You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.41 AVERAGE
4.41 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Beautiful characters as always, well written and intriguing. Finding the snippets of lore at the beginning of each chapter a bit difficult, also felt the arc/plot of this book was less clear and more focused on the build to the third book
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
!!! Plot twist was perfect. This trilogy is maybe the best yet? And I can't seem to put it down. Definitely read Farseer + Liveships before reading Tawny Man.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
oh my fool
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Golden Fool is the second instalment of Robin Hobb’s Tawny Man trilogy, and picks up right where the previous novel left off. Although the book isn’t as plot heavy as Fool’s Errand, choosing instead to focus more on character relationships and court intrigue, the Golden Fool never offers us a dull moment. The book feels more like a transitional period, or rather, placing down all of the pieces of a game in preparation for the final move.
As one of my favourite aspects of Robin Hobb’s writing– and what I’m most excited for when picking up one of her books– is the character work and the different relationships between the characters, I found myself falling in love with this book in no time at all.
I loved seeing Fitz interact with new characters that were introduced in this series such as Jinna, Hap (technically introduced in Assassin’s Quest), and Dutiful, as well as old characters such as Chade, Kettricken, and the Fool.
One of my favourite relationships in the trilogy so far has been between Fitz and his foster son Hap. Seeing Fitz struggle with being a good father to Hap, as well as his fear of Hap distancing himself has been very interesting to read about. Their fights as well as the moment when the two finally made up felt real and complex. Robin Hobb does an excellent job at making you care about the two, and the extra closeness that we get due to Fitz’s POV only makes you love their bond even more.
Another dynamic that I found interesting was that between Fitz and his old mentor Chade. Now an adult, Fitz no longer looks at Chade the same way he had when he was a boy; he’s no longer willing to accept that Chade always knows what’s best and instead views his decisions like he would any other man’s, which becomes cause for the two of them constantly clashing.
And then, there is of course, the complicated and inevitably changing dynamic between Fitz and the Fool. Chapters 15 “The Quarrell” and 23 “Revelations” are some of the strongest parts of the book, offering us insight into the Fool’s feelings as well as his past. There is great dialogue and conflict, and I’m very excited to see how their relationship will keep on evolving.
But the character work isn’t the only thing I loved about this book. The negotiations for the betrothal between the Outislander Narcheska and Prince Dutiful (and a surprise visit from some old Bingtown friends), offer just enough intrigue and mystery to keep you on your toes, eagerly awaiting the next big piece of information.
All in all I think The Golden Fool is a great book, transitional as I’ve said, focusing on laying the foundation for the events of the last book in the trilogy, and doing an excellent job at it.
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes