Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
New York : Bantam Books, 2002.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. HTML:�??Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb�??s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.�?��??George R. R. Martin For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But now, into his isolated life, visitors begin to arrive: Fitz�??s mentor from his assassin days; a hedge-witch who foresees the return of a long-lost love; and the Fool, the former White Prophet, who beckons Fitz to fulfill his destiny. Then comes the summons he cannot ignore. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished. Fitz, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony, thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment . . . or worse. But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him�??or how his loyalties will be tested to the breaking point. Praise for Robin Hobb and Fool�??s Errand �??[Robin] Hobb has created a world brimming with detail and complexity [and] once again proves herself a full master of the epic fantasy.�?��??Tulsa World �??Splendid . . . Despite some truly wrenching twists, there is a welcome sense of new begi… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member AnnaOok
I've read this book without having read the previous trilogy. I disagree with the other review that says that doing so would mean finding the first 200 pages boring and/or confusing: I definitely didn't. It is a slow book, with a slower start, but one that kept me fascinated and glued to the page
It was pretty obvious that it continued a previous story: but this made for a deep, layered background that was revealed bit-by-bit without blatant summary/exposition, and not in a linear way. In fact, I enjoyed this aspect a lot: I do prefer being fed tidbits and having to piece them together myself rather than having it all laid out for me like See Spot Run.
A very satisfying read, and I will definitely look for the continuation of this series. Then I may go back and read the previous trilogy. (I don't mind that I already know "what happens": but I like the characters as they are now, and I might like them less as younger people.)
SPOILER SECTION BELOW: and I do mean it, don't read it if you haven't read the book yet. It's only gossip anyway, and unlikely to affect anybody's decision to read the book or not.
...I was smitten by the Fool from his first appearance. That's when the book changes from pleasant retirement story to Sensawunda Fantasy. And then I spent the rest of the book wanting him and Fitz/Tom to fall into bed together. Which is peculiar because I'm not generally given to slash: in fact, I think it's the first time I've ever done this "seriously", as opposed to "wouldn't it be funny if...?" I do believe that the author is teasing readers about it, seriously. Alas, by the end of the book this outcome seems unlikely (even in later books). But wouldn't it be great? :-)
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throughout. It is a slow book in a good way. It was pretty obvious that it continued a previous story: but this made for a deep, layered background that was revealed bit-by-bit without blatant summary/exposition, and not in a linear way. In fact, I enjoyed this aspect a lot: I do prefer being fed tidbits and having to piece them together myself rather than having it all laid out for me like See Spot Run.
A very satisfying read, and I will definitely look for the continuation of this series. Then I may go back and read the previous trilogy. (I don't mind that I already know "what happens": but I like the characters as they are now, and I might like them less as younger people.)
SPOILER SECTION BELOW: and I do mean it, don't read it if you haven't read the book yet. It's only gossip anyway, and unlikely to affect anybody's decision to read the book or not.
...I was smitten by the Fool from his first appearance. That's when the book changes from pleasant retirement story to Sensawunda Fantasy. And then I spent the rest of the book wanting him and Fitz/Tom to fall into bed together. Which is peculiar because I'm not generally given to slash: in fact, I think it's the first time I've ever done this "seriously", as opposed to "wouldn't it be funny if...?" I do believe that the author is teasing readers about it, seriously. Alas, by the end of the book this outcome seems unlikely (even in later books). But wouldn't it be great? :-)
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LibraryThing member Narilka
Fitz's days as a royal assassin are behind him. Having saved the Six Duchies and secured the Farseer throne, Fitz is happy to let most of the world think he's dead and retire to a simple life of exile with Nighteyes. Destiny, it seems, has other ideas. Prince Dutiful, heir to the throne, has
Fool's Errand is the first in Robin Hobb's Tawny Man trilogy. The story picks up 15 years after events in The Farseer Trilogy. The story is a slow build told from Fitz's first person point of view. Unlike other authors that beat readers over the head with reminders of what happened in previous books, Hobb works the high points in a way that flows naturally with the story while also filling us in on what happened to Fitz and Nighteyes in the years between stories. We are caught up on his current life and the new persona Fitz has adopted, Tom Badgerlock, and find he has been raising a boy, whom he loves like a son. Fitz has more than earned his rest and yet it is time for him to re-enter the world as it is his blend of abilities and skills that make him the one person uniquely qualified to find the prince.
