Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0-553-58245-3 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 02 December, 2003 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.7 (47 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Good Writing but Still a Middle Book
Comment: This second book, like so many others, suffers from the Middle Book Syndrome. The main (only?) focus of this book is character developement. There is hardly any action, and it was a little hard for me at first to be able to put my finger on a climax. In fact, I think there is less action in this book than any of her other books so far.
Why, then, could I not put it down?
Well, in a manner of speaking, I think that Robin Hobb can write the most interesting boring story of any of the authors out there. While there wasn't much action, there were plenty of plot developements to keep me interested. Lots of things going on at the court and in Fitz's life, and it was hard to keep up with all them. Something important did happen in almost every chapter, so the novel did seem fast-paced. In fact, I don't think I've ever been so entranced in a novel that had apparently no action. The characterization no doubt played a part there as well, and this time it's not so limited to Fitz. And, Mrs. Hobb also brought unfinished plot threads from her Liveship series into this book. I'm starting to see the picture: the Tawny Man is going to be a conclusion to both her previous series. So, this novel was, all in all, a gripping read.
However, I still couldn't give more than four stars. The best books are the ones that combine fast-paced action with complex plots and great characterizations. (Assassin's Quest was one of those.) Those books are rare, and that's five stars in my book. I think many reviewers don't realize what five stars means. Anyway, Golden Fool could've been better if there was action. It's a middle book. While it was entertaining of its own accord, it still served mainly as an introduction to the last volume. Mrs. Hobb has certainly introduced a lot; it makes me wonder if she will wrap it all up. But then, I felt the same way while reading Assassin's Quest, and I was pleasantly surprised when she did it , without rushing. I get the feeling that Fool's Fate is going to be one hell of a book. Now I just have to wait for it to come out in paperback.
Rating: 5
Summary: An amazingly intricate series
Comment: The main reason I love this series is because of it's complicated political plot. It really makes you think about what's going on. I like the way the characters are all flawed; none of them is perfect,not even close. The biggest problem with this book and the first one is that a lot of text is used to describe not much happening, but you only notice that at the end. And when you get down to it, who cares? It's really gripping and if nothing much happens, so what? the third book certainly makes up for it with twice as much happening as in the first 2 books combined. The good thing is, it doesn't even seem rushed.
This book opens some intriguing questions, mainly about Elliania and Peottre. What is that tattoo, for example? Where is Elliania's mother? Who are the rain wild traders and this dragon which seems to be popping up everywhere? (If you want to know more about Tintaglia and the rain wilders, read the liveship traders series. I wouldn't reccomend it as much - it's a bit slow to start).
The Outislanders and their customs is a refreshing break from the Six Duchies culture, which I find is a typical fantasy setting somewhat resembling the middle ages. I like the way the women are in charge, but it still has the traditional, and irritating, belief that women should stay home to look after the home.
Not for the first time, we are shown Fitz's relationship problems in very close detail. I understand his trouble with his bastard daughter, Nettle (who doesn't know she is his daughter) but I wish he would do something about it. Also, he never even seems to attempt to copy Nettle's dream making talent, simply submitting to his terrifying and traumatic nightmares without putting up a fight.
I feel for him with his troubles with Hap. Isn't that every father's worry? And didn't he do the same when he was young? But the episode with Jinna is frankly embarrassing. (get a life, Fitz!)
I hated it when Fitz and the Fool had that fight. Hobb is really good at helping you see from Fitz's point of view; it's like you're right inside his head. But when the Fool explains his reasoning, I felt that that was perfectly reasonable too. Alas, Fitz, you do have a problem with your relationships, don't you?
And last, but not least, why didn't Fitz go and see Burrich? It's the one of two things in the entire series that I just think 'No, that's not what he would have done'.
It's a great book. Everyone, read it. It's definitely worth it and doesn't succumb to any of the usual problems with Fantasy.
Rating: 5
Summary: Addictive and masterful
Comment: I have almost come to the conclusion that Robin Hobb cannot write a book I don't like. This second volume in this series brings back much of the emotional content of the Assassin trilogy, along with superb character development for all the players, especially Chade and the Fool.
Not much action in this book as usual, but I found it tremendously addictive.
Fitz is older and wiser. I miss Nighteyes. A lot. Prince Dutiful is not a wuss any more. The new characters introduced in this volume are all great. The book builds and builds... I can tell that the final volume will be a blast.
 |
Title: Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553582445 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 26 November, 2002 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553801546 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 03 February, 2004 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553565699 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 05 January, 1998 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Ship of Destiny (The Liveship Traders, Book 3) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553575651 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 27 November, 2001 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Mad Ship (The Liveship Traders, Book 2) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553575643 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 29 February, 2000 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
