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]

...well I blanked. My bad 8'D

Are you happy to start on the first of next month? c:

[Gillian]

Yes that is fine with me :)

[Natalie]

Brilliant! 😁

[Gillian]

I read prologue, chapters 1 & 2 on the 1st of the month but did't get time to comment. I think I better re-read them so I can do that as I can't remember a great deal happening.

[Natalie]

You’ve done better than me! I got sidetracked and haven’t even started yet! Oops 😂

[Natalie]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[Well that immediately hit me right in the feels, holy shit 😭😭

I think I was subconsciously avoiding starting this book because I knew without a doubt that it was going to hurt me deeply, with the loss of Nighteyes at the end of the previous book. And considering how much this small bit of reminiscence by Fitz during the prologue has hit me? I was right to be concerned.

I’m ALREADY crying over this book, holy hell. And with this being just the prologue... I know I’m in for a world of (beautifully written) pain. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[Well it certainly didn’t take long for the Piebalds to reappear, and to threaten not just Fitz but also the prince....

Certainly didn’t see the whole bit about Fitz’s scrolls back at his cabin that he shared with Hap. Wasn’t something that I thought about, or thought could potentially be an issue but now that Fitz mentions them... and mentions what is contained in those scrolls he left alone and unguarded? Shit. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[So Fitz has met Chade’s mysterious servant... and learned that they are a (supposed) halfwit named Thick who has a rather strong gift of the Skill. Intriguing...

There’s also some mystery surrounding Dutiful’s soon-to-be-betrothed that I’m really interested in. His betrothed seems to be a really brilliant character from what little has been revealed so far, and despite their age difference I think she could potentially be a really great compliment to Dutiful and I look forward to learning more! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[That was really nice and really well thought out, The Fool faking an injury so that Fitz could attend the betrothal ceremony of Dutiful’s. What a wonderful friend c: (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[Well that chapter was certainly intense - especially that ending, wow! Nettle was able to Skill-dream to Fitz despite his defences, and her lack of training? She must be unbelievably strong o.o (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[I really adore the relationship that Fitz and Kettricken share, and it’s really beautiful to see that Nighteyes has such a connection with her that she knew when he passed, and mourns for him just as Fitz does.
—
Never thought about the situation with Rosemary like that... makes sense though.
—
I think if anyone could be called a best friend to Fitz, it’s Kettricken. Nighteyes made him whole, and The Fool appears to be his other half... but a true best friend? I really do think that Kettricken has that role. Their relationship is just so beautiful and wholesome and full of mutual respect. (hide spoiler)]

