As well-written as any Hobb novel - but just about bored me to tears. Not a lot happening with our favorite characters. This seemed more like it was written to fulfill a publication contract crunch than to entertain fans of the Hobb universe. The saddest bit of all is that I'll have to finish it to ensure I'm not missing out on history that will be referred to repeatedly in upcoming trilogies. Praying the next two are a bit more exciting. ( )

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 well and not obnoxiously. ( )

I cried. ( )

The first half of this book brought me so much joy. The last chapters just gave me sadness.
If you like the characters, you will love this book. If you don't like the characters, how did you get to the seventh book in the series?

I liked that there was a focus on relationships and trust more than anything else. It was wonderful!

I was more than happy to go back to Fitz and Nighteyes after reading the Liveship Traders trilogy. That trilogy was really good, but I missed them so much. I am also very excited because the Fool was always present in this book and I love him and I want to know more about him. The relationship between those three is the best thing I have ever read about.

I think I have never read a book with so many cats in it. Cat lovers will love it! Or maybe not since most of the cats are not very nice.

I only didn't like the information dump that occured near the end and there were several pages of it. However, that is not enough to take away my love for this book. I honestly think is my favourite in the Realm of Elderlings series so far.
I have high expectations for the Tawny Man trilogy as a whole. ( )

I can't get enough of Hobb. Fitz is now in his mid thirtys, and dealing with events in life that really spoke true to me. Fool is just as darling as ever, and getting Fitz into more troubles with saving the world. A good portion of this book is Fitz and Fool recapping their lives since Assassin's Quest while drinking brandy in front of the fire. Was this mundane and boring? Hell no! I wanted to stay in this cozy comfort throughout the entire book. A slow burn with a great finish. ( )