think they will be better off on another ship. Kyle is not going to be a good captain or a safe one. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 6:

(view spoiler)[ The Paragon that is and interesting thought. That ship will have to come into the story somewhere. Will it be whole or in pieces that will be the question. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[
Kyle is a fucking idiot. No, Althea was not waiting for some ‘strong hand’ to obey, and Kyle will never be able to control her the way he seems to want to :/
—
Oh hey! Brashen knows of Paragon, And has slept in the liveship before? :o That’s awesome! Wonder if this means that he and Althea might end up with that ship if she can’t get back the Vivacia...
—
We get our second bit of info on the serpents from the prologue... and it’s still just as confusing...
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[
I thought that Kennit was wanting to claim the Paragon for their ship, but I guess not *shrugs* Still, I’m more interested in Sorcor than him, and I really hope that he DOES do as Sorcor stated and go after a slave ship for each Liveship they go after. Really hope that they can help some of those poor slaves 😭
—
FUCK YOU KYLE. How DARE you hit your (young and small!) son so fucking hard that you literally knock him unconscious with that one blow?! So far there appears to be nothing redeemable about you and I really hope you get EXACTLY what you deserve... so long as that doesn’t also make things a million times harder for Althea’s family (and yours too, I suppose... fucking asshole).
(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[“Then I have no place, in this family or in Bingtown.”
While I had a sneaking suspicion that there might be something like this - considering that BASTARD Kyle - it was still really hard to read just how bad things had gotten for Althea, that she would essentially ‘disinherit’ herself from her own family (...not that she has an inheritance anymore).
—
Kyle is going to use the Vivacia for SLAVE TRADING? Well now I hope that Kennit and his crew choose to go after the Vivacia, because FUCK THIS GUY. As long as they don’t harm Wintrow or the Vivacia I don’t particularly give a shit as to what happens to Kyle should Kennit catch up with them :|
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[While it’s nice to know a bit about Paragon’s background, it really brings more questions about him than it does answers 8’D
What happened with Paragon and his crews to cause all those mishaps? Was it Paragon himself doing it, or some external party?
—
Althea’s going to stay with Paragon too! :o I had no idea that she was also friends with him, the way Brashen is. That definitely hints that she and Brashen might end up sailing Paragon after all - I certainly hope so! (I really, REALLY like Paragon, Okay? XD)
(hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

I will catch up and post my chapters in after the weekend, as its my daughters engagement and things are a bit hectic.

[Gillian]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ Kyle is such a convincing lier he makes is sound like he is such a thoughtful husband, son-in-law and brother in-law. But we know better he is just a bully and an ass.
How can Brashen talk to the Paragon I thought you had to be blood related to the original owner? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9 (view spoiler)[Sorcor was a surprise but he needs to watch his back Kennitt is not a nice person and he does not like to share. It's much easier to just eliminate anyone who gets in his way or is no longer of any use to him. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 8:

I don't get how the serpents fit into this at all yet.

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 9:
(view spoiler)[ Poor Wintro first he is forced into the priesthood by his mother now his father is refusing to let him return to it. I hope he can get away from Kyle be the bastard kills him (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ Now that makes sense of why Ephron left everything to his eldest daughter. Pity he could not see how weak she was when it comes to standing up to Kyle and what an asshole he really is. Ephorn would be rolling over in his grave if he knew about the slave trading.
On the bright side Kyle does not have the family maps so he can't go up the river. I hope they are given to Althea. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[I hope Wintro does not take his frustration out on the Vivacia she seems to be very sensitive at the moment. Did Vivacia cause that accident?
I am curious about Amber how will she fit into this story, it obviously has something to do with the Wizard wood.
Paragon what did they do to you on those voyages? I hope Brashen and Althea will sail her together they are kind a gentle just what the Paragon needs by the sound of it. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 12 & 13 (view spoiler)[ Will Althea take the advise to be reborn as a boy. There are a few hints that she will in fact transform herself into a boy in order to gain a safe job on board a ship. She purchased needle thread and some fabric along with the fact she is not very we'll know by people other than the few traders her father dealt with.
The obvious answer to Kennitt's problems would be to capture the Vivacia while she is being used as a slave ship. Like killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
Still the mystery with Amber, we know she definitely wants something to do with Althea. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Haven’t been able to read much in the past few days, but I’ll try and catch up on the chapters c: Been too busy tbh XD

[Haris]

The damn technicians are coming tomorrow but I'll be at college so I should post either tomorrow evening or the day after.

[Haris]

Chapter 2-3
(view spoiler)[I gotta say, the concepted of Liveships are really interesting. Ships being alive and taking the souls of their captain to awaken. Somehow gives off the feeling of the ship loving so much their owners that it wants to sail with them for eternity.
And I can see her dilemma, the hope for the ship to awaken for hear or the sadness of her father dying.
"Red Ship Wars to the north destroying trade there"
So the Farseer trilogy is set north from the region where this book is set. That's kinda good to know
And ugh, I always hate the close minded mothers who want their daughters to be princesses
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

Chapter 4-5
(view spoiler)[
Damn, reading chapter 4 I realize that this book is somewhat darker than the Farseer trilogy. Whores, slaves and what not. There was even a tiny paragraph about intercourse. Or I guess it was like that with pirates and seaman.
Also, I'm somewhat rattled by the treatment of everyone towards Athlea and Wintrow. Especially towards to Athlea. And I really have a feel she won't be getting the ship as well.
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

6-7
(view spoiler)[Damn, she lost her ship. Though I don't think her father meant for actually her to let go. Anyhow, I hate Kyle even more. And the whole family except Wintrow and Athlea. Arguing like that when a family member just died, they're just snobs.
And damn I'm really angry. Well I don't mind WIntrow, he's a cool lad.
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

8-9
(view spoiler)[So...who has sex at a situation like that. That's weird as hell. And what's Kyle's right to take control of Athlea's life. He isn't her dad, nor her husband. He's just her freaking brother-in-law
And damn, harassing Brashen like that just to prove he made a good decision by firing him.

And what if Kenny is about to take Vivacia for his pirate ship? That would be a nice twist.
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

10-11
(view spoiler)[
Kyle is showing his true face to the rest of the family finally. And I pity Wintrow, he's just a chesspiece for him.(Also what the hell, didn't expect him to be 13 years old)
And everyone is against Athlea (though her verbal skills could really use an upgrade of some sorts. If I was in her position my tongue would be like a serpent) and I can't help but pity her.
And can't believe Kyle's selling slaves. Ugh what an asshole (I feel like the whole time I read this I'm always cursing at this guy). I do understand that Kyle is everything to Kettria. Though I hate her as well so...
Anyhow, the concept of a talking and living ship is sure amazing, I really like it a lot. Pariah's story is interesting, and I wonder what Bassren role is.
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

12-13
(view spoiler)[so Athlea is looking for a ship while she's in a ship, and then Kenny on an other side is hunting for liveships. I have a feel our little Athlea will be a pirate soon
Brashen sure is a weirdo, complaining against Athlea for her being spoiled while he was in the same situation.

Amber on the other hand is a character that piques my interest. I wonder what's going on with her and her obession with wood.
(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

14-15
(view spoiler)[
I still don't know what to say about Kennit's POV. I guess I'm just waiting for his path to cross with Athlea's
I'm somewhat glad Ronica is coming to her senses and realizing everything. So does Kettria, maybe some things will change (probably not)


(hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

I think I'm a day or two behind. I'll catch up tomorrow

[Natalie]

Haris wrote: "I think I'm a day or two behind. I'll catch up tomorrow"

I'm the same tbh. I'll hopefully catch up soon - just got really busy with work and other commitments sadly ;u;

[Haris]

Natalie wrote: "Haris wrote: "I think I'm a day or two behind. I'll catch up tomorrow"

I'm the same tbh. I'll hopefully catch up soon - just got really busy with work and other commitments sadly ;u;"

It's quite an easy read tho. Well, compared to the other series.

[Natalie]

It really is o.O I was expecting it to be a really difficult read after the Farseer trilogy but it's so nice! ;u; <33

[Gillian]

Chapter 14-15 (view spoiler)[ Looks like Althea has her witnesses in place now for the rest of the deal to be accomplished.
This bargain with the Rain River People could end in disaster if Kyle ever finds out about it.
The Tangle appears to be a group of serpent ?
They are time travellers also? (hide spoiler)]
I have 3 days of reading to catch up on my chapters which I hope to achieve today

[Gillian]

Chapter 16-17 (view spoiler)[ Wintro is trying so hard but he just can't seem to get it right.
Well done Etta what a woman you have turned out to be. I hope Kennit takes care of her but I doubt it. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 18-19 (view spoiler)[I loved chapter 18 seeing Malta get into so much trouble was awesome. Malta is such a spoilt little brat I hope if anyone has to go live with the Rain Wild people, Malta is the one they choose.

Wintro is a much stronger person than I imagined him to be. I loved that he made his father look weak.
I hope they don't buy Paragon the thought of him being chopped off the ship is frightening.
I wonder if Amber could re-carve Paragon so he is whole again. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Chapter 20-21 (view spoiler)[What a way for Althea to lose her virginity at any age let alone 14.
Ohhhhh!!!!! it will be Malta if they have to pay in blood. (hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

16-17
(view spoiler)[Athlea is managing I guess. I feel like soon we'll see a totally different girl. And Wintrow is becoming different. More lax I guess.

