Reviews

City of Dragons by Robin Hobb

katieinca's review against another edition

3.0

Nothing happened in the whole first half - it was just letting you know where everyone was and how they were doing. Extremely frustrating, especially coming off of the excitement of the end of the second book. But once Malta went into labor (oh come on, that's not really a spoiler), it hit its stride.

brendalovesbooks's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked this, but not as well as the first two books. While reading this one, I could finally see why people were complaining of the books moving slowly. I didn't feel that with the other ones, but there were some really slow parts in City of Dragons. I still liked it a lot, though.

duncan_black's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

thaakier_am's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective slow-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

3.0

s0metimesireadb00ks's review against another edition

adventurous 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

3.75

hadawada's review against another edition

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

gimleafs's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

subparcupcake's review against another edition

4.0

This is definitely (in my humble opinion of course) the best of the Rain Wild Chronicles series so far. It's still not quite at the Farseer/Liveship/Tawny Man level, but it's at least a solid four stars for me.

I'll say this though.. It's definitely only half of a story. Actually, it's more like half of the second half of a story. Each book so far in the RWC series has been significantly shorter than normal Hobb novels, really the series probably could have been a two book duology and done better that way. The first two started and completed a story arc, and it seems like these two will as well. This one ends sort of abruptly, and I almost wish I hard waited for the last in the series to come out before I read it. It's not necessarily a cliff hanger.. But neither are any story lines wrapped up. But still... It was a Hobb fix. And we all know I loves me some Hobb.

There's really not much else to say. If you're looking for reviews of this book, chances are you've read the first two, so you know what to expect. And if you haven't read the first two, then you're looking up the wrong review, you need to check out Dragon Keeper. And for that matter.. Even though this series does sort of stand alone, it definitely should be read after the Liveship series for maximum impact. But not before Tawny Man... And Liveship has to come after Farseer. Really though. Reading all of the books in order is well worth it. The Farseer Trilogy, then the Livership Trader books, then the Tawny Man series, and finally the Rain Wild Chronicles. Honestly... That's the only way to go. You're missing out if you skip straight here and read this as an independent series! Just saying.

Anyway, back to the review.. Four stars. This was an enjoyable continuation of the series, and I'm looking forward to the release of the last book.

lentzar's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

actualresultsmayvary's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful mysterious relaxing slow-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

4.0

I really did love this but it wasn't a book. Similarly to how Dragon Keeper was really only half a book but somehow more egregiously. It took until well over half way to start doing any more than recaping and  the plot only tickled forward, I think the Rain Wild Chronicles would have made more sense as a duology rather than as four short books, Hobb is at her best when writing epics.
However, I still absolutely loved all the characters and when the plot did start to kick off it was really exciting and I literally can't (and won't) wait to start Blood of Dragons (even though I usually try to force myself to read 3 non-RotE books between each one. 
I loved the sense that things are finally all going to tie together and I'm interested in parallels between Rapskal and Thymara and Fitz and the Fool and their connections to ancient elderlings. I'm also really intrigued by way Sintara but not Heeby activated Kelsingra and I'm sure that will end up being important.
Most of all I just think it's so impressive that no matter where I am in the Realm of the Elderlings, I never really miss being in the other places because it's just all so fantastically absorbing.