As always, Robin Hobb is a master storyteller. Her characters are utterly believable. They are flawed and act on motivations based on their world view. They make mistakes and suffer the consequences. Fitz is the both the same and different. He's older and a tad wiser now though elements of the lovable boy we watched grow up are still there. His bond with Nighteyes has deepened and he understands the Wit much better now. Nighteyes, too, is starting to feel his age. He's no longer the young pup he used to be and has lived much longer than the average wolf. The Fool is back and a joy to read. We gain more insight into his background and his interactions with the other characters is phenomenal. Yet that bit of mystery around the Fool remains.
The plot, while initially simple, has a lot of twists and turns. Just as you think you understand where things are going, events twist and then twist again. The pacing is well done. The slow build pays off well with a climax that will keep you reading long into the night. All lose ends are nicely tied up in the end. I know this is just the first book in a trilogy but it could almost be read stand alone.
I laughed. I cried. I was swept away to far lands and completely immersed in the characters, the world and their story. Highly recommended.
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disappeared. Fitz has been called again to serve his Queen and the Six Duchies to retrieve the Prince before he misses his betrothal ceremony, a necessary political event to ensure peace between kingdoms. Soon Fitz sets out on a seemly simple errand unaware of the web of treachery he's about to stumble into. Fool's Errand is the first in Robin Hobb's Tawny Man trilogy. The story picks up 15 years after events in The Farseer Trilogy. The story is a slow build told from Fitz's first person point of view. Unlike other authors that beat readers over the head with reminders of what happened in previous books, Hobb works the high points in a way that flows naturally with the story while also filling us in on what happened to Fitz and Nighteyes in the years between stories. We are caught up on his current life and the new persona Fitz has adopted, Tom Badgerlock, and find he has been raising a boy, whom he loves like a son. Fitz has more than earned his rest and yet it is time for him to re-enter the world as it is his blend of abilities and skills that make him the one person uniquely qualified to find the prince.
As always, Robin Hobb is a master storyteller. Her characters are utterly believable. They are flawed and act on motivations based on their world view. They make mistakes and suffer the consequences. Fitz is the both the same and different. He's older and a tad wiser now though elements of the lovable boy we watched grow up are still there. His bond with Nighteyes has deepened and he understands the Wit much better now. Nighteyes, too, is starting to feel his age. He's no longer the young pup he used to be and has lived much longer than the average wolf. The Fool is back and a joy to read. We gain more insight into his background and his interactions with the other characters is phenomenal. Yet that bit of mystery around the Fool remains.
The plot, while initially simple, has a lot of twists and turns. Just as you think you understand where things are going, events twist and then twist again. The pacing is well done. The slow build pays off well with a climax that will keep you reading long into the night. All lose ends are nicely tied up in the end. I know this is just the first book in a trilogy but it could almost be read stand alone.
I laughed. I cried. I was swept away to far lands and completely immersed in the characters, the world and their story. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member mfoltz80
This book was a good start to the second trilogy. I've noticed that there is a lot of "quiet space" in the book as it leads up to the exciting bits near the end. I actually enjoy it as it lends more time to get to know the characters. The book can be pretty sad at times, b/c no one ever gets to
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truly do what they want or be with who they want, at least not the main character. But this book opens up the possibility of somewhat happy endings (or at least the hope for them). Show Less
LibraryThing member eddy79
It was good to get back to the Six Duchies, but I felt that the charactyer of Fitz was very different from the one I left at the end of Assassin's Quest, and that wasn;t a particulalry good thing IMO. Whilst being completely understandable taking into account everythig he went through in the
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previous trilogy, i longed for the days of the young Fitz finding his way in the Keep. Maybe I should have read the first book again..? I'm not sure there was enough of a story for a second trilogy, and maybe this would have been better as a one-off to catch up and conclude the story of Fitz. Show Less
LibraryThing member littlegeek
I really enjoy Robin Hobb's Elderlings books, but this one is a little "small" after the epic scope of the Liveship Traders series. Partly it's the first person narration, I think. I enjoyed it, but not as much as that series. Not enough Fool, who is the best character ever.
