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The Tawny Man #1-3
The Tawny Man Trilogy
The complete Tawny Man Trilogy by international bestselling author Robin Hobb. 'In today's crowded fantasy market Robin Hobb's books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons' George R. R. Martin Years have passed since Fitz was tortured by Prince Regal. Now he lives in self-imposed exile far from the court. Even his beloved Molly believes him dead. It is safer that way. But safety remains an illusion. Even though war is over dangerous undercurrents still swirl around the Six Duchies and suddenly young Prince Dutiful disappears just before his crucial diplomatic wedding to shore up the peace. The Fools brings Fitz a secret mission. He and his bonded companion, the wolf Nighteyes, must find Dutiful and bring him back to be wed. For if the Outislanders are snubbed, war will surely resume. But what if the prince does not wish to be found? Enter the extraordinary world of Robin Hobb's enchanting Tawny Man Trilogy. This bundle includes Fool's Errand (book one), The Golden Fool (book two) and The Fool's Fate (book three).
Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
744 people are currently reading
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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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November 6, 2016
The Tawny Man Trilogy by Robin Hobb
(Fool's Errand, The Golden Fool, Fool's Fate)
Where do I even begin? This year I credit my survival as being partially due to good friends and Robin Hobb's books, and The Tawny Man trilogy was key to my emotional and psychological well-being.
FitzChivalry Farseer is by far one of my favourite characters. Life has handed him a raw deal. Every time you think he's at the top of his game, or that things are finally going right for him, the metaphorical rug gets pulled out from beneath his feet.
We learn in this series more about his special relationship with the Fool, and how the two of them are responsible for setting the world to rights. You'd think that Fitz and Nighteyes would slip quietly into history after their high adventure and derring-do to wake dragons and save the Six Duchies from the Red Ship Raiders and a mad king. But no.
This is not the case.
Though Fitz considers himself old, and Nighteyes is even more so a venerable wolf who has long outlived his natural years, the two are dragged into fresh misadventure when they are sent to discover the fate of Queen Kettricken's son. As much as Fitz loathes politics and intrigue, he truly comes alive when he is thrust into the midst of it.
We learn much of how the Wit magic works, as not only do we discover a conspiracy of the Witted to seize power, but there is fresh concern over the fact that the missing Prince Dutiful is betrothed to an Outislander princess.
And there is what I call That Thing That Happens that astute readers would have understood implicitly is coming, is unavoidable, but Hobb sneaks it up on readers with such flair, with such awful dignity and precision that I had to put the book down and have a good, ugly cry for a quarter of an hour. Then I reread that scene again and had to go wash my face. The only other authors who've succeed in reducing me to a blubbering wreck are JRR Tolkien (I cry every time the elves return to the West) and of course Richard Adams's Watership Down.
Fitz and the Fool go on to have hectic adventures, travelling far afield on the trail of, yes... Dragons. While I do feel the pace does flag at times, and Hobb certainly (and rightfully so) is in no hurry to tell the tale, those hankering after fast-paced action may whinge a bit. (And yes, how I loathe those types of readers). This is a story where you let go and immerse for individual scenes, for the descriptions for the incredibly detailed cultural heritage she has constructed. Hobb's rich world-building, her well-realised, three-dimensional characters make this an unforgettable experience. And, of course, every exquisite detail. Pay attention when you read, because often it's the smallest, seemingly inconsequential details that later have earth-shattering ramifications.
This is a story about love, and what people are willing to do for the ones who are dear to them. It's about the secrets that turn around and bite them later; the sacrifices people make. Central to this is the triad of Fitz/The Fool/Nighteyes, and how the three are but parts of one complex character, or rather expressions of the same – a composite that has grown together. And yes, there are times when Hobb rips out your heart, just as she does with Fitz, but then she puts it back together again in the most unexpected ways to make you gasp and place a hand on your chest.
If ever there is an author who inspires me to do better as an author, it's Hobb. Sometimes authors don't stand the test of time; sometimes you return to their writing years later only to be disappointed horribly, (um hello, David Eddings). Not so with Hobb.
(Fool's Errand, The Golden Fool, Fool's Fate)
Where do I even begin? This year I credit my survival as being partially due to good friends and Robin Hobb's books, and The Tawny Man trilogy was key to my emotional and psychological well-being.
FitzChivalry Farseer is by far one of my favourite characters. Life has handed him a raw deal. Every time you think he's at the top of his game, or that things are finally going right for him, the metaphorical rug gets pulled out from beneath his feet.
We learn in this series more about his special relationship with the Fool, and how the two of them are responsible for setting the world to rights. You'd think that Fitz and Nighteyes would slip quietly into history after their high adventure and derring-do to wake dragons and save the Six Duchies from the Red Ship Raiders and a mad king. But no.
This is not the case.
Though Fitz considers himself old, and Nighteyes is even more so a venerable wolf who has long outlived his natural years, the two are dragged into fresh misadventure when they are sent to discover the fate of Queen Kettricken's son. As much as Fitz loathes politics and intrigue, he truly comes alive when he is thrust into the midst of it.
We learn much of how the Wit magic works, as not only do we discover a conspiracy of the Witted to seize power, but there is fresh concern over the fact that the missing Prince Dutiful is betrothed to an Outislander princess.
And there is what I call That Thing That Happens that astute readers would have understood implicitly is coming, is unavoidable, but Hobb sneaks it up on readers with such flair, with such awful dignity and precision that I had to put the book down and have a good, ugly cry for a quarter of an hour. Then I reread that scene again and had to go wash my face. The only other authors who've succeed in reducing me to a blubbering wreck are JRR Tolkien (I cry every time the elves return to the West) and of course Richard Adams's Watership Down.
Fitz and the Fool go on to have hectic adventures, travelling far afield on the trail of, yes... Dragons. While I do feel the pace does flag at times, and Hobb certainly (and rightfully so) is in no hurry to tell the tale, those hankering after fast-paced action may whinge a bit. (And yes, how I loathe those types of readers). This is a story where you let go and immerse for individual scenes, for the descriptions for the incredibly detailed cultural heritage she has constructed. Hobb's rich world-building, her well-realised, three-dimensional characters make this an unforgettable experience. And, of course, every exquisite detail. Pay attention when you read, because often it's the smallest, seemingly inconsequential details that later have earth-shattering ramifications.
This is a story about love, and what people are willing to do for the ones who are dear to them. It's about the secrets that turn around and bite them later; the sacrifices people make. Central to this is the triad of Fitz/The Fool/Nighteyes, and how the three are but parts of one complex character, or rather expressions of the same – a composite that has grown together. And yes, there are times when Hobb rips out your heart, just as she does with Fitz, but then she puts it back together again in the most unexpected ways to make you gasp and place a hand on your chest.
If ever there is an author who inspires me to do better as an author, it's Hobb. Sometimes authors don't stand the test of time; sometimes you return to their writing years later only to be disappointed horribly, (um hello, David Eddings). Not so with Hobb.
February 24, 2016
Maybe you have to keep your pain and loss to know that you can survive whatever life deals you. Perhaps without putting your pain in its place in your life, you become something of a coward.
January 17, 2022
Utter perfection
November 27, 2025
The greatest trilogy of all time and it's not even close
June 29, 2021
(No Spoilers) This series is where (for me) the Realm of the Elderlings earns all the lofty praise I've seen heaped upon it, with the Farseer Trilogy and Liveship Traders trilogy serving almost as a very long prologue, and all the payoff being in this series. And boy does it pay off!
