Advertisement
How to Read Robin Hobb Books: A Comprehensive Guide for New and Returning Readers
Introduction:
Stepping into the richly detailed world of Robin Hobb's novels can feel like entering a vast, intricate tapestry. Her sprawling series, interconnected characters, and immersive storytelling are both rewarding and potentially overwhelming for new readers. This guide isn't just a reading order list; it's a roadmap designed to navigate the complexities of Hobb's fantasy epic, ensuring you maximize your enjoyment and fully appreciate the depth of her writing. We'll explore the various series, discuss ideal starting points, offer insights into character arcs, and help you avoid common pitfalls faced by newcomers. Whether you're a complete newbie or a seasoned fan looking to refresh your approach, this comprehensive guide will be your key to unlocking the magic of Robin Hobb's captivating world.
1. Understanding the Universe: A Look at Hobb's Series
Robin Hobb doesn't write standalone novels. Instead, she crafts interconnected series that share a universe, characters, and recurring themes. Understanding the relationship between these series is crucial to maximizing your reading experience. While chronologically consistent reading is possible, it isn't necessarily the best approach for newcomers. Let's break down the key series:
The Realm of the Elderlings: This is the overarching title encompassing all of Hobb's major works. Within this realm are several distinct series:
The Farseer Trilogy: (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin's Quest) This is generally considered the best starting point. It introduces FitzChivalry Farseer, a central character whose story weaves through much of the larger narrative.
The Liveship Traders Trilogy: (Ship of Magic, The Mad Ship, Ship of Destiny) This series can be read after the Farseer Trilogy. It features a largely separate cast of characters but shares thematic elements and hints at connections to the Farseer storyline.
The Tawny Man Trilogy: (Fool's Errand, Golden Fool, Fool's Fate) This series directly follows the Farseer Trilogy and continues Fitz's story. It's highly recommended to read this after the Farseer Trilogy.
The Rain Wild Chronicles: (Ship of Destiny, The Mad Ship, Ship of Magic) This quartet (four books) is often considered a standalone series within the Realm of the Elderlings, though it touches on themes and characters from the other books. It can be read at various points depending on your preferences, but many readers find it enjoyable after experiencing at least the Farseer Trilogy.
Fitz and the Fool: (Fool's Assassin, Fool's Quest, Fool's Fate) This trilogy directly follows the Tawny Man trilogy and is the final saga focusing on Fitz and the Fool. It's crucial to read the previous series before beginning this one.
2. The Recommended Reading Order: A Balanced Approach
While purists might advocate for chronological order, a more reader-friendly approach focuses on thematic cohesion and pacing. Here's a recommended reading order that balances both:
1. The Farseer Trilogy: Begin with Assassin's Apprentice, introducing you to FitzChivalry and the core themes of the Realm of the Elderlings. The trilogy provides a strong foundation for understanding the overarching narrative.
2. The Liveship Traders Trilogy: After the Farseer Trilogy, this series offers a change of pace and introduces new perspectives while subtly connecting to events from Fitz's story. Its focus on seafaring and familial bonds provides a refreshing contrast.
3. The Tawny Man Trilogy: Continue directly with this series to follow Fitz's continuing adventures and deeper explorations of his relationships and the world around him.
4. Fitz and the Fool Trilogy: This trilogy concludes Fitz's journey and should only be read after completing the previous three series.
5. The Rain Wild Chronicles: Read this series last, enjoying the standalone storyline. While not essential to understanding the main characters, it enhances the experience of the world and complements the overall narrative.
3. Character Arcs and Their Significance:
Hobb's strength lies in her profound character development. Don't just read for plot; pay close attention to how characters evolve, struggle, and change throughout the series. FitzChivalry Farseer's journey is a central focus, but equally important are the arcs of the Fool, Burrich, Regal, and countless others. Their interrelationships and individual struggles contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of Hobb's world.
4. Themes and Symbolism:
Hobb's writing is rich with recurring themes such as loyalty, betrayal, duty, family, power, and the complexities of morality. Pay attention to the symbolism – particularly the use of animals, magic, and the natural world – as they often convey deeper meanings and foreshadowing.
5. Pace Yourself and Embrace the Depth:
Hobb's books are not quick reads. They are dense, character-driven novels that require time and attention. Don't rush through them. Allow yourself to savor the detail, reflect on the character interactions, and let the story unfold at its own pace.
Sample Article Outline: "The Significance of the Fool in Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings"
Introduction: Briefly introduce the Fool as a mysterious and enigmatic character, emphasizing his importance within the Realm of the Elderlings.
Main Chapters:
Chapter 1: The Fool's Role in the Farseer Trilogy.
Chapter 2: The Fool's Impact on FitzChivalry's Life.
Chapter 3: The Fool's Mysterious Nature and Background.
Chapter 4: The Fool's Relationship with other Significant Characters (e.g., the Six Duchies, the Elderlings).
Chapter 5: Symbolism and Metaphor Associated with the Fool.
