The Soldier Son Trilogy (3) - Renegade's Magic
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'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers… what makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics'
The Times
The Times
'Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers... what makes her novels
as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the
way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the
way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
58 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
And so, the Soldier Son Trilogy finally draws to a close.
Was it worth reading? Yes and no. I read this book simply because I'd read the previous two, and had to know what happened next. Unfortunately, Nevare is - if it's possible - bent on feeling even more sorry for himself than before in this final volume. Without giving too much away, a good chunk of this book really is just him thinking 'woe is me' as he watches the events of the world unfold around him.
Luckily, the book redeems itself at the end - not because of the ending itself (indeed, I was a little incredulous. Again, I can't explain this properly without giving out spoilers, but the thought that ran through my head was "... that's IT? THAT'S all they had to do? Why on earth did it take three books to accomplish this?"), but because the quality of the writing picks up. The story moves forward. Things HAPPEN.
There are, in fact, two endings to this book. The first is annoyingly simple, and then the second one is... convenient.
In short, this is a story that's been stretched over too many books, and elongated pointlessly. Two books would've done it, and been more engaging for the brevity.
Should you buy this book? If you've read the other two, you may as well. If you're new to Robin Hobb, however, this is NOT the series to start with. Go back and read Ship of Magic (the Liveship Traders series, my personal favourite), or maybe Assassin's Apprentice (the Farseer Trilogy) to see Hobb at her best.
"Not bad, but not great" is my verdict for this book. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
Was it worth reading? Yes and no. I read this book simply because I'd read the previous two, and had to know what happened next. Unfortunately, Nevare is - if it's possible - bent on feeling even more sorry for himself than before in this final volume. Without giving too much away, a good chunk of this book really is just him thinking 'woe is me' as he watches the events of the world unfold around him.
Luckily, the book redeems itself at the end - not because of the ending itself (indeed, I was a little incredulous. Again, I can't explain this properly without giving out spoilers, but the thought that ran through my head was "... that's IT? THAT'S all they had to do? Why on earth did it take three books to accomplish this?"), but because the quality of the writing picks up. The story moves forward. Things HAPPEN.
There are, in fact, two endings to this book. The first is annoyingly simple, and then the second one is... convenient.
In short, this is a story that's been stretched over too many books, and elongated pointlessly. Two books would've done it, and been more engaging for the brevity.
Should you buy this book? If you've read the other two, you may as well. If you're new to Robin Hobb, however, this is NOT the series to start with. Go back and read Ship of Magic (the Liveship Traders series, my personal favourite), or maybe Assassin's Apprentice (the Farseer Trilogy) to see Hobb at her best.
"Not bad, but not great" is my verdict for this book. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The concluding part to Robin Hobbs Soldier Boy Trilogy. Unfortuantely its starts off a little slow and unlike her other work, the protagonist is a character that has little for the reader to sink their teeth into in order to empathise to his cause. That said however her work is still at a level above a number of other authors and had it been them that had written this trilogy we all would have been impressed. Yet having other characters from previous trilogies that we all came to know and love, who we could see grow not only emotionally but also physically did leave me wondering why that key element was missing from this series.
That said, however, the other thing I need to add is that the novel does pick up pace as the tale continues towards its conclusion, building to the trademark crescendo that has kept the fans clamoring for more. The fact that Robin isn't just sticking to the safety of an already established world and is always seeking to add new elements to her bag of tricks has to be applauded. Alongside that we all also get to see different cultures crossing paths that is reminiscent of a John Ford film bringing to light not only the negative aspects that we have come to expect but also the nobility of spirit that has always fascinated those who seek a different viewpoint. This is perhaps Robin's greatest talent, the ability to blend a believable world with characters to lead us on our exploratory adventures.
As such she has succeeded and whilst this trilogy may be one more for the fans rather than a new reader (I'd recommend her Assassin Trilogy personally as the best place to start) it still delivers what it says on the packet and as such will allow people to try new avenues.
That said, however, the other thing I need to add is that the novel does pick up pace as the tale continues towards its conclusion, building to the trademark crescendo that has kept the fans clamoring for more. The fact that Robin isn't just sticking to the safety of an already established world and is always seeking to add new elements to her bag of tricks has to be applauded. Alongside that we all also get to see different cultures crossing paths that is reminiscent of a John Ford film bringing to light not only the negative aspects that we have come to expect but also the nobility of spirit that has always fascinated those who seek a different viewpoint. This is perhaps Robin's greatest talent, the ability to blend a believable world with characters to lead us on our exploratory adventures.
