The Dragon Keeper [Mar 15, 2020]

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

The Dragon Keeper - Robin Hobb

March 15, 2020.
Requested by Kathrine.

[Bea]

Maybe in. This has been sitting on my shelf for over a year...

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Maybe....if I can somehow manage to read the whole Tawny Man trilogy before March 15th.

[Siobhan]

Jenna wrote: "Maybe....if I can somehow manage to read the whole Tawny Man trilogy before March 15th."

Do ittt! :D

Thanks for making all these threads Jenna ❤️

[Choko]

I am in!

[Timelord Iain]

Jenna wrote: "Maybe....if I can somehow manage to read the whole Tawny Man trilogy before March 15th."

Me too, if I can read Liveship Traders AND Tawny Man

[Siobhan]

Timelord Iain wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Maybe....if I can somehow manage to read the whole Tawny Man trilogy before March 15th."

Me too, if I can read Liveship Traders AND Tawny Man"

You know you can! XD

[Bill]

I'm in and actually caught up.

[Timelord Iain]

Siobhan wrote: "Timelord Iain wrote: "Jenna wrote: "Maybe....if I can somehow manage to read the whole Tawny Man trilogy before March 15th."

Me too, if I can read Liveship Traders AND Tawny Man"

You know you can..."

I've been setting myself up for another Fantasy-heavy year, similar to 2018... but I still want to mix a bunch of other stuff in...

Right now I'm doing the Moontide Quartet, and this is 6 Hobb tomes to read in about 8 weeks... I also want to give Malazan another go, and need to reboot Riftwar after missing December (Pallavi and Choko missed, too)... and I've been eying The Reality Dysfunction, which I abandoned last January during the BR... so many tomes...

[Bill]

Hobb tends to be pretty heavy so I've found it hard to read them in a quick timeframe.

[Siobhan]

Yeah they are heavy tomes. I enjoyed reading one a month last year with a month break between trilogies.

[Kathrine]

AHH can't wait to continue Realm of the Elderlings! I'm cheering on y'all to catch up but also totally understand if it's too much – as you said, Siobhan, these are heavy tomes; both due to page count but also the emotional impact. I don't think I've ever cried so much to a series as I did this hahaha – especially Tawny Man... but please don't let that scare those of you who haven't read it yet – it's an amazing reading experience. As a wise man named Ron Weasley once said: "You're gonna suffer.... but you're gonna be happy about it." xD

[Kathrine]

And thank you Jenna for setting up all the threads and also sorry for the confusion with multiple requests 😅

[Bea]

It's been two years since I read Tawny man, so I probably forgot everything :p
But I know you guys will help me :)

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

Yay!! Thank you Siobhan for linking me. 😘 As you know I’m listening to this one on Audio from my library instead of my physical book, but I’m going to follow along. Well, actually I have it for 20 days so I will hold out for a bit 😊

[Meera]

I’m not caught up at all on this series but I’m going to still join in. I read the Assassin books and the first Tawny man so there’s no way I can catch up so I might as well start somewhere :-) I bought most of the books on the Chronicles years ago so I really should.

[Siobhan]

Would love to have you join, Meera. And it's entirely up to you, but I really recommend reading this whole series in order to get the most out of it. :) I especially think you need to read the Liveship Traders trilogy before this as that's where we're introduced to the Rain Wilds.

What did you think of Farseer and Tawny Man? :) I really loved both trilogies. Hobb is a genius to me haha! :)

[Anni]

I have to agree with Siobhan (she's in general very wise and agreeable 😂), I don't think it's a good idea to read the Rainwild books without reading Liveship Traders first...

On the one hand you won't have a lot of background for the books and on the other hand you'll spoil a lot of great plot points reading the books out of order.
At first starting a new series within the Realms of the Elderlings they don't seem that connected, but while continuing you see all those small details and connections and I think that's one of the reasons why Hobb's books are so amazing.

You could ask in the BR invite thread, mayve you can find someone to BR the earlier books with you :)

[Meera]

You both make good points. I was getting psyched to read books I already own but I also don't want spoilers for the books I haven't read. I'm a fast reader but there's no way I can read 5 books before March 15 though! I'll just join in when I'm caught up.

[Meera]

Siobhan wrote: "What did you think of Farseer and Tawny Man? :) I really loved both trilogies. Hobb is a genius to me haha! :)
"

I loved the Farseer trilogy and I liked the Tawny man but for whatever reason I didn't continue. Robin Hobb is a time commitment and that's might have been why. And I own the Tawny man books too. I'm getting through Anthony Ryan's dragon trilogy right now so I'll have to see if I'm up for such a major Hobb commitment after that.