LibraryThing member plunkinberry
Fascinating and complex, intricate and well written. A compelling story that was hard to follow and difficult to put down. Somewhat slower reading than many stories due to the complexity but quite good. I will definately read the rest of this trillogy. I wonder if I am missing much of the stories
Again, I picked this up because of my relationship with Fitz. I still like the Fool & Nighteyes. I am compelled to see Fitz struggle with his overly complex relationships with everyone. Can't wait to see how the story unravels. I was absolutely rocked by the situation with Nighteyes at the end - I can only imagine how that twist bodes for the remainder of the story.
I'm glad the Prince returned willingly to Buck and will await how that develops.
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interwoven fabric by not having read the Ship trillogy that comes between the first three and this set.Again, I picked this up because of my relationship with Fitz. I still like the Fool & Nighteyes. I am compelled to see Fitz struggle with his overly complex relationships with everyone. Can't wait to see how the story unravels. I was absolutely rocked by the situation with Nighteyes at the end - I can only imagine how that twist bodes for the remainder of the story.
I'm glad the Prince returned willingly to Buck and will await how that develops.
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LibraryThing member Eohna
A good start to a good trilogy. Robin Hobb once again starts us on a magnificent journey across a beautiful world. Picking up from the Farseer Trilogy it continues Fitz's tale. The Fool comes back from the Liveship Traders trilogy and his catalyst is caught up in events beyond his control. It
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continues the character development of the previous two trilogies very well and sets the scene for quite a bit of rising action. Show Less
LibraryThing member willowcove
Just as good as the original trilogy!
LibraryThing member prettycurious
The books brings us back to Buch Duchy and Fitz and Nighteyes and it is a welcome return. Although I enjoyed the Liveship Traders trilogy the characters were not as engrossing or lovable as the characters in these books.
This trilogy promises to reveal more about the Wit and the Skill, as well as
This trilogy promises to reveal more about the Wit and the Skill, as well as
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focusing more on the relationship between the Fool and Fitz. Hobb's writing is on top form and this, combined with the truly interesting characters and plots, means that you quickly find you can't put it down. These series are some of the best written and engrossing novels I have read in recent years and I recommend them wholeheartedly. Show Less
LibraryThing member nbmars
This epic fantasy trilogy is actually a continuation of The Farseer Saga trilogy. I would say it is more accurately a hexalogy (a set of six related books), except that I understand the author will be going back to the same characters in a new series next year (a development about which I am more
Background (Big Spoilers for the Farseer Series - Skip to Evaluation for NO Spoilers)
Fitz was born out of wedlock to Chivalry Farseer, the King-in-Waiting of the Six Duchies. At age six, Fitz was taken away from his mother by his grandfather and handed over to Verity, Chivalry’s brother, at Buckkeep Fortress.
With Fitz's existence known, Chivalry was forced as a point of honor to abdicate his right to the throne and to leave Buckkeep. Fitz’s care was given by Verity in part to Burrich, the Stablemaster of Buckkeep and Chivalry’s right-hand man. A third brother, Regal, was jealous of Chivalry and Verity, and when Fitz came, Regal began to hate Fitz the most of all of them. Regal resolved to get rid of all three of them so he could rule after the death of their father, King Shrewd.
The others ignored Regal, because the Six Duchies had bigger (or so they thought) problems. They were being besieged by pirates from the Outislands, who traveled in distinctive red ships, raiding the shores and stealing the wealth of the Six Duchies. Then the Outislanders began kidnapping villagers and by some unknown process returning them as zombie-like monsters. Because this practice began with the village of Forge, such people, no matter their origin, were ever after known as “Forged.”
People who were Forged could not even be detected by the Skill. This was magic common to those in the Farseer line enabling a person to reach out to another’s mind, no matter how distant, and know that person’s thoughts. If the other person were Skilled also, the two could even communicate through mind-speak, and if one had evil intent, he or she could control or even kill the other person via the Skill.
Some people also had a magic called the Wit. This was the ability to form a special, and mutual, bond with an animal. Fitz was witted, and had such a bond with the wolf, Nighteyes.