Progress! Loving this so far 💕💕

[Natalie]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[More warnings of Piebald threats in this one, as well as a rather awkward ‘romantic’ encounter between Fitz and Jinna... at least Fitz was finally able to return to his old home to ensure no one could find and use those important scrolls he’d left behind though! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[Well. Dutiful’s first skill lesson certainly didn’t go to plan. Oops? At least they didn’t come out of it too worse for wear though 8’D
—
Something is definitely going on with Thick, but WHAT... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8: (view spoiler)[Seems that Fitz’s lessons with Dutiful are improving! And I like that he’s taking as much opportunity as he can to study the Skill for himself as well. I’m curious if all this talk of Nettle means that one day she might make a physical appearance in this story - as opposed to the sort of “astral-like” appearances in Fitz’s dreams so far... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[...well Dutiful is an idiot. I realise that being in an arranged marriage can’t be any fun, especially if you’re promised to someone much younger... but don’t insult the poor girl in public!
—
Thick knows about Nettle? How strong IS his Skill? O.o
—
Looks like Fitz will be training Thick after all! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[ I rather like Elliania, and think that her revenge against Dutiful was rather masterfully done. I approve ;D No harm done but to his pride, and showing him just the same sort of courtesy that he showed her earlier. Well done.
—
What kind of trouble has Hap gotten himself into? :| (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Prologue: (view spoiler)[ Its heart breaking to see Fitz hurt so much but he can't seem to see beyond himself. The Fool loved them both losing nighteyes and feeling Fitz's pain is not easy on him/her either and all Fitz does is put him aside. He would much rather hole up on his own and wallow in self pity. This sounds very harsh I know but if Fitz had his way he would just curl up into a ball and die a lonely old man. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[ What bullies the Piebalds are either join them or get exposed only the stupid idiots don't know who they are really chasing.
I did wonder at all the scrolls Fits was writing in the last book, obviously the author was thinking ahead to future books where all the information about Fitz's life could be used against him and the royal family. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2: (view spoiler)[Thick is going to be a fun character just hope they don't decide to kill him. That would be way to easy and no point in introducing him into the story.
I have to agree with you Natalie Dutiful’s soon-to-be-betrothed is going to be a very interesting character and with luck just what he needs in a wife and future Queen (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[ Poor Dutiful he was so hurt when Fitz told him he had a son, if only he knew the truth about his conception. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[Bingtown traders have arrived in Buck... with Selden among them! He must have really grown by the sound of things o.O
—
So the existence of Tintaglia has been revealed... but what of this threat from the Narcheska to warn them against allying with Bingtown? What’s behind that? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[Oh yeah. I’d forgotten that Amber had carved Paragon into the likeness of Paragon (and on a side note - how lovely to have it written in plain black and white that was I was already certain of is in fact true and not a conspiracy theory. Amber = The Fool!) and that Jek would obviously make that connection.... Fitz is VERY confused now 8’D
—
Tintaglia has definitely “spoken with” Fitz before. Perhaps on the Others’ Island?
—
Oh good! Fitz and Jinna have made up - and Jinna’s even managed to talk some damn sense into him regarding Hap. I’m impressed. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[Not much of the Fool in this one... lot of talking though...
—
Ooh! A challenge and a quest! NOW things are getting interesting. And I have to admit, it’s nice to see Dutiful get really fired up about something ;D He and the narcheska will I think make a rather interesting questing team. But the question is... will Fitz be able to follow? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14: (view spoiler)[Fitz has finally decided to teach Thick, and has also come to understand and sympathise with his character and I’m so happpyyyyyyy 💕💕 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[Well there was certainly a lot of drama in THIS chapter o.O
Still seems as though the whole issue with Nettle is doing nothing more than going around and around in circles... There are some ‘dead ends’ in this chapter - in more ways than one. Curious how they will be overcome... (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

I have enjoyed this book so much I read the whole thing so I will try to respond to your comments with my own thoughts Natalie. Can't wait to read the next one :)

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 4 & 5: (view spoiler)[ Nettle is very strong but it's not surprising as she has never had the elm bark tea to deaden her talents. I can only imagine the team Fitz, Dutiful and Nettle would make if they ever get together.

Fitz and Kettricken do have a wonderful friendship its just a pity they can't be open about it. Thank goodness he was finally able to morn nighteyes. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 6- 10: (view spoiler)[ What I wonder is who are Thicks parents that he is so strong in the skill. Could he be one of the Royal family's bastards? Thick even hears Nettle, I hope he does not turn out to be Regals son.
By the descriptions we have had I assume Thick has Down's Syndrome or something similar. I don't know if has been motioned yet but there was a comment that people like him don't have long lives. :(

I don't know about this marriage to Elliania, yes she is a very strong character and seems way older than she is. Certainly much wiser than Dutiful at the moment. He acts without thinking which is just going to cause problems for them. (hide spoiler)]

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 11-15: (view spoiler)[Wow Selden has changed physically so much he is still young though so I wonder how much time has passed.
I can't understand why they had the conversation with the Bingtown traders infant of so many people surely they would have had private talks first to find out this great secret. They have private talks for everything else why oh why not this time. I don't trust the Narcheska after he reaction to the information.

"Tintaglia has definitely “spoken with” Fitz before. Perhaps on the Others’ Island?"
Yes I agree it seems to have been Tintaglia or are we just being made to think that lol.

