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Rain Wild Chronicles #1-4
The Rain Wilds Chronicles: Dragon Keeper, Dragon Haven, City of Dragons, and Blood of Dragons
From New York Times bestselling master storyteller Robin Hobb comes four thrilling fantasies set in the world of the Rain Wilds. Get all four novels in Robin Hobb's The Rain Wilds Chronicles in one e-book, including Dragon Keeper, Dragon Haven, City of Dragons, and Blood of Dragons. This thrilling series tells the story of the resurgence of dragons in a world that both needs and fears them.
2320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2014
706 people are currently reading
1674 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hobb
318 books112k followers** I am shocked to find that some people think a 2 star 'I liked it' rating is a bad rating. What? I liked it. I LIKED it! That means I read the whole thing, to the last page, in spite of my life raining comets on me. It's a good book that survives the reading process with me. If a book is so-so, it ends up under the bed somewhere, or maybe under a stinky judo bag in the back of the van. So a 2 star from me means,yes, I liked the book, and I'd loan it to a friend and it went everywhere in my jacket pocket or purse until I finished it. A 3 star means that I've ignored friends to finish it and my sink is full of dirty dishes. A 4 star means I'm probably in trouble with my editor for missing a deadline because I was reading this book. But I want you to know . . . I don't finish books I don't like. There's too many good ones out there waiting to be found.
Robin Hobb is the author of three well-received fantasy trilogies: The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Quest), The Liveship Traders Trilogy (Ship of Magic, Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny) and the Tawny Man Trilogy (Fool’s Errand, Golden Fool, and Fool’s Fate) Her current work in progress is entitled Shaman’s Crossing. Robin Hobb lives and works in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a professional writer for over 30 years.
In addition to writing, her interests include gardening, mushrooming, and beachcombing. She and her husband Fred have three grown children and one teenager, and three grand-children.
She also writes as Megan Lindholm, and works under that name have been finalists for the Hugo award, the Nebula Award, and the Endeavor award. She has twice won an Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Readers’ Award.
Robin Hobb is the author of three well-received fantasy trilogies: The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Quest), The Liveship Traders Trilogy (Ship of Magic, Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny) and the Tawny Man Trilogy (Fool’s Errand, Golden Fool, and Fool’s Fate) Her current work in progress is entitled Shaman’s Crossing. Robin Hobb lives and works in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a professional writer for over 30 years.
In addition to writing, her interests include gardening, mushrooming, and beachcombing. She and her husband Fred have three grown children and one teenager, and three grand-children.
She also writes as Megan Lindholm, and works under that name have been finalists for the Hugo award, the Nebula Award, and the Endeavor award. She has twice won an Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Readers’ Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
May 15, 2021
Can't help loving the dragons and snakes and all the hassle.... it didn't really feel like 2k+ worth of pages. Maybe it's because of Hobb's really light take on writing and all the scenic world-building or maybe it's because I've been running a high temp for a week and a half and basically read it as an omnibus cozy in bed drinking lots of hot teas, I dunno. Anyway, I loved all the relationships with dragons as well as their personalities dev. There are some humans that were a bit cardboardish, plus some of the the pairings were a bit forced, IMO but that's just my opinion. If all her books are this good, I've got me a new fav author and if not, I've still got a new fav series with an interesting world to go with. So, if you love dragons, easy reading material, enjoy spectacular world-building with a healthy dose of angst, some protagonists that are well-written (not all of them but then, it's just fantasy, it's ok that there are going to be some weaker points, right?), then this is a right series to enhale :)
August 12, 2021
(Slight Spoilers) Definitely my least favorite series of my Realm of the Elderlings read through. I do believe it’s important reading though, as the series is a deep dive into dragons and Elderlings. I haven’t read the final trilogy yet, but I’m assuming that knowledge of Elderlings will be important for the reader, what with the realm being named after them as well as the entire series…
This read like a direct sequel to Liveship Traders, and didn’t pull much from events in the Tawny Man Trilogy. There were plenty of Liveship Traders cameos, and later in the series actual POV chapters from the Liveship Traders characters, so it was nice visiting with those old friends again.
The dragons are horrible. I’m a huge fantasy fan, and love me some dragons, but these dragons are completely unlikable. I know that they are supposed to be a mirror of how arrogant humanity is, but that doesn’t mean they are fun to read about. Seriously, there isn’t a single dragon that is likable at all.
The first two books were the worst parts of the series. Such a looong slog of a road trip with unlikable dragon characters, and the only cast of human characters that I haven’t cared for in my RotE readings. They are mostly just annoying, with the exception of the captain and his puppy love story arc. It was sweet. The rest of them were like less interesting versions of past RotE characters.
Things do pick up in the third book, as we get some new POV’s outside the main group - which was much needed! The forth book brings it all together and is easily the best book of the quadrilogy. The ending is satisfying, though it still leaves you with some questions that will presumably be answered in the final trilogy.
As a stand-alone work, I wouldn’t recommend this series to ANYONE. Without all the backstory from the previous three trilogies, this set of books would be arduous and unsatisfying. However, as a RotE series, I’d say this is essential reading, as you get crucial info on what Elderlings are, and their relationship to dragons.
My one big gripe? There is a throwaway spousal rape scene early in the first book that is brushed off and utterly forgotten for the rest of the series. It served no purpose, so why include it?? Very disappointing after what I thought was a very well handled rape storyline in Liveship Traders. A big step backward for this author.
Damn Fantasy authors and their obsession with putting rape in their stories, and their inevitable poor handling of it. **eyeroll**
I got through it by telling myself I’d need to read it to enjoy the last trilogy where we finally get back to Fitz and the Fool. Onward to the Fitz and The Fool!
This read like a direct sequel to Liveship Traders, and didn’t pull much from events in the Tawny Man Trilogy. There were plenty of Liveship Traders cameos, and later in the series actual POV chapters from the Liveship Traders characters, so it was nice visiting with those old friends again.
The dragons are horrible. I’m a huge fantasy fan, and love me some dragons, but these dragons are completely unlikable. I know that they are supposed to be a mirror of how arrogant humanity is, but that doesn’t mean they are fun to read about. Seriously, there isn’t a single dragon that is likable at all.
The first two books were the worst parts of the series. Such a looong slog of a road trip with unlikable dragon characters, and the only cast of human characters that I haven’t cared for in my RotE readings. They are mostly just annoying, with the exception of the captain and his puppy love story arc. It was sweet. The rest of them were like less interesting versions of past RotE characters.
Things do pick up in the third book, as we get some new POV’s outside the main group - which was much needed! The forth book brings it all together and is easily the best book of the quadrilogy. The ending is satisfying, though it still leaves you with some questions that will presumably be answered in the final trilogy.
As a stand-alone work, I wouldn’t recommend this series to ANYONE. Without all the backstory from the previous three trilogies, this set of books would be arduous and unsatisfying. However, as a RotE series, I’d say this is essential reading, as you get crucial info on what Elderlings are, and their relationship to dragons.
My one big gripe? There is a throwaway spousal rape scene early in the first book that is brushed off and utterly forgotten for the rest of the series. It served no purpose, so why include it?? Very disappointing after what I thought was a very well handled rape storyline in Liveship Traders. A big step backward for this author.
Damn Fantasy authors and their obsession with putting rape in their stories, and their inevitable poor handling of it. **eyeroll**
I got through it by telling myself I’d need to read it to enjoy the last trilogy where we finally get back to Fitz and the Fool. Onward to the Fitz and The Fool!
January 13, 2019
Robin Hobb is an amazing story teller! Extremely imaginative. This her fourth series of five in the Elderlings Realms. What is not to like how she brings dragons to life and weaves treachery and mystery amongst the growth of the flying mammoths. Not to mention the development of the characters she has invented.
One of the needles she effectively used in her knitting was the use of carrier pigeon messages, which added yet another plot and insight to the "Chronicles."
Not done, am I. Onto the final trilogy in The Realms, The Fitz and The Fool.
One of the needles she effectively used in her knitting was the use of carrier pigeon messages, which added yet another plot and insight to the "Chronicles."
Not done, am I. Onto the final trilogy in The Realms, The Fitz and The Fool.
July 13, 2020
First book's review:
With this book, we are entering the Rain Wild Chronicles, which is a set of four books instead of a trilogy like the previous three, and I read it only because I want to maintain the series. There are secrets revealed at each stage of the previous ones, which meant that going against the grain would mean a lesser impact of all extra excitement.
That said, this was a little pale in comparison to the previous ones. It brings some substantial possibilities into the mix while not doing much itself. I still would not recommend skipping it because it has a lot of new characters, and they would probably play significant roles in the future. This is almost exclusively based in the Rain Wilds (except for the few scenes to talk of two newly introduced characters). There was humour thrown in here which I did not find previously. We have two bird keepers who use those birds to send messages from one city to another who converse using additions to official communications which show us the passage of time of the narrative, the mood and the family life of these two unseen people. This added some flavour to an otherwise ordinary story (I say this only because of the way the previous books sucked me in, and I appreciate the brilliance of the author). The dragons have hatched, but there is a lot wrong. They grow somewhat and then need to find another resting place. This journey is fraught with dangers, the biggest one being the lack of direction.
A motley crew of people is thrown together to see the dragons to their destination, but there are a lot of hidden agendas in play. I look forward to reading the next. With my libraries opening soon, I intend to read the following parts in quick succession to make sure I wrap the series up.
Rest of the books:
I started this review intending to do an individual analysis of each and realised that having read them in three days straight (almost), the lines blurred, and it was hard for me to point out something specifically from any one book. Then I scrapped the foolhardy plan because I was not really doing a good enough job of showing how much I enjoyed this despite (or maybe) because of my apprehensions. The first book did not endear me to this collection, but I had to keep going just to make sure I have all the required information and am armed with all the cogs that make this world go around. This will not make much sense to many who have not read the author’s books but I recommend skimming through my review just in case something catches your eye and you might be tempted to try the series. A friend of mine testified that it brought her back into a regular reading pattern even if she paused after the first three because of the emotional weight that comes with the book.
