Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

This is a book club thread for reading through Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings books. Read at your own pace, jump in at whatever part you like.

I'm not sure exactly how this would work for the competition points, but I guess if you get at least one other person to read with you at the same time and comment, you're good.

Series list in Chronological order:

Short Stories:
The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince (several hundred years before Assassin's Apprentice--part of Six Duchies history & myth)
"Homecoming" in The Inheritance (short story collection)--unsure of timing, but happens near Cursed Shores w/Jamaillians, so maybe circa Liveship Traders or Rain Wilds?
Words Like Coins (circa Assassin's Apprentice/Royal Assassins)

Farseer Trilogy:
1. Assassin's Apprentice
2. Royal Assassin
3. Assassin's Quest

Liveship Traders Trilogy:
1. Ship of Magic
2. The Mad Ship
3. Ship of Destiny

Tawny Man Trilogy:
1. Fool's Errand
2. Golden Fool
3. Fool's Fate

Rainwilds Quadrology:
1. The Dragon Keeper
2. Dragon Haven
3. City of Dragons
4. Blood of Dragons

Fitz & the Fool Trilogy:
1. Fool's Quest
2. Fool's Assassin
3. Assassin's Fate

Awesome! I've been wanting to read this whole series but stalled a bit after the Farseer trilogy. Will probably go ahead and reread that one anyway since it's been a bit :)

Is anyone free to join in? I've never done a buddy or group read before but this series has been on my TBR and I'd love to read it with others!

Cody, yes you're more than welcome to join!

Most of the other books in Fantasy Buddy Reads have a set start date, but this thread is going to be a read at your own pace of the entire Realm of the Elderlings Series... So if you want to make a post, just make sure you note which book you're posting about, and hide any spoilers! :)

I'm not ready for a reread of these yet. I will say that I love this series and be prepared to be taken through the emotional wringer ;)

Ohh nice, I am just about to pick up Royal Assassin :)

Sweet! So exciting to see so many people here! I'm planning on squeezing in the books whenever I have a gap in my audio BRs. I've been doing a lot of work on my house lately (building iron-pipe bookshelves from scratch), so I'm spending a LOT of time doing things like chopping up wood on the table saw, sanding, sanding, more sanding, drilling holes, more sanding, staining, spraying, more sanding, wiping polyurethane, more sanding, and cleaning lots of oily black pipe. It's a process. Audiobooks make it better. So excited though! I'm going floor to ceiling. There will be a ladder. Should be able to put up the first two sections of wall by the end of the week!!!

Nirkatze wrote: "Sweet! So exciting to see so many people here! I'm planning on squeezing in the books whenever I have a gap in my audio BRs. I've been doing a lot of work on my house lately (building iron-pipe boo..."
Ooooooh that's exciting! Hope you share some pics when you're done :)

Nirkatze wrote: "Sweet! So exciting to see so many people here! I'm planning on squeezing in the books whenever I have a gap in my audio BRs. I've been doing a lot of work on my house lately (building iron-pipe boo..."

Yap, audiobooks are really good when doing repetitive manual tasks, just watch out when using the table saw :D

I may join, at least for the first 3, but it may be after summer

Nirkatze wrote: "Sweet! So exciting to see so many people here! I'm planning on squeezing in the books whenever I have a gap in my audio BRs. I've been doing a lot of work on my house lately (building iron-pipe boo..."

Agreed! Be sure to share us some book shelf pics after the remodel <3

Oh totally will! On day 3 of applying polyurethane finish now... takes like an hour and a half to do a side, then I have to wait at least 4 hours, more lately since it's been rainy, before I can flip the boards and do the other side, and I want to do at least 5 full coats... getting 1-2 coats in a day... but I really want to start assembling NOW!! I'm so excited, I've been planning these bookshelves for years and I finally figured everything out... even if this is only phase 1 (of about 4--I need to learn how to build cabinets), I am very excited!

I think I might start Assassin's Apprentice tomorrow. Anyone else starting from the very beginning?

I am! I read the first chapter yesterday.

Yay! I've been listening to the audiobook, and it's going fairly quickly, but it's harder to catch chapters. I'm about halfway through, I think. Through Chapter 12.

I remember having a conversation with a friend in college, about which authors were the hardest on their characters. He had brought up GRRM with Game of Thrones, but I countered with Robin Hobb, and he ended up agreeing. Even with all the Grimdark that has risen in popularity since then, I can't say I have read a book that makes me feel more for the poor wretched souls than those created by Hobb. I mean, other authors might throw children out of windows or have horrible scenes of torture or worse, but Hobb is such a master at making me feel every inch of it for her protagonists.