As The Farseer Series ends, the Outislanders have been defeated, and Chivalry, Verity, and Shrewd are gone. Verity’s Queen Kettricken now rules Buckkeep and has a son who is heir to Verity, Prince Dutiful. Chade has come out of hiding to be the Queen’s counselor. Burrich and Molly, thinking Fitz dead, have married. Fitz lives as a hermit in an isolated cottage outside Buck with his wolf Nighteyes and with the young boy Hap brought to him by the minstrel Starling. During the day, Fitz still wrestles with being drawn to the Skill, and at night, he dreams of dragons.
Specifics for Fool's Errand (or skip to Non-Spoilery Overall Evaluation)
This story picks up fifteen years after the end of the The Farseer Saga. Fitz, now 35, still lives in his isolated cabin with his Wit-bonded wolf, Nighteyes, and his foster boy, Hap, 15, who has been with Fitz for seven years. Hap was brought to Fitz by the minstrel Starling, who still occasionally visits with Fitz. Otherwise, Fitz has been mostly alone, and is going by the name of Tom Badgerlock. As the story begins, Fitz receives a very unexpected visit from Chade, his old mentor from his days at the royal court. Chade brings news of all the people from Fitz’s past, including Fitz’s daughter Nettle, now 15, raised by Molly and Burrich along with their five boys. Chade also tells him news of Prince Dutiful, 14, who, unbeknownst to almost everyone, is also Fitz’s child. Chade asks Fitz to return to Buckkeep and instruct both the Prince and Nettle in the Skill.
Fitz refuses, but Chade’s visit awakened something in him, and Nighteyes tells Fitz he senses change in the air. “Changer” is what Nighteyes sometimes calls Fitz, similar to the name “Catalyst” given to Fitz by his old friend Fool. Hap is restless too; he is growing up, and wants to be an apprentice to a woodworker in Buckkeep Town.
Fitz’s unquiet is exacerbated further by a visit from Fool. Fool too wants Fitz to come back, to be The Catalyst again. The matter is settled when Chade sends a message urgently calling Fitz back to Buckkeep. Prince Dutiful is missing. Fitz returns as “Tom Badgerlock,” servant to Lord Golden, who is actually Fool.
In the years Fitz has been gone, prejudice and animosity have increased toward those who are witted. A renegade group of Witted calling themselves Piebalds have taken to exposing families “tainted” by the Wit. Some of those outted end up drawn and quartered by the fearful and superstitious masses. Prince Dutiful is witted, and Kettricken and Chade fear the Piebalds have taken him, either to disclose his nature, or use the threat of disclosure to blackmail the queen. Furthermore, in two weeks, Dutiful is scheduled to be betrothed to a princess from the Outislanders, an alliance deemed essential to maintain peace. Kettricken and Chade beg Fitz to find the prince and get him home safely before the Outislander delegation arrives. He has sixteen days. Fitz, Nighteyes, and the Fool set out to find Dutiful.
Much of the plot of Book One is palpably saturated with Fitz’s anguish and loneliness. I cried myself to sleep after finishing this one.
Overall Evaluaton - No Spoilers This is a wonderful series, which really should be read as part of a six-book saga rather than a trilogy, with The Farseer Series preceding this one. (In fact, one of the mysteries of The Farseer Series - about Forging - is not uncovered until the third book of this series.) The characters are unforgettable, and their lives in this story full of fantasy are nevertheless richly exemplary of "the human condition." This is a tale made up of a lot of pages, and perhaps there is a bit of repetition. But I didn’t regret reading any of it, except for the matter of all the kleenex I went through, and for the reluctant necessity of leaving the world of the Farseers when the saga was over.
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than delighted) so the story may encompass even more than six books.Background (Big Spoilers for the Farseer Series - Skip to Evaluation for NO Spoilers)
Fitz was born out of wedlock to Chivalry Farseer, the King-in-Waiting of the Six Duchies. At age six, Fitz was taken away from his mother by his grandfather and handed over to Verity, Chivalry’s brother, at Buckkeep Fortress.
With Fitz's existence known, Chivalry was forced as a point of honor to abdicate his right to the throne and to leave Buckkeep. Fitz’s care was given by Verity in part to Burrich, the Stablemaster of Buckkeep and Chivalry’s right-hand man. A third brother, Regal, was jealous of Chivalry and Verity, and when Fitz came, Regal began to hate Fitz the most of all of them. Regal resolved to get rid of all three of them so he could rule after the death of their father, King Shrewd.
