The Mad Ship (Book Two Of The Liveship Traders) (original 1999; udgave 1999)

A great middle book! Somewhat long-winded at times, but it was very descriptive and immersive. I keep learning 16th century words which is also good! ;-) ( )

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. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised by this second book. Revelations about the world and its magic is almost the most interesting part. I enjoy seeing the characters grow from absolutely annoying and hateful into a more well-rounded individual (Yeah, I'm looking at you, little girl,) and even watch as some of my favorites such as a certain little priest as he becomes less a man and more fanboy. I really want to see him swing back by the third book.

By nature, these books are somewhat slow on action and deep on characters and less than momentous decisions, but when the big events do come around, I love seeing them step up and take control of their lives. It's very satisfying. ( )

Having read the Rainwild Chronicles first, I know most of the outcome to these events, but watching them unfold is endlessly fascinating. This trilogy (and especially this book) really give you a taste of how broad Hobbs' world is beyond the main storyline and I'm so glad it's fleshed out more in the next trilogy. Malta has become such a compelling character in this book, along with Keffria and Althea. The fight depicted on the cover of my copy (which I think was one of the first covers) wasn't as epic as the cover made it seem, but still - I didn't the plot twist coming that led to it, nor did I predict the outcome.

These books would be deeply triggering for some people (cw: sexual assault, emotional/physical abuse), but if you are able, they are well worth the read. ( )

To read more reviews in this series and others, check out my blog keikii eats books!

100 points, 5 STARS!

Quote:
"Everything in my life that I was sure I would do someday has always been snatched away when it was almost within my reach. Perhaps it will again."
Review:
The Mad Ship... Where to even start with this review? I'm not certain. So much happens in The Mad Ship. Without reading Ship of Magic, you would be able to follow along, but you wouldn't have the context. You wouldn't know how things are so absolutely brilliant. So many things happen, yet nothing is solved. And nothing will be the same as it was in the beginning by the end of the series.

If I couldn't say with certainty that the best thing Robin Hobb does is her characters, I would say it is her worldbuilding. The Realm of the Elderlings is absolutely unreal. At the start of the Farseer trilogy and Liveship Traders we knew nothing about the Elderlings. And because we knew nothing, I instantly wanted to know everything. The Mad Ship is the start to us learning more about them. Like, holy fucking shit the revelations in this book are unreal and I honestly hurt inside trying to contain my amazement.

The Liveships are without a doubt the most unique thing I have ever read in fantasy. I have never seen their like. I haven't even seen anything close to the Liveships before. The revelations about them throughout the book, the hints that we have seen since the start. I'm absolutely amazed at the brilliance of the writing of the Liveships.

Liveships are people, too. They are as much characters in this series as everyone else. I talked about Althea and Malta, my beloved Wintrow, and Kennit and motherfucking Kyle in the previous review. But the ships are amazing characters. Vivacia is a young, impressionable girl. She is desperate for validation. And Kennit is trying to turn her into a pirate ship, because Kennit is a fucking asshole. Kennit is charming her as a man charms a woman, and I hate him. Also, what is he doing to my poor Wintrow?!

Then there is Paragon, the Mad Ship. Beached for years, bitter as hell. Paragon has killed his family again and again before returning home. Yet, what is the real story? What happened? Why can't he remember what he did? Paragon is quite mad, in fact. He throws tantrums. He wants to be accepted but he fears it as much as he wants it. He is a scared little boy, just trying to die. And Liveships don't die easy. Yet Althea and Brashen, with help from Amber, convince him to go after Vivacia and rescue her from the pirates. I love Paragon.

Oh, and Amber. Amber isn't a new character. And I love her to pieces. And boy was I in for a shock when I put some very elaborate pieces together about Amber. I'm still shocked.

Robin Hobb just knows how to write. I almost kind of hate myself for not reading her sooner. I don't understand how anything can be so damn good. I'm about to start the third and final Liveship Traders book, and I'm scared, and I'm hopeful, but I just have to get to the end. ( )