Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Ship of Destiny

An overall very enjoyable conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. This book did feel a little lengthy near the end of it, and I was kinda ready for it to be done after some infuriating moments, but it was still a good read. Hobb manages to wrap up character arcs quite well and lay some interesting groundwork for the rest of the Realm of the Elderlings series.

In particular, Malta's character work and Paragon's journey really stands out to me. It's crazy how I quickly I went from still disliking Malta to loving her in this book. She's grown so much. Paragon's journey I found to be very compelling even though he remained annoying and childish at times. He too ends up in a completely different place and his maturity and new understanding he's found was amazing to read.

Unfortunately I was pretty indifferent towardss the whole Satrap plotline and Serilla's character arc. They just didn't do much for me.

Also very glad that Kennit and Kyle are dead. I was kinda enjoying Kennit after Mad Ship and then he becomes utterly despicable here.

Anyways, solid book, good trilogy. I was originally apprehensive to continue Realm of the Elderlings and get back to Fitz's story, but now I'm maybe more interested in the Tawny Man trilogy. Not sure if I'll get to it this year or next year, but I will be continuing.

Content Warnings

flickster's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

Content Warnings

smitty94's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced

Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.0

Content Warnings

kieran_c's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

This book is emotionally draining and major TWs apply.

I did not expect that ending and was so pleased with it. I have loved my first foray into Hobb’s work. I have never cared so deeply for any main character before, and I loved all of our Vestrits and Liveships.

I really feel like this is the perfect balance of the Tolkien ‘everything is black and white’ fantasy and GRMM ‘everyone is morally bankrupt’ fantasy.

The prose is so dense tho I wouldn’t have persevered without having the option to listen to the narrator as well as read the book.

Content Warnings