The others ignored Regal, because the Six Duchies had bigger (or so they thought) problems. They were being besieged by pirates from the Outislands, who traveled in distinctive red ships, raiding the shores and stealing the wealth of the Six Duchies. Then the Outislanders began kidnapping villagers and by some unknown process returning them as zombie-like monsters. Because this practice began with the village of Forge, such people, no matter their origin, were ever after known as “Forged.”
People who were Forged could not even be detected by the Skill. This was magic common to those in the Farseer line enabling a person to reach out to another’s mind, no matter how distant, and know that person’s thoughts. If the other person were Skilled also, the two could even communicate through mind-speak, and if one had evil intent, he or she could control or even kill the other person via the Skill.
Some people also had a magic called the Wit. This was the ability to form a special, and mutual, bond with an animal. Fitz was witted, and had such a bond with the wolf, Nighteyes.
As The Farseer Series ends, the Outislanders have been defeated, and Chivalry, Verity, and Shrewd are gone. Verity’s Queen Kettricken now rules Buckkeep and has a son who is heir to Verity, Prince Dutiful. Chade has come out of hiding to be the Queen’s counselor. Burrich and Molly, thinking Fitz dead, have married. Fitz lives as a hermit in an isolated cottage outside Buck with his wolf Nighteyes and with the young boy Hap brought to him by the minstrel Starling. During the day, Fitz still wrestles with being drawn to the Skill, and at night, he dreams of dragons.
Specifics for Fool's Errand (or skip to Non-Spoilery Overall Evaluation)
This story picks up fifteen years after the end of the The Farseer Saga. Fitz, now 35, still lives in his isolated cabin with his Wit-bonded wolf, Nighteyes, and his foster boy, Hap, 15, who has been with Fitz for seven years. Hap was brought to Fitz by the minstrel Starling, who still occasionally visits with Fitz. Otherwise, Fitz has been mostly alone, and is going by the name of Tom Badgerlock. As the story begins, Fitz receives a very unexpected visit from Chade, his old mentor from his days at the royal court. Chade brings news of all the people from Fitz’s past, including Fitz’s daughter Nettle, now 15, raised by Molly and Burrich along with their five boys. Chade also tells him news of Prince Dutiful, 14, who, unbeknownst to almost everyone, is also Fitz’s child. Chade asks Fitz to return to Buckkeep and instruct both the Prince and Nettle in the Skill.
Fitz refuses, but Chade’s visit awakened something in him, and Nighteyes tells Fitz he senses change in the air. “Changer” is what Nighteyes sometimes calls Fitz, similar to the name “Catalyst” given to Fitz by his old friend Fool. Hap is restless too; he is growing up, and wants to be an apprentice to a woodworker in Buckkeep Town.
Fitz’s unquiet is exacerbated further by a visit from Fool. Fool too wants Fitz to come back, to be The Catalyst again. The matter is settled when Chade sends a message urgently calling Fitz back to Buckkeep. Prince Dutiful is missing. Fitz returns as “Tom Badgerlock,” servant to Lord Golden, who is actually Fool.
In the years Fitz has been gone, prejudice and animosity have increased toward those who are witted. A renegade group of Witted calling themselves Piebalds have taken to exposing families “tainted” by the Wit. Some of those outted end up drawn and quartered by the fearful and superstitious masses. Prince Dutiful is witted, and Kettricken and Chade fear the Piebalds have taken him, either to disclose his nature, or use the threat of disclosure to blackmail the queen. Furthermore, in two weeks, Dutiful is scheduled to be betrothed to a princess from the Outislanders, an alliance deemed essential to maintain peace. Kettricken and Chade beg Fitz to find the prince and get him home safely before the Outislander delegation arrives. He has sixteen days. Fitz, Nighteyes, and the Fool set out to find Dutiful.
Much of the plot of Book One is palpably saturated with Fitz’s anguish and loneliness. I cried myself to sleep after finishing this one.
Overall Evaluaton - No Spoilers This is a wonderful series, which really should be read as part of a six-book saga rather than a trilogy, with The Farseer Series preceding this one. (In fact, one of the mysteries of The Farseer Series - about Forging - is not uncovered until the third book of this series.) The characters are unforgettable, and their lives in this story full of fantasy are nevertheless richly exemplary of "the human condition." This is a tale made up of a lot of pages, and perhaps there is a bit of repetition. But I didn’t regret reading any of it, except for the matter of all the kleenex I went through, and for the reluctant necessity of leaving the world of the Farseers when the saga was over.