Thus far, this is easily my favorite series in the Realm of the Elderlings world.
THE GOOD
Fitz & Fool Focus: This series is a direct sequel to the Farseer Trilogy, and is deeply connected to - but not a direct sequel to - the Liveship Traders. While the Liveship series does inform much of what is happening in the larger arc, the main story feeds directly from the characters and relationships established in Farseer. Wisely, the author focuses most heavily on the most interesting relationship of that series: Fitz and the Fool.
The Fool remains the most interesting character in a cast that is filled with interesting and extremely well fleshed out characters, and centering the trilogy on his and Fitz's relationship was the best possible decision the author could have made. We see their relationship undergo much change and stress, while their deep connection remains throughout. Not that Fitz's other relationships aren't given their due attention...
Farseer Fallout: ...in fact, the entire Farseer cast is back, and all of Fitz's various choices i.e. mistakes are all brought home to roost. Nearly all plot threads that were left in the air at the end of Farseer being tied up one by one, and masterfully so. The nuance and detail of the characters relationships still continue to be nothing short of masterful, and I've never read better in the Fantasy genre. Robin Hobb is amazing.
Less Farseer Frustration: Though I did enjoy Farseer, the trilogy was very heavy - at times too much so - and I often had trouble continuing. It was all just so tragic, and Fitz was just so mistreated that it became hard to read. This series on the other hand seemed much more optimistic, perhaps because the character was older, was more able to stand up for himself, was (mostly) wiser, and a lot less inclined to teenage angst.
Magical Satisfaction: One of my major gripes about Farseer was Fitz's inability to use his magic (Skill & Wit) powers reliably. It seemed whenever the plot required it he suddenly couldn't use his magic. This series both retroactively provides a reasonable explanation for why that is, as well as remedying that particular frustration. We finally see Fitz using his magic in a reliable way, which went a long way towards improving my enjoyment of the series over Farseer.
Character Arcs: There are so many characters arcs that are tied up in this series, and while I never knew just where things were headed, I can't think of any better way for stories to have ended. While I know there are seven books left in the series, I could easily walk away from Realm of the Elderlings feeling fully satisfied where this series ends, and how all the characters fared - both the tragic ends, as well as the happy ones.
THE BAD
Dragons are Jerks: Seriously, despite being a big Fantasy nerd and loving dragons and all that... I'm not a fan of the dragons in this series. I do get it, I mean, the author pretty much tells you that they are selfish jerks, and are intended to be a reflection of humanity and their own arrogance, but I just want to strangle these dragons. I didn't like them back in Liveship Traders, and the prospect of needing to read a four book series focused on them (Rain Wilds series) does not excite me.
I'm seriously googling if I really need to read them or can I just skip to the last Fitz/Fool trilogy.
THE VERDICT
This trilogy was the bees knees. I think that in the future if I'm looking to reread any of the RotE books, it will be this trilogy that I come back to. The characters are brilliantly written, and all of the investment in their stories brings the feels when all the various character arcs reach their fruition. I cried like a baby at the end, out of sheer happiness for Fitz.
This trilogy is a masterpiece!*
*though not as a standalone trilogy. So I guess I'd have to say this trilogy is a masterpiece... but only when read in order with the two previous series... which is something you should definitely do if you haven't already!
Thus far, this is easily my favorite series in the Realm of the Elderlings world.
THE GOOD
Fitz & Fool Focus: This series is a direct sequel to the Farseer Trilogy, and is deeply connected to - but not a direct sequel to - the Liveship Traders. While the Liveship series does inform much of what is happening in the larger arc, the main story feeds directly from the characters and relationships established in Farseer. Wisely, the author focuses most heavily on the most interesting relationship of that series: Fitz and the Fool.
The Fool remains the most interesting character in a cast that is filled with interesting and extremely well fleshed out characters, and centering the trilogy on his and Fitz's relationship was the best possible decision the author could have made. We see their relationship undergo much change and stress, while their deep connection remains throughout. Not that Fitz's other relationships aren't given their due attention...
Farseer Fallout: ...in fact, the entire Farseer cast is back, and all of Fitz's various choices i.e. mistakes are all brought home to roost. Nearly all plot threads that were left in the air at the end of Farseer being tied up one by one, and masterfully so. The nuance and detail of the characters relationships still continue to be nothing short of masterful, and I've never read better in the Fantasy genre. Robin Hobb is amazing.
Less Farseer Frustration: Though I did enjoy Farseer, the trilogy was very heavy - at times too much so - and I often had trouble continuing. It was all just so tragic, and Fitz was just so mistreated that it became hard to read. This series on the other hand seemed much more optimistic, perhaps because the character was older, was more able to stand up for himself, was (mostly) wiser, and a lot less inclined to teenage angst.
Magical Satisfaction: One of my major gripes about Farseer was Fitz's inability to use his magic (Skill & Wit) powers reliably. It seemed whenever the plot required it he suddenly couldn't use his magic. This series both retroactively provides a reasonable explanation for why that is, as well as remedying that particular frustration. We finally see Fitz using his magic in a reliable way, which went a long way towards improving my enjoyment of the series over Farseer.
Character Arcs: There are so many characters arcs that are tied up in this series, and while I never knew just where things were headed, I can't think of any better way for stories to have ended. While I know there are seven books left in the series, I could easily walk away from Realm of the Elderlings feeling fully satisfied where this series ends, and how all the characters fared - both the tragic ends, as well as the happy ones.
THE BAD
Dragons are Jerks: Seriously, despite being a big Fantasy nerd and loving dragons and all that... I'm not a fan of the dragons in this series. I do get it, I mean, the author pretty much tells you that they are selfish jerks, and are intended to be a reflection of humanity and their own arrogance, but I just want to strangle these dragons. I didn't like them back in Liveship Traders, and the prospect of needing to read a four book series focused on them (Rain Wilds series) does not excite me.
I'm seriously googling if I really need to read them or can I just skip to the last Fitz/Fool trilogy.
THE VERDICT
This trilogy was the bees knees. I think that in the future if I'm looking to reread any of the RotE books, it will be this trilogy that I come back to. The characters are brilliantly written, and all of the investment in their stories brings the feels when all the various character arcs reach their fruition. I cried like a baby at the end, out of sheer happiness for Fitz.
This trilogy is a masterpiece!*
*though not as a standalone trilogy. So I guess I'd have to say this trilogy is a masterpiece... but only when read in order with the two previous series... which is something you should definitely do if you haven't already!
December 31, 2018
Of the first three trilogies in Hobb's Elderlings Realms, I believe this one was the best. A lengthy read and I seemed to sag getting through the final chapters of the last book. However, I discovered that I was rereading several of the last chapters. I'd get into a subsequent chapter and find myself going backward to clarify what "really" happened in the previous chapter. Such is Hobb's writing. She places nuances in her script, which take on meanings later on. Craftmanship on her part. Hobb carves a fine saga.
Onto the next series. The quadrilogy, "Rain Wild Chronicles."
Onto the next series. The quadrilogy, "Rain Wild Chronicles."
