[Mithfânion]

As a great fan of Hobb's Farseer and Tawny man trilogies I probably shouldn't need convincing but I'm hesitant about buying her Liveship trilogy, probably because it will lack so many great characters I got used to, particularly Fitz.

Is this series good? As good as Farseer?

[This message has been edited by Mithfânion (edited December 28, 2001).]

[Rob B]

Different style than Farseer but in some ways better, some ways not as good.

I enjoyed Farseer a bit more, I think. I also read it first, so that may have something to do with it.

So...My suggestion is to pick up Ship of Magic and start reading! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[Rob B]

After just reading your post in the Juliet Mariller topic about female protagonists...

Two of the major characaters (and a handful of supporting characters) in the Liveship Traders are women...not sure if this sways your thoughts...

I'll give a brief on two of these Sea-faring ladies...

Ronica Vestrit, who could be consider THE main character was a strong, if sometimes stubborn, woman character. She goes through a lot and I really empathised with her. She is probably one of, if not my favorite female character in fantastic fiction.

One of the other major characters, Malta Vestrit was ...interesting. In the beginning of the trilogy I absolutely hated her, thought she was a prima-donna whiny little annoying bee-yatch who thought only about herself. By the end of the trilogy, the way Hobb put her through hell and back, changed and matured her character. I found myself admiring Malta at the end of the series.

I would say there are more women characters than men in this series...but don't let that sway you.

It's been about a year and half (and about 150 books) since I finished Ship of Destiny so forgive any misspelings or the like

...geez once Hobb finishes the Tawny Man trilogy, I think I am going to re-read all 9 books.

[Mithfânion]

I take it you're Hobb/King fan? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

I think I'll read this series anyway, but thanks for the extra info. I have great faith in Hobb, whereas I know nothing of Marillier. There lies a bit of a difference. I'll say that I'm primarily interested in reading it because it seems some things from Liveship will be making its way into Tawny man book II. Did you get that impression as well?

Anyway, Mrs Hobb's told me what the title for book two will be though I'm not sure if I'm actually allowed to make that public. Ah well. It's Golden Fool.

Cheers

[Rob B]

She told you? I'm jealous.

Yes a Hobb/King fan. I finished FARSEER just before joining the forum here.

BTW, didn't read Fool's Errand yet, it's not available here in the US until next week/year. But yes, after reading both series, I can see how things can (or will) cross-over from her previous series'.

[Mithfânion]

You've got a wonderful read ahead of you. I thought Fool's errand was the best book of the year, along with Martin's Storm of Swords.

As for the title of book two, it should be Golden Fool, but it is possible the UK editor (for instance) changes it after all.

[Cadfael]

****Little Spolier for Fool's Errand****
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Just a side note, I don't know if you are aware Mithfânion... that The 'Liveship' books take place in the same world as 'Farseer'... but far to the south of the Six Duchies, and there are some common themes. If you have read 'Fool's Errand', you will learn more about the 'beach' (with the feathers) in Liveships.

I hope that in cryptic enough for those whom have not read FE yet! http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by dennizm (edited December 29, 2001).]

[Mithfânion]

Yes, Bingtown is to the Southwest of Buckkeep isn't it?

The beach with the Others isn't it.

[Cadfael]

Yes, I do think that section in FE... would seem totally bizare for those who have not read Liveships.

[Caly]

I can't imagine reading FE without first reading Liveship. I guess I can't really explain why without giving major Liveship spoilers, but let's just say that you will have a much richer experience with FE if you read Liveship.

As for the female protagonists--Yes, there are a few (which I love b/c I prefer female protagonists) but there are plenty of males in the series too. Brashen, Kennit, Wintrow. . .Not to mention Paragon *g*.

Caleyna