[AuntiePam]

Cher says there are spoilers in the Ship of Destiny thread, for the end of the book, so this thread is for discussion-as-we-go.

Why on God's green earth did the publisher make this book a different size from the other two!?! Squat-looking thing, for pete's sake. :)

No other complaints though.

Does anyone who has read the book have any questions? I can be looking for answers as I'm reading, if that would help.

[Erfael]

Why on God's green earth did the publisher make this book a different size from the other two!?! Squat-looking thing, for pete's sake. :)


My suspicion is you got nailed by a BCE masquerading as a HB......I HATE it when that happens. I got a book off of EBay recently that had the dimensions listed as a HB, but when it showed up it was a BCE......negative feedback time.

BCE = Book Club Edition

[Evil Agent]

It's a good book! I remember feeling a big sense of accomplishment when I finished this series, even though it wasn't the biggest I've ever read. But I was glad to get through it.

I'm impressed with the speed at which you're going through Hobb's books. It's taking me WAY longer to read Erikson right now! You'll be ready for the Tawny Man trilogy soon! (if that's next on your list).

[AuntiePam]

Tawny Man is definitely next on the list. I like not having to think about what to read next -- the Hobb commitment has pretty much taken care of March, and I imagine it'll be May before I'm finished.

My Ship of Destiny isn't marked as a book club edition -- Bantam August 2000.
Could it still be a BCE? It's not cheap and cardboard-y like BCEs. Just squat. :)

[Erfael]

My Ship of Destiny isn't marked as a book club edition -- Bantam August 2000.
Could it still be a BCE? It's not cheap and cardboard-y like BCEs. Just squat. :)

Yeah, I have a few that aren't marked, as well, but usually the squat size gives them away, at least for books released this late. It used to be that some HBs were smaller. So some books from the 80s and before were just that size. But for something in 2000, if it's squat, it's BCE. I'm writing my congressman to see if we can get some legislation in that punishes people who sell BCEs without full disclosure. :mad:

[cher]

I do have something I want you to look out for, Auntie Pam. Pay particular attention to anything that may be related to the Others. I actually think that most, if not all of the information given about them is in Mad Ship, but if you find something, post it here. I've done several internet searches on them, and there are some interesting theories out there, but I'm still feeling unresolved about them. I suppose I'm supposed to feel unresolved, but I'm curious about your opinion on them.

[AuntiePam]

By Others, you mean the Abominations that had imprisoned She Who Remembers? It sounds like She killed them all as she was escaping.

I'll watch out for more info on them. In Mad Ship, Hobb says they drank from the pool the dragon was in, and the toxins in the water gave them hallucinations. I wonder if they started out as humans. Maybe drinking the water for hundreds of years caused birth defects that turned them into the Abominations.

There is definitely some mystery there, especially about the things that people picked up on the beach. The little human/dragon baby that Etta picked up is intriguing.

[annabelle]

if i remember correctly there are more explanations about the Others in Tawny Man ... ;)

[AuntiePam]

Well, good. :) I thought Hobb was finished with them, after She Who Remembers was freed. I wouldn't mind knowing more about them, and the mysterious objects on the beach.

Etta is still wearing the ruby that Kennit picked up. I was worried for her when they went to the island, especially after CrazyFaceBracelet insisted that Kennit take her along. I still don't know if that was because he knew they'd need her help or what.

[AuntiePam]

There's so much about these books that impresses me, but I usually forget details between the time I'm reading (late at night) and the time I get on-line (late morning).

Hobb's description of Paragon's behavior is outstanding. The insights into his character would put crime/thriller writers to shame. He's so disturbed, almost psychotic at this point. I wonder if there's any hope for him.

The new Vivacia is intriguing too.

I'm at the part where Kennit has healed Wintrow's injuries. Etta has removed her birth control device. (That can't turn out well.) Malta, Cosgo and Kekki have been "rescued" by a Chalcedean ship. Ronica and Rache are at Sparse's place.

Serilla continues to feel the effects of her abuse by the captain -- Hobb has a good handle on that too, doesn't she? I hope Serilla comes back to herself -- she's misguided but I can relate to what she wants to do in Bingtown.