cappuccino136 's review for:

Fool's Fate by Robin Hobb

4.5

adventurous dark mysterious reflective

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

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This was originally planned to be the last book, the finale to this world and to the characters. All the set up of the first two books in this trilogy comes together brilliantly in a show stopping finale. So many reaveals, character moments and arcs coming full circle. I love how the character of Thick developed as an integral part of the Skill Coterie and other characters learned to understand and respect him. It is not specified, but he reads similar to someone with Down's Syndrome. The exploration of the Outislander society and how the matriarchy works was so interesting. The relationship betweeen Fitz and the Fool is like nothing I've ever read. So beautiful and complicated. Impossible to define or describe. The main action comes to a stunning climax on the glacier covered island of Aslevjal. Then there is a long deneument where we see the fall-out. In the middle of the wind-down, there is another mini-climax. Characters adjusting to the new world, new future, that has been brought into being. There is a lot of talking, negotiating, and realignment. It reminds me of the end of Return of the King in that way. Not everyone appreciates an ending that at times feels like it refuses to just stop. I loved parts of it but wish it could have been a bit tighter. Not sure we needed such a thorough farewell tour.