September 9, 2023
Terminada la relectura de esta deliciosísima trilogía que bien hubiera podido ser un fin de universo, con todas las tramas aparentemente cerradas. Gracias a Dios que no lo fue, pero... hubiera podido. Un poco agridulce la despedida a medio cocer con el bufón, personaje magnífico como pocos, hasta el momento final, hasta sus razones últimas.
Una trilogía con unos personajes tan abrumadoramente reales, que sobrepasan hasta las asombrosas aventuras que corren, haciendo que te importen como si los conocieras. Hasta Tordo se hace querer. Goodreads lectores (Libre)
Una trilogía con unos personajes tan abrumadoramente reales, que sobrepasan hasta las asombrosas aventuras que corren, haciendo que te importen como si los conocieras. Hasta Tordo se hace querer. Goodreads lectores (Libre)
March 13, 2015
I am in love with Robin Hobb's writing. Ever since discovering her last year with the Assassin trilogy i have wanted to read more and more. Part of it is in her writing about people who you can like. Of late many authors that i have read create brilliant stories but unlikable characters but here is Robin Hobb- brilliant story, beautiful characterisation. I was a tad annoyed by the way Fitz and Molly ended because for me the story of unrequited love was actually better than this have to have a happy ending and i think somewhere i always thought that Burrich was a better man for Molly... But nevertheless, it was good to see Fitz finally getting what he pined for. For some reason i kept expecting Fool to be revealed as a woman and he becoming Fitz great love but as Fool put it, his love for Fitz was beyond everything...and that is a lovely expression of feelings as well.
Robin Hobb satiated my appetite for fantasy genre completely, so much so that now reading Patrick Rothfuss's Name of the Wind, i find myself comparing his writing to Robin's and constantly pegging him down...
I am looking forward to reading her latest work. I think Fool and Fitz have more stories within them and it will be now read of a new chapter in their lives...
Robin Hobb satiated my appetite for fantasy genre completely, so much so that now reading Patrick Rothfuss's Name of the Wind, i find myself comparing his writing to Robin's and constantly pegging him down...
I am looking forward to reading her latest work. I think Fool and Fitz have more stories within them and it will be now read of a new chapter in their lives...
March 2, 2021
Third read through for this gorgeous set of books. Having read the Liveship and the Dragon books since my last time, It's been fun re-reading the tawny Man trilogy with fresh and newly-informed eyes.
Wonderful stuff and a series I'll continue to revisit time and again.
Wonderful stuff and a series I'll continue to revisit time and again.
July 31, 2025
Multiple endings happening here and my heart is sad from this book! Probably, my favorite Robin Hobb book. It was perfectly timed, all moving parts had a purpose, and completely unpredictable! The ending was one I didn’t even see happening, but was pleasantly surprised!
February 25, 2017
With re-reading these books have become even more special to me.
July 3, 2025
💕
This series is keeping my heart in tact and soothes my soul despite the anguish, pain and despair within its pages
This series is keeping my heart in tact and soothes my soul despite the anguish, pain and despair within its pages
June 14, 2021
Review: Since I am very late to the table on this series and that there are over 4k reviews, I will not belabor this assessment.
A really good and satisfying series that gorges the need for good character development and timely movement. Fitz is flawed in many ways, mainly through his inability to process and be accountable. Blaming exterior influences is often the cowards path as therein lies the struggle.
I am sated.
A really good and satisfying series that gorges the need for good character development and timely movement. Fitz is flawed in many ways, mainly through his inability to process and be accountable. Blaming exterior influences is often the cowards path as therein lies the struggle.
I am sated.
August 7, 2022
Whew!!! 2,383 pages later and I am done! I'm 2/3 of the way through my Farseer reread. There is lots to quibble with here. All the things I said in review of the first farseer trilogy are true. In addition there are a few too many lengthy descriptions of costume details. Fitz can sometimes get just a touch tiresome, just a touch. Still, it's a great story and and the shear sweep of it is so impressive. Also Robin Hobb is a good writer and pulls off some of the events you can see coming from a long way with real skill. The friendship between Fitz and the Fool is quite interesting and filled with nuance. Also, as a former therapist I have to give a tip of my hat to Fitz becoming whole when he regains his painful memories. I also like the idea of restoring dragons to the environment as being necessary despite there being arrogant, sometimes cruel creatures simply bc that are part of nature. I think the Fool says something like: "They remind humans they are not the only destructive, arrogant creatures on earth." On to the the final trilogy.
November 2, 2015
I got about halfway into the second book, I think, but it was hard to tell because I had the complete trilogy and it gives progress in terms of all three books instead of each one. They just go so redundant and boring. Each book is very long, but they tend to say the same things over and over, and even though this series is supposed to prominently feature the fool, he's not mentioned much at all except early on. There are only so many times I want to real all the painfully detailed descriptions of what everyone is wearing. Yes, I know the color of Buckkeep is a very specific color of blue, and I already got the fact that the fool dresses very extravagantly and so on. And how many times will she cover every aspect of the history of the skill? It could not hold my interest. It feels very much like the author is trying to milk every last possible penny out of a popular series. I found myself wondering how there could possibly be yet another trilogy after this one. I'm very disappointed. I am giving it 3 stars because of the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters and their relationships with each other. But it gets zero stars for being interesting or holding my attention.
January 7, 2020
Very much enjoyed this trilogy, a satisfyingly fantasy read.
January 24, 2023
I lost my good pen. It’s something I’ve been meaning to get – a legitimately nice ink pen, both for writing reviews and working on illustration. I often hand-write my reviews before posting online. Mostly to give myself an immediate opportunity to write my thoughts down after I finish a book and I don’t carry a laptop around. A notebook and pen (not always a nice one), sure. It’s also nice to have another reason not to be staring at a screen.
In all honesty though, I do end up writing several reviews at once, ages after I finish a book. For no reason other than procrastination. Perhaps there’s an optimal time to wait before writing a review. Some stewing time is needed to really let the themes and my thoughts to get nice and juicy. But I also have a terrible memory for details. Somewhere in the middle would probably be best. As for the hand-writing? I think I just like writing by hand. It’s a lost art, one I am not bringing back with my shoddy penmanship. Maybe if I was a woman in the 19th century – educated, but with no true opportunities.
I think I’ve stewed enough. I read the entirety of Robin Hobb’s Tawny Man Trilogy in a matter of weeks. I was reading on my phone, which meant I could pick it up and read a few pages whenever I wanted.
I was excited to catch up with Fitz and the Fool (you can read my review of the first trilogy here), and this series did not disappoint. Like with the first trilogy, there was an overarching story over the three books, with smaller subplots populating each book. This series follows Fitz’s “nephew” Prince Dutiful.
Since the events take place 15 years later, Dutiful is a teenager and Fitz has been living in a hut away from most of the world. You know how he is, punishing himself unnecessarily. Few people know Fitz is alive – or even who he is. He has an adopted son, Hap, with Starling, sort of, and seems to be settled into a quiet life with Nighteyes. Then, of course, his life is thrown into disarray with the return of Chade and the Fool.
Throughout the trilogy, there are many ups and down, curve balls, distractions, and diversions. What seemed like a central plot ended up less important than I originally thought. And though I liked the series, I wasn’t as “in love” with the single-book arcs as I was in the first trilogy. There are several new characters introduced, which, having also read the final trilogy, I now also
love. We met Dutiful and a simpleton named Thick early on. Fitz’s daughter Nettle and a potential bride for the prince also make their way into our world. It took some time, but I eventually warmed up to the newcomers.