Conclusion: Summarize the Fool's significant contributions and impact on the overall narrative and provide your concluding thoughts.
FAQs
1. Can I start with the Liveship Traders Trilogy? While possible, it's generally recommended to begin with the Farseer Trilogy for a smoother introduction to the world and its central characters.
2. Are the books suitable for younger readers? While not explicitly graphic, the series explores complex themes of violence, betrayal, and death, making them more suitable for older teens and adults.
3. Do I need to read all the books in order? While reading in the recommended order enhances the experience, the Rain Wild Chronicles can be enjoyed at various points in the reading journey.
4. Are the books part of a larger shared universe? Yes, all the books are interconnected within the broader Realm of the Elderlings, sharing characters, themes, and historical context.
5. Are the books standalone stories? No, the books within a trilogy are interconnected and build upon each other narratively. The series are interconnected but can be read as their own distinct story arcs.
6. Which book is the best starting point? Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy) is generally considered the best starting point for newcomers.
7. What makes Robin Hobb's writing so unique? Her strength lies in her detailed character development, complex plotlines, and the exploration of intense emotions and moral dilemmas.
8. How long does it take to read all the books? It depends on your reading speed and the time you allocate, but expect a significant time commitment to complete the entire Realm of the Elderlings.
9. Where can I find more information about Robin Hobb's books? The official Robin Hobb website and numerous online fan forums offer additional information and discussions.
Related Articles:
1. A Deep Dive into FitzChivalry Farseer's Character Arc: Explores the complexities of Fitz's transformation throughout the series.
2. The Magic System in Robin Hobb's Realm of the Elderlings: Analyses the unique magic system and its role in the narrative.
3. The Significance of Ships and Seafaring in the Liveship Traders Trilogy: Discusses the symbolism and importance of ships and seafaring in the context of the series.
4. The Role of the Fool: A Guide to Understanding His Enigmatic Nature: Delves deeper into the character of the Fool and his impact on the overall narrative.
5. Exploring the Political Intrigue of the Six Duchies: Focuses on the political landscape and its influence on the various characters.
6. Comparing and Contrasting the Themes of Family and Loyalty in Hobb's Works: Analyzes the recurring themes of family and loyalty and their variations across different series.
7. Robin Hobb's Writing Style: An Analysis of Her Prose and Narrative Techniques: A closer examination of Hobb's writing style and its contributions to her success.
8. Recommended Reading Order for Robin Hobb's Books: Alternative Approaches: Explores alternative reading orders and their potential benefits.
9. Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Realm of the Elderlings Mythology: Provides a helpful introduction to the mythology and history of Hobb's universe.
| how to read robin hobb books: Assassin's Apprentice I #1 Robin Hobb, Jody Houser, 2022-12-14 The incredibly influential fantasy novel comes to comics! Until recently, Fitz was only known as boy. The bastard/illegitimate son of a powerful noble, Fitz is taken in by his uncle, Prince Verity, who prepares the boy for a journey to the capital to meet his royal grandfather. But Fitz is not a normal child. An ancient power stirs inside him, something that will change the destiny of the Six Duchies forever! The first comics installment of best-selling author Robin Hobbs's Assassin's Apprentice! Fantasy as it ought to be written. –George R.R. Martin |
| how to read robin hobb books: Fool's Fate Robin Hobb, 2004-02-03 “Complex . . . an atmosphere-filled adventure . . . with a fair quota of surprises . . . a winning combination of strong characters and colorful societies.”—Kirkus Reviews In the final book in the Tawny Man Trilogy, Fitz and the Fool are tested more severely than ever in a book the Monroe News-Star calls “a breathtaking ride from beginning to end.” FitzChivalry Farseer has become firmly ensconced in the queen’s court. Along with his mentor, Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly skilled Thick, Fitz strives to aid Prince Dutiful on a quest that could secure peace with the Out Islands—and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania. The Narcheska has set the prince an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice on the isle of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Out Islands support their effort. Are there darker forces at work behind Elliania’s demand? Knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, Fitz plots to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Inheritance Robin Hobb, 2011-03-31 A collection of novellas and stories from one of the most critically acclaimed authors in the fantasy genre, Robin Hobb. Including work written under her pseudonym, Megan Lindholm. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Assassin's Quest Robin Hobb, 1998-01-05 “An enthralling conclusion to this superb trilogy, displaying an exceptional combination of originality, magic, adventure, character, and drama.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz—or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest—perhaps to death. Only Verity’s return—or the heir his princess carries—can save the Six Duchies. But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him—currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was. Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin’s Quest “Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin “Superbly written, wholly satisfying, unforgettable: better than any fantasy trilogy in print—including mine!”—Melanie Rawn |
