Hobb-A-Long Read-A-Long discussion

love the book so far he's just learning weapons

I have already read it, not to long ago. I gave it 5/5 stars

This is my first Robin Hobb book, I basically went in blind, not really knowing what to expect.

The first chapter was hard for me to get through, it took my a while to get used to the writting style/language of the characters. It seems to be set in the maybe 1400s, could someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

But once I got to the 2nd chapter my interests were caught. It seems like maybe Fitz might have the power to connect mentally with animals (their senses and feelings), dogs in particular. Not sure if this is going to be like some sort of power that he has, or is it just that he hasnt made any human connections and is relying on animals for that conpanionship/family needs.

Once the dog is taken from him, he luckily meets Chade. Who is not only kind to him but gives him the option to not have to learn the skill (killing people) if later on down the road he doesnt like it. It makes Fitz feel important like his opinions matter and also the way Chade talks to him, not like he is the bastard son of Chivarly but another royal child who needs to learn this skill.

It was a little weird to see how upset he was when he had to tell Chade he couldn't complete the task of stealing from the King and Chade sent him away threatening not to teach him anymore. I knew that the bond they formed was strong, but he acted like he lost the love of his life. BTW I knew it was the kings idea all along, I wonder what Fitz meant when he stole the knife for Chade anyway and right in front of the king, any ideas?

Off to read the next 5 chapters.

Tonya wrote: "I knew that the bond they formed was strong, but he acted like he lost the love of his life."

Thank you for this !! It made me giggle out loud while reading it :D

About the knife, I think it meant for Fitz that he indeed completed the task (stealing the knife), and also a warning for the King like "I know that you asked Chade to make me do that", or something...

Yakayaka wrote: "Tonya wrote: "I knew that the bond they formed was strong, but he acted like he lost the love of his life."

Thank you for this !! It made me giggle out loud while reading it :D

About the knife, I..."
Glad you liked that comment, thought maybe i was being too harsh.

And i guess maybe i was trying to read too much into the whole knife thing, because he took it right in front of the King who had just told him that he put Chade up to it.

Jessi wrote: "Ok so this might be a little early for the read along but since I just finished reading chapters 1-5 I thought I would give my first impressions before I read further on.

OK first off I love how ..."

I thought the bond with animals was going to be the magical element that makes this a fantasy book, but now it just reads like historical fiction, but then again Samantha did say that this was low fantasy/introduction to fantasy novels.

Jessi wrote: "Tonya wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Ok so this might be a little early for the read along but since I just finished reading chapters 1-5 I thought I would give my first impressions before I read further on..."

No I didnt catch the name of this magical skill. And i wonder if he will meet anyone at all family or not who possess this same magical ability.

Samantha wrote: "Tonya wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Tonya wrote: "Jessi wrote: "Ok so this might be a little early for the read along but since I just finished reading chapters 1-5 I thought I would give my first impressi..."

Thank you for clearing that up

I am enjoying this so far (: It's a bit of a jump from Malazan (very high fantasy) to this, but it is also a breath of fresh air! I love love love the writing. As Jessi said it really makes you feel like you are there. I also like how straight forward it is. Hobb does not need many words to create atmosphere, but the way she uses them is magical.

I really hope there will be a reunion with Nosy, it was so sad when he was taken away from Fitz.

Other than that I like the Chade storyline and also think that he has some sort of his own agenda, but we shall see.

The only thing I didn't quite get was the knife thing. Sure, I understand that he kind of "completed the task" now, but the gesture was somehow.. weird to me. Maybe it will get explained more later (:

The most interesting thing here (foreshadowy) it's the preface for ch 3. So the skill doesn't come directly from the Outislander but somehow it blossoms when they procreate with 'Red Ship Traders'? and the Farseer family has a strong bloodline for the Skill. Also Fitz had the Wit and I don't think that comes from the Farseer side, must come from his mother and maybe that's something that has to do with why Chivalry would beget a child with her? Not sure maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Also that scene with Molly and her father in the beach... ufff man I felt the tension, seems to me that Hobb has some strong feelings about drunk abuser's and their cycle of abuse. holy crap!