[Barry]

Sorry guys, I wont be joining this BR. but, i shall return for the last trilogy. See you then.

[Siobhan]

Meera wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "What did you think of Farseer and Tawny Man? :) I really loved both trilogies. Hobb is a genius to me haha! :)
"

I loved the Farseer trilogy and I liked the Tawny man but for what..."

Definitely a time commitment! I read one a month with a month break between series all last year and this is where I'm up to. Spacing it out like that has worked best for me.

Ooh I loved Anthony Ryan's dragon trilogy, hope you're enjoying them. :)

[Frank]

I've read both the Farseer Trilogy and Liveship Traders trilogy, so moving right along I plan on reading these.

[Siobhan]

So excited to start! :)

[Anni]

Frank wrote: "I've read both the Farseer Trilogy and Liveship Traders trilogy, so moving right along I plan on reading these."

I'm afraid you're missing the Tawny man trilogy... That one happens before the events of the Rain Wild books

[Siobhan]

Sir Anni wrote: "Frank wrote: "I've read both the Farseer Trilogy and Liveship Traders trilogy, so moving right along I plan on reading these."

I'm afraid you're missing the Tawny man trilogie... That one happens ..."

That's true! And Tawny Man trilogy was fantastic, Frank.

[Frank]

Thanks all.
Yes, I read the The Tawny Man trilogy as well.
Sometimes too many series in my head, LOL.
I have not read the Fitz and the Fool trilogy which was Hobb's most recent.

[Siobhan]

Frank wrote: "Thanks all.
Yes, I read the The Tawny Man trilogy as well.
Sometimes too many series in my head, LOL.
I have not read the Fitz and the Fool trilogy which was Hobb's most recent."

Then you're up to the exact same as us, yay! :)

[Bill]

Started today and about halfway through. Really enjoying being back in this world and especially the Rainwild part of it. Kind of disappointed we don’t get view points of any of the Liveship characters but the new ones are growing on me.

[Kathrine]

Started yesterday and I really like it so far! Like Bill, I love being back in the world and especially the Liveship-part of it. It's been a while since we last saw Bingtown!

Finished chapter 4 and my thoughts so far:

Alise: (view spoiler)[I don't know how I feel about her development in these four chapters. She started out so strong – I adore scholarly independent ladies, she reminded me very much of Lady Trent from the A Natural History of Dragons-series, one of my favorites. But then the whole marriage-thing happened and though Hest was pretty clear about the whole business, Alise still started believing it was real? I felt so sorry for her but at the same time my mind was like ??? I hope that awful wedding night will be a turning point and we'll see her return to be a badass scholar lady! (hide spoiler)]

Hest and Sedric: (view spoiler)[Do I smell a hint of "homoerotic undertones"? With a small dash of "(as of yet) unrequited love"? Excited to see where this relationship will go, and how Alise will react when she inevitably finds out? I'm seriously hoping we won't get a love triangle buuuuut from what I've heard of this series I fear that we will :( It'd be so good if instead could get a powerful and supportive trio of characters – I hope Hobb won't disappoint me! (hide spoiler)]

Thymara: (view spoiler)[A new Elderling? I have a hard time picturing how her hands and claws look but she's sympathetic towards the dragons so I think she'll play a big role in their part of the story. (hide spoiler)]

Leftrin: (view spoiler)[The antagonist of the story? He doesn't seem to be downright evil, just.... very selfish and lacking in empathy. I wonder which role he'll play in the story of the dragons, now that the rest of the cases/wizardwood logs are gone? (hide spoiler)]

The dragons: (view spoiler)[Poor things! They're not gonna have an easy time. In the letters between Erek and Detozi, it says Tintaglia has disappeared (probably to the Tawny Man-plotline) and I guess she doesn't have much sympathy for dragons that are malformed. I hope the dragons will have some success because so far it's only been pretty sad to read about them. (hide spoiler)]

Erek and Detozi: (view spoiler)[This is actually one of my favorite parts of the book so far! I love the conversation and occasional banter, the bird obsession, and commentary on the events that are happening. (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Bill wrote: "Started today and about halfway through. Really enjoying being back in this world and especially the Rainwild part of it. Kind of disappointed we don’t get view points of any of the Liveship charac..."

Wow! Is it a quick read? I'm starting now but I'm on holiday this week so won't get as much time to read as normal I don't think. That's a bit of a shame, would be nice to see familiar characters POV.