The quest is going to be interesting and Dutiful was smart to insist the narcheska be a part of the team to witness it all. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[Well that’s probably the closest Fitz will get to making up with Dutiful... and it looks like Thick will now officially be his student!
—
Well... I currently want to strangle Fitz. Burrich is RIGHT THERE. Hug him! Do something! He’s thought you were dead for YEARS! Be reunited dammit!
—
Well... that fight has been coming for a while. I expected Fitz to do better in it though 8’D At least he and Hap seem to have come to a compromise though... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17: (view spoiler)[The plot thickens! The Piebalds have been using Thick to spy on Fitz and the Fool and Dutiful and anyone else they feel might be a threat to them. And the worst of it all is that Thick doesn’t know that he’s being used by them... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[Well Fitz is definitely making progress... and he knows more of Laudwine and the other Piebalds, and the information they’ve been getting from Thick. Now all he needs to do is track them down... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19: (view spoiler)[He found themmmmm.
—
Holy shitttt. Civil almost died, but Fitz was able to JUST save him thanks to a warning from Dutiful on behalf of Civil’s witbond... and Laudwine, one of his cronies, and both of their witbonds are dead... and NOW Fitz has “died” as a result of the wounds he sustained. Shitttttt. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20: (view spoiler)[That was rather surprisingly exciting considering Fitz was bedridden for the entire chapter o.O Arrested for a triple murder then exonerated... healed of his wounds through the creation of Dutiful’s coterie and their rather haphazard healing attempt... plus Dutiful may now know who Fitz is - or at least his true name. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Got a bit busy so I haven’t managed to get through as much as I wanted but I’m getting there! This book is so gooooood.

[Natalie]

Chapter 21. (view spoiler)[I didn’t realise that the healing they managed to do for Fitz healed not just the current wounds but also all the old ones. Holy crap. Good thing he and Chade were able to give him some false scars to hide the fact that the original ones were gone! 8’D But this does mean that Fitz should have far less physical problems in terms of old wounds and such in the long run... even if he WILL have to train himself back up to where he was physically before being stabbed by Laudwine. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22. (view spoiler)[Dutiful knows the full story! Or... at least most of it. Both more and less than what Fitz knows himself. It’s really neat to learn that he was a page for Patience at one point, and that he learned of Verity, Chivalry and even Fitz from his time there. The fact that Patience thought of Fitz as her own son is both wonderful and devastating ;-; One of my biggest hopes for this series is that Fitz and Patience will one day be reunited but I don’t know if that’s something I’ll ever get to see... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23. (view spoiler)[Well. I guess that means that’s the last we’ll see of Jinna o.O I did not expect for her to personally know Padget.
—
Starting to get some real setup with this book, readying the next instalment: the reasoning behind the Narcheska’s tattoos, and the knowledge that The Fool shares the same design and that they are both from the Pale Woman. And now to know where the next quest leads, and that if The Fool goes with they are destined to die? The author definitely doesn’t do things by halves. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24. (view spoiler)[Huh. So now it seems that Tom Badgerlock is officially a member of the Queen’s Guard. Makes sense.
—
Who was it that “sees him now”? Was it the Pale Woman? Or someone/something else? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25. (view spoiler)[Time to treat with the Old Bloods! Smart to have Dutiful be the hostage too. I really do think that Kettricken makes an EXCELLENT ruler. And she has clearly learned a lot through having Chade as her councillor.
—
Web seems to be a real gift and I truly hope he’s as genuine as he appears. Seems to be exactly what they need to help bring the Old Bloods “into the fold”... so to speak. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 26. (view spoiler)[Vengeance will not help here lady, the only thing that would lead to is retaliation. You need to come up with some actual things that Kettricken could do to help the situation rather than hinder it.
—
Looks like Civil’s appearance was exactly what was needed to get everyone on the same page and to really start the treatise. Well done kid! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27. (view spoiler)[So whoever it was that “found” Fitz also found Nettle... but who/what are they? The Pale Woman? Tintaglia? Someone else? Something else? Whatever the case, I’m glad that Nettle is strong enough to protect herself from them.
—
Fitz and the Fool have finally made some amends! They’re definitely not back to normal by any means but PROGRESS! (hide spoiler)]

Done! That was a seriously amazing book 💕💕 Want to read the next one soon? c:

[Gillian]

yes please as soon as possible as I want to know what happens :)

[Natalie]

How about in a day or two? c: I’m currently fighting off a cold so it would be nice to hopefully be recovered when I start the next one XD

[Gillian]

Natalie wrote: "How about in a day or two? c: I’m currently fighting off a cold so it would be nice to hopefully be recovered when I start the next one XD"

yes that suits me :)

[Natalie]

Still haven’t started thanks to this damn cold (which turned into a neat constant cough) but I’m still interested! Just hoping for the cough to go away because at this stage I can’t enjoy ANY books because it seems like every 10 seconds I have a coughing fit 😭

[Natalie]

