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jessimond's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.5
micallab's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Death, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
shandyt's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 stars.
Having blasted through this book and straight into Fool's Fate without stopping to write a review, it was hard for me to recall what actually happened in this one. Golden Fool has the same middle book stodginess as Royal Assassin, but it does at least gain the benefit of some great character work that was missing from the latter.
Another facet of the story that made me uncomfortable was
One thing that I thought was handled well was
Fitz's
Overall, none of this book felt as much like a drag as the middle entry of the first trilogy, but it did feel like setup—which proved to be mostly true when I moved on to Fool's Fate. So, before I forget what happened in that book, I had better move on and write down my thoughts.
Having blasted through this book and straight into Fool's Fate without stopping to write a review, it was hard for me to recall what actually happened in this one. Golden Fool has the same middle book stodginess as Royal Assassin, but it does at least gain the benefit of some great character work that was missing from the latter.
Spoiler
I was pleased to get to know Nettle through her dreams, and amused she dreamed Fitz as a furry. Web was also a nice addition, though I was suspicious of him at first. Thick, the new character introduced here, is wonderful—though the in-universe ableism, however justified by the prevailing societal attitudes, is uncomfortable at times to read. Fitz is not a man without compassion, though, and I was pleased as his own attitude evolved with time.Another facet of the story that made me uncomfortable was
Spoiler
the arranged betrothal of Dutiful and Elliania. Dutiful is already quite young, but Elliania is a literal child! Of course there is historical and even modern precedent for betrothals happening young and far in advance of an actual wedding, but that wasn't the case here—it was made clear that as soon as Dutiful completed the Narcheska's quest, they would marry. No talk of delaying a consummation, either. I feel like this was a case where historical accuracy could have been suspended to let them both age up to at least 16 first, or Elliania's age shifted to be closer to Dutiful's. Chivalry wasn't married until his early 20's, and heck, Verity didn't get married until his latter 30's. Why jump the gun for Dutiful?One thing that I thought was handled well was
Spoiler
the reveal of the Fool's alternate identity as Amber. I have spent a lot of time contemplating my own relationship to my gender, and processing other people's reactions to my contemplations, and Fitz's anger and confusion read as very real, if painful. He's got heteronormative blinders on, but I still love the guy—he's trying his best, you know? And as always, the Fool's more expansive insights on their gender are welcome and appropriate. Their views seem almost prescient, for a book written in the early 00's.Fitz's
Spoiler
near-fatal injury and skill healing were of particular note here, and while his recovery dragged on for a few too many pages, I did welcome the improvement of his physical condition and the lessening of the aches and pains that had plagued him.Overall, none of this book felt as much like a drag as the middle entry of the first trilogy, but it did feel like setup—which proved to be mostly true when I moved on to Fool's Fate. So, before I forget what happened in that book, I had better move on and write down my thoughts.
samkie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
zibley3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
yewfelle's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
myngerrys's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
rustbeltredux's review
4.5
The more I read of this series, the more I love it and this is so far my favorite of them all. Which is weird because it definitely has some of that middle book feel, a bit slow and a lot of set up for what comes next. But for all of that, this one simply hit me right in the feels in so many ways. Fitz, you’re a damn fool, but I love you all the more for it.
camdev4's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0