Hobb opened the floodgates to emotion with this book. Characters deal with grief and deceit, balancing friendship, love, and mentorship. Book one was the least exciting in this regard, but man did the feels come. I did, however, feel like there was some fan service to some of the arcs.
As always, Hobb’s writing is clear and concise, making this an easy book to read. She uses some beautiful metaphors to explain the magic of both the Wit and Farseer. In fact, the Wit gets a lot more attention in this book, which was wonderful. She uses the factions and public opinion and fear to great effect. Sound familiar? You don’t need to look far to find parallels with the real world. She also really digs into relationships and what I’ll call “gender” – not in a political way, but it’s so poignant.
I’ll definitely be picking up more from Hobb in the future, but for now, a break into some literature or non-fiction. Taking recommendations!
In all honesty though, I do end up writing several reviews at once, ages after I finish a book. For no reason other than procrastination. Perhaps there’s an optimal time to wait before writing a review. Some stewing time is needed to really let the themes and my thoughts to get nice and juicy. But I also have a terrible memory for details. Somewhere in the middle would probably be best. As for the hand-writing? I think I just like writing by hand. It’s a lost art, one I am not bringing back with my shoddy penmanship. Maybe if I was a woman in the 19th century – educated, but with no true opportunities.
I think I’ve stewed enough. I read the entirety of Robin Hobb’s Tawny Man Trilogy in a matter of weeks. I was reading on my phone, which meant I could pick it up and read a few pages whenever I wanted.
I was excited to catch up with Fitz and the Fool (you can read my review of the first trilogy here), and this series did not disappoint. Like with the first trilogy, there was an overarching story over the three books, with smaller subplots populating each book. This series follows Fitz’s “nephew” Prince Dutiful.
Since the events take place 15 years later, Dutiful is a teenager and Fitz has been living in a hut away from most of the world. You know how he is, punishing himself unnecessarily. Few people know Fitz is alive – or even who he is. He has an adopted son, Hap, with Starling, sort of, and seems to be settled into a quiet life with Nighteyes. Then, of course, his life is thrown into disarray with the return of Chade and the Fool.
Throughout the trilogy, there are many ups and down, curve balls, distractions, and diversions. What seemed like a central plot ended up less important than I originally thought. And though I liked the series, I wasn’t as “in love” with the single-book arcs as I was in the first trilogy. There are several new characters introduced, which, having also read the final trilogy, I now also
love. We met Dutiful and a simpleton named Thick early on. Fitz’s daughter Nettle and a potential bride for the prince also make their way into our world. It took some time, but I eventually warmed up to the newcomers.
Hobb opened the floodgates to emotion with this book. Characters deal with grief and deceit, balancing friendship, love, and mentorship. Book one was the least exciting in this regard, but man did the feels come. I did, however, feel like there was some fan service to some of the arcs.
As always, Hobb’s writing is clear and concise, making this an easy book to read. She uses some beautiful metaphors to explain the magic of both the Wit and Farseer. In fact, the Wit gets a lot more attention in this book, which was wonderful. She uses the factions and public opinion and fear to great effect. Sound familiar? You don’t need to look far to find parallels with the real world. She also really digs into relationships and what I’ll call “gender” – not in a political way, but it’s so poignant.
I’ll definitely be picking up more from Hobb in the future, but for now, a break into some literature or non-fiction. Taking recommendations!
May 14, 2025
1. Fool’s Errand ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The first part of Fool’s Errand is not just an introduction to a new trilogy; it’s an emotional return to the world of FitzChivalry Farseer. You know it, I know it—sure, the Liveship books were great, but we were craving Fitz, wolf, and Fool, and we wanted them badly. So, our dear Robin Hobb, following the events of the Farseer Trilogy, gives her hero a rare chance at peace (we all know how long that’s going to last…). Now living in isolation, under a false name and with a loyal wolf by his side, Fitz seems to have found a temporary refuge from the world that scarred him (a euphemism for "broke him, burned him, and drowned him in curses").
This first half of the book stands out for its contemplative and slow pace. Hobb takes her time to explore Fitz’s inner life—his guilt, his losses, his hope, and his need for solitude. If someone is looking for pure action, they might be disappointed at first. But for the reader who values character, subtle psychological nuances, and deep introspection, this section is a literary gem.
The reappearance of the Fool—mysterious, poetic, and always prophetic—brings with it a promise that Fitz’s peace won’t last. That’s it, buddy, the hard times are coming—brace yourself. Their bond, which was the heart of the original trilogy, returns to the foreground with new dimensions and deeper emotional weight.
In the second half, Hobb shifts gears and the novel turns into a suspenseful journey, which retains its emotional core while methodically building a plot full of tension. The mission to rescue the missing Prince Dutiful sets events in motion that go far beyond Fitz’s personal concerns and touch on the future of the entire Six Duchies.
The drama escalates gradually, with political intrigue, hidden conflicts, and mysterious beings from the shadows of Hobb’s world. The author manages to raise the stakes and draw the reader deeper into the characters’ fate, without sacrificing her literary quality.
Fitz appears more mature (naturally—he’s no longer a child), but also more tragic. Though he has recovered from past losses, the nature of his mission requires him to once again sacrifice his personal peace for the greater good. And once more, his bond with the Fool serves as the emotional backbone of the work—a connection filled with innuendo, subtle hints, and an almost mystical reverence.
The ending, not conclusive, leaves a strong sense of transition. Fitz’s rebirth as a tool of History has only just begun.
2. Golden Fool ⭐⭐⭐⭐
At the heart of the story stands Fitz once again. His journey continues with greater maturity, yet a heavier emotional burden. His relationships with the Fool, Prince Dutiful, and Chade are portrayed with exceptional psychological insight, highlighting his inner struggle between duty and personal identity.
Robin Hobb once again demonstrates her mastery in character development. The Fool is revealed here as perhaps the most complex character in the series—enigmatic, emotionally fragile, and deeply loyal (possibly also the most irritating, but those are negative thoughts, as my therapist reminded me). His relationship with Fitz reaches new depths, touching the borders of love, friendship, and betrayal, all set in an atmosphere rich with innuendos and silent glances.
The plot moves at a slow but steady pace, focusing more on the characters’ inner development and less on action. For some, this might feel like a lull, but readers who appreciate contemplative fantasy and subtle tension will find every page rewarding.
Hobb’s language is, as always, exquisite. Rich, nuanced, and full of delicate shades, it turns even the simplest scenes into experiences. The use of Skill and Wit deepens Fitz’s inner world and adds further dimension to the series’ magic system, which remains more existential than sensational.
Golden Fool is a book that rewards the patient reader. It is less about battles and heroes, and more about how the soul survives in silence, responsibility, and love. It is a profoundly human work, full of melancholy and hope, reaffirming Robin Hobb as one of the most important writers in modern fantasy.
3. Fool’s Fate ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The third and final volume in Robin Hobb’s The Tawny Man trilogy, is a powerful and emotionally resonant conclusion to one of the most profound and literary works of contemporary fantasy. Hobb brings to a masterful close her exploration of identity, sacrifice, and destiny, through characters who are never simplistic, but complex, contradictory, and fully human.
Fitz is compelled to confront the consequences of all his choices, both past and recent. His relationship with the Fool, central throughout the series, reaches an emotional crescendo that is at once heartbreaking and gripping. Hobb resists the lure of facile narrative resolutions, offering instead a finale that is mature, measured, and deeply human.
