Books written by Robin Hobb
Robin Hobb: The Farseer Trilogy
I picked this series on a lark -- I just wanted to try a new writer. What a reward from Robin Hobb! This medieval fantasy has a real dark gothic element to it. The main character, Fitz, is a bastard and an underdog that the reader can't help but root for and empathize with as he continually encounters the burdens and strife of the unfairness of life and all that it deals him. Not since Donaldson's "Covenant" Series have I yelled out loud at a book. Nothing for Fitz is ever easy, but somehow he always manages to find the strength to get through even the most disheartening of troubles.
The plot twists are plausible but not predictable, unlike some that milk out the series to its full potential. (Hi, Mr. Jordan. Has the Wheel turned yet?). There is no way that you can dislike this series. The characters are incredible and Hobb's Six Duchies is a believable setting. One of the great challenges for writing a story in the fantasy genre is the handling of magic, one of the fundamental threads necessary to weave a sound fantasy story. Hobb does a better job than most of incorporating magic into the story, while creating a rich world where magic is not a major factor of everyday life. Having read a wide variety of SF/Fantasy over the last 25 years, I give Hobb very high marks for pulling off that tricky, yet critical, task
I would heartily recommend this book for the following reasons:
1. It's stunning descriptions. 2. New & interesting magic. 3. Very vivid characters that act in very human (i.e. non-stereotypical) ways. 4. The whole spin on assassination being a profession is totally cool. 5. This is the first magic based book that I've read in some time that does not use the same old magic and monsters.
I found myself unable to put these books down much to the displeasure of my wife, although everyone to whom I have recommended this series to has come back to me with an emphatic "Thank You!"
The Farseer Trilogy :
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Robin Hobb Hot Links
Robin Hobb Fantasy Page
Robin Hobb : Behind the Scenes (excerpted from Locus Magazine)