Poor Fitz. Many hugs.

Oh, and has anyone ever heard the song "Hand of Sorrow" by Within Temptation? It was inspired by Fitz's story. It doesn't have spoilers 'cuz it's super vague, but the lyrics hit harder if you've read through at least book two, even better finished the first trilogy or third one. Plain lyrics youtube video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqtj6...) Song still brings a tear to my eye, especially when rereading...

Thanks for sharing the song! I've never heard it, but I'll try to remember to listen to it when I get home!

I think I might get the first trilogy on audio too.. Hopefully its at the library!

Emily wrote: "Thanks for sharing the song! I've never heard it, but I'll try to remember to listen to it when I get home!

I think I might get the first trilogy on audio too.. Hopefully its at the library!"

It was on both Hoopla and Libby for me, but Libby had long wait lines. The narrator does a good job with the story, but his voices aren't top notch.

I'd love to hear what you think of the song! Within Temptation has become one of my favorite bands, but then I like Scandanavian Gothic Metal type music.

Finished Assassin's Apprentice! Fitz needs a hug!

I was surprised at (view spoiler)[how little the Fool is in this book. I want more! (hide spoiler)]

Hobb does such a great job with characters. I hate Regal so much. I was so happy (view spoiler)[with what happened to Galen at the end. I had totally forgotten that. The whole so-called teaching sessions with the Skill were so painful! The way Galen reveled in his torture, the way Shrewd just let it happen, the way all the students were manipulated into being party to their own subjugation... (hide spoiler)]

I loved the Mountain Kingdom. (view spoiler)[I love the idea of the king being Sacrifice. And the culture and city of Jhaampe reminded me of a cross between LotR's Rivendell and Tibet.

The little tidbit about Fitz speaking as though remembering the language instead of learning it--his mother must have been a Mountain woman--and Chivalry was stationed there, and that is where Fitz was delivered to Burrich & Verity, when Chivalry was working on that treaty. This might be my umpteenth reread, but I don't remember why Fitz can't remember his mother. (hide spoiler)]

Looking forward to picking up the next one! Whenever anyone picks up Royal Assassin let me know! And of course I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts.

Almost finished with the first one.. im on mobile right now so hard to get down a lot of thought, but so much ditto in Fitz needing a hug! He (view spoiler)[ has a few father figures but they all keep him at an arms distance.. he also doesnt have a peer close to him either. Thats super lonely :(( (hide spoiler)]
And yeah very much agree with you on Hobb making us feel for the characters every plight

Even though the Fool wasnt in this one very much... he still needs a big ol hug too!

So true Emily! That scene (view spoiler)[where Fitz goes looking for the Fool and stumbles upon his room, and sees just how lonely he must be too... and the Fool doesn't have anyone around, not even family to keep him at arm's length. Maybe that's why they make such a pairing, Fitz & the Fool...

I thought a lot about Fitz's family too--he has his grandfather Shrewd and uncle Verity who mostly treat with him professionally. Essentially godfather and foster father Burrich, who was too burdened with memory and prejudices to allow familial bonding, Chade, his great-uncle, who would almost be like a grandfather to him if not for duty, and wanna-be mother Patience who almost waited too long. So many potentials, but all with their own set of flaws, and Fitz the catalyst in the middle. I don't count Regal, who's a right bastard in dire need of a boot up his backside. (hide spoiler)]

Yes, that's the scene that brought to mind when I say the Fool needs a hug!

I read these for the first time not too long ago, but I can't remember if it fully gets into the details between the Skill and the Wit... (view spoiler)[ The Wit seems more emotion-based allowing you to commune with all living things (well animals anyway) while the Skill seems more mind/thought based... But they do seem related.. I think I had figured out what lineages/ancestry gave way to them, but I forget now.. (hide spoiler)]

Nosy (view spoiler)[ absolutely broke my heart... Fitz thought he was dead, but Burrich had actually just given him a new home, and they were reunited only for Nosy to heroically save Fitz and die and the process. Ugh. :C (hide spoiler)]

It does get into the Skill and Wit somewhat, but it is further fleshed out in later books, especially the Tawny Man trilogy. I like your analysis! As for bloodlines, (view spoiler)[the Wit seems to be native to the Six Duchies area, especially north in the Mountain Kingdom, while the Skill is described as occurring "where the blood of the [Six Duchies] mingles with that of the Islands" or something like that. So the Farseer family, which was originally from the Out Islands, came to the Six Duchies and married in, has a strong line of Skill users. That bit is mentioned in the first book, but I can't remember if there's more. (hide spoiler)]

re: Nosy--(view spoiler)[I found it especially poignant that that one experience with Nosy colored Fitz's relationship with Burrich from the beginning... so much of Fitz's life is missed opportunities for love, due to some stupid barrier... (hide spoiler)]

O, i've been wanting to start with these books for a long time and would like to join. It'll be my first time reading them if that's ok?