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LibraryThing member Amelia_Smith
I might have given this book 5 stars if it didn't have such an excruciatingly slow start. It takes the main character over 200 pages to leave his house, even though we all know from page 1 (or 5, at the latest) that he will go. Once he finally gets going, it's good.
LibraryThing member xicanti
Fifteen years after the end of Assassin's Quest, Fitz reluctantly returns to Buckkeep to fulfill a mission that requires his particular blend of Skill and Wit.
Robin Hobb has very quickly become one of my favourite authors, and I consider this her best book yet. It continues the story begun in her
Once it gets going, though, this is a fast-moving and readable book. Once Fitz returns to Buckkeep, things wrap up in the space of about two weeks; quite a departure from Hobb's previous books, which all cover at least a year's worth of activity. There's always something going on, and it all directly relates to either the plot or the character development. It's fantastic. The book flew by.
Despite the strong plot, the story's main strength lies in its characters. Hobb really excels at crafting characters who grow and change even as they retain their core character. Fitz is no exception; he's still very definitely himself, but the reader can really tell that he's lived every moment of the past fifteen years. It was his relationship with the Fool, though, that really made this book for me. The two of them fit together so well! There's great tension between them, and great empathy as well. I loved it. It was also great to see him renewing his ties with Chade and forging new ones with Dutiful.
Overall, this was absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend it, but really urge you to read at least the Farseer books first.
Robin Hobb has very quickly become one of my favourite authors, and I consider this her best book yet. It continues the story begun in her
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Farseer series, (with a few brief mentions of the Liveship Traders books, as well), and I'd definitely recommend reading those books first. Fool's Errand does cover new ground, but I'm pretty sure that anyone who hadn't read the first trilogy would find at least the first two hundred pages either confusing or boring, if not both. As someone who greedily devoured the previous series, I considered this a welcome chance to catch up with old friends, but it does delay the point at which the action begins.Once it gets going, though, this is a fast-moving and readable book. Once Fitz returns to Buckkeep, things wrap up in the space of about two weeks; quite a departure from Hobb's previous books, which all cover at least a year's worth of activity. There's always something going on, and it all directly relates to either the plot or the character development. It's fantastic. The book flew by.
Despite the strong plot, the story's main strength lies in its characters. Hobb really excels at crafting characters who grow and change even as they retain their core character. Fitz is no exception; he's still very definitely himself, but the reader can really tell that he's lived every moment of the past fifteen years. It was his relationship with the Fool, though, that really made this book for me. The two of them fit together so well! There's great tension between them, and great empathy as well. I loved it. It was also great to see him renewing his ties with Chade and forging new ones with Dutiful.
Overall, this was absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend it, but really urge you to read at least the Farseer books first.
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LibraryThing member Carol_W
This is the first book by Robin Hobb that I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s the first book of an anticipated trilogy and apparently this is the second trilogy involving the central character, FitzCivalry Farseer. Not having read the first trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal
Fool’s Errand in a very well-written fantasy. Although Hobb took her time in introducing the central conflict, I found her characters so engaging that I was very willing to stick with the story. Hobb has produced a convincing world filled with interesting, well-realized people. The story’s conflict revolves around the practice of two different types of magic, but it's the social consequences of using one of them - the Wit - that's at the core of the conflict. This is because magic in this world is a manifestation of special talent that not everyone has, and I would say that the book's theme is intolerance. Hobb makes the social conflict and its ramifications powerfully convincing.
The central character, Fitz, is a complex person with a complex history. I’d like to read more about him, and my dilemma at this point is whether to backtrack and read the earlier trilogy to satisfy that desire. Inevitably, Fool’s Errand has handed me a lot of spoilers. My sense is that the quality of Robin Hobb’s writing is such that I would still find plenty to enjoy in those earlier books even if I already know the major plot twists. That’s a compliment similar to saying that a book stands up to re-reading.