Chapter 1. (view spoiler)[Not a lot in this chapter... the first true meeting between Swift and Fitz was pretty short and sweet and really there was nothing new there... and Chade has made little progress with his own Skilling. Just a bit of set-up in this one (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2. (view spoiler)[WHOA WHOA WHOA. Web knows that Fitz is Fitz? HOW? FOR HOW LONG?!
—
Hap’s still an idiot. What else is new there? 😛
—
Are there going to be any decent appearances of the Fool in this novel? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 3. (view spoiler)[Well... that was close! The Fool almost learned of Fitz’s deception! At the same time though, I worry about how their relationship might change as a result of said deception.
—
Huh. That explains why The Fool wants Icefyre to live. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4. (view spoiler)[He’s trying so hard to do right by Burrich and Molly and Nettle 😭 Hopefully it’ll go well? Hard to say what’s going to happen with Swift. And then this whole thing with Starling... will she be coming with them then? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5. (view spoiler)[Almost time for the Fool blow up when he realises he’s not meant to go 8’D
—
Riddle seems neat, I like him! Seems like a real breath of fresh air and cheerfulness, which is likely to be needed in the long run...
—
I think it’s definitely more worrying to not know where the Fool is 😐 (hide spoiler)]

I managed to read a bit! 😁

[Natalie]

Chapter 6. (view spoiler)[Looks like Swift didn’t return home after all. Shit. When is Fitz going to tell Nettle about this?
—
I swear if it weren’t for this Sada person Thick wouldn’t be getting so sick 🙄 She put the thought into his head and now it won’t be going away any time soon...
—
Smart idea, to seek Nettle’s help in calming Thick’s dreams. Poor Nettle though, with everything happening in her own life, and to hear that Burrich had apparently been mugged on a journey to get Swift back? Shit. And on top of that it sounds like Burrich will learn of Fitz’s true fate - that he’s not dead after all! Holy shit! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7. (view spoiler)[Thick seems to be improving since Nettle’s help! Though now he’s sick from all the stress and the lack of food... but I still think he’s far better than he was.
—
Oh SHIT. Burrich’s on his way to find Fitz and Swift! That was definitely not Fitz’s plan when he gave Nettle the message to pass on... but hopefully this means some sort of happy reunion between them? PLEASE? 😭 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 8. (view spoiler)[Oh good. So the whole killing of the dragon thing is a big no-no according to several Outislander clans, and killing said dragon could cause yet another war. Joy. Whose bright idea was this quest again? @-@
—
Well that was a bunch of threats and diplomacy that went completely over my head... but I’m sure it’ll make more sense in time. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 9. (view spoiler)[Poor Thick, being made to travel again and not understanding why it’s so important he does. And poor Fitz having to deal with Thick and the loss of his trust as a result of forcing him to travel more even when it’s clear he isn’t well enough to do so. Can’t be helped though from what I can see. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10. (view spoiler)[I love the Elder, oh my gosh 😂😂 Just a tiny cranky old woman that clearly holds all the power and I love her.
—
Huh. Guess Dutiful is married (or “married”) now then. That was quick. Still needs to go slay a dragon though.
—
Oh great. Elliania might end up in a fight with one of the other females. Hope Dutiful is smart enough to stay out of it. This is clearly a fight for her alone.
—
So. Something more to that than meets the eye huh? What do you mean by that... What significance did the Narcheska’s words and actions have there? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 11. (view spoiler)[So Henja’s still hanging around huh? What does that mean...
(hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12. (view spoiler)[Well would you look at that. Not only does Dutiful know of Nettle’s existence now... he also knows her significance - she’s his cousin and heir, something (and someONE) he never knew he had.
—
Seems like Tintaglia is getting rather pissed at Fitz and Nettle... and may be preventing them from being able to skill-dream to one another. Interesting that Dutiful has sent word to Kettricken that Nettle needs to be brought to Buckkeep though. I think those two would get along really well so I hope we get shown some insight there!
—
Fitz is certainly learning some interesting information about Aslevjal...
—
THE FOOL’S THERE?! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 13. (view spoiler)[Why did the Pale Woman have her slaves mining the memory stone... and did the act of this mining somehow contribute to their Forging?
—
It does! Memories of forged ones are in this unfinished stone dragon!
—
Well that explains why Fitz couldn’t speak with Nettle. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14. (view spoiler)[Time to cross a glacier! This should be interesting.
—
Who was it that Fitz saw? :o (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15. (view spoiler)[Seriously, who is this person?
—
Wait... that’s why Sydel’s shamed? Because one (or both) of her parents were/are Piebalds? O.o
—
Oooooh... so the “black man” DID take an offering.. of sorts... one that Fitz accidentally left out and he took as the offering. Oops. But hey, whatever works XD (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 16. (view spoiler)[Someone’s using the Skill to attack them? Who? Is it Icefyre? An island guardian? Who?
—
Awww... Fitz and Thick are apologising to one another, and getting some feelings out in the open. And it seems like Thick has a familial love towards Fitz, which is genuinely amazing and lovely 💕💕
—
SHIT. ELFBARK. And I’m assuming it’s made from fresh, rather than ground, elfbark. Based on the small tidbit at the beginning of the chapter it seems it was a REALLY STRONG dose - far stronger than any Fitz has taken before. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 17. (view spoiler)[I swear, this whole “beheading of a dragon” task just gets weirder and weirder. But it does appear that they’ve reached the place where Icefyre is. He’s just... harder to get to than expected, and they may need to dig through a glacier to find him 8’D (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 18. (view spoiler)[The Fool made it to the island through skull pillars and a journey via Girl on Dragon? O.o That didn’t even cross my mind as a potential! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 19. (view spoiler)[So they’ve fallen through the ice into a cavern and managed to make it relatively unscathed... maybe the “black man” that had been following them somehow orchestrated this?
Regardless, I get the feeling that this is the way they will make it to the dragon.
—
The Pale Woman is near! WTF is she up to... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20. (view spoiler)[Hest? And Riddle? They’re forged? WHAT HAPPENED.
—
Well... they found the black man... and also a contingent of guards. Oops. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 21. (view spoiler)[Our first glimpse of the Pale Woman! And apparently Kebal Rawbread too. He... has not fared well.
—
What’s the Pale Woman’s goal here? I assume that it’s because of her that they’re trying to kill a dragon (and also the reason why Elliania asked this of Dutiful) but why is she dining with Fitz? Why ‘remind him of who he could have been’? What does she want with him? And whilst all this is happening with Fitz... what’s happening with the Fool?
—
I don’t understand! Even now that it has been ‘explained’ I have so many more questions. And honestly, how the heck are these stone dragons forging people?
At least I have my confirmation on why Peottre and Elliania are doing her bidding though I guess.

