Fools Errand by Robin Hobbs - my thoughts on FitzChivalry's return

[Davros]

Well it's taken me a good while to savour this book, and I have to again thank Robin for another excellent offering. This book is obviously the start of a trilogy, or perhaps something bigger. I would describe this story however, as more of a one-off set-up book. It takes the characters of old, and after giving some meaning to the dislocations of time and place, sets out within its own bounded adventure.

I get the sense that the tale told bears only vague importance to the future direction of the series. How can I describe this better - aha, I'll borrow from what I have learned from that good ole American game of baseball. I would liken the Assassin series to a great effort from a starting pitcher - complete 9 innings shut out that flowed from start to finish - one hell of a good effort. This game looks like it has no starting pitcher - they have started with a set-up man, and he has come in and pitched his 3 innings. The score is still fairly even, and game is going to continue - all the action looks to be ahead of us in those next 6 innings, particulary when it gets time for the "closer".

The chase for the Piebalds and its resolution seem to me to be of peripheral importance to future developments. The sense is one of a chapter that has been closed. The big questions lie in front - what is the significance of the feathers from Others Island, what of this other prophet, what other insights will be offered into the life of the fool, what of Burrich, Molly, and obviously Nettle. Probably the most intriguing (despite only 2 or 3 meaningful lines of description), what significant impact will the Narchiska make on Prince Dutiful and the ihabitants of Buck Keep.

Hope to hear some more opinions from others - cheers .

I have tried to stay on the periphery of any revealing details, so as not to spoil the story for anyone. I enjoyed this book, and the inimitable "Hobbs" style. While I would have liked to have seen a little more of substance, I know that I am eagerly awaiting the next "6 innings".

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Ironworks Revolutionary Splitter wannabe
Founding Member, and General Demands Adviser of the O.R.T.

[Silver Cheetah]

Originally posted by Davros: Well it's taken me a good while to savour this book, and I have to again thank Robin for another excellent offering. This book is obviously the start of a trilogy, or perhaps something bigger. I would describe this story however, as more of a one-off set-up book. It takes the characters of old, and after giving some meaning to the dislocations of time and place, sets out within its own bounded adventure.

Haven't bought it yet - on way down shops now... Your description has whet my appetite, however, as though it needed whetting. Robin Hobb is AMAZING!!!

Question: is she still drawing excellent strong and interesting women characters as in the Liveship Traders books? I thought they developed amazingly well over the series, especially Malta....... I want more of the same (only different, of course.....)


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Most Ecstatic Mistress of the Illuminati

Feisty Kitten Mascot and Succourer of the Waifs and Strays Hugging and Smooching Club

Don't Dream It, Be It (Easy, - Just Keep Choosing the Same Thing...)

[This message has been edited by Silver Cheetah (edited 10-30-2001).]

[Davros]

Hi Cheetah - You will enjoy it when you get your hands on the book. Malta was a good character - and she is in this story too . Sorry for teasing, Malta in this book is the Fool's horse LOL. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't an attempt to bind the two series. This new book takes a trip to Others Island, and mentions the Bingtown dragons. I will be interested to see what direction Robin takes from here. I wouldn't mind betting that the Narcheska will give Malta a run for her money .

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Ironworks Revolutionary Splitter wannabe
Founding Member, and General Demands Adviser of the O.R.T.

[Silver Cheetah]

Originally posted by Davros: Hi Cheetah - You will enjoy it when you get your hands on the book. Malta was a good character - and she is in this story too . Sorry for teasing, Malta in this book is the Fool's horse LOL. I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't an attempt to bind the two series. This new book takes a trip to Others Island, and mentions the Bingtown dragons. I will be interested to see what direction Robin takes from here. I wouldn't mind betting that the Narcheska will give Malta a run for her money .

Still haven't bought it - positively slavering at these titbits..... ooh, Davros!!!



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Most Ecstatic Mistress of the Illuminati

Feisty Kitten Mascot and Succourer of the Waifs and Strays Hugging and Smooching Club

Don't Dream It, Be It (Easy, - Just Keep Choosing the Same Thing...)

[jabidas]

Fools errand is foot stompingly good, stomp stomp stomp, I love it.

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jabidas = Sorcerer of clan Aerie thing

Also I will have nothing to do with sulpher powder and secret priesthoods so dont even try it.

And dont worry soon you shall all be part of my ever growing army of the undead.

[Davros]

Glad you like it to Jabidas - any other thoughts you would like to add.... (ummm stomp ).

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Ironworks Revolutionary Splitter wannabe
Founding Member, and General Demands Adviser of the O.R.T.

[Neb]

Could anyone tell me a bit about Robin Hobbs' books? I chatted with SC about them and I get interested, but I'd like to know a bit more before I run off to the nearest bookstore and buy any books by this particular author.

[Davros]

Neb,

She has two completed trilogies and the book of this topic is the start of a third. I heartily recommend both series, although in my opinion you are better off starting with the Asassin series (Assassin's prentice is the first). While all of the series are set on the same world, the first two trilogies are stories kept apart, although I suspect this new one may mingle the characters a bit. If you like fantasy (Tolkien, Martin, Fiest etc) then you will dig this - happy reading dude.

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Ironworks Revolutionary Splitter wannabe
Founding Member, and General Demands Adviser of the O.R.T.

[Neb]

Thanks Davros!

[Lord of Alcohol]

Robin Hobb writes incredible books. Havent bought the new one yet, I assume its hardback? I'm trying to restrain myself because they are so costly. For Robin Hobb I want to make an exception....but then if I wait for paperback the latest hardback in the series is sure to follow within a few months. Then I can read both in a row. Oh the choices....damn I want it now though.....I'll continue to ponder...