Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

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Submitted by Anonymous 
(Jun 09, 2009)

I was totally disappointed by the end to the trilogy. The writing of all books is excellent, and the sense of detail is great. However the books are plodding, and great length and detail is spent on all the depressing episodes where as any victory is covered in a few pages. Even the ends of these giant books suddenly unfold within 10-15 pages. It just seems that these books revel in depression.

The assassins trilogy by Robin Hobb has got to be the best trilogy i have read. The way the story unravels and is told keeps you guessing, so do the characters, mainly the fool. It offers many life lessons which characters learn throughout which then help me figure things out.

It is a fantasy novel, but is beleivable, as i found myself relating the Fitz a lot. There is use of magic, but it is subtle, through the Skill and the Wit. There are mythical creatures but the way the story unfolds around them makes it all the better and exhilerating.

I am currently reading the Fool's series, and it is just as good as the first, without a certain charatcer =[

5/5 10/10 100/100 two thumbs up

I'm a newcomer to the fantasy genre, but Robin Hobb's Farseer trilogy has made me a fan. I've tried to read Robert Jordan's work and also Kate Elliot--but by book Seven or so, both series sorely tried my patience. Robin Hobb avoids the endless repetition their books employ to remind one of all the plot points and characters of earlier volumes. By keeping her stories to a trilogy, they are much tighter and fast-paced. She doesn't natter on--her evocative but spare prose keep everything moving. There is enough description to keep things vivid, but no embarassing excess of visual metaphor. She is good at describing non-visual aspects as well--scent, temperature, texture--which keeps you in the character's experience in an immediate way. Her characters have realistic flaws and the relationships ring true. The magical aspects are well done. Hobb doesn't use magic as a cheap and easy resolution to plot problems. The first book is fairly nice and wholesome for a tale about assassins, but the darkness builds through the series. Although there is no shortage of violence, it doesn't have a prurient quality. Her world building is excellent. The everyday aspects of life in a keep or a medieval village are well drawn. Her knowledge of animals and rural life is apparent. Her building of a political world--the conflicts among the Six Duchies and the war with the Red Ships is well drawn. The last book felt like it could have been a little bit longer--a fuller depiction of the Red Ship war's resolution would have been more satisfying, but it is a minor flaw. If you want to disappear into another world for a week or two, this is your series.

I have just finished the Farseer trilogy after renting the books from my local library, and I must say, I have been blown away by the talent of storytelling that had been revealed to me. While I was reading these books I forgot my own life and my own troubles, and I would spend my free time wondering how these people were going to survive all of this. Fitz's life became more important to me than my own for a time. And then, after I had finished the series about 10 minutes ago, I was actually crying. I haven't cried in near to 5 years before today. A word of caution to those who intend to read the book though, I found it very sad to read. Maybe that's because I am already in a state of depression, but this book has taught me things about life that I could probably have done with waiting a while before learning. Don't read it if you don't have many hours free to finish it in less than 2 weeks, because you will find yourself wanting to. And don't read it if you intend to feel happy at the end of it, because you won't. But, you will feel satisfied, and I believe I am more of the person I wish to be because of the knowledge I have gained through this book.

I highly recommend the Farseer triolgy to friends interested in fantasy. The devlopment of Fitz Chivalry as a person (and as a weapon) is heartening and sad at the same time. I believe Robin Hobb is correct in giving us such a story line. The human condition varies widely and some people endure great hardships. Despite that, Fitz evolves into a person that has heavy responsibilities but retains his capacity to grow. Fitz's discovery of "Nighteyes" allows a piercing balance of love and disadvantage to be reached.

The various characters are well developed and each brings their own message about values. The detailed destruction of the Black Ships is immaterial; the detailed description of the commitment of Verity to saving his people far more important. The values that his queen brings to the six duchies is much more valuable to the reader than a description of battle.

This isn't a romance novel but it teaches valuable lessons about love, honor and integrity. I suggest you read it and, if you are fortunate to have a child, share the series and then discuss it. I did and I learned a lot!