| how to read robin hobb books: Assassin's Fate Robin Hobb, 2017-05-09 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The stunning conclusion to Robin Hobb’s Fitz and the Fool trilogy, which began with Fool’s Assassin and Fool’s Quest “Every new Robin Hobb novel is a cause for celebration. Along with millions of her other fans, I delight in every visit to the Six Duchies, the Rain Wilds, and the Out Islands, and can’t wait to see where she’ll take me next.”—George R. R. Martin More than twenty years ago, the first epic fantasy novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Now New York Times bestselling author Robin Hobb brings to a momentous close the third trilogy featuring these beloved characters in a novel of unsurpassed artistry that is sure to endure as one of the great masterworks of the genre. Fitz’s young daughter, Bee, has been kidnapped by the Servants, a secret society whose members not only dream of possible futures but use their prophecies to add to their wealth and influence. Bee plays a crucial part in these dreams—but just what part remains uncertain. As Bee is dragged by her sadistic captors across half the world, Fitz and the Fool, believing her dead, embark on a mission of revenge that will take them to the distant island where the Servants reside—a place the Fool once called home and later called prison. It was a hell the Fool escaped, maimed and blinded, swearing never to return. For all his injuries, however, the Fool is not as helpless as he seems. He is a dreamer too, able to shape the future. And though Fitz is no longer the peerless assassin of his youth, he remains a man to be reckoned with—deadly with blades and poison, and adept in Farseer magic. And their goal is simple: to make sure not a single Servant survives their scourge. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince Robin Hobb, 2017-11 Internationally-bestselling, critically-acclaimed author Robin Hobb takes readers deep into the history behind the Farseer series in this exclusive, new novella. Long before the time of Chivalry Farseer, there was another indiscreet member of the royal line. Princess Caution Farseer, in defiance of her name, was headstrong and willful, destined to fall dangerously in love where she ought not. The child she bore, a Witted boy known as the Piebald Prince, rose to favour despite his questionable bloodlines. But the dukes of the Six Duchies backed Canny Farseer for the throne. And so both young men competed for power... But this was not their only struggle: for they both fell in love with the same lady. Such rivalry could end only in bloodshed... A tale of love and secrets, magic and manipulation, heartbreak and murder most foul: only a true-tongued minstrel can reveal the real story of the Wilful Princess and the Piebald Prince. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Mad Ship Robin Hobb, 2003-12-30 The second book in a seafaring fantasy trilogy that George R. R. Martin has described as “even better than the Farseer Trilogy—I didn’t think that was possible.” As the ancient tradition of Bingtown’s Old Traders slowly erodes under the cold new order of a corrupt ruler, the Vestrits anxiously await the return of their liveship—a rare magic ship carved from sentient wizardwood, which bonds the ships mystically with those who sail them. And Althea Vestrit waits even more avidly, living only to reclaim the ship as her lost inheritance and captain her on the high seas. But the Vivacia has been seized by the ruthless pirate captain Kennit, who holds Althea’s nephew and his father hostage. Althea and her onetime sea mate Brashen resolve to liberate the liveship—but their plan may prove more dangerous than leaving the Vivacia in Kennit’s ambitious grasp. Don’t miss the magic of the Liveship Traders Trilogy: SHIP OF MAGIC • MAD SHIP • SHIP OF DESTINY |
| how to read robin hobb books: Ship of Magic Robin Hobb, 2003-12-30 The first book in a seafaring fantasy trilogy that George R. R. Martin has described as “even better than the Farseer Trilogy—I didn’t think that was possible.” Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships—rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. Now the fortunes of one of Bingtown’s oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia. For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy. For Althea’s young nephew, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard the Vivacia, the ship is a life sentence. But the fate of the ship—and the Vestrits—may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider: the ruthless buccaneer captain Kennit, who plans to seize power over the Pirate Isles by capturing a liveship and bending it to his will. Don’t miss the magic of the Liveship Traders Trilogy: SHIP OF MAGIC • MAD SHIP • SHIP OF DESTINY |
| how to read robin hobb books: Empty Wardrobes Maria Judite de Carvalho, 2021-10-12 A previously untranslated classic of Portuguese feminist literature originally published in 1978, Carvalho's Empty Wardrobes introduces English-speaking readers to a forgotten and underappreciated woman writer a la recent publishing sensations Lucia Berlin, Natalia Ginzburg, Ingeborg Bachmann, Silvina Ocampo, and Armonia Somers. Empty Wardrobes is a tightly plotted, highly entertaining read, that, thanks to an ingenious detached narrative technique (one that makes the plot all the more fun to revisit and rethink), is both darkly humorous and devastatingly true. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Renegade's Magic Robin Hobb, 2009-10-13 The stirring conclusion to The Soldier Son Trilogy—the acclaimed epic tale of duty, destiny, and magic by New York Times bestselling master fantasist Robin Hobb Loyal, privileged, and brave, Nevare Burvelle proudly embraced his preordained role as soldier in the service of the King of Gernia—unaware of the strange turns his life would ultimately take. Exposed to a plague of enemy sorcery that felled many of his compatriots, he prevailed, but at a terrible cost to his soul, body, and heart. Now he stands wrongly accused of unspeakable crimes—including murder, the most heinous of them all. Condemned by his brother soldiers and sentenced to death, Nevare has no option but to escape. Suddenly he is an outcast and a fugitive—a hostage to the Speck magic that shackles him to a savage alter ego who would destroy everything Nevare holds dear. With nowhere to turn—except, perhaps, to the Speck woman Lisana, the enemy whom he loves—he is mired in soul-rending despair. But from out of the darkness comes a bright spark of hope. Perhaps, somehow, the hated magic that has long abused Nevare can be used by him instead. Could he not learn to wield this mighty weapon for his own purposes rather than be enslaved by it? But down what perilous road will this desperate new quest lead him? And what will be the outcome and the ultimate new incarnation of Nevare Burvelle? |
| how to read robin hobb books: Fool's Assassin Robin Hobb, 2024-08-13 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Nearly twenty years ago, Robin Hobb burst upon the fantasy scene with the first of her acclaimed Farseer novels, Assassin’s Apprentice, which introduced the characters of FitzChivalry Farseer and his uncanny friend the Fool. A watershed moment in modern fantasy, this novel—and those that followed—broke exciting new ground in a beloved genre. Together with George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb helped pave the way for such talented new voices as Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik. Over the years, Hobb’s imagination has soared throughout the mythic lands of the Six Duchies in such bestselling series as the Liveship Traders Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. But no matter how far she roamed, her heart always remained with Fitz. And now, at last, she has come home, with an astonishing new novel that opens a dark and gripping chapter in the Farseer saga. FitzChivalry—royal bastard and former king’s assassin—has left his life of intrigue behind. As far as the rest of the world knows, FitzChivalry Farseer is dead and buried. Masquerading as Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is now married to his childhood sweetheart, Molly, and leading the quiet life of a country squire. Though Fitz is haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who did so much to shape Fitz into the man he has become, such private hurts are put aside in the business of daily life, at least until the appearance of menacing, pale-skinned strangers casts a sinister shadow over Fitz’s past . . . and his future. Now, to protect his new life, the former assassin must once again take up his old one. . . . Praise for Fool’s Assassin “Hobb knows the complicated workings of the wayward human heart, and she takes time to depict them in her tale, to tell her story sweetly, insistently, compellingly. . . . A book meant to be inhabited rather than run through.”—The Seattle Times “[FitzChivalry Farseer is] one of the best characters in fantasy literature.”—Fantasy Book Review “[Hobb’s] prose sparkles, her characters leap off the page.”—Tordotcom “Modern fantasy at its irresistible best.”—The Guardian “Fantastic . . . emotionally rich storytelling.”—Library Journal (starred review) |
| how to read robin hobb books: Ship of Destiny Robin Hobb, 2003-12-30 The third book in a seafaring fantasy trilogy that George R. R. Martin has described as “even better than the Farseer Trilogy—I didn’t think that was possible.” As Bingtown slides toward disaster, clan matriarch Ronica Vestrit, branded a traitor, searches for a way to bring the city’s inhabitants together against a momentous threat. Meanwhile, Althea Vestrit, unaware of what has befallen Bingtown and her family, continues her perilous quest to track down and recover her liveship, the Vivacia, from the ruthless pirate Kennit. Bold though it is, Althea’s scheme may be in vain. For her beloved Vivacia will face the most terrible confrontation of all as the secret of the liveships is revealed. It is a truth so shattering, it may destroy the Vivacia and all who love her, including Althea’s nephew, whose life already hangs in the balance. Don’t miss the magic of the Liveship Traders Trilogy: SHIP OF MAGIC • MAD SHIP • SHIP OF DESTINY |
| how to read robin hobb books: Dragon Haven Robin Hobb, 2010-05-11 “A full master of the epic fantasy.” —Tulsa World One of the world’s most acclaimed fantasists, New York Times bestselling author Robin Hobb returns to the world of her popular “Tawny Man” trilogy with Dragon Haven—the second book, following Dragon Keeper (“Imaginative, literate, and compassionate from first page to last” —Booklist) in an epic adventure about the resurgence of dragons in a world that both needs and fears them. Hobb, whose Soldier Son Trilogy (Shaman’s Crossing, Forest Mage, Renegade’s Magic) has won raves from critics, fans, and peers alike, returns to the Rain Wilds with Dragon Haven, and readers of Raymond Feist, Terry Brooks, and Lois McMaster Bujold will eagerly follow. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Golden Fool Robin Hobb, 2003-12-09 “Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. There FitzChivalry Farseer, gutted by the loss of his wolf bondmate, must take up residence at Buckkeep as a journeyman assassin. Posing as a bodyguard, Fitz becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls, guiding a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day. Amid a multitude of problems, Fitz must ensure that no one betrays the Prince’s secret—one that could topple the throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread “beast magic.” Only Fitz’s friendship with the Fool brings him solace. But even that is shattered when devastating revelations from the Fool’s past are exposed. Bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz finds that his biggest challenge may be simply to survive. Praise for Robin Hobb and Golden Fool “[Robin Hobb] ranks near the top of the high fantasy field. . . . [She] juggles all the balls with aplomb, besides providing spot-on characterizations.”—Publishers Weekly “Solid storytelling with warmth and heart.”—The Kansas City Star |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Complete Farseer Trilogy: Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin’s Quest Robin Hobb, 2013-06-27 The complete Farseer Trilogy by international bestselling author Robin Hobb. ‘In today’s crowded fantasy market Robin Hobb’s books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons’ George R. R. Martin |