The themes that permeate the novel—selfless love, the pain of loss, and the acceptance of vulnerability—are not presented with rhetorical flourish but with a subtlety that is characteristic of Hobb’s style. The use of first-person narration by Fitz intensifies the sense of intimacy and personality, allowing the reader to inhabit every emotional maelstrom in the marrow of their being.
The narrative remains slow but deliberately contemplative, allowing space for inner reflection and emotional depth. The world of the Six Duchies is not merely a backdrop, but a living organism that both shapes and is shaped by the characters’ decisions.
Fool’s Fate is not merely the end of a story; it is the completion of a cycle, both for the characters and for the readers. Though it offers neither easy answers nor absolute catharsis, it provides something rarer: an authentic, emotionally honest experience. It is a powerful work of fantasy literature that demonstrates why Robin Hobb is regarded as one of the genre’s most significant authors. It is a profoundly human story of loss, love, and the transformative power of empathy.
Throughout the trilogy, Fitz undergoes an exceptionally complex and multifaceted transformation. From a man living on the margins, haunted by his past and cut off from others, we witness a slow and painful return to the world, to responsibility, and—at times—to hope.
In Fool’s Errand, Fitz is a man who has embraced solitude as the price of survival. In The Golden Fool, we see the beginnings of his reintegration into the society of the Six Duchies, as old bonds re-emerge and clash with wounds that remain unhealed. By Fool’s Fate, Fitz has come to face not only his past, but the difficulty of forgiveness—both of others and, perhaps more painfully, of himself.
His relationship with the Fool constitutes the emotional core of the trilogy, and through it we see how profoundly human Fitz truly is: filled with internal contradictions, yet capable of tremendous affection. His development does not stem from heroism or grand triumphs, but through emotional maturation, sorrow, and sacrifice.
In the end, Fitz is no longer the man who embarked on this journey—and this may be the most realistic and moving element of Hobb’s writing: that change does not come easily, nor painlessly, but it is real.
P.S. I am still uncertain whether to forgive Hobb for “ending” Nighteyes (WHOM WE ALL LOVED) in the second book of the series, but I wonder... perhaps she spared him the decline and deterioration (speaking literarily, of course), the dreadful fate of becoming yet another stereotypical, predictable, and tiresome figure after six or seven books.
The first part of Fool’s Errand is not just an introduction to a new trilogy; it’s an emotional return to the world of FitzChivalry Farseer. You know it, I know it—sure, the Liveship books were great, but we were craving Fitz, wolf, and Fool, and we wanted them badly. So, our dear Robin Hobb, following the events of the Farseer Trilogy, gives her hero a rare chance at peace (we all know how long that’s going to last…). Now living in isolation, under a false name and with a loyal wolf by his side, Fitz seems to have found a temporary refuge from the world that scarred him (a euphemism for "broke him, burned him, and drowned him in curses").
This first half of the book stands out for its contemplative and slow pace. Hobb takes her time to explore Fitz’s inner life—his guilt, his losses, his hope, and his need for solitude. If someone is looking for pure action, they might be disappointed at first. But for the reader who values character, subtle psychological nuances, and deep introspection, this section is a literary gem.
The reappearance of the Fool—mysterious, poetic, and always prophetic—brings with it a promise that Fitz’s peace won’t last. That’s it, buddy, the hard times are coming—brace yourself. Their bond, which was the heart of the original trilogy, returns to the foreground with new dimensions and deeper emotional weight.
In the second half, Hobb shifts gears and the novel turns into a suspenseful journey, which retains its emotional core while methodically building a plot full of tension. The mission to rescue the missing Prince Dutiful sets events in motion that go far beyond Fitz’s personal concerns and touch on the future of the entire Six Duchies.
The drama escalates gradually, with political intrigue, hidden conflicts, and mysterious beings from the shadows of Hobb’s world. The author manages to raise the stakes and draw the reader deeper into the characters’ fate, without sacrificing her literary quality.
Fitz appears more mature (naturally—he’s no longer a child), but also more tragic. Though he has recovered from past losses, the nature of his mission requires him to once again sacrifice his personal peace for the greater good. And once more, his bond with the Fool serves as the emotional backbone of the work—a connection filled with innuendo, subtle hints, and an almost mystical reverence.
The ending, not conclusive, leaves a strong sense of transition. Fitz’s rebirth as a tool of History has only just begun.
2. Golden Fool ⭐⭐⭐⭐
At the heart of the story stands Fitz once again. His journey continues with greater maturity, yet a heavier emotional burden. His relationships with the Fool, Prince Dutiful, and Chade are portrayed with exceptional psychological insight, highlighting his inner struggle between duty and personal identity.
Robin Hobb once again demonstrates her mastery in character development. The Fool is revealed here as perhaps the most complex character in the series—enigmatic, emotionally fragile, and deeply loyal (possibly also the most irritating, but those are negative thoughts, as my therapist reminded me). His relationship with Fitz reaches new depths, touching the borders of love, friendship, and betrayal, all set in an atmosphere rich with innuendos and silent glances.
The plot moves at a slow but steady pace, focusing more on the characters’ inner development and less on action. For some, this might feel like a lull, but readers who appreciate contemplative fantasy and subtle tension will find every page rewarding.
Hobb’s language is, as always, exquisite. Rich, nuanced, and full of delicate shades, it turns even the simplest scenes into experiences. The use of Skill and Wit deepens Fitz’s inner world and adds further dimension to the series’ magic system, which remains more existential than sensational.
Golden Fool is a book that rewards the patient reader. It is less about battles and heroes, and more about how the soul survives in silence, responsibility, and love. It is a profoundly human work, full of melancholy and hope, reaffirming Robin Hobb as one of the most important writers in modern fantasy.
3. Fool’s Fate ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The third and final volume in Robin Hobb’s The Tawny Man trilogy, is a powerful and emotionally resonant conclusion to one of the most profound and literary works of contemporary fantasy. Hobb brings to a masterful close her exploration of identity, sacrifice, and destiny, through characters who are never simplistic, but complex, contradictory, and fully human.
Fitz is compelled to confront the consequences of all his choices, both past and recent. His relationship with the Fool, central throughout the series, reaches an emotional crescendo that is at once heartbreaking and gripping. Hobb resists the lure of facile narrative resolutions, offering instead a finale that is mature, measured, and deeply human.
The themes that permeate the novel—selfless love, the pain of loss, and the acceptance of vulnerability—are not presented with rhetorical flourish but with a subtlety that is characteristic of Hobb’s style. The use of first-person narration by Fitz intensifies the sense of intimacy and personality, allowing the reader to inhabit every emotional maelstrom in the marrow of their being.
The narrative remains slow but deliberately contemplative, allowing space for inner reflection and emotional depth. The world of the Six Duchies is not merely a backdrop, but a living organism that both shapes and is shaped by the characters’ decisions.
Fool’s Fate is not merely the end of a story; it is the completion of a cycle, both for the characters and for the readers. Though it offers neither easy answers nor absolute catharsis, it provides something rarer: an authentic, emotionally honest experience. It is a powerful work of fantasy literature that demonstrates why Robin Hobb is regarded as one of the genre’s most significant authors. It is a profoundly human story of loss, love, and the transformative power of empathy.