As many will know if you look at my previous reviews, I am one of the few who enjoyed the Liveship trilogy more than Fitz ones (core followers of the author would know what I am talking about). My primary interest in the world of wizard wood and dragons was the enormous growth arcs of all the people introduced to us. Every character begins with a very specific trait and then given the hardships they endure, they change – either for the better or, the worse. A friend brought up this fascinating insight into how the Liveships are genuinely like the children of the family, which runs it since they literally pour their blood into forming it. The fully formed (or the malformed ones in this case) dragons are the opposite end of the spectrum. They have no emotions to spare for any but themselves. The sole reason they hang together is because of their dwindling numbers, and the need to preserve the species.
In this instalments we have growth arcs for the dragons themselves, some are just passing names whereas others play a much more prominent role in shaping the events around them. Closely connected are their keepers, driven out of their homes for one reason or the other, they set out on this journey with different goals in mind. Their minds and bodies are to be literally shaped during the unravelling of this tale. Finally, we have all the ‘humans’ who act as connectors, making sure that all the essential pieces fit together for a better future. I liked one book more than the other two, but since I can no longer tell them apart, I will uniformly give them all four stars.
If anyone has been following the Elderling series in the proper order (as I continuously insist all the people I suggest it to to do), this should not be skipped for what it brings to the world-building. The dynamics of politics in the various kingdoms as well as what the Elderlings were (and could be), as well as the role dragons, once played. There is a lot of sentimentalities here, maybe to balance the casual callousness of the dragons that will not go away or even temper to mild disdain, however hard the reader might wish. The relationships are well done, but there are a lot of them, this may not appeal to those who like a streamlined, few protagonist narratives ( Like in the Fitz half of the Elderling series, which incidentally, I do love)
With this book, we are entering the Rain Wild Chronicles, which is a set of four books instead of a trilogy like the previous three, and I read it only because I want to maintain the series. There are secrets revealed at each stage of the previous ones, which meant that going against the grain would mean a lesser impact of all extra excitement.
That said, this was a little pale in comparison to the previous ones. It brings some substantial possibilities into the mix while not doing much itself. I still would not recommend skipping it because it has a lot of new characters, and they would probably play significant roles in the future. This is almost exclusively based in the Rain Wilds (except for the few scenes to talk of two newly introduced characters). There was humour thrown in here which I did not find previously. We have two bird keepers who use those birds to send messages from one city to another who converse using additions to official communications which show us the passage of time of the narrative, the mood and the family life of these two unseen people. This added some flavour to an otherwise ordinary story (I say this only because of the way the previous books sucked me in, and I appreciate the brilliance of the author). The dragons have hatched, but there is a lot wrong. They grow somewhat and then need to find another resting place. This journey is fraught with dangers, the biggest one being the lack of direction.
A motley crew of people is thrown together to see the dragons to their destination, but there are a lot of hidden agendas in play. I look forward to reading the next. With my libraries opening soon, I intend to read the following parts in quick succession to make sure I wrap the series up.
Rest of the books:
I started this review intending to do an individual analysis of each and realised that having read them in three days straight (almost), the lines blurred, and it was hard for me to point out something specifically from any one book. Then I scrapped the foolhardy plan because I was not really doing a good enough job of showing how much I enjoyed this despite (or maybe) because of my apprehensions. The first book did not endear me to this collection, but I had to keep going just to make sure I have all the required information and am armed with all the cogs that make this world go around. This will not make much sense to many who have not read the author’s books but I recommend skimming through my review just in case something catches your eye and you might be tempted to try the series. A friend of mine testified that it brought her back into a regular reading pattern even if she paused after the first three because of the emotional weight that comes with the book.
As many will know if you look at my previous reviews, I am one of the few who enjoyed the Liveship trilogy more than Fitz ones (core followers of the author would know what I am talking about). My primary interest in the world of wizard wood and dragons was the enormous growth arcs of all the people introduced to us. Every character begins with a very specific trait and then given the hardships they endure, they change – either for the better or, the worse. A friend brought up this fascinating insight into how the Liveships are genuinely like the children of the family, which runs it since they literally pour their blood into forming it. The fully formed (or the malformed ones in this case) dragons are the opposite end of the spectrum. They have no emotions to spare for any but themselves. The sole reason they hang together is because of their dwindling numbers, and the need to preserve the species.
In this instalments we have growth arcs for the dragons themselves, some are just passing names whereas others play a much more prominent role in shaping the events around them. Closely connected are their keepers, driven out of their homes for one reason or the other, they set out on this journey with different goals in mind. Their minds and bodies are to be literally shaped during the unravelling of this tale. Finally, we have all the ‘humans’ who act as connectors, making sure that all the essential pieces fit together for a better future. I liked one book more than the other two, but since I can no longer tell them apart, I will uniformly give them all four stars.