As such she has succeeded and whilst this trilogy may be one more for the fans rather than a new reader (I'd recommend her Assassin Trilogy personally as the best place to start) it still delivers what it says on the packet and as such will allow people to try new avenues.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This entire trilogy is one big paradox, because the books are pageturners, and yet, well.. not very good!
Alright, Hobb is incredibly talented, but I feel like this trilogy is just unfinished. There are huge chunks of the text that could easily have been edited out (especially in book 2 and even more so with this book), the ending is just plain ridiculous, and there is so, I repeat, SO much unused potential!
Where the other trilogies manage to draw you in and really does give you the feeling that there is an entire universe behind what you are reading, this trilogy manages to skip around anything that could be of any real interest. We have a great kingdom with what seems to be an interesting culture.
So what happens in the book? The protagonist travels as far away as it is at all possible to get without actually going outside the book's cover map, and we don't get to see what else goes on in this world. I just get a feeling that Hobb has written a story about the wrong guy, surely she hasn't used the full potential of what she has created? The world that should have been the center of the action becomes a mere beackdrop, while the protagonist goes about his business in the forest..
Anyone who has read the Robin Hobb books from the Realm of the Elderlings will have to find this trilogy quite disappointing. As the others have mentioned, if you are new to Robin Hobb, you should definitely read "Assasin's apprentice" (and the rest of the farseer trilogy, which gets better with each book.)
Alright, Hobb is incredibly talented, but I feel like this trilogy is just unfinished. There are huge chunks of the text that could easily have been edited out (especially in book 2 and even more so with this book), the ending is just plain ridiculous, and there is so, I repeat, SO much unused potential!
Where the other trilogies manage to draw you in and really does give you the feeling that there is an entire universe behind what you are reading, this trilogy manages to skip around anything that could be of any real interest. We have a great kingdom with what seems to be an interesting culture.
So what happens in the book? The protagonist travels as far away as it is at all possible to get without actually going outside the book's cover map, and we don't get to see what else goes on in this world. I just get a feeling that Hobb has written a story about the wrong guy, surely she hasn't used the full potential of what she has created? The world that should have been the center of the action becomes a mere beackdrop, while the protagonist goes about his business in the forest..
Anyone who has read the Robin Hobb books from the Realm of the Elderlings will have to find this trilogy quite disappointing. As the others have mentioned, if you are new to Robin Hobb, you should definitely read "Assasin's apprentice" (and the rest of the farseer trilogy, which gets better with each book.)
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
EXCELENT CONDITION!
I recieved my Book, Renegade's Magic (Book 3 of the Soldier Son Trilogy) today. It's in perfect Condition! Couldn't have asked for a better surprise at my door this morning.
Published 6 days ago by Margaret
Hobb at her best
I have seen it claimed that ASSASSIN is Hobb's best so far, but I disagree. Soldier's Son is not as gloomy, as painful. Read more
Published 9 months ago by A. PRIOR
A cliche-smashing, well written but painful read
This was my first set of books by Robin Hobb. I'd planned on reading the Farseer trilogy first, but since that was unavailable and I'm naturally impatient I found myself reading... Read more
Published 17 months ago by staplegunner
Poor Quality Kindle Format
This review is solely about the formatting issues of the Kindle version of the Book.
I was very disapointed with the lack of proof reading by the Publisher, there are... Read more
I was very disapointed with the lack of proof reading by the Publisher, there are... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Tom Hiscox
Poor, Poor, Poor
This series is far the poorest of the Hobb series. I normally find myself reading past 1am as I often lose track of time. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Lego81
Renegades Magic
I have just discovered Robin Hobb and she has made a real difference to the way I view fantasy fiction. I loved the Assassin's trilogy and I am loving this - bring more on! Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mrs. H. Webb
Gift
This book was a gift, so I didn't read it. However the 'giftee' seemed very happy. Thanks.
Published 23 months ago by Carla Marx
disappointing
2.0 out of 5 stars disappointing, 30 April 2010
By Larewen Evenstar (Renfrewshire) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Renegade's Magic: Book Three of The Soldier... Read more
By Larewen Evenstar (Renfrewshire) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Renegade's Magic: Book Three of The Soldier... Read more
Published on 30 April 2010 by Larewen Evenstar
disappointing
I will start by saying I am a huge Hobb fan, and have loved everything else she has written. But this was highly disappointing. Read more
Published on 30 April 2010 by Larewen Evenstar
I think the declining scores over the 3 books says it all.
So this is the last in this Trilogy and I have to say sadly ... thank goodness. You know a book is bad when you start skim reading it so you can tell yourself you read it but it's... Read more
Published on 20 April 2010 by A. Cresswell
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