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truthwatcher's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, and Slavery
Minor: Pedophilia
pinch's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Slavery, and Murder
Moderate: Pedophilia
cossty's review
adventurous
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
3.5
Overall, I found “Mad Ship” to be an engaging and well-written. However, there are two aspects of the storytelling that gave me pause - specifically, the way pedophilia is portrayed and a harmful trope surrounding sexual assault.
Firstly, the romantic relationship between a young teenage girl (13) and a much older man (22ish) felt uncomfortable and left a bad taste in my mouth. While the author intended to make the male character relatable or likeable, his interest in such a significantly younger partner raises red flags. Furthermore, the possibility of marriage between these two individuals only serves to further normalize this behavior. It's essential to acknowledge that this type of dynamic can be particularly damaging and unsafe for the minor involved.
Regarding the second issue, the book employs the troublesome trope where a female protagonist must suffer from sexual violence to undergo some form of transformation. This arc suggests that trauma is necessary for women to find their inner strength or discover themselves. Not only is this narrative dangerous and misguided; it also perpetuates harmful myths about the impact of sexual assault on survivors. The idea that trauma has any redeeming qualities should be carefully examined and avoided in fiction.
Despite these concerns, the rest of the book is impressive and enjoyable to read. The plot structure, character development, and world building all showcase exceptional skill on behalf of the author. Had these problematic elements been addressed or handled differently, I might have given the book a full five-star rating. Nevertheless, it's crucial to critically evaluate our entertainment choices and encourage creators to prioritize responsible storytelling that avoids normalizing harmful behaviors or tropes. In short, while “Mad Ship” has its flaws, it still offers thought-provoking content worth exploring – just be prepared to critically examine these questionable aspects alongside the more praiseworthy features.
Firstly, the romantic relationship between a young teenage girl (13) and a much older man (22ish) felt uncomfortable and left a bad taste in my mouth. While the author intended to make the male character relatable or likeable, his interest in such a significantly younger partner raises red flags. Furthermore, the possibility of marriage between these two individuals only serves to further normalize this behavior. It's essential to acknowledge that this type of dynamic can be particularly damaging and unsafe for the minor involved.
Regarding the second issue, the book employs the troublesome trope where a female protagonist must suffer from sexual violence to undergo some form of transformation. This arc suggests that trauma is necessary for women to find their inner strength or discover themselves. Not only is this narrative dangerous and misguided; it also perpetuates harmful myths about the impact of sexual assault on survivors. The idea that trauma has any redeeming qualities should be carefully examined and avoided in fiction.
Despite these concerns, the rest of the book is impressive and enjoyable to read. The plot structure, character development, and world building all showcase exceptional skill on behalf of the author. Had these problematic elements been addressed or handled differently, I might have given the book a full five-star rating. Nevertheless, it's crucial to critically evaluate our entertainment choices and encourage creators to prioritize responsible storytelling that avoids normalizing harmful behaviors or tropes. In short, while “Mad Ship” has its flaws, it still offers thought-provoking content worth exploring – just be prepared to critically examine these questionable aspects alongside the more praiseworthy features.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Slavery and Pedophilia
talonsontypewriters'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Pedophilia, Drug use, Slavery, Trafficking, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Death, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Body horror, War, Abandonment, Grief, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Animal death, Addiction, Drug abuse, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit, Classism, Ableism, Excrement, Death of parent, Homophobia, Pregnancy, and Xenophobia
Sexual coercion, abuse of power; victim blaming/rape culture (challenged), complicity in assault and abuse. Descriptions of sexual abuse and rape in captivity as well as the aftermath thereof, but no graphic scene; attempted rape and discussion thereof in one scene. Withdrawal. Illness, epidemic. Earthquakes. Relationships between adult men and pre-teen/teenage girls, as well as allusions to relationships between adult women and teenage boys.cmak's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A lot of the questions from Ship of Magic, especially in regards to the world’s lore. It also made me kinda like Malta (how is that possible?!?). Another enjoyable(?) (can that word truly be used in conjunction with Robin Hobb? It’s odd to say that watching people go through so much trauma is enjoyable...) book.
There are explanations for some of the things that happened in the Farseer trilogy in this book that I appreciated, specifically regarding Verity/the dragon in Assassin’s Quest. It was funny hearing the dragon talk about her opinion of elderlings putting their lives into stone statues to try to mimic her life for a short period of time. Also, it is interesting that Althea, arguably the main character from the first book, is not included in Amber’s fortellings. The “nine-fingered” one has done his task of releasing She Who Remembers, and Malta (with the help of Reyn) has released the dragon who will protect the serpents so they can cocoon. It was interesting seeing Amber’s own confusion that Althea was not fulfilling either of these roles. Maybe she did follow the wrong sister, but for the better as I think Paragon will continue to play a major role in the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Pedophilia
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