If anyone has been following the Elderling series in the proper order (as I continuously insist all the people I suggest it to to do), this should not be skipped for what it brings to the world-building. The dynamics of politics in the various kingdoms as well as what the Elderlings were (and could be), as well as the role dragons, once played. There is a lot of sentimentalities here, maybe to balance the casual callousness of the dragons that will not go away or even temper to mild disdain, however hard the reader might wish. The relationships are well done, but there are a lot of them, this may not appeal to those who like a streamlined, few protagonist narratives ( Like in the Fitz half of the Elderling series, which incidentally, I do love)
January 3, 2016
Flawless fantasy!
Robin Hobb is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Her world building is particularly amazing, and her vocabulary is amazing without being pretentious. These books manage to have the almost childish thrill of adventure that defines the fantasy genre yet is still a mature serifs that deals with complex issues like gender, sexuality, humanities arrogance and much more. I love her work and can't get enough of it!
Robin Hobb is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. Her world building is particularly amazing, and her vocabulary is amazing without being pretentious. These books manage to have the almost childish thrill of adventure that defines the fantasy genre yet is still a mature serifs that deals with complex issues like gender, sexuality, humanities arrogance and much more. I love her work and can't get enough of it!
December 20, 2024
I was staying at an Air BnB when I started reading the paperback version so decided to purchase on kindle.
I’m not usually a fan of ‘fantasy’ books but this one really captivated me.
Every description of the dragons I could see them so clearly. I very much enjoyed hearing the stories unfold. I wish I’d know there was books pre this series as I feel I’d have liked to have started at the beginning.
A fantastically written series and I’m onto the next episodes for the holidays.
Very much recommend. You can pick up and put down easily. Compelling but not unputdownable!
Julie
I’m not usually a fan of ‘fantasy’ books but this one really captivated me.
Every description of the dragons I could see them so clearly. I very much enjoyed hearing the stories unfold. I wish I’d know there was books pre this series as I feel I’d have liked to have started at the beginning.
A fantastically written series and I’m onto the next episodes for the holidays.
Very much recommend. You can pick up and put down easily. Compelling but not unputdownable!
Julie
April 20, 2022
The book takes a journey perspective, moving through conversations. The ending meet the readers expectations, but seemed anti climatic. The parts which promised action we're rather lack luster.
May 31, 2024
Stay calm!
You'll have heard that this is the weakest sub-set within Robin Hobb's phenomenal Realm of the Elderlings saga. It's true. From any other author, you wouldn't notice. However, to get here, you really should have already read the first three trilogies - Farseer, Liveship Traders, and Tawny Man - and going into The Rain Wild Chronicles after finishing the last book in the Tawny Man series, Fool's Fate? It will feel like hitting roadworks on a major highway, where you can't see any workers. We go from pleasantly zooming along, then suddenly there's a slow patch for no apparent reason.
All of Robin Hobb's gifts remain on show, the characters are built well, the events are solidly informing you about what is happening in both the immediate vicinity, and in the greater world we've traveled. The difference in the Rain Wilds, is that we don't seem to get the climax such world building usually pays off with. That said, what world building we DO get, is incredibly meaningful for our understanding the entire saga - this is the sub-set of books that clearly sets out where the Elderlings went, why the dragons are necessary, and it shows us what it will take to live in a world with their return.
While I recommend reading the series to get the full Realm of the Elderlings experience - even I only re-read this sub-set once in about every four re-reads of the saga.
You'll have heard that this is the weakest sub-set within Robin Hobb's phenomenal Realm of the Elderlings saga. It's true. From any other author, you wouldn't notice. However, to get here, you really should have already read the first three trilogies - Farseer, Liveship Traders, and Tawny Man - and going into The Rain Wild Chronicles after finishing the last book in the Tawny Man series, Fool's Fate? It will feel like hitting roadworks on a major highway, where you can't see any workers. We go from pleasantly zooming along, then suddenly there's a slow patch for no apparent reason.
All of Robin Hobb's gifts remain on show, the characters are built well, the events are solidly informing you about what is happening in both the immediate vicinity, and in the greater world we've traveled. The difference in the Rain Wilds, is that we don't seem to get the climax such world building usually pays off with. That said, what world building we DO get, is incredibly meaningful for our understanding the entire saga - this is the sub-set of books that clearly sets out where the Elderlings went, why the dragons are necessary, and it shows us what it will take to live in a world with their return.
While I recommend reading the series to get the full Realm of the Elderlings experience - even I only re-read this sub-set once in about every four re-reads of the saga.
December 17, 2015
This eBook is a compilation of four volumes - and honestly, the story could have been told in two. Three, tops. Because, although this book was enjoyable, it really needed a good editing. Why?
*Weird grammar, phrasing and word repetition problems - especially in the first volume.
*Clunky dialogue - again, mostly in the first volume.
*People acting out of character, flip-flopping, and doing ridiculously stupid things. A big example is Sedric, who teeters on the verge of character development, waffling back and forth between being a decent guy and a total asshole, for chapters on end. Another, spoiler-y example is Hest,
I did enjoy reading the series, though. The setting is interesting and the characters were likeable. Good reading to dip in an out of, not too demanding, enjoyable, and escapist.