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Assassin, Assassin’s Quest) meant that I was behind on a lot of the background. While I could easily follow the plot of Fool’s Errand, I wouldn’t recommend that others start in the middle as I did. If nothing else, it's skipping a lot of what is almost certainly great stuff.Fool’s Errand in a very well-written fantasy. Although Hobb took her time in introducing the central conflict, I found her characters so engaging that I was very willing to stick with the story. Hobb has produced a convincing world filled with interesting, well-realized people. The story’s conflict revolves around the practice of two different types of magic, but it's the social consequences of using one of them - the Wit - that's at the core of the conflict. This is because magic in this world is a manifestation of special talent that not everyone has, and I would say that the book's theme is intolerance. Hobb makes the social conflict and its ramifications powerfully convincing.
The central character, Fitz, is a complex person with a complex history. I’d like to read more about him, and my dilemma at this point is whether to backtrack and read the earlier trilogy to satisfy that desire. Inevitably, Fool’s Errand has handed me a lot of spoilers. My sense is that the quality of Robin Hobb’s writing is such that I would still find plenty to enjoy in those earlier books even if I already know the major plot twists. That’s a compliment similar to saying that a book stands up to re-reading.
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LibraryThing member librisissimo
Substance: Standard pseudo-medieval magic land, although the differentiation of types of magic is interesting (Skill, Wit, hedge). Takes a long time to get to the real story, but not uninteresting. Essentially retells the story from the Assassin's Trilogy in the first 90 pages, with further
Style: Generally straight-forward narrative, with some irritating and unnecessary back-stitching.
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retrospection through-out.Style: Generally straight-forward narrative, with some irritating and unnecessary back-stitching.
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
Possibly the most absorbing in the series yet... this is definitely a miss-your-subway-stop, sneak-it-at-your-desk-at-work, stay-up-way-too-late kinda book!
It's been 15 years... FitzChivalry has taken on the identity of Tom Badgerlock, and has been finally living the simple life he always wanted, a
It's been 15 years... FitzChivalry has taken on the identity of Tom Badgerlock, and has been finally living the simple life he always wanted, a
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near hermit in a rural cottage, alone except for his adopted son Hap, and occasional visits from the minstrel Starling. But events seem to conspire to end this quiet time... Fitz says no to Chade's request to return to Buckkeep to tutor his genetic son, Prince Dutiful, in the ways of the magic that he is born to. But when the Fool, now in the guise of the wealthy and alluring Lord Golden, reveals that Dutiful has gone missing, there seems no option but to accede to Queen Kettricken's wish that they go on a mission to find him before the Prince's impending bethrothal to an OutIsland princess... But are they merely seeking a rebellious runaway, or is a more sinister plot behind the Prince's absence? Sentiment against the Witted (those who have the ability to communicate with an animal partner) is on the rise, and many innocents have been brutally lynched. The secret political group calling themselves the Piebalds, who claim to be working for the rights of those who have the Wit, are not helping with their antics. Fitz' bond with his wolf partner, Nighteyes, is more of a liability than ever, now... Show Less
LibraryThing member Ma_Washigeri
Plus another half star..... I thoroughly enjoyed the first assassins trilogy years ago and I've really enjoyed being back with Fitz and Nighteyes. This series is 'The Tawny Man' so I expect the Fool's presence to build up in part 2. It's a comforting read and good for bedtime despite dealing with
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unsettling issues - race, class and gender. Usually I go pale at the sight of a single volume of 700 pages, much less 3 books, but while I would encourage a bit of condensing I do read it all - no skipping along as it has content, not just filler. Show Less
LibraryThing member rretzler
Fitzchivalry Farseer has successfully hidden away from all who know him with his wit-bonded wolf, Nighteyes and his adopted son, Hap, recuperating from his previous experiences in service to the kingdom and his family. However, one day a visitor arrives – Chade Fallstar, now advisor to Queen
In this second trilogy to feature Fitz and The Fool, Fitz has undoubtedly matured and seems to make better decisions than he did in the first trilogy. Because of this, I liked the book a little more than the previous ones, as Fitz is much less frustrating to me. However, he is still not without his flaws, but the wisdom of both Nighteyes and The Fool mitigate the frustration for me. Hobb’s books are easy to read, and even though they are long, the narrative flows very well, and I am caught up in each terrible thing that seems to befall Fitz.