And the poor Fool ;-; Dont hurt him (more). Pleaseeeee (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22. (view spoiler)[BURRICH!!!!!!!! Oh my gosh, a reunion! A true reunion! This is wonderful 😭😭😭
—
Oh BOY that was a hard conversation to read. It was a talk long overdue between Burrich and Fitz but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed reading it... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23. (view spoiler)[Holy shittttttt. That chapter was intense as anything - and yet despite that not a single piece of action occurred! But it seems that Fitz has made his choice; not to kill the dragon as he initially intended, but to impart on Icefyre the knowledge that HE IS NOT ALONE. That Tintaglia is out in the world and she is on her way.

Of course this does apparently mean that he has ‘betrayed’ the Pale Woman, and The Fool will get the punishment for it... but hopefully all will work out in the end? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24. (view spoiler)[Another seriously intense chapter... it it looks like Icefyre is now officially free of the ice! And Chade’s explosives came in rather useful in order to help them free him ;D Although clearly none of these people ever heard off blast zones. Oops. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 25. (view spoiler)[Well that was a fight and a half... the stone dragon (made of the last of Kebal Rawbread and who KNOWS how many others) vs. Tintaglia and Icefyre and everyone else mostly just trying their hardest to stay the heck away from the dueling giants only to then have to face Forged ones who are on a mission to destroy them all... o.O Meanwhile Burrich May or May not be DEAD. AND SO QUICKLY AFTER HE WAS REUNITED WITH HIS SONS (and yes I count Fitz as a son). PLEASE TELL ME HE’S NOT DEAD.
—
Well... if those who were forged were ‘healed’ upon the ‘death’ of the stone dragon... that gives some definite hope to The Fool’s situation. Provided he’s still alive. Which he BETTER BE.
—
So at least Burrich’s not dead YET? He’s definitely dying... but it sounds like they might get one last farewell 😭😭😭 (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 26. (view spoiler)[Well it appears they got their last goodbyes with Burrich at least 😭 I like that even in some of his last moments Burrich is still thinking of his family, and ordering Fitz to go back to them - and to Molly - and to be a part of their lives.
—
Good on you Thick! Managing to heal all those Outislanders! 😁
—
Okay, yep. Here come the waterworks. And many of them. Burrich is still lingering, and that’s hard enough. But now Fitz is reminiscing on his earlier life with Burrich, and telling the tales to Swift - all these tales that Swift is unlikely to have ever heard, and just giving Swift a much better understanding of his father and it’s wonderful but it’s also heartbreaking because I know what this means. It’s almost time for Burrich to go 😭😭😭
—
Huh. Seems like the Pale Woman is dead after all?
—
So there’s ships there to get them. That’s great and all but GO BACK FOR THE FOOL. I WANT CLOSURE. IS HE DEAD OR NOT. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27. (view spoiler)[GOOD FITZ. Stay behind and find the Fool!
—
Of COURSE Thick stayed behind in order to avoid getting on another boat. Of course 😂
—
Waittttttt... the Black Man used to be a White Prophet? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28. (view spoiler)[Is this real? Is this truly real? Is the Fool really dead? After everything they’ve been through, everything they’ve survived? And without Fitz THERE in the Fool’s last moments? 😭😭
—
...I don’t understand. How does Fitz take the Fool’s death as his own and give the Fool his life? Can that even HAPPEN? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 29. (view spoiler)[Well. That explains the feathers. They were made of wizard wood! But mingled with the blood of minstrels to impart an imprint of their consciousness upon the feathers.
—