Similar authors:
Mercedes Lackey
Anne McCaffrey
*Weird grammar, phrasing and word repetition problems - especially in the first volume.
*Clunky dialogue - again, mostly in the first volume.
*People acting out of character, flip-flopping, and doing ridiculously stupid things. A big example is Sedric, who teeters on the verge of character development, waffling back and forth between being a decent guy and a total asshole, for chapters on end. Another, spoiler-y example is Hest,
I did enjoy reading the series, though. The setting is interesting and the characters were likeable. Good reading to dip in an out of, not too demanding, enjoyable, and escapist.
Similar authors:
Mercedes Lackey
Anne McCaffrey
January 4, 2019
It's a bit slow and I found the ending a little anti-climactic, but the characters, writing and world building are the usual Robin Hobb high standard. I considered skipping this series entirely, but I'm glad I gave it a go. It's definitely more Liveship Traders than Fitz and Fool though.
(Just for fun: we own pet rabbits and it struck me the dragons in this series are almost as petulant and self-centred as they are - it'd be amusing to do a find/replace "rabbit" for "dragon" in the text although the hunting bits might be a bit odd. Maybe replace the prey animal names with vegetables?)
(Just for fun: we own pet rabbits and it struck me the dragons in this series are almost as petulant and self-centred as they are - it'd be amusing to do a find/replace "rabbit" for "dragon" in the text although the hunting bits might be a bit odd. Maybe replace the prey animal names with vegetables?)
February 11, 2025
Book 1: The Dragon Keeper, Book 2: Dragon Haven, Book 3: City of Dragons and Book 4: Blood Dragons are the Rain Wild Chronicles. Robin has put both dragons and their keepers through the wringer with this series with unbelievable dangers.
With wonderful characters, adventure, danger, hopes, dreams, wants, actions and much more it is sad to see it end. Sadly with so many character's there are so many avenues for the series to be longer but it is not to be.
With wonderful characters, adventure, danger, hopes, dreams, wants, actions and much more it is sad to see it end. Sadly with so many character's there are so many avenues for the series to be longer but it is not to be.
October 13, 2020
Loved loved loved all of Robin Hobbs series and they all have a special place in my heart. I have read and re-read all of the books and short stories I have been able to find and I was surprised to see that I hadn't included any of Robin Hobbs books in my GoodReads library so I am adding them all now.
December 17, 2017
Magnificent, magical, full of adventure, lost civilisations and dragons.
Read 2:
Re-reading with Crocky. The second time around, I am more interested in Alise and get less annoyed by Thymara. She is so incredibly young in the beginning!
Read 2:
Re-reading with Crocky. The second time around, I am more interested in Alise and get less annoyed by Thymara. She is so incredibly young in the beginning!
November 26, 2023
As a huge Robin Hobb and ROTE fan, the Rain Wilds Quartet has been quite a disappointment and a notable departure from the quality of her earlier works.
Hobb lost her way with this quartet. It feels like she ran out of steam and didn't have her heart in it. The pacing was off, the focus misplaced, the writing disjointed, the dialogue juvenile, and the plot armor thick.
There were too many characters, few of which I felt emotionally invested in. I wish she had selected a handful to focus on, as she'd done in the Live Ship Traders Trilogy. Or even selected one character, say Thymara or Rapskall, and used her famous, highly introspective first person narration to take us through the transformation from marked Rain Wild youth to elderling. Or even better, Selden, since our boy really went through some things, Wintrow style -- or so we were told but rarely shown. Any of the above would have allowed her to weave a more engaging tale.
City of Dragons and Blood of Dragons showed some of the promise of her earlier works, but unfortunately it was not enough and delivered too late to be impactful.
I regret that she chose to place the focus of this series on the young dragon keepers. To be honest, their literal and mataphorical slog through the Rain Wilds and young love was the least interesting plotline. Also, I feel that by exposing Kelsingra and the magic of the Elderlings, the lore of the ancient race lost its mystery and some of its sparkle. Or perhaps it was simply her treatment of it, since she repeated so much of what we already knew about the Elderlings but without as much depth or care as was shown in her earlier works. She only gave us crumbs of new information, which she covered in a surface-level manner. How much more fascinating would it have been if she'd spent more time unravelling their wars or industry, instead of on hunting, scavenging, polishing dragon scales and sex (or the lack of it)?
The whole Rapskal-Telletor and Thymara-Amarinda plotline had promise but wasn't executed well. It felt forced and ultimately unbelievable. I got chills during the well scene, but it didn't carry enough weight, because we never got to completely bond with Amarinda. Or Thymara, to be honest, despite her being one of the main protagonists.
Instead of spending so much time in the Rain Wilds wallowing in mud, ghosts and interpersonal squabbles, I would have loved for the quartet to have started with an introduction to the Duke of Chalced and the politics of his court. We've heard so much about the infamous land of Chalced. I would have loved to experience more of its culture, architecture, topography, cuisine and politics. I found the Duke's violent rejection of death an interesting topic, but we rarely if ever got to see the man as anything but a villain. It would have been fantastic if she'd spent more time peeling back his layers to the underlying humanity and motivation, the way she had Kennit. Disappointingly, she did not, and we instead got a 2D "Bad Guy."