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Kettricken and Prince Dutiful, wants Fitz to return to Buckkeep to tutor Dutiful in the Skill. Fitz refuses Chade and is next visited by The Fool. Near the end of The Fool’s visit, both learn that Prince Dutiful has been missing for days and they quickly return to Buckkeep to help find him.In this second trilogy to feature Fitz and The Fool, Fitz has undoubtedly matured and seems to make better decisions than he did in the first trilogy. Because of this, I liked the book a little more than the previous ones, as Fitz is much less frustrating to me. However, he is still not without his flaws, but the wisdom of both Nighteyes and The Fool mitigate the frustration for me. Hobb’s books are easy to read, and even though they are long, the narrative flows very well, and I am caught up in each terrible thing that seems to befall Fitz.
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LibraryThing member cindywho
I brought all three books with "fool" in the title along on my vacation and finished them soon after I got back. It's a continuation of the Assassin trilogy and Fitz came back to get the crap beat out of him yet again, physically and emotionally. The emotional parts could be the most grueling. The
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intrigue and adventure was good. There were wolves and dragons and most ends getting tied up in a satisfying way. (November 26, 2005) Show Less
LibraryThing member renbedell
The story of Fitz continues many years later with Fitz finding solitude before being brought back into the realm of the Six Duchies. This book follows the events of the previous trilogy, that I would highly recommend reading that first. The book does a good job of reminiscing about past events to
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remind you. The book is great and is filled with the quality writing and interesting characters that you expect with Robin Hobb. This first book in the series is very slow and takes its time letting you get to know Fitz again. The real story doesn't start until about half way through. Show Less
LibraryThing member dogcopter
Fitz is grumpy and lonely and his head and back hurts all the time and both the mundane and enormous responsibilities of his life feel equally unbearable which like, big mood. I was hoping for escapism though.
LibraryThing member BooksForDinner
Quickly turning into one of my favorite fantasy series of all time.
LibraryThing member Ma_Washigeri
Plus another half star..... I thoroughly enjoyed the first assassins trilogy years ago and I've really enjoyed being back with Fitz and Nighteyes. This series is 'The Tawny Man' so I expect the Fool's presence to build up in part 2. It's a comforting read and good for bedtime despite dealing with
Show More
unsettling issues - race, class and gender. Usually I go pale at the sight of a single volume of 700 pages, much less 3 books, but while I would encourage a bit of condensing I do read it all - no skipping along as it has content, not just filler. Show Less
LibraryThing member quiBee
This is a resumption of the story started with Fitz and the Fool from many years before. Fitz is living alone, in seclusion, with his wolf and his adopted boy when he gets dragged into a search for a missing Prince.
It was a pleasure to come back to Robin Hobb's world again and to the characters she
It was a pleasure to come back to Robin Hobb's world again and to the characters she
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created. Fitz has to carefully guard the secret of his bond with his wolf--the land is not kind to anyone with the "Gift". The Fool now has a new persona but is still very intriguing and still battling to keep the future from the ghastliness that could come if he doesn't intervene. 4.5 stars. Great narrator as well in James Langton. Show Less
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
A sequel to the Farseer Trilogy, this is set fifteen years later. Fitz has a new identity as Tom Badgerlock and has carved out a life for himself. However his retirement can't last and he's called on to help the Farseer dynasty again. This time it's the next generation and he's gone missing, if
There's also people hunting the "witted" and Fitz has to try to keep from being killed.
I liked to see how the characters had developed and how people who had moved along over time. How the politics had changed.
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he's dead it's Fitz's daugher who's next in line.There's also people hunting the "witted" and Fitz has to try to keep from being killed.
I liked to see how the characters had developed and how people who had moved along over time. How the politics had changed.
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LibraryThing member FourOfFiveWits
I feel like Fitz getting back into the fray of Buck took way too much of the book. Also, even though she was incredibly insulting about it I kind of agree with Starling at the end. Fitz cannot catch a break and won't give himself a break and tends to wallow in self-pity but somehow Hobb writes this
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well and not obnoxiously. Show Less
Awards
SF Site Reader's Choice (2001)
Gaylactic Spectrum Award (Nominee — Novel — 2003)
Locus Recommended Reading (2001)
Language
Original publication date
2001
Physical description
764 p.; 26 inches
ISBN
0553582445 / 9780553582444
Other editions
Fool's errand by Robin Hobb (Paper Book)