From the start I knew I had a feeling I was really going to enjoy the book. It is kind of slow right now, but I have no doubts that I'm going to enjoy more and more as I go on.
I really like her writing style, too. It's nicely descriptive, and is very easy to read.

so i'm quite liking it so far. i find that i'm enjoying the 'slowness' of it all because it really feels like your on this journey with fitz as you experience everything with him, even down to not hearing the full conversations of the adults. it lets you work out some things for yourself whilst still empathizing with fitz.

the part with losing nosy was so sad! but i understand that burrich was trying to protect him and i'm quite attached to their strange little relationship. it's a shame that fitz doesn't seem to be able to forgive him just yet. he's trusting chade a little too quickly and i'm wondering if it's because he felt burrich was being too guarded. i think he's a sad character and they're both trying to get on in an unusual situation and i hope burrich stays around for a bit longer. (also i hope verity is in it a little more since he's the only royal so far who seems even vaguely decent)

i agree with others that fitz's reaction to 'losing' chade was a bit over dramatic for my liking, especially as it's the first time we've really seen him react that way throughout the huge amount of change he's already experienced. i still feel a bit meh towards chade so maybe that's why i didn't connect to that aspect.

anyway, im excited to see how fitz grows and gains skills as he gets older and also i want to see how his wit will fit into the story later on.

So the first couple chapters have been kinda okay, but it's a bit dull. I just met Chade and I feel that it's now picking up because before that, Fitz was just repeating his day over and over, but now it's starting to change and introduce him into a new way of life.

I'm enjoying the author's prose style, particularly the more I get into the flow of the narrative away from the chapter headings. However, I do have an issue with a couple of plot points.

First, it strains credulity that the narrator cannot recall the most basic facts about his earliest childhood memories-like not knowing his own name, or anything at all about the circumstances of his upbringing, or any knowledge whatsoever about his mother or his opinion of her, good, bad or indifferent. Even considering the narrator's admitted possible memory impairment, the core factual material about your earliest childhood memories are so critical to one's sense of self and identity that one would be much more likely to forget memories created later in life than the key earlier ones, like is often seen in people with dementia.

Second issue: The premise that a king-in-waiting would feel the need to abdicate his title because of an indiscretion that results in an illegitimate child is not at all very plausible in either fictional contexts or in particular, real world historical situations. Male Royalty having children out of wedlock have been commonplace throughout the centuries, and it would have been considered exceedingly odd to use that as an excuse to abdicate one's title.

I really think what the author had in mind was the more modern context where an elected official gets involved in a public scandal and then resigns. But kings are part of hereditary aristocracies that are generally not beholden to a popular democratic will of the people, and thus it wouldn't make any sense to abdicate , particularly given the practical problems that suddenly destabilizing the order of succession might cause.

Jnorthrop9404 wrote: "So the first couple chapters have been kinda okay, but it's a bit dull. I just met Chade and I feel that it's now picking up because before that, Fitz was just repeating his day over and over, but ..."

I almost put the book down, it starts out very sloww and with each chapter it slowly picks up, glad i atuck with it, its getting good.

John wrote: "I'm enjoying the author's prose style, particularly the more I get into the flow of the narrative away from the chapter headings. However, I do have an issue with a couple of plot points. First, it..."

Yes i found that weird at first too, i dont remember my childhood that well but i can at least pick out a few memories that stand out to, maybe as the years went on so much as happened to Fitz that now that he is telling his story he cant remember his beginning.

I agree with you on your second point. I have read countless historical fiction where the king and/or the prince have multiple lovers and children by the wife/queen and mistresses, but never was their power questioned or sis they ever feel the need to step down, but to me this was not that big of a deal, i just took it as Chivarly took his name seriously, he wasnt very Chivalrous toward his wife, so he stepped down as next in line.

Ok, so far so good. I'm enjoying the process of meeting Fitz, Burrich, and Chade.

I like Hobb's descriptions of Fitz's childhood. Having read this book before I know what i struggled with in this story. However, on this re-read I'm gaining some insight on things that explain some of Fitz's choices later on.

I'm enjoying the slow and steady rhythm of the story. Nothing feels rushed and we're building a good foundation for this world. I like seeing the different personalities of Fitz's uncles and the set up of who will be threatened by him later down the road.

John wrote: "I'm enjoying the author's prose style, particularly the more I get into the flow of the narrative away from the chapter headings. However, I do have an issue with a couple of plot points. First, it..."

I think that his lack of early memories seem like a possible setup for things to be revealed about his mother and possibly his parents' relationship later on. But from a purely plausibility aspect I have to say that it's not a stretch to me. I have almost no memories of my childhood before about the age of 10. I remember very vague things, but much of it just didn't stick with me. We moved around a lot when i was a kid (I went to 7 different schools between elementary and high school) , so a lot of it is just a blur. Fitz's frequent upheavals and isolation seem to bear out the idea that he spent most of his early years in his head or in the heads of animals around him.

I agree with you on the idea of a royal male heir stepping aside because of a bastard child. The characterization of Fitz's father as being so noble and good that he gave up the crown out of shame or to spare his wife's feelings is far fetched.

FrankieReads wrote: "I agree with you on the idea of a royal male heir stepping aside because of a bastard child. The characterization of Fitz's father as being so noble and good that he gave up the crown out of shame or to spare his wife's feelings is far fetched. "

They explain this later in a more satisfying way that makes sense, all I can say is, that's not exactly the reason, that's why it seems silly.

Abner wrote: "FrankieReads wrote: "I agree with you on the idea of a royal male heir stepping aside because of a bastard child. The characterization of Fitz's father as being so noble and good that he gave up th..."

Good to know because this current reason is very unsatisfying.

I can't say much more than what was already said here by everyone. I am enjoying the book so far. I would love to have a connection with dogs or even other animals like Fitz. I think that would be super cool.

The comments here made me aware of the dramatic reaction Fitz was going to have when he was separated from Chade - so I was really watching for this as I read. Although I agree the reaction was extreme, some of Hobb's writing explains it to me - "Chade, who had become the central pillar of my world, who had made me believe I was something of value, was taking it all away. Not just his approval, but our time together, my sense that I was going to be something in my lifetime."

I think this brings some context to his reaction. Here is this child, effectively orphaned, ridiculed and hated for his very existence, and largely ignored or merely tolerated. Along comes someone who SEES him, engages his intelligence, and gives him purpose. To have that taken away from a child who has already suffered so much loss and turmoil seems like a cruel game.

Well said Frankie, definitely agree! (: I also felt like him bonding so deeply might have something to do with the Wit and the Skill. But it isn't explicitly said so who knows!

FrankieReads wrote: "The comments here made me aware of the dramatic reaction Fitz was going to have when he was separated from Chade - so I was really watching for this as I read. Although I agree the reaction was ext..."
Yes! Absolutely Frankie! It was cruel and exceptionally thoughtless for them to give Fitz the following two directives; one, the promise of Fitz's loyalty to the king; and two, an order from Chade to steal from the king; these orders are mutually exclusive to each other and therefore cannot both be carried out.
I will say however, that Chade's effusive and heartfelt apology won me over, and makes me feel Fitz can trust him in the future

Now about the matter regarding the king's knife.

It was the king who initiated this situation ( with Chade following his orders) in order to test the depth of Fitz's loyalty. For Fitz to steal from the king would violate the promise he made to always maintain his allegiance to the king; therefore he had to refuse to carry out Chades orders and was thereby subsequently ostracized from Chade's company and counsel.

Later, after Fitz learns that the king and Chade had contrived in this scheme together and he receives verbal apologies from both men, Fitz ends up taking the knife (with the kings tacit acceptance), effectively saying ( in a nonverbal way) that "Look, I've done my duty to my king with honor and forbearance. I have fulfilled my promise to be loyal and faithful to the king by not taking the king's knife without his knowledge or permission, despite being ordered to by a direct superior. Allow me then to take the knife now so I can demonstrate my respect to Chade as well, and thereby perform my duties to both of you without contradiction or dishonor".

I wasn't sure whether I wanted to reread this before starting on Royal Assassin, since it was only the beginning of last year since I first read this one, but oh my goodness, I am so glad I decided to just start over with the series. I have forgotten so much of what happened as evident of reading the first five chapters. However reliving the scene with Fitz's and Nosy's separation I could have done without.

The writing style does take a little bit to get into, but in my experience it was because the way sentences were worded. At first, the flow seemed a little choppy because she would word something differently from from how I would say it in my head. (Does that make sense?) Once you get used to it, the pacing is spot on and really works for this story. I can't wait to continue on with her later series to see how she improves.

There's not much I can add about the plot that hasn't already been addressed. I really liked Chade's apology to Fitz after the INCIDENT. I understand why it was done. It would make sense that the King, who instigated and is knowingly allowing Fitz to be trained as an assassin, to test his loyalties. You wouldn't want to train up a killer only to have him turn on you. I don't understand why it took so long for Chade and Shrewd to come clean.

I'm happy to know the knife will be mentioned later on in the series as well.