I would have also liked if we could have been privy to Selden's misadventures and Chassim's attempted women's rights revolution from the beginning. These three threads were the most compelling aspects of the quartet, and unfortunately were introduced late (three books in) and in not enough depth nor measure.
Unfortunately, we only got three or four dry paragraphs worth of summaries of Selden and Chassim's backstories. Even so, these short summaries were 90% more titillating than anything the keepers were up to.
I felt Hobb abandoned her ruthlessness for this series, which meant that there were no high stakes. All of the villains got their due karmic justice, and none of the main characters really suffered, except maybe Selden and Sedric. Even so, Selden's suffering occurred predominantly offpage and Sedric suffered no major repercussions for his earlier nefarious behaviour.
In conclusion, I know from reading her previous works that Hobb could have crafted this series so much better. Unfortunately, it was bogged down by its focus on the least compelling characters and events.
I hope the final Trilogy doesn't similarly disappoint. I don't know if I could ever forgive Hobb for ruining the Fitz & the Fool for me!
Hobb lost her way with this quartet. It feels like she ran out of steam and didn't have her heart in it. The pacing was off, the focus misplaced, the writing disjointed, the dialogue juvenile, and the plot armor thick.
There were too many characters, few of which I felt emotionally invested in. I wish she had selected a handful to focus on, as she'd done in the Live Ship Traders Trilogy. Or even selected one character, say Thymara or Rapskall, and used her famous, highly introspective first person narration to take us through the transformation from marked Rain Wild youth to elderling. Or even better, Selden, since our boy really went through some things, Wintrow style -- or so we were told but rarely shown. Any of the above would have allowed her to weave a more engaging tale.
City of Dragons and Blood of Dragons showed some of the promise of her earlier works, but unfortunately it was not enough and delivered too late to be impactful.
I regret that she chose to place the focus of this series on the young dragon keepers. To be honest, their literal and mataphorical slog through the Rain Wilds and young love was the least interesting plotline. Also, I feel that by exposing Kelsingra and the magic of the Elderlings, the lore of the ancient race lost its mystery and some of its sparkle. Or perhaps it was simply her treatment of it, since she repeated so much of what we already knew about the Elderlings but without as much depth or care as was shown in her earlier works. She only gave us crumbs of new information, which she covered in a surface-level manner. How much more fascinating would it have been if she'd spent more time unravelling their wars or industry, instead of on hunting, scavenging, polishing dragon scales and sex (or the lack of it)?
The whole Rapskal-Telletor and Thymara-Amarinda plotline had promise but wasn't executed well. It felt forced and ultimately unbelievable. I got chills during the well scene, but it didn't carry enough weight, because we never got to completely bond with Amarinda. Or Thymara, to be honest, despite her being one of the main protagonists.
Instead of spending so much time in the Rain Wilds wallowing in mud, ghosts and interpersonal squabbles, I would have loved for the quartet to have started with an introduction to the Duke of Chalced and the politics of his court. We've heard so much about the infamous land of Chalced. I would have loved to experience more of its culture, architecture, topography, cuisine and politics. I found the Duke's violent rejection of death an interesting topic, but we rarely if ever got to see the man as anything but a villain. It would have been fantastic if she'd spent more time peeling back his layers to the underlying humanity and motivation, the way she had Kennit. Disappointingly, she did not, and we instead got a 2D "Bad Guy."
I would have also liked if we could have been privy to Selden's misadventures and Chassim's attempted women's rights revolution from the beginning. These three threads were the most compelling aspects of the quartet, and unfortunately were introduced late (three books in) and in not enough depth nor measure.
Unfortunately, we only got three or four dry paragraphs worth of summaries of Selden and Chassim's backstories. Even so, these short summaries were 90% more titillating than anything the keepers were up to.
I felt Hobb abandoned her ruthlessness for this series, which meant that there were no high stakes. All of the villains got their due karmic justice, and none of the main characters really suffered, except maybe Selden and Sedric. Even so, Selden's suffering occurred predominantly offpage and Sedric suffered no major repercussions for his earlier nefarious behaviour.
In conclusion, I know from reading her previous works that Hobb could have crafted this series so much better. Unfortunately, it was bogged down by its focus on the least compelling characters and events.
I hope the final Trilogy doesn't similarly disappoint. I don't know if I could ever forgive Hobb for ruining the Fitz & the Fool for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
Amazing Dragon Series
If you, like me, want books where the dragons are just as much main characters as other featured species, this saga quartet hits the spot! The world Robin Hobb has built has consistent internal logic, magic that doesn't break it's own rules, and a wonderfully enormous cast that populate each of the four books such that we can follow various threads throughout- even if that thread doesn't make it to the end of the tale's weaving.
Further it successfully avoids killing it's LGBT representation, and has compellingly good depictions of polyamory, monogamy, healthy relationships and communication, and all the pain and power of coming to see all the red flags from someone once no longer in that person's influence, as well as the healing after.