He did ittttt 😭😭😭😭😭 He was able to heal the Fool’s body (using the Wit) and thanks to the Fool’s repairing of the crown with his own blood earlier he was even able to bring Beloved back!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30. (view spoiler)[Making a bit of progress... that’s good... going to take a while for Beloved to heal completely though (if that can even happen).
—
Beloved got Fitz’s (KEPPET! His name is Keppet!) memories back from Girl on Dragon in exchange for the crown 😭😭 he made Fitz WHOLE again 💕
—
Back to the island! Will they run into the Pale Woman again? (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 31. (view spoiler)[That’s so wonderful 😭😭 Patience ensures that Withywoods went to Nettle because she knows who Nettle’s (biological) father is and wants her granddaughter (of sorts) to receive what she [Patience] sees as her birthright. And at the same time, by gifting it to her after Burrich’s death in the guise that it is in thanks for all he did, then she doesn’t make people question Burrich’s claim as her father.
—
Oh my gosh, Tintaglia and Nettle have basically become very reluctant friends, but in a way that neither will ever acknowledge 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 32. (view spoiler)[He’s home! And reunited with Kettricken! Certainly much to speak of there... I do hope he waits before going back through the stones though. Sounds like he’s already teetering in the brink, and I don’t think it would take much for him to go over. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 33. (view spoiler)[Okay, the meeting with Nettle and I really did adore it but it has now been completely overshadowed because PATIENCE!!!! 😄😄 I’ve missed her so ;o;
—
She called him her sonnnnnnnn 😭😭😭😭
—
He called her motherrrrrrrr 😭💕💕
—
I want more of Patience! Go back! Stop with the (admittedly well done) diplomacy and political games and go get told off by a grumpy old lady again! XD (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 34. (view spoiler)[WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE FOOL IS LEAVING?!?! Whose stupid ass idea was that bullshit? :/ (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35. (view spoiler)[Well... that was an eventful trip through the skull pillar. And yet another meeting between Fitz and some unknown entity. Will said entity ever be explained?
—
NETTLE KNOWS. That Fitz is her biological father :o
—
Oh that’s wonderful! A reunion with Starling, and she’s with child - and absolutely ecstatic about it. I’m so happy for her!
—
Huh. So Hap is to be a minstrel? O.o (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 36: (view spoiler)[So now Dutiful and Elliania are married, and he is now OFFICIALLY king in waiting.

Also Fitz is an idiot when it comes to Molly... but what else is new? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 37. (view spoiler)[Well then. Guess that means Fitz and Molly are back together again 😛 (hide spoiler)]

Finished! (view spoiler)[That was a wonderful epilogue, and whilst I’m sad to hear that Lacey passed... the fact that Patience decided she was going to live with her son (Fitz) and his new family at Withywood is just the most on brand thing for her and one of many reasons why I love her XD

I do hope though that Fitz and the Fool will be reunited once again though. Surely they must! There are more books to come! (hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

I'm so sorry, I was on stump and college exams were killing me (ugh, I was really close to failing :D)

I'll start reading today, I will wrap at least one book this weekend and finish the other one soon after (I swear, I haven't read in so long, I'm itching for books)

[Natalie]

Oh jeez, that sucks. Definitely know the feeling of death by exams ._. Hopefully things are going better now?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the books c: And if you're keen to continue when you've caught up I'd love to get started on the next one! The Dragon Keeper I think it is?

