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A review by maxsebastian
The Mad Ship by Robin Hobb
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
And here I'm doing it again, giving another perfect score to a Liveship Traders book. As I started Mad Ship (or is it The Mad Ship? It seems to depend on the edition) three weeks after finishing Ship of Magic, I realized how much I had missed this world without even knowing it. In this story, Robin Hobb is at her best, developing a rich set of characters, exploring profound mysteries, and tying plot to theme like none other.
In Mad Ship, Hobb's ability to write characters from all walks of life is on full display. From politic-ing with the Krupus family to her sadness over Kyle, Malta is both driven and lacking in perspective. A fantastic POV that really feels like a young teenager, Malta has probably the best story line in this book. The dynamic between Wintrow, Kennit, and Etta are another emotional focus of this story. Each of them feels near completely different from their origins in Ship of Magic. I was struck again by Kennit who seems to represent an alternate future for Wintrow, complete with a complex family past and a history of sexual trauma? . Ronica's fake out death/go on without me scene was one character beat that I found not compelling, however.
I would be remiss not to mention the dynamics of the liveships and serpents and dragons . Vivacia, Paragon, Ophilia, and Maulkin feel nearly as developed as our perspective characters. The mysteries of this world are still fantastic. This book is complete with chapters from the Rain Wilds, the Satrap's closest advisors, and some other secrets I don't want to spoil dragon time! . Hobb gives you answers to some of your questions, but in doing so, she just opens more.
As a final note, this book has impeccable theming. Discussions of slavery, religion, and the role of piracy continue to be a mainstay, and the developing mysteries, particularly the revelation that liveships are enslaved dragons/serpents, add complexity to these already nuanced issues.
While I ended The Farseer Trilogy feeling down on Hobb, The Liveship Traders is actively reshaping my perspective on The Realm of the Elderlings.
In Mad Ship, Hobb's ability to write characters from all walks of life is on full display. From politic-ing with the Krupus family to her sadness over Kyle, Malta is both driven and lacking in perspective. A fantastic POV that really feels like a young teenager, Malta has probably the best story line in this book. The dynamic between Wintrow, Kennit, and Etta are another emotional focus of this story. Each of them feels near completely different from their origins in Ship of Magic. I was struck again by Kennit who seems to represent an alternate future for Wintrow, complete with a complex family past
I would be remiss not to mention the dynamics of the liveships and serpents
As a final note, this book has impeccable theming. Discussions of slavery, religion, and the role of piracy continue to be a mainstay, and the developing mysteries,
While I ended The Farseer Trilogy feeling down on Hobb, The Liveship Traders is actively reshaping my perspective on The Realm of the Elderlings.