Enjoying it so far. It's been a while since I've read this kind of fantasy, and I'm really enjoying the world building that's going on at this point.

The part with Nosy stabbed me through the heart. As soon as he met Nosy I felt the dread build, knew it had to be coming, but I was surprised it was so soon. But did he have to kill him! The Wit interests me more then the Skill (animal lover, what can you do?) and I'm very eager to learn more about it. It reminds me a bit of Wild Magic, especially Burricks reaction to it.

I think Hobb is also doing a good job building empathy with Fitz. I'm starting to connect well with him. I'm wary yet intrigued by both The King and Chade and eager to see what comes of that. The knife made me smile, way to go Fitz! Also fascinated by the unseen discussion that Fitz heard during his depression. And the appearance of a Fool at the Kings side.

It's also interesting to see the range of opinions people have at this point!

it was a little bit to get into this just because all the info and style is completely different from the middle grade I've been reading lately. But now that I'm into the meaty stuff I'm really enjoying it!!

I'm not really enjoying Robin Hobb's writing style so far, it's a little too descriptive for me, I'd like more action. Also the fact that Fitz keeps saying that he doesn't really remember stuff and then proceeds to describe the scenes in ridiculous detail is a little strange for me. The plot is very slow but hopefully it's going to pick up in the next couple of chapters. I liked the knife storyline and I'm intrigued to hear that it comes up again later on. Reading everyone's thoughts is definitely making me think about the book more, and in different ways.

So I've finally read the first 5 chapters. I feel like I'm already falling behind.

Anyway. I actually did read this one before. I listened to this in audio, I think it was in October last year. I thought it was interesting at the time, but I didn't love it. I think it was because I tended to space out a little bit while reading it. That's why I decided to join this read-a-long so that I can re-read it, and actually read it this time. I'd already forgotten some of the things from the beginning.

One of the first things I notice is the writing style. It's very easy to read, while also really descriptive. I like the magical elements in the story. Although they aren't super fantastical like I've seen from other fantasy series.

I really like Fitz, and I think he reminds me a little bit about Kvothe from the Kingkiller Chronicles, maybe because he's so young when this is all starting, and the fact that they're both super smart. I may change my mind about that as I go.

I'm really enjoying it so far, and I'm sure I'm going to enjoy this book a lot more while reading it, in stead of listening to it.

I just finished chapter 6... I'm finding this a little slow to pick up so far.

I was really intrigued by the description of the Wit and Fitz's closeness with Nosy (I think that's chapter 2). I was kind of hoping that would get more use/description but so far, not so much.

I really am not sure that the King is doing Fitz any real kindness by keeping him close by. I think he's probably very aptly described by his name--Shrewd.

Chade's an interesting character--I can't tell if he's trying to help Fitz. He doesn't seem to care so much for his own art and I'm not sure he's doing Fitz any good by passing it on. But Fitz seems to have really taken to it.

So I've finally made it to chapter six, and so far I'm really enjoying it. I don't typically read this genre, so I was a bit hesitant to pick it up, but I figured doing a read-a-long for it would make it much more fun! The first chapter or two I wasn't really interested in the book. Granted, I love the descriptive writing style, but it still bored me at times. Now that I've gotten a little bit further into it, I feel like everything is starting to pick up and move at a much faster pace. I am quite enjoying it! I can't wait to continue reading this book, especially over the long weekend that I have ahead of me!

Gina wrote: "it was a little bit to get into this just because all the info and style is completely different from the middle grade I've been reading lately. But now that I'm into the meaty stuff I'm really enj..."

I felt the same way! This book is WAY out of my comfort zone, but I feel like it's really starting to pick up. When I first started reading it, I was a bit worried I wouldn't be able to get into the story.

I'm 10 chapters in so far but I forgot to do the discussion for 1-5 >.< I thought the story really started to pick up around chapter 4 when he meets Chade and begins his training. I understand the pacing of the first three chapters, however. It's quite a bit of background and character development. I find the way Fitz views his world fascinating. Very much on the outside looking in, so to speak. Loving it!!

I love this book so far. Robin Hobb has the kond of writing style that takes some time to get used to but that's just fantastic once you've read a bit of the story.
I really enjoy all the characters so far and feel like all of them will be really 3- dimensional.
I think Fitz is awsome and the kind of charakter I always enjoy:)

First time reading this series and happy to be apart of this!

It was slow to start but I feel that was more to do with the fact that it took a bit to get use the the writing style? I like it though and I really enjoy the characters! The plot has me hooked and I can't wait to read further!