[Haris]

Natalie wrote: "Oh jeez, that sucks. Definitely know the feeling of death by exams ._. Hopefully things are going better now?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on the books c: And if you're keen to continue..."

I can maybe finish them in 10-12 days with the pace I started today I think

And yeah it was horrible, I didn't sleep at all these last prior the exams and during the wait for the results

[Natalie]

No rush! I'll probably be reading really slowly in October (it tends to be my busiest month of the year as far as work goes) so you definitely have PLENTY of time 8'D

Yeah, that sucks ._. Hopefully you're getting some more sleep now?

[Haris]

Done with

I'll post the review tomorrow and start reading the next one
Chapter 1
(view spoiler)[Not sure how I should feel about Burrich having 5(+1) kids with Molly, feels somewhat like a betrayal. And on top of that, the age difference :|
Also, I kind of like the style of writing, easier to follow compared to the first Farseer trilogy (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 2
(view spoiler)[Oh starling is the royal minstrel. Good for her, I kinda liked her. And ouch, she's married to her too. Though I guess she doesn't care? (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[I'm so disappointed with Sterling, the years have sure changed her. Nothing like before. Though I like Fitz's character growth since the last book. He sure seems now like a man who's been through a lot. And after reading the piebald prince, then reading this interpration of his story it made me just realize that everything changes after time. The people who subjugated the witted ones changed the history so much
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 4-5 (mixed in my ebook)
(view spoiler)[ I forgot how many detours Robin Hobb makes until she starts the main story line. Though every info counts I guess.
Though I'm sad Hap just left like that, for now though
Can't believe the Fool named the horse Malta. If she knew that she'd be raging like mad. And can anyone remind me when that moment happened in the Liveship trader trilogy about fool lying almost dead (as Amber) and someone saving him (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 6
(view spoiler)[I was hoping the Fool would tell him his story about the liveships, just for reference's sake. Oh too bad (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[So he turned himself into a heart? Quite loving I guess. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[It's really good that Fitz got back to the Old Blood community and learned everything. I always was annoyed that he was so careless with both the Skill and Wit (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 9
(view spoiler)[Oh damn, Fitz was in Bingtown? Damn I wish they went deeper into that. And every freaking time a Burrich and Molly event happens in Fitz's story, I feel my heart hurting
And he's finally on the way to Buckkeep. Though it will probably take a few chapters :| (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 10-11
(view spoiler)[Wow, I was so wrong. He's already there lmao

Though Fitz should accept Dutiful as a son, even though it's complicated. I mean this guy is all alone and you can tell he's seeking to bond with people. And Dutiful seems quite like him
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 12
(view spoiler)[All those charms and everything sure made me think of the Liveship Trilogy once more. And all those new powers and systems are sure making things a lot more complicated (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 13-14
(view spoiler)[So the Prince was just relaxing and looking for women. I feel that's definitely not the case. And I somewhat dislike how Fitz left so quickly. I wanted him to see Nettle so much (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 15
(view spoiler)[I was somewhat weirded out when they continued their act even when they were alone. Though it made me laugh at the latter parts since the Fool is always the same. And yay, Nighteyes returned (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 16
(view spoiler)[Fitz is jealous the Fool, ugh Golden, is spending more time with Laurel than with him. He's still sometimes hilarious with his thoughts (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 17
(view spoiler)[I bet the cat was Witted by someone else (I mean even though Fitz was learning about the Witt, we still hardly know anything about it) and they ordered her to deceive the young prince. And Dutiful was just like Fitz as a kid, having no clue what the Witt was and blindly jumped into the bond (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 18
(view spoiler)[Hmm it seems that Laurel has her own secrets, and the Fool is being the fool again. But what's with the constant injuries with Nighteyes, it's like the author is pushing him towardes death (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 19
(view spoiler)[That inn sure was spooky with it's connection to the Elderlings. And that makes me wonder why doesn't the Fool share his story about the dragons and everything, I bet Fitz would find some weird connection with the Skill or something (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 20-21
(view spoiler)[Wow, at some point Fitz was really angry. When you're dealing with so many stuff at the same time you're bound to snap at some point I guess. And poor Nighteyes, he's getting more and more hurt. I just don't like this
And what's with that reaction Laurel is having, it's really too much. She just left
And finally...damn, the prince has totally fallen under the control of the cat. It's good Fitz has accepted that he at least is in a way, his son. And even though it's probably never gonna happen, I always shipped more KettrickenxFitz than with Molly (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 22
(view spoiler)[I bloody knew something like this was going to happen. It just f*cking made me mad. The poor wolf is in pain throughout the book and now he has to die. WHY?! And then this stupid Fitz, worrying about Nettle instead of his f*cking son in his arms. It's similar to when you get drunk and have a one night stand. You don't freaking remember, but he's yours damn it!