Of course! Welcome :)

Ilana wrote: "O, i've been wanting to start with these books for a long time and would like to join. It'll be my first time reading them if that's ok?"

Yes Ilana, join us!!

Anyone ready to read book two (Royal Assassin), perchance? I just picked up the gorgeous illustrated editions at the local bookstore and they are droolworthy...

How about starting Friday/this weekend?

Okay so I dove right into Royal Assassin.. Hobb really can wrench such strong emotions from you! I'm through Chapter 11 so far about a third of the way through
(view spoiler)[ Beginning with Fitz' recovery and frustration at his body, and oh how I sympathize with your body not doing what it's supposed to do ><
I'm glad we didn't spend too much time wallowing in Fitz' self-pity though. That skilldream with King Shrewd definitely helped to kick him out of that spiral... With Shrewd's health declining that scene with the Fool was an interesting meld between Fitz' and Shrewd's minds.. Shrewd had a lingering obsession for Molly. That would have been super confusing, imagine having such an intense emotion about a person you don't even know haha

And we see the Fool's dedication to King Shrewd.. What has Shrewd done to inspire such loyalty? (hide spoiler)]

Hah, I see the first few chapter excerpts answered some of my questions from the first book about the magics (view spoiler)[ I appreciate future Fitz didn't dismiss the non Skill and Wit related magics out of hand... Future him shows Wisdom (hide spoiler)]

Teenage misunderstandings (view spoiler)[ I do feel sorry for Fitz and his misunderstanding of the nature of his and Molly's relationship.. Another instance of **communication would have prevented this issue** (hide spoiler)]

The bits with Cub/Nighteyes(view spoiler)[ I forgot JUST how much the scenes with animals could break my heart. These get me everytime.. Fitz trying to repel Nighteyes, but then the wolf saving the day with "BROTHER!!" (hide spoiler)]

I will jump in when I'm finished with my current listen! Looking forward to it. :)

Oh no! Forgot to write down my thoughts after finishing the second one. Went through that super fast! I love these books, I'm really glad to reread them and then continue on with the rest of the Elderlings books!

Hah! I hear you Emily. It is tough if you're not on the discussion page when those thoughts show up, and if you take time to write them down you have to stop reading!!

In the middle of Time of Witches listening, but planning on Royal Assassin afterwards, and following along in my shiny new book!

Nearly finished Ship of Magic. May continue afterwards if other people are reading the series.

Emily wrote: "Okay so I dove right into Royal Assassin.. Hobb really can wrench such strong emotions from you! I'm through Chapter 11 so far about a third of the way through
Beginning with Fitz' recovery and fr..."

I had a few minutes with Royal Assassin today, and that introduction totally did touch on those questions you had Emily! Ha! (view spoiler)[When Fitz was talking about Molly, and how she was the only female or motherly figure in his life, I was like--what about Patience!!! (hide spoiler)]

@Ryan--what were your thoughts? Was this your first time reading Ship of Magic?

I actually think there's another group here on FBR reading specifically the Liveship Traders series too--I will definitely be continuing and catching up to it, but I'm moving slowly. :)

Nirkatze wrote: "@Ryan--what were your thoughts? Was this your first time reading Ship of Magic?"

Yes, and it's pretty great. A bit better than the Assassin's series, which I liked quite a bit. Strong characters and dialogue especially.

Good to look forward to!

@ Nirkatze that came to my mind too! I was like (view spoiler)[ Patience is literally a mother figure in your life, you dingus.. She's eccentric, but she definitely tried in her own way!

I don't blame Fitz entirely for how he shuts people out of his life, somewhat.. But as he grows older, he can take more responsibility for letting people in and maintaining meaningful relationships! (hide spoiler)]

Ryan wrote: "Nirkatze wrote: "@Ryan--what were your thoughts? Was this your first time reading Ship of Magic?"

Yes, and it's pretty great. A bit better than the Assassin's series, which I liked quite a bit. St..."

Cool! I think this is my third or fourth (or fifth?) reread of this whole connected world of series, and I always had the hardest time reading the Liveship books--but at the same time, I think I had the strongest emotions over it. Especially about Malta! Some of her best character work in these... the depth of changes that occur in some of the characters, the clear vision between the person someone is to themselves and the person they appear to be to others, and so so so much anguish. No one does anguish like Hobb.