I'm enjoying it so far. I can't wait to read the rest of the books. Fiz is my favorite character so far.

Hi everyone!

First off, I'd like to discuss the actual structure of the novel. I'm not usually a fan of quotes at the beginning of chapters, but I like Hobb's incorporation of bits of history about the Six Duchies with each new section. They give insight into what will happen in the chapter, as well as slowly introducing the reader to the universe and how it works. It serves a purpose, and isn't merely a song lyric or bit of poetry randomly slapped on the page for artistic effect. Moreover, Hobb's style of writing is sophisticated but navigable, and while I appreciate the fact that she isn't pandering the reader by dumbing down phrases or slowing the pace, I do wonder why she has Fitz speaking in such an eloquent manner when he is only a child in this book. It's not as authentic when I know I'm reading from the POV of a child, but I feel like I'll have less hesitation with the narration as the book progresses and Fitz grows older.

As for the characters, I find all of the main ones to be thoroughly well thought-out and to have distinct personalities that set them apart. Fitz is precocious, just like the animals he bonds so well with, which is such a great way to create a metaphor with him having the Wit. I completely understand why the King would want to mold him into an assassin, as Fitz has a quiet confidence about him. The other members of the court, such as Regal and his mother, are wicked to a fault, and I'm curious to see what their drive for power will cause them to do. The one character I would say I struggle to comprehend is Burrich; he bounces back and forth from caring about Fitz to castigating him far too often, so that both the reader and Fitz never know where his true intentions lie. Maybe that's how Hobb wants us to feel about Burrich, but so far I don't know whether to categorize him as good guy or bad guy. The same can be said for Chade; right now he's just sort of a mysterious enigma who is teaching Fitz how to be an assassin, but we don't know anything about who he is as a person, or even how he got to become an assassin himself. I'm interested to hear more about Chade and hope we get some more character development on him soon.

Sorry if this is a bit long-winded, I have a degree in writing and I love to use what I've learned to not only review books, but to also critically examine them :)

I'm a bit behind from where I'm supposed to be - just finished chapter 5 today.

I'm digging it so far, and whenever King Shrewd is mentioned, all I can think of is Patrick Stewart.

I'm so glad there are informational paragraphs about the setting at the beginning of every chapter. It shows so much more of the worldbuilding without being too tell-not-show.

I'm loving the writing so far, and I've definitely been hooked from the start (which is something I've been struggling with with this kind of fantasy lately, so it makes me very happy that I'm really into the book already!)

I finally finished chapter 5! I'm so behind. It was very slow going for me, but the last chapter or so have picked up. I also borrowed a copy of the audio book and I think that is helping.

I'm just now about to start chapter seven. First, her writing is beautiful! Very descriptive and I can easily picture everything. Characters are great too. I am finding it slow though. It's taking me a long time to get through. Maybe it's just because not a ton has happened yet. I was hoping to be done by now, but I'm barely 100 pages in. Hoping to crack down and get some good solid reading time in this weekend.

I am on chapter 6 now. I'm behind a bit, I really hoped to finish the biggest already. But a long busy weekend happened so.... I am enjoying the book so far but I found it a bit slow the first few chapters. It is picking up now. I also really enjoy the history at the beginning of each chapter

In fantasy I actually really like a slow start to a book. It helps me to slow down and take everything in. I tend to be an overly quick reader, so I like when I'm forced to take it slow for a while. I love descriptive writing and am really enjoying getting to know Fitz. I'm starting a bit late, but will be caught up in a few days.

When Nosy was taken from him I was so sad! There bond was so close, it must have been devastating for him.

As for Chade... I feel like I'm the only one who likes him. Despite his.. career.. I feel like he's a good guy, but I've been wrong about characters in the past. Fitz's reaction made sense to me, because I think he'd starting to see Chade as a type of father figure, and losing someone like that has to be painful.

I have just started the book! Late to the party, I know. I'm on Chapter 2 and the language is so good! Reminds me of old school fantasy writers (I guess, since the book is 20 years old we can call it old school too). Specifically of Katherine Kurtz. She is one of my favourites since childhood.

My only problem with the book is that the font is tiny and I strain to read it :(

I'm extremely late in getting to reading this, but finally started it last night and am really enjoying is so far. :)

I really love how the start of every chapter gives us a brief glimpse of present day, and then we go back to seeing how Fitz is growing up.