[Katie]

I'm planning on starting this one today~
Can't wait to get back into this familiar world <3 We'll see if I like the Rainwilds series for than the Liveship series ^^;

[Anni]

Siobhan wrote: "Bill wrote: "Started today and about halfway through. Really enjoying being back in this world and especially the Rainwild part of it. Kind of disappointed we don’t get view points of any of the Li..."

If I remember correctly it indeed is, parts of it felt a bit like a YA Novel 😅
We will at least see a few known characters :)

I'll start tonight, I'm so excited to read it again with the group!

[Siobhan]

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Bill wrote: "Started today and about halfway through. Really enjoying being back in this world and especially the Rainwild part of it. Kind of disappointed we don’t get view points ..."

Ooh that's interesting for Hobb! Thanks Anni.

I've only read the prologue so far, but I liked reading the serpents journey.

[Bea]

Not sure if I'm in the mood for this right now but I really wanted to do this BR because they are usually motivating. Maybe I'll start in a few days and just see how I like the first few chapters :)

[Katie]

Oh my gosh, I'm really liking this one so far you guys ^~^ I'm only 50 pages in but we got to see the (view spoiler)[little dragons were so cute. But they are suffering so :( It's sad to see them struggle with their deformities. (hide spoiler)]

The new characters are also pretty great so far, though I only know of a few. I like the girl climbing the tree so far XD She seems a very curious sort.

[Frank]

Roughly a third of the way thru, and enjoying as others are, the return to this world.
Just now getting a mention of old characters from Live Ship books.
Looking forward to meeting them face to face.

[Anni]

I only finished chapter 3 so far... I guess I spend way to long debating which narrator I prefer, as there're two available 😅

[Katie]

Me too Anni, me too. Can I just say I really like the little previews to the chapter with the bird keepers :D

[Anni]

Katie wrote: "Me too Anni, me too. Can I just say I really like the little previews to the chapter with the bird keepers :D"

Yeees! I love their conversations!

I choose Saskia Butler and you? :)

[Katie]

Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Me too Anni, me too. Can I just say I really like the little previews to the chapter with the bird keepers :D"

Yeees! I love their conversations!

I choose Saskia Butler and you? :)"

Oh you know what? I thought you meant which character perspective ^^; haha.

I wonder which narrator I have for my audiobook...I've been reading the physical book so far XD

[Siobhan]

Chapter 3 - (view spoiler)[Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn't pretend to be madly in love etc etc.
... Shame though that when talking to his friend it becomes clear he's actually a self absorbed dick... :/ Well, he was still honest to her at least, just came across nicer. Pft. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 3 - Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn't pretend to be madly in love etc etc.
... Shame though that wh..."

Ohhhhh Siobhan. I'm keeping my mouth shut on Hest for now ^^;

[Siobhan]

Haha Katie I don't think you'll have to for long!

Chapter 4 (view spoiler)[ Oh man that wedding night was sad :'(
Poor Alise deluded herself that he might feel for her, despite knowing it was for convenience. I'm proud of her decision to move forward though.
I'm assuming Hest is gay, few comments he's made so far. I'm sad for Alise because I did hope they would grow to love each other. (hide spoiler)]

[Anni]

Katie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 3 - Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn't pretend to be madly in love etc etc.
... Sham..."

Haha, I thought the same! (view spoiler)[ I think so far Hest is my least favorite character here 😅 (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 3 - Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn't pretend to be madly in love etc..."

Same!! He's made me very angry!

[Katie]

Siobhan wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 3 - Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn't pretend to be ..."

omg, right you guys?! So frustrating >_< I think you're right Siobhan in that (view spoiler)[he likes guys. I mean it's been heavily hinted in that one big debate. ugh. I can't stand how he comes to her drunk at night to perform his husbandly 'duties', what a jerk. Just to please his family. ugh (hide spoiler)]

[Siobhan]

Katie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "Chapter 3 - Wow what a present from Hest, I think he's a keeper! That arrangement actually sounds perfect for Alise, I'm glad he didn'..."

Yep, that made my skin crawl. 😬

[Anni]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ That was horrible! Not only that he raped her, but the scene afterwards, that he made her appear dump and asked her to apologize over and over again, even if I guess she was right but for the sex of his affair/s (hide spoiler)]

[Bill]

Sir Anni wrote: "Chapter 5 [spoilers removed]"

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[Alise was super naive going in but I thought that Heat would be neglectful more than anything. To see how far he goes to physically and mentally abuse her is disgusting. I would say by this point that I think Heat/Cedric are certainly in a relationship and to make Cedric lie to his friend by omission is abusive to him as well. I just don’t see Hest’s character being redeemable in any way. (hide spoiler)]