Golden Fool (Tawny Man 2) - Robin Hobb

⭐ 7.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

Easily my least favourite of the Hobb books so far, it is hard to judge because it truly feels like the middle section of a very long book, and I wonder if I will look back on it more fondly once I finish this trilogy. It felt like almost no progress was made, and when I think back on memorable moments I often think of things that actually happened in the first book. My main complaint is the stagnant location. Fantasy books need to have a bit of exploration and this one stays in the same place basically the whole book.

There is a ton in this book about fatherhood, and I will be a dad soon so it was a bit more touching than it would have been otherwise, especially the parallels of the different dads and foster children throughout the generations of this story. It goes deeper into the magic but it a much more conversational way, instead of putting the characters in novel situations that they need to get out of. I liked the way it brought it a couple memorable characters from the other series, and I am excited for this expanding universe, I just want it to expand a bit faster.

I feel like I am saying all negatives, but this book, and all Hobb's books, have been a warm return to the fantasy style that I love. Something about her writing style is soothing in its patience but also sparks my imagination with possibilities. Might be a bit before the next one, but I already can't wait.