| how to read robin hobb books: City of Dragons Robin Hobb, 2012-02-07 New York Times bestselling author Robin Hobb returns to world of the Rain Wilds—called “one of the most gripping settings in modern fantasy” (Booklist)—in City of Dragons. Continuing the enthralling journey she began in her acclaimed Dragon Keeper and Dragon Haven, Hobb rejoins a small group of weak, half-formed and unwanted dragons and their displaced human companions as they search for a legendary sanctuary. Now, as the misfit band approaches its final destination, dragons and keepers alike face a challenge so insurmountable that it threatens to render their long, difficult odyssey utterly meaningless. Touching, powerful, and dazzlingly inventive, Hobb’s City of Dragons is not to be missed—further proof that this author belongs alongside Raymond E. Feist, Terry Brooks, and Lois McMaster Bujold in the pantheon of fantasy fiction’s true greats. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Blood of Dragons Robin Hobb, 2013-04-09 The final volume in Robin Hobb's popular Rain Wilds fantasy series, Blood of Dragons completes the story of the dragons, their keepers, and their quest to find the lost city of Kelsingra—and the mythical silver wells that the dragons need to survive. Can Tintaglia and the Elderlings unlock the secrets of the ancient city? Or are they doomed to extinction? The world of Robin Hobb’s Rain Wilds series has been praised by Booklist as one of the most gripping settings in modern fantasy, and Publishers Weekly called the Rain Wilds books a meticulously realized fantasy tale and a welcome addition to contemporary dragon lore. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Assassin's Fate Ivy Clyde, 2021-02-03 Three sexy dragonborn princes. An assassin with an erased past. And the impossible mission of assassinating the dragon emperor. I have spent my whole life training to be an assassin of Linmoor Valley, an underground gild of the world’s most lethal merceneries. My past is a blank, my master merciless. I kill on command, no questions asked. Life changes after the day I’m sent to the town’s brothel to make a kill. The people who ordered the killing now want me to execute the greatest assassination of our time. Their mission is simple: Kill the tyrant dragon emperor and bring peace to the four kingdoms. A wiser assassin would refuse the impossible. But I can’t. From the moment I see the three dragon born princes, I know I belong to them. And they, to me. Assassinating the emperor is no longer my only mission. I must protect the three princes, for they are the only hope of reviving the four kingdoms. My tasks seem impossible, but I am determined to carry them out if only for a chance to be with the men who make my frozen heart throb and bleed. Assassin’s Fate is the first book in an intrigue-filled whychoose fantasy romance that support’s our heroine’s right to choose more than one mate. Get ready for this captivating tale full of heart-pounding romance and edge-of-your-seat action. Note: The Assassin and Her Dragon Princes is a reverse harem series meant for mature readers who enjoy their fantasy fiction with no restraint to language, violence and a few heated scenes. The Assassin and Her Dragon Princess is now a completed series. Book 1: Assassin’s Fate Book 2: Assassin’s Past Book 3: Assassin’s Crown Book 4: Assassin’s Reign |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson, 2010-08-31 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings, Book One of the Stormlight Archive, begins an incredible new saga of epic proportion. Roshar is a world of stone and storms. Uncanny tempests of incredible power sweep across the rocky terrain so frequently that they have shaped ecology and civilization alike. Animals hide in shells, trees pull in branches, and grass retracts into the soilless ground. Cities are built only where the topography offers shelter. It has been centuries since the fall of the ten consecrated orders known as the Knights Radiant, but their Shardblades and Shardplate remain: mystical swords and suits of armor that transform ordinary men into near-invincible warriors. Men trade kingdoms for Shardblades. Wars were fought for them, and won by them. One such war rages on a ruined landscape called the Shattered Plains. There, Kaladin, who traded his medical apprenticeship for a spear to protect his little brother, has been reduced to slavery. In a war that makes no sense, where ten armies fight separately against a single foe, he struggles to save his men and to fathom the leaders who consider them expendable. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin commands one of those other armies. Like his brother, the late king, he is fascinated by an ancient text called The Way of Kings. Troubled by over-powering visions of ancient times and the Knights Radiant, he has begun to doubt his own sanity. Across the ocean, an untried young woman named Shallan seeks to train under an eminent scholar and notorious heretic, Dalinar's niece, Jasnah. Though she genuinely loves learning, Shallan's motives are less than pure. As she plans a daring theft, her research for Jasnah hints at secrets of the Knights Radiant and the true cause of the war. The result of over ten years of planning, writing, and world-building, The Way of Kings is but the opening movement of the Stormlight Archive, a bold masterpiece in the making. Speak again the ancient oaths: Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before Destination. and return to men the Shards they once bore. The Knights Radiant must stand again. Other Tor books by Brandon Sanderson The Cosmere The Stormlight Archive ● The Way of Kings ● Words of Radiance ● Edgedancer (novella) ● Oathbringer ● Dawnshard (novella) ● Rhythm of War The Mistborn Saga The Original Trilogy ● Mistborn ● The Well of Ascension ● The Hero of Ages Wax and Wayne ● The Alloy of Law ● Shadows of Self ● The Bands of Mourning ● The Lost Metal Other Cosmere novels ● Elantris ● Warbreaker ● Tress of the Emerald Sea ● Yumi and the Nightmare Painter ● The Sunlit Man Collection ● Arcanum Unbounded: The Cosmere Collection The Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians series ● Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians ● The Scrivener's Bones ● The Knights of Crystallia ● The Shattered Lens ● The Dark Talent ● Bastille vs. the Evil Librarians (with Janci Patterson) Other novels ● The Rithmatist ● Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds ● The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England Other books by Brandon Sanderson The Reckoners ● Steelheart ● Firefight ● Calamity Skyward ● Skyward ● Starsight ● Cytonic ● Skyward Flight (with Janci Patterson) ● Defiant At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Dragon Keeper Robin Hobb, 2010-01-26 “Robin Hobb is one of our very best fantasy writers.” New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson With Dragon Keeper, Robin Hobb, critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling “master fantasist” (Baltimore Sun), begins a breathtaking new series about the resurgence of dragons in a world that both needs and fears them—the world Hobb’s readers most recently visited in her immensely popular “Tawny Man” trilogy. Volume One of the Rain Wilds Chronicles, Dragon Keeper is yet another magnificent adventure from the author of The Soldier Son and Farseer Trilogies, confirming the Contra Costa Times of California’s assessment of Hobb as “one of the most important writers in 21st century fantasy.” |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Inheritance and Other Stories Megan Lindholm, Robin Hobb, 2011-10-31 A collection of the short fiction of Robin Hobb under her name and under the pseudonym Megan Lindhom. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Shaman’s Crossing (The Soldier Son Trilogy, Book 1) Robin Hobb, 2008-09-04 ‘Fantasy as it ought to be written’ George R.R. Martin |
| how to read robin hobb books: Fool's Errand Robin Hobb, 2002 When Prince Dutiful disappears, is it only because he is nervous about his betrothal ceremony, or has he been taken hostage by the Witted? As the situation worsens, Queen Kettricken summons Fitz to track the young prince down than another gifted with the Wit? This is the first in a new trilogy. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Empire of the Vampire Jay Kristoff, 2021-09-14 THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER From New York Times bestselling author Jay Kristoff comes Empire of the Vampire, the first illustrated volume of an astonishing new dark fantasy saga. From holy cup comes holy light; The faithful hand sets world aright. And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight, Mere man shall end this endless night. It has been twenty-seven long years since the last sunrise. For nearly three decades, vampires have waged war against humanity; building their eternal empire even as they tear down our own. Now, only a few tiny sparks of light endure in a sea of darkness. Gabriel de León is a silversaint: a member of a holy brotherhood dedicated to defending realm and church from the creatures of the night. But even the Silver Order could not stem the tide once daylight failed us, and now, only Gabriel remains. Imprisoned by the very monsters he vowed to destroy, the last silversaint is forced to tell his story. A story of legendary battles and forbidden love, of faith lost and friendships won, of the Wars of the Blood and the Forever King and the quest for humanity’s last remaining hope: The Holy Grail. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Rain Wilds Chronicles Robin Hobb, 2014-06-24 From New York Times bestselling master storyteller Robin Hobb comes four thrilling fantasies set in the world of the Rain Wilds. Get all four novels in Robin Hobb's The Rain Wilds Chronicles in one e-book, including Dragon Keeper,Dragon Haven,City of Dragons, and Blood of Dragons. This thrilling series tells the story of the resurgence of dragons in a world that both needs and fears them. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Bone Shard Daughter Andrea Stewart, 2020-09-08 The Bone Shard Daughter is an unmissable debut from a major new voice in epic fantasy — a stunning tale of magic, mystery, and revolution in which the former heir to the emperor will fight to reclaim her power and her place on the throne. One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year. — BuzzFeed News An amazing start to a new trilogy. — Culturess It grabs you by the heart and the throat from the first pages and doesn't let go. — Sarah J. Maas The emperor's reign has lasted for decades, his mastery of bone shard magic powering the animal-like constructs that maintain law and order. But now his rule is failing, and revolution is sweeping across the Empire's many islands. Lin is the emperor's daughter and spends her days trapped in a palace of locked doors and dark secrets. When her father refuses to recognise her as heir to the throne, she vows to prove her worth by mastering the forbidden art of bone shard magic. Yet such power carries a great cost, and when the revolution reaches the gates of the palace, Lin must decide how far she is willing to go to claim her birthright - and save her people. One of the best debut fantasy novels of the year. —BuzzFeed News An amazing start to a new trilogy. —Culturess It grabs you by the heart and the throat from the first pages and doesn't let go. —Sarah J. Maas Epic fantasy at its most human and heartfelt . . . inventive, adventurous and wonderfully written. —Alix E. Harrow Utterly absorbing. I adored it. —Emily Duncan A thoroughly fantastic read. —Kevin Hearne Stewart's debut is sharp and compelling. It will hook readers in and make them fiercely anticipate the rest of the series. —Booklist Groundbreaking epic fantasy for a new age. —Tasha Suri Begins with a spark of intrigue that ignites into a thrilling adventure. —Hafsah Faizal |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Book of Deacon Joseph R. Lallo, 2010-01-28 The Book of Deacon is the first book of The Book of Deacon series by Joseph R. Lallo. Myranda Celeste’s world has been built on a legacy of bloodshed. For more than a century, her homeland the Northern Alliance has fought the Kingdom of Tressor in what has come to be known as the Perpetual War. While her people look upon the conflict with reverence, Myranda’s hate for the war has made her an outcast. When she finds a precious sword among the equipment of a fallen warrior, she believes her luck may have changed. Little does she imagine that the treasure will draw her into an adventure of wizards and warriors, soldiers and rebels, and beasts both noble and monstrous. The journey will teach her much about her potential, about the origins of the war, and about the threat her world truly faces. Will Myranda unlock the secret of bringing peace once and for all, or will the world be lost to the Perpetual War? |
| how to read robin hobb books: Mass Effect: Initiation N.K. Jemisin, Mac Walters, 2017-11-28 An original novel written by Hugo Award-winning author N. K. Jemisin and Mass Effect creative director Mac Walters Lieutenant Cora Harper joined the Systems Alliance to develop and enhance her powerful biotic talents. She was assigned to the asari commando unit Talein’s Daughters, where she honed her abilities to become a skilled and deadly huntress. Returning to Earth, Cora finds herself a stranger among other humans, and joins the Andromeda Initiative as Alec Ryder’s second-in-command. The mission will send 100,000 colonists on a one-way, 600-year-long journey into the unknown. When essential—and dangerous—tech is stolen, Cora is assigned to recover it before it can be used against the Initiative, and end the mission before it can begin. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Sacrifice of the Sinners Lindsey Fairleigh, 2019-09-10 |
| how to read robin hobb books: Nona the Ninth Tamsyn Muir, 2022-09-13 Tamsyn Muir's New York Times and USA Today bestselling Locked Tomb Series continues with Nona ...the Ninth? A Finalist for the Hugo and Locus Awards! An Indie Next Pick! The Locked Tomb is a 2023 Hugo Finalist for Best Series! “You will love Nona, and Nona loves you.” —Alix E. Harrow “Unlike anything I've ever read.” —V.E. Schwab on Gideon the Ninth “Deft, tense and atmospheric, compellingly immersive and wildly original.” —The New York Times on Gideon the Ninth Her city is under siege. The zombies are coming back. And all Nona wants is a birthday party. In many ways, Nona is like other people. She lives with her family, has a job at her local school, and loves walks on the beach and meeting new dogs. But Nona's not like other people. Six months ago she woke up in a stranger's body, and she's afraid she might have to give it back. The whole city is falling to pieces. A monstrous blue sphere hangs on the horizon, ready to tear the planet apart. Blood of Eden forces have surrounded the last Cohort facility and wait for the Emperor Undying to come calling. Their leaders want Nona to be the weapon that will save them from the Nine Houses. Nona would prefer to live an ordinary life with the people she loves, with Pyrrha and Camilla and Palamedes, but she also knows that nothing lasts forever. And each night, Nona dreams of a woman with a skull-painted face... At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| how to read robin hobb books: City of Bones Martha Wells, 2023-09-05 Before Martha Wells captured the hearts of MILLIONS with her Murderbot series, there was Khat, Sagai, and Elen, and a city risen out of death and decay... The city of Charisat, a tiered monolith of the Ancients’ design, sits on the edge of the vast desert known as the Waste. Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working in the bottom tiers of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors. When Khat is hired by the all-powerful Warders to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients' arcane engines, he, and his party, begin unravelling the mysteries of an age-old technology. This they expected. They soon find themselves as the last line of defense between the suffering masses of Charisat and a fanatical cult, bent on unleashing an evil upon the city with an undying thirst for bone. That, they did not expect. This updated and revised edition is the author’s preferred text. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Wives of Los Alamos TaraShea Nesbit, 2014-04-24 Their average age was twenty-five. They came from Berkeley, Cambridge, Paris, London and Chicago – and arrived in New Mexico ready for adventure or at least resigned to it. But hope quickly turned to hardship in the desolate military town where everything was a secret, including what their husbands were doing at the lab. They lived in barely finished houses with a P.O. Box for an address, in a town wreathed with barbed wire, all for the benefit of 'the project' that didn't exist as far as the greater world was concerned. They were constrained by the words they couldn't say out loud, the letters they couldn't send home, the freedom they didn't have. Though they were strangers, they joined together – babies were born, friendships were forged, children grew up. But then 'the project' was unleashed and even bigger challenges faced the women of Los Alamos, as they struggled with the burden of their contribution towards the creation of the most destructive force in mankind's history – the atomic bomb. Contentious, gripping and intimate, The Wives of Los Alamos is a personal tale of one of the most momentous events in our history. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Ship of Stolen Words Fran Wilde, 2021-06-01 A group of goblins steal a boy’s ability to apologize in this lively middle-grade fantasy from Nebula Award-winning author Fran Wilde No matter how much trouble Sam gets in, he knows that he can always rely on his magic word, “sorry,” to get him out of a pinch. Teasing his little sister too much? Sorry! Hurt someone’s feelings in class? Sorry! Forgot to do his chores? So sorry! But when goblins come and steal his “sorry,” he can’t apologize for anything anymore. To get his “sorry” back and stop the goblins from stealing anyone else’s words, Sam will have to enter the goblins’ world and try and find the depository of stolen words. There, he meets Tolver, a young goblin who’s always dreamed of adventure. Tolver longs to use the goblin technology—which can turn words into fuel to power ships—to set off and explore, but his grandma warns him that the goblin prospectors will only bring trouble. Together, Tolver and Sam will have to outsmart the cruel prospectors and save the day before Sam’s parents ground him forever! |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Complete Liveship Traders Trilogy: Ship of Magic, The Mad Ship, Ship of Destiny Robin Hobb, 2012-12-13 'Fantasy as it ought to be written' George R.R. Martin The Liveship Traders trilogy returns readers to Robin Hobb’s most loved world. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Wizard of the Pigeons Megan Lindholm, Robin Hobb, 2020-12 A gorgeously illustrated 35th anniversary edition of the urban fantasy classic, featuring a new foreword by Megan Lindholm and illustrations by Tommy Arnold. Seattle: a place as magical as the Emerald City. Subtle magic seeps through the cracks in the paving stones of the sprawling metropolis. But only the inhabitants who possess special gifts are open to the city's consciousness; finding portents in the graffiti, reading messages in the rubbish or listening to warnings in the skipping-rope chants of children. Wizard is bound to Seattle and her magic. His gift is the Knowing -- a powerful enchantment allowing him to know the truth of things; to hear the life-stories of ancient mummies locked behind glass cabinets, to receive true fortunes from the carnival machines, to reveal to ordinary people the answers to their troubles and to safeguard the city's equilibrium. The magic has its price; Wizard must never have more than a dollar in his pocket, must remain celibate, and he must feed and protect the pigeons. But a threat to Seattle has begun to emerge in the portents. A malevolent force born of Wizard's forgotten past has returned to prey upon his power and taunt him with images of his obscure history; and he is the only wizard in Seattle who can face the evil and save the city, his friends and himself. |
| how to read robin hobb books: A Fantasy Medley 2 Yanni Kuznia, 2012 |
| how to read robin hobb books: Everything Happens Suddenly Roberta Metz Swann, 2010-11-01 Roberta Swann's poems have a welcome vivacity; they are deft and full of charm and humor. But not entirely. Many of the poems record appealing moments of the natural world and yet sometimes, as she writes, 'Abandonment is Nature's way.' In a poem that begins with recognition of the failing state of her mother, the last stanza begins 'A bear is at the bird-feeder.' It is this mixture of light and dark-the embrace of all of it-that is her special gift. Much pleasure lies within the pages of her book.--Mary Oliver. |
| how to read robin hobb books: The Silence Tim Lebbon, 2015-04-17 Bestselling author Tim Lebbon's electrifying horror novel - now made into a Netflix original movie starring Stanley Tucci and Kiernan Shipka In the darkness of an underground cave system, blind creatures hunt by sound. Then there is light, there are voices, and they feed... Swarming from their prison, the creatures thrive and destroy. To scream, even to whisper, is to summon death. As the hordes lay waste to Europe, a girl watches to see if they will cross the sea. Deaf for many years, she knows how to live in silence; now, it is her family's only chance of survival. To leave their home, to shun others, to find a remote haven where they can sit out the plague. But will it ever end? And what kind of world will be left? |
| how to read robin hobb books: Legacy of the Lost Lindsey Fairleigh, 2019-09-27 Some secrets are buried for a reason. She's about to uncover the deadliest secret of all... Legacy of the Lost is the first book in the captivating new sci-fi adventure series, the Atlantis Legacy. If you like ancient mysteries, mythology, treasure-hunting adventurers, and dynamic characters, then you'll love this exhilarating adventure. |
| how to read robin hobb books: Alien Earth Megan Lindholm, 2009-08 A journey of stunning discovery by the author of Cloven Hooves. Humanity has been rescued from a toxic and dangerous Earth by the enigmatic Arthropalan and inserted into the fragile ecologies of twin alien worlds--where they must make no environmental impact. |
