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4.4 AVERAGE
4.4 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To be honest, I'm not even sure I can explain why I'm not finishing the series. I really liked the first book, and I was enjoying the second book... until I realized that other than the main character, I'm actually not much invested in anything else in the series; I'm not really invested in the world, and while there are other characters that are interesting to me, I've realized that I'm really only interested in their dynamic with Fitz. The romance sublot also really kicks in the second book, which I unfortunately don't really find compelling other than being happy that Fitz gets some form of happiness. Also, after a while the formula of "everything that can go wrong for Fitz, will go wrong" starts to feel repetitive(maybe even emotionally manipulative? idk). Long story short, it was just getting to the point where I wasn't sure of my long-term (or even current) enjoyment of this series, so I decided to quit while I was ahead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence
“Fool, there is no sense in trying to play that game with the past. Here is where we are today, and we can only make our moves from here.”
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, tells the story of Fitz, a royal bastard, and his struggle to be accepted in the nobility, despite his parentage. Fitz is groomed to be a royal assassin but he hides a more dangerous skill - the Wit, that is the ability to talk to animals, widely disfavoured by the royalty.
To Hobb’s credit, the premise is definitely intriguing, and her world comes alive as we watch Fitz train to become an assassin, burdened as he is with insecurity, doubt and suspicion. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with the king’s Fool, and their dynamic has to be my favourite.
“A message is not delivered until it is understood.”
This, for me, sums up the experience of this trilogy. Unfortunately, the plot only begins to come together at the end of the second book, and the trilogy was excruciatingly slow paced. While Hobb colours Fitz realistically, most of her other characters felt pretty one dimensional and unrelatable. Also, she brings out certain mysteries and builds them up, only to leave them hanging in the third book.
I can understand why the Farseer Trilogy has gotten so many 5 star ratings. There are definitely facets brimming with originality and innovation. But, it was hard for me to read through 3 whole books, when large parts had no bearing on the plot and the writing just didn’t seem to flow. Maybe, this trilogy just wasn’t for me. *sighs*
On a brighter note, the cover IS GORGEOUS. While I might have found the story disappointing, this is definitely one of my favouritest book covers.
The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb, tells the story of Fitz, a royal bastard, and his struggle to be accepted in the nobility, despite his parentage. Fitz is groomed to be a royal assassin but he hides a more dangerous skill - the Wit, that is the ability to talk to animals, widely disfavoured by the royalty.
To Hobb’s credit, the premise is definitely intriguing, and her world comes alive as we watch Fitz train to become an assassin, burdened as he is with insecurity, doubt and suspicion. He strikes up an unlikely friendship with the king’s Fool, and their dynamic has to be my favourite.
“A message is not delivered until it is understood.”
This, for me, sums up the experience of this trilogy. Unfortunately, the plot only begins to come together at the end of the second book, and the trilogy was excruciatingly slow paced. While Hobb colours Fitz realistically, most of her other characters felt pretty one dimensional and unrelatable. Also, she brings out certain mysteries and builds them up, only to leave them hanging in the third book.
I can understand why the Farseer Trilogy has gotten so many 5 star ratings. There are definitely facets brimming with originality and innovation. But, it was hard for me to read through 3 whole books, when large parts had no bearing on the plot and the writing just didn’t seem to flow. Maybe, this trilogy just wasn’t for me. *sighs*
On a brighter note, the cover IS GORGEOUS. While I might have found the story disappointing, this is definitely one of my favouritest book covers.