Ugh f*cking hell, I started throwing things around the house for Nighteyes. The fool will survive of course, he's too elusive to die (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 23
(view spoiler)[Well that was freaky, maybe Fitz encountered a higher being of some sort? Or maybe a dragon, or an Elderling king? And I wonder of what daddy did Dutiful dream, Fitz or Verity lol (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 24
(view spoiler)[Freakier and freakier, that beach is sure something peculiar. For a moment I thought that the thing was a sea serpent. And what's the author doing, bringing back Nighteyes just for him to be f*cking hurt again. I feel like she after writing the first trilogy started hating animals
(hide spoiler)]
Chapter 25
(view spoiler)[Awe he accepted him as his son, at least for a moment. I'm not mad anymore at all. And Dutiful came to his senses finally as well (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 26
(view spoiler)[Did that just...wow. I'm writing just after reading the chapter and I'm speechless. I'm gonna get a husky now (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 27
(view spoiler)[A really bittersweet chapter, Fitz did so much yet except a few people no one knew. At least he's looking a bit better now, Nighteyes' passing sure hurt him much (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 28-epilogue
(view spoiler)[At least Fitz achieved some sort of inner piece in the latest chapters. He'll be better soon (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

That was FAST. I am seriously impressed!

Chapter 1: (view spoiler)[Honestly, I think that it was probably something where they started out as fond for one another, and then over time became romantic partners? There was after all 15 years (approx.) between the end of the last trilogy with Fitz in it, and the beginning of this. And that's a LONG time for a couple to be together, even if they did just start out as "married" in order for Molly to not be alone, and for Burrich to help raise the child. I think (and I could definitely be wrong) that the oldest child of Molly and Burrich is about 5 years younger than Nettle? Could definitely be worse (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15 (view spoiler)[I think they continued their act in the case of spies? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 (view spoiler)[They certainly do make far more sense together than Fitz and Molly did, but I think with all they've been through together they're more like close confidants and family than anything else? I think because of how much they both loved Verity, and with their difference in status (queen vs. "royal and now dead bastard") there was also probably too much that would prevent them even thinking of it as an option... after all, with Fitz apparently the murderer of King Shrewd, and then dying... having him as King Consort (or regular king... if his identity were to really be made known) would cause SO MANY ISSUES in the long run as far as the public and nobility are concerned. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22-27 (view spoiler)[I KNOWWWW ;u; I miss Nighteyes so muchhhhhh. I'm just so MAD about it. I wanted Nighteyes to be around until the very end >.> (hide spoiler)]

[Haris]

Natalie wrote: "That was FAST. I am seriously impressed!

Chapter 1: [spoilers removed]

Chapter 15 [spoilers removed]

Chapter 20 [spoilers removed]

Chapter 22-27 [spoilers removed]"

Sorry, something came up and I just started this book, should finish it in a few days.

1
(view spoiler)[I get that, but Burrich should be around 40 and Molly around 20-ish when they hooked up, then after the time skip it's weird. Though there are same case in real life so I don't mind (hide spoiler)]
15
(view spoiler)[Yeah probably to get used to their roles and their new attitude towards each other (hide spoiler)]
20
(view spoiler)[True, but Fitz is pretty much dead to everyone and Dutiful will eventually take over. Though it's just a random wish of mine, I don't expect it to ever happen either (hide spoiler)]
22-27
(view spoiler)[It was so freaking sudden, I was shocked. Though I saw it coming as the poor Nighteyes got hurt time after time. But it still hurt (hide spoiler)]