Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders 2) - Robin Hobb

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⭐ 9.5/10

(Originally written by Tim)

I loved the first book, and this one builds on everything it set up. The universe is ever growing, with myths unfolding before your eyes, and I loved every page of it. I can't really describe any plot details, and honestly this book sounds corny when I talk about it out loud, but I am completely bought in.

My main takeaway in this book was just the entertaining and satisfying arcs of basically all the characters. Characters I hated last book and grown into ones I think of fondly now. Characters I thought were sly and cool are now disgusting. Hobb has done an amazing job of character growth and change, and all of it feels earned and natural. I thought the Farseer trilogy was fleshed out and colourful, but I think this trilogy is already better than that first one.

I also appreciate the continued growth on themes of slavery, patriarchy, all the issues the world loves to talk about. There are thematically satisfying connections between all the characters, and I think that is something I missed in Farseer since it was all from a single viewpoint. These books feel much closer to ASOIAF, including the feints to the seldom used magic in the universe, and the importance of mysterious creatures.

These books move pretty slowly, and it often feels like nothing has been happening. But I think that's why the characters feel so deep, and why when things do happen they are all the more satisfying because of the time spent with each one. I read the final half of this one in only a few days, and it has set up what will surely be an epic finale.

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