Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Harper Voyager (1999), Hardcover, 688 pages
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. HTML:�A truly extraordinary saga . . . The characterizations are consistently superb, and [Hobb] animates everything with love for and knowledge of the sea.��Booklist 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. BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Robin Hobb's Ship of Destiny. Praise for Robin Hobb and the Liveship Traders Trilogy �Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb�s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.��George R. R. Martin �A major work of high fantasy, reading like a cross between Tolkien and Patrick O�Brian . . . one of the finest fantasy sagas to bridge the millennium.��Publishers Weekly �Rich, complex . . . [Hobb�s] plotting is complex but tightly controlled, and her descriptive powers match her excellent visual imagination. But her chief virtue is that she delineates character extremely well.��Interzone.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Narilka
A solid middle book for a trilogy. Mad Ship picks up right where Ship of Magic left off. The characters continue to develop and there were a couple surprises. The stories are starting to tie together more. It will be good to see how it all ends.
I do agree with another reviewer in that it seems the
I do agree with another reviewer in that it seems the
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middle of the book gets bogged down a little. Show Less
LibraryThing member jedisluzer
Robin Hobb is my favorite fantasy author these days, and this is my favorite of her books. It is also the first one I read. The last quarter of this book is truly thrilling, as we see the plot come together into something that startles. I could read the scene where Tintaglia hatches over and over.
LibraryThing member rocalisa
It took me a long time to read this - a month - and I really loved it. The growing "big picture" is fascination and more and more of the pieces are falling into place to make the mysteries of the first book seem much clearer. I knew the liveships had a link to the dragons, but I certainly never
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figured out exactly what it was. Show Less
LibraryThing member abatishko
While I enjoyed this book very much, I thought it fell just a little short of the first book in the series. Even so, it was nice to see some of the characters change and grow in this book. There was also a good number of unexpected turns to the plot. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this
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series gets all wrapped up in the third book. 4.5/5 Show Less
LibraryThing member littlebookworm
A phenomenal follow-up to Ship of Magic. The characters really grow in this one, and that stood out to me more than anything else. Hobb's writing is excellent.
LibraryThing member xicanti
The plot thickens in the second volume of The Liveship Traders. Althea, Brashen and Amber refit Paragon as part of an attempt to regain Vivacia. Kennit's kingly aspirations move forward as he works to sway both Wintrow and Vivacia to his cause. The Vestrits become more firmly entangled with the
This was a fantastic book with tons going on at all times. Hobb excels at developing complex, multi-dimensional characters who grow as their lives change, and they're really what drives this story. Amidst the vivid sea battles and political upheaval that provide the action, it's really the characters that shine forth and draw the reader in. Their storylines intersect and diverge beautifully as the book progresses.
I still found the writing a little loose in places, and the dialogue is occasionally quite stilted, but by neither of these things seemed to matter as much as they did in the first volume. The story is built up so well that it pushes technical concerns to the background.
I highly recommend this, but really encourage you to read Ship of Magic first. This is pretty much a direct continuation of the story; I don't think it would have the same impact unless you've also read the first volume.
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Rain Wild Traders. And Satrap Cosgo's diplomatic voyage to Bingtown seems destined to begin a war.This was a fantastic book with tons going on at all times. Hobb excels at developing complex, multi-dimensional characters who grow as their lives change, and they're really what drives this story. Amidst the vivid sea battles and political upheaval that provide the action, it's really the characters that shine forth and draw the reader in. Their storylines intersect and diverge beautifully as the book progresses.
I still found the writing a little loose in places, and the dialogue is occasionally quite stilted, but by neither of these things seemed to matter as much as they did in the first volume. The story is built up so well that it pushes technical concerns to the background.
I highly recommend this, but really encourage you to read Ship of Magic first. This is pretty much a direct continuation of the story; I don't think it would have the same impact unless you've also read the first volume.
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LibraryThing member littlegeek
Man, I'm really enjoying this series. When the connections between the sea serpents, the dragons, the liveships and the Rain Wild began to dawn on me, I just got a chill up my back. I love how Hobb slowly develops these fascinating ideas. Such detailed and intricate world building.
Another thing at
I immediately picked up the next volume in the series and I'm loving it as well. The only downside I have found with these books is they seem to bog down somewhere in the middle, as characters suddenly seem to want to talk everything to death or endlessly argue or psychoanalyse each other. It's almost as if Hobb doesn't trust the reader to get everything that is going on, so for the slow readers she takes a break midway through to explain it all. You've already shown it, just keep going with the story.
