[Shadowen]

Hope I'm not repeating someone else's post, but for those of you (like me!) eagerly awaiting Robin Hobb's new book, theres an extract from it at: www.robinhobbonline.com/robin/excerpt.html (http://www.robinhobbonline.com/robin/excerpt.html) Enjoy!

[Bardos]

Hello, amigos. It has been some time since I posted something here, eh? Well, now you'll hate me more (the ones you like Hobb, I guess) http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

Fool's Errant

1) What a nice name for a story with Fitz! Fool = Fitz (naturaly!), Errant = his quest (naturaly?)
2)"He stooped to scratch the wolf’s ears, his back to me, confident I would obey him. And I grinned and did." This author always has a tendence to belittle her hero. Anyway, all of us have our little whims (imps?); I do too, in my writing. (-:{ (<=imp)
3)I don't like all this "Oh, you remember...?"
4) The dialogue seems a bit made-up, not natural. Hasn't improved; if anything, it's worse.
5) "Why, after all these years, have you sought me out?" Indeed! Fitz was capable of precious little things from the 2nd book 'till the end... Hmm... That's a mystery, now!
6) Has not Chade fallen yet and broken his bones?? I mean, he's not a wizard, like Gandalf, and he's very old...
7) Martin RULEZ! };-PPP I'm on his second book now -on it, like a hungry wolf!I'll post a review about the first, if I get the chance.

[Cadfael]

1) What a nice name for a story with Fitz! Fool = Fitz (naturaly!), Errant = his quest (naturaly?)

Bardos my friend... Fitz was never the Fool, the fool WAS Fool, a completely different character.

Your other points are all down to opinion, but I do agree your comment about Martin being the current master of the genre. Robin Hobb is giving him a run for his money though.



[This message has been edited by dennizm (edited March 20, 2001).]

[Lady Domini]

Have you read the Liveship Traders series? There were big hints the Fool was Amber--and that the Fool was coming back to the Six Duchies. Thus the "Fool" in the title.

Plus, Hobb is realistic in writing her fiction. Fitz is one of the most interesting characters I've read. Interesting charactes always have flaws. Are YOU perfect? No. So the best fiction takes note of that.

Also, I have a feeling that that blurb is from her own hand, before editing, before its even touched the editor's hands--or her own editing. She's a good writer, but even good writers need to go over what they write first and smooth it out.

And Shadowen (do I know you from Prophets-Inc?) I repeated you in another post, so lol. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Rhaegar]

I'm about 150 pages into the first book of the Liveship Traders trilogy. I decided to read this series based on the positive comments about Robin Hobb's ability as a writer. I am a *HUGE* fan of GRR Martin and I read some posts saying that Hobb rivals GRRM as a writer. I'm not convinced of that yet.

So far (only 150 pages in), I have to say that I really have not been sucked into Hobb's story. The writing seems solid, but the characters haven't yet captured my attention. I'll keep reading with the hope that I warm up to this story.

I was wondering if I made a mistake in not reading the Farseer books before delving into the Liveship books.

[Bardos]

He-he...

You guys are so predictable! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif I just knew you (those who like Hobb) would react that way! ;-P
Well, 'cause I like discussion, here's some answers for thee...

Dennizm, Do you think I didn't know the Fool is the Fool. The prob is Fitz is also a fool, if you get what I mean.

My Lady Domini, Me perfect? Noo... Better than Fitz? Methinks, yes! Fitz has tooflaws. Plus, it is not expected characters in fantasy to be like yourself. More, look at GRR Martin's characters: The guys n' gals have (tramatic, sometimes) flaws. But their flaws make the story interesting; they don't dippress you. And that's the trick. You must be drawn into the book. Hobb pushes you away from it. It's all that misery and self hate, and it's in the fist person. You always see Fitz suffering and nothing more! At least, Martin changes characters. You dodn't like one of them? No big deal; after about 10 pages, you read about another. But even Bran -the most tragic character in the story, IMHO- doesn't push you away the way Fitz does... I hope you get my meaning; and I'm open to discussion, as ever...

[Belgarion]

Bardos: You are correct in every aspect!! I agree that Fitz suffered far too much and he had too muany flaws to be regarded as a realistic character. I am all in favour for a main character who has some flaws and not someone perfect in all aspects, however, Fitz was rather pathetic and sooooo dumb!!! He should have killed the evil Prince from the start!! However, I beieve Robin Hobbs wishes to achieve controversy in her books by making it deliberately depressing. It is a shame as Robin Hobbs is a very good writer but is not in the same mould as Tolkien and Eddings. I would add Martin as well but I havent read his books so I cannot include him!!!

[Shadowen]

<And Shadowen (do I know you from Prophets-Inc?) I repeated you in another post, so lol. >

Nope, though I'll go check it out!

[Eventine]

I'm not too sure if another story with Fitz will be worth it. I don't think there is too much more that can be done with him.

Rhaegar - I would definitely read Farseer before Liveship Traders simply because IMO it is a much better series - Hobb seems to have ignored everything that made Farseer brilliant and different when she has written Liveship Traders.

[Rupert Avery]

I guess I am one of the few people out there that really did not like the Assassin series.
The story line was trying to be Dark but only got close to grey.And that ending,I felt was the worst one ever!IMO
This has made me not want to read her other books.
Do they get any better?