The climax is beautifully paced, proceeding at a speed that feels just right for what it is, and things wrap up in a way that feels well-considered and sensible for everyone and the personalities we've learned over the course of the story.
I've read this series as a whole at least 4 times now, and every time I fall in love with it all over again and binge it without being able to stop from start to finish. Hmmm. Maybe I ought to double-check the pages silvery glints and Glamour (jk, I KNOW Mercor glamoured me from the start. Him and his false-eyes).
I love this series, and I will be reading it again and again as I decide if I want to know the story of the first Liveships or dream of Kelsingra.
If you, like me, want books where the dragons are just as much main characters as other featured species, this saga quartet hits the spot! The world Robin Hobb has built has consistent internal logic, magic that doesn't break it's own rules, and a wonderfully enormous cast that populate each of the four books such that we can follow various threads throughout- even if that thread doesn't make it to the end of the tale's weaving.
Further it successfully avoids killing it's LGBT representation, and has compellingly good depictions of polyamory, monogamy, healthy relationships and communication, and all the pain and power of coming to see all the red flags from someone once no longer in that person's influence, as well as the healing after.
The climax is beautifully paced, proceeding at a speed that feels just right for what it is, and things wrap up in a way that feels well-considered and sensible for everyone and the personalities we've learned over the course of the story.
I've read this series as a whole at least 4 times now, and every time I fall in love with it all over again and binge it without being able to stop from start to finish. Hmmm. Maybe I ought to double-check the pages silvery glints and Glamour (jk, I KNOW Mercor glamoured me from the start. Him and his false-eyes).
I love this series, and I will be reading it again and again as I decide if I want to know the story of the first Liveships or dream of Kelsingra.
July 23, 2025
I really thought we would get to see more of the dragons and why it is a good idea for them to be back in the world. Sadly the thing that dominated the Rain Wild chronicles was a freaking love triangle.
I was really tempted to skip Thymaras chapters. They were almost solely centered on who she would choose to be with. Her story should have been fascinating: someone who was so changed due to living in the Rain Wilds that she normally would have been killed after birth and then her struggle with Sintara would have been so interesting to read. Sadly we get none of it, just that fucking love triangle.
Another thing I would have loved to see explored more were the other keepers. At the end of the Rain Wild chronicle I could name only about half of them and even less than half of them were explored. I feel like if this book would have focused on the dragons and the Keepers more it would have been way better.
There was also no real resolution about the Hest-Alise-Carson plotline.
The pacing was also really weird. I feel like a lot could have been cut out or different priorities would have been better.
All in all a part of the RotE I would have skipped. Almost nothing interesting happens
I was really tempted to skip Thymaras chapters. They were almost solely centered on who she would choose to be with. Her story should have been fascinating: someone who was so changed due to living in the Rain Wilds that she normally would have been killed after birth and then her struggle with Sintara would have been so interesting to read. Sadly we get none of it, just that fucking love triangle.
Another thing I would have loved to see explored more were the other keepers. At the end of the Rain Wild chronicle I could name only about half of them and even less than half of them were explored. I feel like if this book would have focused on the dragons and the Keepers more it would have been way better.
There was also no real resolution about the Hest-Alise-Carson plotline.
The pacing was also really weird. I feel like a lot could have been cut out or different priorities would have been better.
All in all a part of the RotE I would have skipped. Almost nothing interesting happens
March 14, 2021
After reading the Liveship series, I wasn’t looking forward to returning to the Rain Wilds and the first two books did nothing to change my mind. The first book was essentially a very, very long introduction where little happened other than each character being introduced. The second book seemed to focus around people hooking up or wanting to hook up. I don’t know if Hobb considers the reading public incapable of remembering things from one chapter to the next but the constant repetition of the same ideas and thoughts for each character time and time again was painful and I found myself skim reading large sections. Thankfully, the third and fourth books were much better. The writing improved and more characters were introduced with some favourites from the Liveship series returning. The ending was abrupt after so much detail across the four books. It felt rushed and unresolved and I can only guess that Hobb wants to revisit these characters in the final Fitz books. A necessary read and now I am very much looking forward to returning to Fitz and the Fool.
October 22, 2020
Terrific story line with very creative and intriguing concepts (can't go wrong with dragons), strong character development and progression but could have been delivered in one book rather than four. Often became very tedious to read through long drawn out passages with unnecessary repetition and detail. Then all wound up in one concluding chapter which could have used two or three. The promotion of diversity in several relationships was forced and seemed unnecessary and came across as a mandatory obsequence to political correctness. Would have deserved 4.5 stars if delivered in one or possibly two books.
March 31, 2021
Um, just reread it. Pretty much my favorite Hobb. Followed by Liveship Traders. Followed by the Main Man -- Fitz & Co. Not that I didn't like all of them, but Rain Wilds stands out as one of the exceptional novels of whatever century it was written in. As in a Great Novel. She struck gold. Got lucky. And it didn't even make me cry. It didn't have to. It's beyond human. Uses the fantasy "genre" to achieve a sustained level of coherent symbolism and surrealism that is superb. (Kind of a weird word when you think about it. I had to double spell check it. Like "super" with a b on the end of it?) Anyway, I really like it.