I like the reference of the Assassin's Quest ending. It makes the world feel bigger in some sort of way.

And Kennith is becoming a real pirate bad-ass I guess. Though it's nice he brought the who...Etta with him.
(hide spoiler)]

These two chapters were huge

[Natalie]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[Well even with Kennit’s apprehensiveness (and dare I say... pouting), they were able to take over a slave ship and free all the slaves! Whilst I don’t approve of throwing the slavers to the serpents - murdering them in cold blood rather than it being a death in the midst of a battle is always far worse to me - at least they were able to free the slaves, and I suppose as pirates they couldn’t legally bring the slavers to justice anyway... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[Amber’s wooden earrings... they’re of a dragon and serpent... is that significant? Especially with how the first glimpse of Wintrow went? Either way, everything about Amber so far is very intriguing... many questions and zero answers.
—
So... Althea choose the serpent’s egg. DEFINITELY some significance there.
—
Oh look. More of a glimpse into Kyle’s psyche. How the HECK does he seem worse with every scene? He all but admitted aloud that he thinks of women as little better than slaves! And apparently what pisses him of SO MUCH about Althea is that she doesn’t ‘know her place’ as a female. Misogynistic POS.
—
Ooh... a message from Ronica to Althea (via the Vivacia). But will it reach her... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[I really love that Kennit asked for the baby to be named Sorcor, even if he might’ve done it for no real reason other than to ‘get the smelly slave away from me’ it clearly meant the world to Sorcor that his Captain ‘acknowledged’ him to the extent that he wanted a baby named after him... regardless of how false that assumption is 😆
—
Oh look. Kennit just basically took control of the island in one fell swoop. Well... at least he didn’t get it through violence. And the people who live there seem happy enough. Honestly, despite his attitude and all his issues... he still made their lives better and reunited them with lost family (even if it was entirely due to ‘his luck’ rather than anything intentional) so I mean... I can’t really begrudge him too much. Plus, he’s still far more likeable than Kyle.
—
I really want to know what happens with these ‘non human’ babies that are born from Trader families... are they killed? Abandoned? Taken somewhere for some other purpose? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[The clandestine meetings between Althea, Vivacia and Wintrow was pretty great XD Damn Torg for interrupting though 😐
—
So if they’re not able to pay for the live ship in gold they have to essentially give up a child? Does that automatically pay off the whole thing if they DO ‘pay with a child’, or is that just for the one payment? ._.
—
Soooo... I take it the shape that the serpents saw was a ship? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[ So with the help of her new friend Amber... Althea was able to disguise herself as a boy and get work as a ships boy on a slaughter ship - a ship which Brashen has also found work on. Wonder how that is going to go by the time the voyage is over...
—
Awww... Brashen is making sure that someone keeps and eye on Althea c:
—
Oh my gawd. Wintrow, are you okay? 😭😭 He just wanted to look at some sights and ended up getting beaten by guards, and then because he wasn’t stupid enough to go one-on-one with a fucking BEAR he’s suddenly an outcast amongst the crew of the Vivacia (well... more than he already was) how There HELL is that okay? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[Well that was a rather... interesting... visit to a brothel for Kennit. I do still REALLY love Etta too. Good on her for helping Kennit to take on the men that had beaten her and planned to kill him! That she was able to fight back whilst naked and bloodied, and essentially save Kennit’s life by evening the odds is awesome. I have a lot of respect for her c: (hide spoiler)]

Still SUPER behind... but I am trying dangit! XD

[Gillian]

Chapter 22: (view spoiler)[ Until now I had imagined the serpents as small creatures but the one that attacked the ship was huge and wanted revenge which may make the sailors think differently about them now. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23:(view spoiler)[Vivacia way to go girl don't take any of Kyle's crap. Wintro is not doing so well out on his own (hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

Still SUPER behind... but I am trying dangit! XD

You're literally at the same spot as me so... Anyhow, there's a BR for Circe on the 12th and since I saw you want it for the popsugar challenge want to join?

18-19
(view spoiler)[That's what I needed, a whole chapter about a spoiled little brag who thinks she's the most smart person on the planet. She really needs a spanking

Wintrow is sure becoming a real man. And damn that jab to his father that he was a Vestrit he sure felt good. And I still wonder what's Paragon's role in the big picture. Will that ship sail again?

(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Haris wrote: Chapter 2-3: [spoilers removed]

From what I can tell so far, I think that this book is based approx. 5 - 6 years after the end of the Farseer trilogy? Might be wrong...