A few hours in to the Royal Assassin audiobook. @Emily--I just hit where Patience comes back in and am totally feeling those same feelings strongly! (view spoiler)[And I'd forgotten how he met Nighteyes, and his disastrous meeting with Molly at Buckkeep. And thank goodness for Patience, taking her in! You owe her so much gratitude Fitz! At least he did think of her, enough to choose that herbal for her in the Moutain Kingdoms...

I do agree, on the point of him taking responsibility--so much of the tragedy in his life seems to come from him not realizing that he should do so... like he just sort of bumbles through things without realizing. Which I guess makes him such a good Catalyst. (hide spoiler)]

i'm about half way into Royal Assassin now and am totally engaged in all the characters. Robin Hobbs writing feels so similar to Juliet Marillier, so emersed in all the characters and what they're going through. I've already lost a few days of sleep because i just want to keep reading :-)

Ilana wrote: "i'm about half way into Royal Assassin now and am totally engaged in all the characters. Robin Hobbs writing feels so similar to Juliet Marillier, so emersed in all the characters and what they're ..."

I hear you! Why sleep when you can read? ;) I've actually never read any Marillier, but always meant to try. Do you have a recommendation on a place to start?

Yes, absolutely! I recommend you start with the Seven waters trilogy. If you like this world and the characters, she wrote 3 more books after the trilogy, building on the world/events and revolves around the children of the original characters. Which was enjoyable, because i kinda like all her books but to me not as great as the first 3 books.

I recently read the Shadowfell trilogy for the first time and i loved that as well. Seven Waters, or her writing style makes me want to revisit the world/characters and re-read the books every couple of years and i feel the same every time. So emerged in the characters and the story that i just binge read because i just can't stop :-)
i can already tell that i will feel the same with Robin Hobbs books. Am really glad i already bought the next 2 trilogies so i can keep going....

A sign of an emersive read is when you neglect household chores, clear your weekend plans and put your mobile on silent.... lol

I hear you! Ill definitely check out Seven Waters if that has the same feel as these :)

Would love to know what you think :-)

Maybe we can line up a Sevenwaters BR when we've cleared out Elderlings. :)

And @Ilana, your description of "immersive read" belongs in a dictionary! Lol!

That would be great :-) but i'm planning on continuing with the realm of the elderlings first! Am really loving ❤️ it. Hoping to finish Royal Assassin today.

Oops, did i spell it wrong? English is not my native language but it felt an accurate description to how i'm feeling....

Yeah I think the plan is to read all the Elderlings first!

We knew what you meant Ilana, I think Nirkatze was just appreciating your definition! :)

Will probably have to wait till beginning of September to continue with Assassin's Quest!

Just finished Assassin's Quest.... soo many thoughts and feelings about it!
Suddenly there are little bits i'm wondering about and things i know were implied in earlier books or earlier in the book that did not make sense at that time but now i see were leading up to or hinting at information needed for later... i can see that this needs a re-read after reading through the whole series just to pick up on those things.
That is what i love about books and already know i will be spoiled with reading Robin Hobb :-)

Really want to continue reading more about what happens with Fitz, his children and the fool especially.
Will we ever learn the name of the fool over the course of these books?

Will i miss much relevant to the overall story/series if i jump straight into the Tawny man trilogy instead of the live ships books?

I can't speak to whether you'll miss anything; I suspect not much. But after having read Ship of Magic, I can strongly recommend it. No reason to skip it!

o i will definitely read the live ship trilogy but just wanted to continue reading about what happens with Fitz and the Fool :-)

Ilana wrote: "o i will definitely read the live ship trilogy but just wanted to continue reading about what happens with Fitz and the Fool :-)"

I totally know the feeling! The Fitz and the Fool arcs are my favorite over her other spin-offs in the world <3

I would HIGHLY recommend that you continue the publish order. Even if it means going to the Ship of Magic Trilogy or Rainwilds Trilogy. Reason being is that there are character cameos in the later Fitz and the Fool books! So if you've read about them there will be more meaning to you there when you see some again.

It's not necessary of course. But the impact will mean so much more as a whole ^^

Ilana wrote: "Just finished Assassin's Quest.... soo many thoughts and feelings about it!
Suddenly there are little bits i'm wondering about and things i know were implied in earlier books or earlier in the boo..."

I also totally know what you mean about the re-reading and catching things! Just wait until you finish all of these arcs. Oh boy. O.O I have still yet to find a series that has impacted me as much as the Realm of the Elderlings has. It's just magical. And I adore every heartbreaking moment of it T_T