Another thing at
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which Hobb excels is character. All the characters are well drawn, but at the same time, they change over time according to their circumstances and situations in ways that ring true to actual human beings. This is a rare, rare thing in any form of fiction, and I can't praise it highly enough.I immediately picked up the next volume in the series and I'm loving it as well. The only downside I have found with these books is they seem to bog down somewhere in the middle, as characters suddenly seem to want to talk everything to death or endlessly argue or psychoanalyse each other. It's almost as if Hobb doesn't trust the reader to get everything that is going on, so for the slow readers she takes a break midway through to explain it all. You've already shown it, just keep going with the story.
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LibraryThing member tronella
o/ I am over halfway through this series now! Hooray. Pirates! Dragons! What's not to like? I'm really liking the way the history of the Rain Wilds is being slowly revealed, too.
In the middle of this book there are a couple of very rape-filled chapters, which I was fortunately warned about in
In the middle of this book there are a couple of very rape-filled chapters, which I was fortunately warned about in
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advance by Amy. So... you may wish to take that into account. I found them quite disturbing. Show Less
LibraryThing member willowcove
In the same universe as the 'Farseer' books, and just as good. A unique twist of where the ships' powers come from.
LibraryThing member FicusFan
Loved the first book. Loved the writing and the characters in both books. In this book I thought there was too much time spent on the serpents, and the whole dragon thing just does nothing for me. Not interested, not believable (in this fantasy context). It also seemed to become a predictable soap
I really liked the characters from the first book, but the new characters (Satrap and his court) were rather boring an cliched. I am also getting tired of the Pirate King and the gang aboard the Vivicia. I really like Althea and Malta's stories and would prefer to spend more time with them.
Will still keep reading but would rather have more exploration of the characters than the obvious action/adventure ending coming up.
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opera. I really liked the characters from the first book, but the new characters (Satrap and his court) were rather boring an cliched. I am also getting tired of the Pirate King and the gang aboard the Vivicia. I really like Althea and Malta's stories and would prefer to spend more time with them.
Will still keep reading but would rather have more exploration of the characters than the obvious action/adventure ending coming up.
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LibraryThing member yahalomi65
This is very much a continuation of the earlier Ship of Magic. We delve deeper into the society and politics of the Bingtown traders, their mysterious allies, the Rain Wild Traders, and learn a great deal more about how the magical liveships came to be.
I loved the Paragon sections of the book.
In this 2nd book and my opinion of Robin Hobb as a brilliant writer just got stronger.
Very Very RECOMMENDED !!
I loved the Paragon sections of the book.
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There's something about misfits, underdogs, and the damaged.In this 2nd book and my opinion of Robin Hobb as a brilliant writer just got stronger.
Very Very RECOMMENDED !!
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LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
Book 2 and if book 1 was complicated book 2 becomes even more so, looking forward to book 3
LibraryThing member amusing.nickname
It would be safe to say Robin Hobb is a genius. Or at least possesses depths of imagination that is freakish in nature in any case. And the characterisation is phenomenal. I used to love her Fitz books, but I am becoming quite enamored with her Liveship Traders now as well.. I have the last of the
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trilogy sitting here beside me and though it's 4:30 am, my fingers are burning to pick it up and keep on the journey. Show Less
LibraryThing member pwaites
Mad Ship is the second in Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders trilogy of which the first is Ship of Magic. If you haven’t read Ship of Magic, you’ll need to before picking up Mad Ship.
Mad Ship is very much the second book in the trilogy. It continues the events from the first and sets up for the
Basically, Mad Ship delivers more of what is expected. The only noteworthy change is that this one has rape. It’s no where near the level of Song of Ice and Fire or the rest of the grim-dark sub genre, but here’s a warning to those would prefer to stay clear. I’m not sure what the purpose of it’s inclusion was. In one case it may be to show how terrible her situation and a male are, as well as possible character development.
I was glad to see that Malta had some character development, and I like her a lot more by the end of Mad Ship. However, her change was pretty sudden, and I think it could have been a bit more gradual.
I don’t like Kennit, but I think Hobb is trying to make him more sympathetic with the fleshing out of some of his past. Despite my dislike of him, Kennit is interesting as a character who’s doing good things for bad reasons.
Robin Hobb’s a must read for any fan of epic fantasy, and the Liveship trilogy is my favorite of all her books so far. Some of the technical aspects – eight or so POV characters centered around one family – might appeal to fans of A Game of Thrones, but while Robin Hobb does not hesitate to put her characters through all sorts of dark places, she doesn’t have the grim-dark feel. Plus, she writes in trilogies, so you won’t be strung along forever waiting for the much brandished fate to finally happen. Anyway, I’d recommend this one for just about any epic fantasy fan, especially those looking for good female characters.