Throughout the trilogy, Fitz undergoes an exceptionally complex and multifaceted transformation. From a man living on the margins, haunted by his past and cut off from others, we witness a slow and painful return to the world, to responsibility, and—at times—to hope.
In Fool’s Errand, Fitz is a man who has embraced solitude as the price of survival. In The Golden Fool, we see the beginnings of his reintegration into the society of the Six Duchies, as old bonds re-emerge and clash with wounds that remain unhealed. By Fool’s Fate, Fitz has come to face not only his past, but the difficulty of forgiveness—both of others and, perhaps more painfully, of himself.
His relationship with the Fool constitutes the emotional core of the trilogy, and through it we see how profoundly human Fitz truly is: filled with internal contradictions, yet capable of tremendous affection. His development does not stem from heroism or grand triumphs, but through emotional maturation, sorrow, and sacrifice.
In the end, Fitz is no longer the man who embarked on this journey—and this may be the most realistic and moving element of Hobb’s writing: that change does not come easily, nor painlessly, but it is real.
P.S. I am still uncertain whether to forgive Hobb for “ending” Nighteyes (WHOM WE ALL LOVED) in the second book of the series, but I wonder... perhaps she spared him the decline and deterioration (speaking literarily, of course), the dreadful fate of becoming yet another stereotypical, predictable, and tiresome figure after six or seven books.
September 3, 2015
It was a sweet and enjoyable visit back to one of my favorite series. The protagonist has developed much since his first appearances and Hobb does a wonderful job of imbuing Fitz with all the neuroses of a 1/3rd life crisis. As a character he is very human, foibles and faults abound.
A criticism, Hobb falls prey to a too ambitious plot and rushes to gather the treads and tie them neatly. Deus ex machina abounds and in the end too many characters become smiling and treacly caricatures (though that offsets the more grim moments, she's no fear to abuse characters). Truthfully, I'm not sure how she could have resolved the various plot lines satisfactorily other than more aggressive editing to excise any truly extraneous parts.
A criticism, Hobb falls prey to a too ambitious plot and rushes to gather the treads and tie them neatly. Deus ex machina abounds and in the end too many characters become smiling and treacly caricatures (though that offsets the more grim moments, she's no fear to abuse characters). Truthfully, I'm not sure how she could have resolved the various plot lines satisfactorily other than more aggressive editing to excise any truly extraneous parts.
September 29, 2015
Every time I'm coming to the end of a book I get the excitement about what I'll read next. Usually a mix of different genres and authors, with the exception of Robin Hobb, her books are always there at the top of my list and it's only through fear of running out of her stories that I don't just jump into the next one straight away! Perfect escapism, books that you'd choose time and time again over PlayStation, or Netflix or just zoning out on the sofa. Characters you genuinely give a shit about and imagery that just puts you right there with them. She just gets it you know? Friendship, loyalty, courage, fear, the breadth of human emotion she just f**king gets it and it's such a rare thing to find. Absolutely my favourite author and I hope she continues to write for years to come.
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.
October 28, 2016
I enjoyed her second trilogy installment in Fitz' life more then the first, overall, but only because the characters already had a pretty solid hold on me. Very, very character and relationship driven books. I can't imagine being able to enjoy these books without having first read the Farseer trilogy. Thoroughly captivating and couldn't put the series down.
February 11, 2025
Fool’s Errand, The Golden Fool, Fool’s Fate are superbly written tales all of the Tawny Man series. Robin outdoes herself with her ability to spin a tale.
I love a great paranormal tale and Robin gives us that. You will love it.
Happy reading folks!
I love a great paranormal tale and Robin gives us that. You will love it.
Happy reading folks!
April 30, 2016
Full review to follow, but I can't under why I waited far too long to read this.
Read
January 10, 2024sobbing, screaming, throwing up
September 5, 2025
"All of life... is in our minds. Where else does it take place, where else do we add up what it means to us and subtract what we have lost? An event is just an event until some person attaches meaning to it."
If I had to describe Tawny Man with one word: wise.
Coming back to Fitz and seeing how he had withered was heartbreaking. Finally, regaining the opportunity to live his life by getting his joy back from girl-on-a-dragon was a breath of hope.
The ever loving Nighteyes. Fitz's slow realization of the 'dream-state' he was in, and then opening his eyes and seeing what had happened...
The straw that broke the camel's (my) back was when Fitz finally talked to Kettricken about Nighteyes. I was in tears. In fact, the moments between Kettricken and Fitz are hands down my favourite. When she names Fitz sacrifice, when they confide in each other. It's all I was ever begging Fitz to do— "please Fitz, just say the truth."
Fitz and the Fool. A story of humanity. Two lives who became family. Two lives entangled by fate and forged by love. Sharing a bond not unlike Fitz and Nighteyes. I have no complaints— peak storytelling.
“In that last dance of chances
I shall partner you no more.
I shall watch another turn you
As you move across the floor.
In that last dance of chances
When I bid your life goodbye
I will hope she treats you kindly.
I will hope you learn to fly.
In that last dance of chances
When I know you'll not be mine
I will let you go with longing
And the hope that you'll be fine.
In that last dance of chances
We shall know each other's minds.
We shall part with our regrets
When the tie no longer binds.”
Jinna- a relationship built on a false identity. It was doomed to come falling apart.
"When you cut pieces from the truth to avoid sounding like a fool, you end up sounding like a moron instead."
Starling- I think Fitz and Starling’s relationship ended up exactly where it was always headed. There was never any true malice between them, aside from that one scene where they absolutely tore into each other, but even that felt like a release of long-building frustration rather than cruelty. They were like two trains running parallel for a time, sharing a path but never quite aligned. Starling, with her half-truths and ambition, and Fitz, with his guarded nature and deep reluctance to open up. In a way, the accident was inevitable. But when it finally came, they both walked away, if not to remain in each other's lives, then for what they shared while their paths crossed.
Burrich, Molly, and Fitz.
“I was the better man for her.”
“She still would have chosen you. If you’d come back.”
I think Hobb nailed it, simple as that. The moments of Burrich finding out, him leaving for Swift and Fitz. The last moments of Burrich and Fitz. Tear-wrenching and perfect.
However, Molly and Fitz ending up together is a thorn in my foot. I really felt it took away from the poingant ending of Assassin's Quest. That image of Molly putting out the candle is burned into my mind for life. Even into Royal Assassin I felt their relationship to be only the blossoming love of youth. But I never felt anything established for their to be such a connection when they spent the majority of their lives in miscommunication and apart. That being said, who am I to begrudge Fitz for making that choice? If Fitz and Molly are happy, so am I.
Chade really did not grow on me. I already had mixed feelings about him in Farseer. He demanded absolute loyalty from Fitz, yet constantly withheld the truth, manipulated him, and treated any deviation from his own agenda as betrayal. The moment Fitz made a choice for himself—especially one that didn’t align with his POV—Chade would turn cold and heavily berate Fitz, acting as though Fitz had personally wounded him, all while conveniently ignoring the times he’d used Fitz like a tool. He cloaked his manipulation in duty, but judged Fitz harshly for doing what Chade himself had taught him. His love always seemed conditional, granted only when Fitz acted as the perfect pawn. A frustrating but very real character.
Overall the ending was satisfying and I loved it. Patience and Lacey were also notable. Hobb tied loose ends and ended arcs in a satisfying, meaningful, and human way.