July 6, 2021
The books are well written and the description, as always, is amazing. I’ve knocked off stars for two reasons. Firstly there is way too much recapping going on throughout the books. It’s unnecessary and I found myself skimming over paragraphs of story that I’d already recently been told in the same book. I also felt like the end was brought to a very sudden and predictable close. It’s almost like an editor went to town and killed off characters where a storyline was just developing and insisted it was tied up within a set amount of words (had there not been so much recapping there may have been ample space left for further development).
January 2, 2025
This is probably the weakest Robin Hobb series so far but it was necessary. We got more info on the Dragons and the Elderlings. I did not care much for the characters. Maybe Leftrin and Alise were the only characters I liked in this.
I loved seeing characters from Liveship traders appear in this series. Especially my boy Selden. I would die for Selden 🥹🥹🥹
I also hated Rapskal's arc. I liked him most of the keepers and I feel like Hobb did him dirty.
Hest was the worst character ever and he got what he deserved in the end. I was very satisfied.
I can't wait to see how this will play out in the last trilogy.
I loved seeing characters from Liveship traders appear in this series. Especially my boy Selden. I would die for Selden 🥹🥹🥹
I also hated Rapskal's arc. I liked him most of the keepers and I feel like Hobb did him dirty.
Hest was the worst character ever and he got what he deserved in the end. I was very satisfied.
I can't wait to see how this will play out in the last trilogy.
January 21, 2019
All the books of the trilogies in this world, Tawny Man, Liveship Traders, Farseer, Fitz and the Fool, Rain Wild Chronicles are a pleasure to read and unfold an epic world and history. The figures can be flat and hair pullingly obtuse sometimes. But it is always made up by the story and the twists and turns. Well belanced personal struggles, action, world description. I feel it would be a great movie base and could become easily as popular as Star Wars or Lord of the Rings if done well. There is SO much material. Still hoping Robin Hobb gets back to this world and keeps expanding.
May 6, 2020
Interesting series. Dragons have all but disappeared from the world, and the one final brood is stunted and unable to fly. They are escorted up the river by their young human keepers in hopes of finding the fabled dragon city, or at least a better place to live. After many adventures and against all odds, the story finally comes to a satisfying conclusion. There were a few unanswered questions though, which I had hoped would be addressed, like, why did all the dragons disappear in the first place?
February 4, 2021
Excellent. The best so far!
I've read all of the previous Robin Hobbs in order, and thought that the ones containing Fitz were amazing. If possible, the Live ship traders Trilogy was even better. And now this series following the dragons is,i feel, the best so far.
Amazing characters and as usual well written.
I was hooked from start to finish and read all 4 books in the same number of weeks.
A must read for RH fans!
I've read all of the previous Robin Hobbs in order, and thought that the ones containing Fitz were amazing. If possible, the Live ship traders Trilogy was even better. And now this series following the dragons is,i feel, the best so far.
Amazing characters and as usual well written.
I was hooked from start to finish and read all 4 books in the same number of weeks.
A must read for RH fans!
September 8, 2017
Awesome read
I skipped these first time round as needed to see what Fitz and The Fool were doing but so pleased I went back and read them in order! Took me a little longer to get into but I couldn't put the down wanting to see what happened next!
A fabulous imagination and a storytellers heart have put these book right up on my favourites list 😊😊😊
I skipped these first time round as needed to see what Fitz and The Fool were doing but so pleased I went back and read them in order! Took me a little longer to get into but I couldn't put the down wanting to see what happened next!
A fabulous imagination and a storytellers heart have put these book right up on my favourites list 😊😊😊
August 9, 2021
I read all of Robin Hobb's series and enjoyed them very much. I really like her character development. The only thing that slightly irritated me was that some of the characters were amazingly stupid at times. But it was a minor nit and did not interfere with my enjoyment. I highly recommend all four series.
October 18, 2021
Good, but not great. I wanted to like this as much as the first few trilogies in the realm, but I didn't. I think it felt both a bit drawn out and a bit rushed. Still worth reading in the series, and kind of satisfying, but not the amazing immersive experience with characters my heart sang for like the Fool and Fitz.
August 1, 2023
Listen, the series is important to the overarching story of the Realm of the Elderlings, but Sanderson would have made this a 260 page short story and I would have liked it more. As always very deep and complex character building from Hobb, but to be honest I was just getting through it so I could get back to Fitz.
June 26, 2018
I must admit I put this book down for a few months as I thought it was rather slow.
After picking it up again, I couldn’t put it down!
Glad I finished the omnibus and look forward to the next Robbin Hobb book to read.
After picking it up again, I couldn’t put it down!
Glad I finished the omnibus and look forward to the next Robbin Hobb book to read.
February 25, 2019
It took a little while but this series really pulled me in and even got me invested in the interchapter pigeon carrier subplot. I do think it peaked in book two when it was full road trip but the later books paid things off well.
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