Mad Ship is very much the second book in the trilogy. It continues the events from the first and sets up for the
Show More
third.Basically, Mad Ship delivers more of what is expected. The only noteworthy change is that this one has rape. It’s no where near the level of Song of Ice and Fire or the rest of the grim-dark sub genre, but here’s a warning to those would prefer to stay clear. I’m not sure what the purpose of it’s inclusion was. In one case it may be to show how terrible her situation and a male are, as well as possible character development.
I was glad to see that Malta had some character development, and I like her a lot more by the end of Mad Ship. However, her change was pretty sudden, and I think it could have been a bit more gradual.
I don’t like Kennit, but I think Hobb is trying to make him more sympathetic with the fleshing out of some of his past. Despite my dislike of him, Kennit is interesting as a character who’s doing good things for bad reasons.
Robin Hobb’s a must read for any fan of epic fantasy, and the Liveship trilogy is my favorite of all her books so far. Some of the technical aspects – eight or so POV characters centered around one family – might appeal to fans of A Game of Thrones, but while Robin Hobb does not hesitate to put her characters through all sorts of dark places, she doesn’t have the grim-dark feel. Plus, she writes in trilogies, so you won’t be strung along forever waiting for the much brandished fate to finally happen. Anyway, I’d recommend this one for just about any epic fantasy fan, especially those looking for good female characters.
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LibraryThing member nnschiller
Excellent addition to the series. Hobb is as usual, strong on characters and world building, plot somewhat rambling. Of course, I don't read her for the plot.
LibraryThing member jenspirko
Hobb's storytelling develops even further from the promising Farseer trilogy in this series (The Liveship Traders), and this second installment is completely irresistible. I blame Hobb for some late nights, as I had trouble putting it down! The plot is more sprawling, but Hobb doesn't lose the
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complexity of characterization that made the earlier series such a joy. (Nor does she succumb to the fault of many a fantasist in extending too far, overomplicating plots and watering down character with sheer numbers.) Many of the secrets and myths of the world she has built begin to fully emerge (finally!), and the payoff is well worth it! Highly recommended! Show Less
LibraryThing member Vinjii
I enjoyed the second book in the Liveship Traders series, though the pacing was less satisfying than in Ship of Magic.
I very much enjoyed watching Malta's character unfold, and asked myself several times if I'll ever stop wanting to strangle her. Hobb created amazing characters for this trilogy and
Finding out more about the liveships was a punch to the gut.
Definitely worth a read!
I very much enjoyed watching Malta's character unfold, and asked myself several times if I'll ever stop wanting to strangle her. Hobb created amazing characters for this trilogy and
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they all have a lot of depth and especially the villains are three dimensional and definitely the heroes of their own stories. None of the antagonists are doing anything just so for the sake of being the antagonist. They all believe they're doing the right thing. This adds a ridiculous amount of depth to the entire story.Finding out more about the liveships was a punch to the gut.
Definitely worth a read!
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LibraryThing member renbedell
A fantastic follow up to Ship of Magic. The story continues where the last book left off. The characters continue to be well-written and exciting to read about. The story develops wonderfully and leads on well to the next book but holds its own as well. Robin Hobb writes fantastic characters that
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are unique and show growth throughout the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
The characters continue to have annoying traits but I found this 2nd book in the trilogy had a more absorbing plot than the previous book. In particular, the Rain Wild people intrigued me - I look forward to learning more about them.
LibraryThing member wishanem
More of what "Ship of Magic" promised, and only one halfway satisfying conclusion to an ongoing storylines. That leaves 4 of the 7 major plot lines of the first novel still open. Of course I still enjoyed this enough to read the next book, but I wish the plots came together a little quicker.
LibraryThing member RoseCrossed
This book is a great continuation of the Liveship Traders. As you can expect, there is quite a bit of character development in this book. There is also a great storyline and interesting plots. If you've read the first one and enjoyed it, you'll like this one as well.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
The characters continue to have annoying traits but I found this 2nd book in the trilogy had a more absorbing plot than the previous book. In particular, the Rain Wild people intrigued me - I look forward to learning more about them.
Subjects
Awards
P.E.A.R.L. (Nominee — Science Fiction — 1999)
Endeavour Award (Finalist — 2000)
Language
Original publication date
1999-03
Physical description
688 p.; 9.29 inches
ISBN
0002254794 / 9780002254793
Local notes
The Vestritt family's liveship, Vivacia, has been taken by Kennit, an ambitious pirate. Captain Haven is a prisoner; his son Wintrow, who bears the Vestritt blood, finds himself competing with Kennit for Vivacia's love as she becomes a pirate ship. Althea Vestritt, in training to become Vivacia's captain, arrives home to discover her beloved ship lost. Brashen Trell, her old friend and shipmate, proposes that they sail to Vivacia's rescue in the liveship Paragon, who has lost two previous crews and is believed mad.