These first three trilogies have been some of the best literature I have read. I finished Fool's fate in three reading sessions around 280 pages each time. Robin Hobb is immensely difficult to put down.
I'll take small break before Rain wilds as I've read the first nine books in around a month. I need to cleanse my palette. This saga is so freaking good.
Lastly, I shall share the exchange that made me laugh the most. I hate that it did but it was such a tonal shift I burst out laughing.
"Go away," I said, and did not know the low growl of my own voice. She laughed, icicles shattering on stone. "Go away? Is that all? Go away? Such a keen vengeance for FitzChivalry Farseer to take upon me! Ah, that shall go down in tales and songs! 'And then he stood, holding his beloved and said to their enemy, 'Go away!
If I had to describe Tawny Man with one word: wise.
Coming back to Fitz and seeing how he had withered was heartbreaking. Finally, regaining the opportunity to live his life by getting his joy back from girl-on-a-dragon was a breath of hope.
The ever loving Nighteyes. Fitz's slow realization of the 'dream-state' he was in, and then opening his eyes and seeing what had happened...
The straw that broke the camel's (my) back was when Fitz finally talked to Kettricken about Nighteyes. I was in tears. In fact, the moments between Kettricken and Fitz are hands down my favourite. When she names Fitz sacrifice, when they confide in each other. It's all I was ever begging Fitz to do— "please Fitz, just say the truth."
Fitz and the Fool. A story of humanity. Two lives who became family. Two lives entangled by fate and forged by love. Sharing a bond not unlike Fitz and Nighteyes. I have no complaints— peak storytelling.
“In that last dance of chances
I shall partner you no more.
I shall watch another turn you
As you move across the floor.
In that last dance of chances
When I bid your life goodbye
I will hope she treats you kindly.
I will hope you learn to fly.
In that last dance of chances
When I know you'll not be mine
I will let you go with longing
And the hope that you'll be fine.
In that last dance of chances
We shall know each other's minds.
We shall part with our regrets
When the tie no longer binds.”
Jinna- a relationship built on a false identity. It was doomed to come falling apart.
"When you cut pieces from the truth to avoid sounding like a fool, you end up sounding like a moron instead."
Starling- I think Fitz and Starling’s relationship ended up exactly where it was always headed. There was never any true malice between them, aside from that one scene where they absolutely tore into each other, but even that felt like a release of long-building frustration rather than cruelty. They were like two trains running parallel for a time, sharing a path but never quite aligned. Starling, with her half-truths and ambition, and Fitz, with his guarded nature and deep reluctance to open up. In a way, the accident was inevitable. But when it finally came, they both walked away, if not to remain in each other's lives, then for what they shared while their paths crossed.
Burrich, Molly, and Fitz.
“I was the better man for her.”
“She still would have chosen you. If you’d come back.”
I think Hobb nailed it, simple as that. The moments of Burrich finding out, him leaving for Swift and Fitz. The last moments of Burrich and Fitz. Tear-wrenching and perfect.
However, Molly and Fitz ending up together is a thorn in my foot. I really felt it took away from the poingant ending of Assassin's Quest. That image of Molly putting out the candle is burned into my mind for life. Even into Royal Assassin I felt their relationship to be only the blossoming love of youth. But I never felt anything established for their to be such a connection when they spent the majority of their lives in miscommunication and apart. That being said, who am I to begrudge Fitz for making that choice? If Fitz and Molly are happy, so am I.
Chade really did not grow on me. I already had mixed feelings about him in Farseer. He demanded absolute loyalty from Fitz, yet constantly withheld the truth, manipulated him, and treated any deviation from his own agenda as betrayal. The moment Fitz made a choice for himself—especially one that didn’t align with his POV—Chade would turn cold and heavily berate Fitz, acting as though Fitz had personally wounded him, all while conveniently ignoring the times he’d used Fitz like a tool. He cloaked his manipulation in duty, but judged Fitz harshly for doing what Chade himself had taught him. His love always seemed conditional, granted only when Fitz acted as the perfect pawn. A frustrating but very real character.
Overall the ending was satisfying and I loved it. Patience and Lacey were also notable. Hobb tied loose ends and ended arcs in a satisfying, meaningful, and human way.
These first three trilogies have been some of the best literature I have read. I finished Fool's fate in three reading sessions around 280 pages each time. Robin Hobb is immensely difficult to put down.
I'll take small break before Rain wilds as I've read the first nine books in around a month. I need to cleanse my palette. This saga is so freaking good.
Lastly, I shall share the exchange that made me laugh the most. I hate that it did but it was such a tonal shift I burst out laughing.
"Go away," I said, and did not know the low growl of my own voice. She laughed, icicles shattering on stone. "Go away? Is that all? Go away? Such a keen vengeance for FitzChivalry Farseer to take upon me! Ah, that shall go down in tales and songs! 'And then he stood, holding his beloved and said to their enemy, 'Go away!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2014
Love this series. I've read the books at least three time.
Read
September 8, 2022Three stars strikes me as slightly overcritical, and I'd really rather rate it three and a half, but here we are. It's worth distinguishing this from its predecessors in THE REALM OF THE ELDERLINGS, though the Tawny Man Trilogy is still a blast.
I read the Farseer Trilogy five years ago in what felt like another life, and so I feel as though I'd shared a great deal with our hero Fitz when he stood amazed at the fifteen years that passed between the end of his earlier adventures and the return of who I would call the great love of his life–the eponymous Tawny Man. Returning to these characters is a spectacular experience, and I can't wait to return to them again with the fifth and final ELDERLINGS Trilogy, Fitz and the Fool. I plan to wait two years before I do that, though, (taking on the Rain Wilds Chronicles next year) in order to fully appreciate the long years that pass between the books.
It's a joy to see Fitz at a greater age and much changed by it. The Fitz of these books is somewhat hobbled and greatly affected still by his troubles from the Farseer days, as it seems we all are when we look back on our teenage years. Here, Fitz grapples with new responsibilities and the realization that his life will never go back to the way it was in his youth. With that melancholy comes new joys, as Hobb illustrates, though there are new hardships too. The bond between Fitz and the Tawny Man is the strongest part of this trilogy. No surprise, given Hobb's skill at building connections within her cast, and the extended Farseer family shines as well.
Where it falls comparatively shorter is the emphasis placed on character work versus the adventure side of things. The adventures are all fun and interesting, but they don't quite mesh together as they did in Farseer or Liveship Traders. In particular it feels like the characters are holding the idiot ball in a few places where they fail to figure out the behind-the-scenes plots before it's too late. I also feel like this series ends on slightly too neat a bow. With the last words of FOOL'S FATE, it almost feels like Hobb planned to bring the entire ELDERLINGS saga to a close here, although it didn't reach its definitive end until 2017.
These more minor complaints can't take the shine off of a great return to beloved characters. It's a rare feat to have me blast through almost 2400 pages in under a week as I am now, and it calls to mind my high school days where I'd stay up reading in the dark. Any series that entrances me as if I were fourteen years old again, but that speaks frankly on the passage of time, deserves an unqualified recommendation.
I read the Farseer Trilogy five years ago in what felt like another life, and so I feel as though I'd shared a great deal with our hero Fitz when he stood amazed at the fifteen years that passed between the end of his earlier adventures and the return of who I would call the great love of his life–the eponymous Tawny Man. Returning to these characters is a spectacular experience, and I can't wait to return to them again with the fifth and final ELDERLINGS Trilogy, Fitz and the Fool. I plan to wait two years before I do that, though, (taking on the Rain Wilds Chronicles next year) in order to fully appreciate the long years that pass between the books.
It's a joy to see Fitz at a greater age and much changed by it. The Fitz of these books is somewhat hobbled and greatly affected still by his troubles from the Farseer days, as it seems we all are when we look back on our teenage years. Here, Fitz grapples with new responsibilities and the realization that his life will never go back to the way it was in his youth. With that melancholy comes new joys, as Hobb illustrates, though there are new hardships too. The bond between Fitz and the Tawny Man is the strongest part of this trilogy. No surprise, given Hobb's skill at building connections within her cast, and the extended Farseer family shines as well.
Where it falls comparatively shorter is the emphasis placed on character work versus the adventure side of things. The adventures are all fun and interesting, but they don't quite mesh together as they did in Farseer or Liveship Traders. In particular it feels like the characters are holding the idiot ball in a few places where they fail to figure out the behind-the-scenes plots before it's too late. I also feel like this series ends on slightly too neat a bow. With the last words of FOOL'S FATE, it almost feels like Hobb planned to bring the entire ELDERLINGS saga to a close here, although it didn't reach its definitive end until 2017.
These more minor complaints can't take the shine off of a great return to beloved characters. It's a rare feat to have me blast through almost 2400 pages in under a week as I am now, and it calls to mind my high school days where I'd stay up reading in the dark. Any series that entrances me as if I were fourteen years old again, but that speaks frankly on the passage of time, deserves an unqualified recommendation.
August 31, 2018
There were fat mice hastily harvesting seedheads in the tall grass, but we passed them by. At the top of the hill, we paused. We walked the spine of the hill, smelling the morning, tasting the lip of the day to come. There would be deer in the forested creek bottoms. They would be healthy and strong and fat, a challenge to any pack let alone a single wolf. He would need me at his side to hunt those. He would have to come back for them later. Nevertheless, he halted on top of the ridge. The morning wind riffled his fur and his ears were perked as he looked down to where we knew they must be.
"Good hunting. I’m going now, my brother."
He spoke with great determination.
"Alone? You can’t bring a buck down alone!"
I sighed with resignation.
"Wait, I’ll get up and come with you."
"Wait for you? Not likely! I’ve always had to run ahead of you and show you the way."
Swift as thought, he slipped away from me, running down the hillside like a cloud’s shadow when the wind blows. My connection to him frayed away as he went, scattering and floating like dandelion fluff in the wind. Instead of small and secret, I felt our bond go wide and open, as if he had invited all the Witted creatures in the world in to share our joining. All the web of life on the whole hillside suddenly swelled within my heart, linked and meshed and woven through with one another. It was too glorious to contain. I had to go with him; a morning this wondrous must be shared.
“Wait!” I cried, and in shouting the word, I woke myself. Nearby, the Fool sat up, his hair tousled. I blinked. My mouth was full of salve and wolf-hair, my fingers buried deep in his coat. I clutched him to me, and my grip sighed his last stilled breath out of his lungs. But Nighteyes was gone. Cold rain was cascading down past the mouth of the cave.
What an emotional rollercoaster this trilogy was. Even writing this review brings tears to my eyes. The books are awesome, much better than the first trilogy. Fitz still makes stupid mistakes, but he finally acts like a man and faces his fears. There are still so many mysteries to explore and I'm looking forward to exploring them.
"Good hunting. I’m going now, my brother."
He spoke with great determination.
"Alone? You can’t bring a buck down alone!"
I sighed with resignation.
"Wait, I’ll get up and come with you."
"Wait for you? Not likely! I’ve always had to run ahead of you and show you the way."
Swift as thought, he slipped away from me, running down the hillside like a cloud’s shadow when the wind blows. My connection to him frayed away as he went, scattering and floating like dandelion fluff in the wind. Instead of small and secret, I felt our bond go wide and open, as if he had invited all the Witted creatures in the world in to share our joining. All the web of life on the whole hillside suddenly swelled within my heart, linked and meshed and woven through with one another. It was too glorious to contain. I had to go with him; a morning this wondrous must be shared.
“Wait!” I cried, and in shouting the word, I woke myself. Nearby, the Fool sat up, his hair tousled. I blinked. My mouth was full of salve and wolf-hair, my fingers buried deep in his coat. I clutched him to me, and my grip sighed his last stilled breath out of his lungs. But Nighteyes was gone. Cold rain was cascading down past the mouth of the cave.
What an emotional rollercoaster this trilogy was. Even writing this review brings tears to my eyes. The books are awesome, much better than the first trilogy. Fitz still makes stupid mistakes, but he finally acts like a man and faces his fears. There are still so many mysteries to explore and I'm looking forward to exploring them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
I feel so trapped by this series 😭 she makes this man SUFFER. Also this is the most simultaneously gay and homophobic thing I’ve experienced since I watched Merlin. Counting this as one for my Goodreads because I skimmed!
Edit: actually, I’m going to spin the block and rate this low because of the homophobia. I think that going in I recognize that this is a book that’s written, not super long ago but somewhat long ago and I do want to give space for that. However, the way in which the fool was so important to the development of Fitz as a character and it was constantly interrupted by both Fitz’s and the surrounding characters disgust might be sexual? I could’ve maybe understood this in the sense that I don’t have an issue with reading texts where homophobia exists, but there’s no moments in which we as readers get the sense that it isn’t disgusting for them to be interested in each other sexually or even romantically.
Instead, the fool reprimands Fitz for thinking that that’s the only way that people can have connection. And while this is fair, it doesn’t take away from the fact that a lot of homophobic rhetoric is tossed around the book, and just goes unaddressed. At one point, the fool is denied access to a child because they think he might be gay and the reasoning against it is not that he doesn’t hurt children but instead that he wasn’t actually pursuing men at all.
The irony of all this is besides the violent homophobia, and the fact that it’s unethical, it really only serves to undercut the romantic relationship with Molly. When Fitz is with Molly, he has to give up significant parts of himself like the part that’s witted and the part that’s skilled. Overall just a very disappointing situation.
Edit: actually, I’m going to spin the block and rate this low because of the homophobia. I think that going in I recognize that this is a book that’s written, not super long ago but somewhat long ago and I do want to give space for that. However, the way in which the fool was so important to the development of Fitz as a character and it was constantly interrupted by both Fitz’s and the surrounding characters disgust might be sexual? I could’ve maybe understood this in the sense that I don’t have an issue with reading texts where homophobia exists, but there’s no moments in which we as readers get the sense that it isn’t disgusting for them to be interested in each other sexually or even romantically.
Instead, the fool reprimands Fitz for thinking that that’s the only way that people can have connection. And while this is fair, it doesn’t take away from the fact that a lot of homophobic rhetoric is tossed around the book, and just goes unaddressed. At one point, the fool is denied access to a child because they think he might be gay and the reasoning against it is not that he doesn’t hurt children but instead that he wasn’t actually pursuing men at all.
The irony of all this is besides the violent homophobia, and the fact that it’s unethical, it really only serves to undercut the romantic relationship with Molly. When Fitz is with Molly, he has to give up significant parts of himself like the part that’s witted and the part that’s skilled. Overall just a very disappointing situation.
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