Jen added 'Ship of Magic'

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:40:43 -0700

Jen gave 4 stars to Ship of Magic (Liveship Traders, #1) by Robin Hobb
bookshelves: epics, fantasy
4.5 stars

In an absolutely (un)surprising turn of events, I adored this first installment in the Liveship Traders trilogy. This books departs from the world of the Six Duchies to the high seas and southern coasts of Bingtown and beyond. There, the world as it had always been is changing. Bingtown Trader families have long been at the top of the city’s economy, upholding long and well-respected bargains with each other and the mysterious Rain Wild Traders. However, as new, greedy settlers enter into the prosperous slave trade, the balance of power is shifting and bargains are coming due for many that have fallen on hard times. Hobb’s masterful setting conjures up a world that is brimming with tension, intrigue, and just a dash of magic.

We follow several new characters, all in different ports and states of chaos �� some of them endearing, others downright vile. Althea, daughter of well-renowned Trader captain Ephron Vestrit, is separated from family and ship when her brother-in-law (and major asshole) Kyle Haven takes over as head of the family. Gentle Wintrow, Althea’s nephew and aspiring priest, is feeling the pressure from his family to assume duties beyond his capabilities and his admittedly poor luck continues to dwindle throughout the book. Malta, his sister and perhaps the most insufferable 13-year-old I’ve ever had the displeasure to read about, is a young girl eager to become a woman in the eyes of Bingtown society despite her naivety as to what that entails. Captain Kennit dreams of being the Pirate King and accidentally stumbles much closer to his dream, to the dismay of readers and sailors alike. He dreams of overtaking a majestic liveship despite not being from a Trader family, a feat never before accomplished on record. There are more characters we read from (including a couple of liveships themselves) and they all provide a rich tapestry which Hobb weaves into a fantasy story of epic proportions.

Once again, Hobb takes us on a deeply personal journey with these characters. I love the way she explores identity and grief, and she manages to do it with SHIPS no less! For so many, the way we define ourselves is by what we provide to others, but what happens when that is taken away? Even the way Hobb sets up the most magical element of this book, the liveship, is wrought with care and intellect. How can someone, or something, as complex as a liveship, which is destined for connection, define who they are? The ground (or wood) beneath many of characters�� feet is crumbling. What are the ramifications for someone who tries to stay true to themselves in a world that demands violence? It is easy to live by creeds when life is easy, but can we live a morally perfect life outside of that sanctuary, where the strong prey on the weak. Hobb is interested in exploring these questions and more, and I cannot wait to see where we sail to next in her books.

Jen is on page 145 of 258 of The Remains of the Day

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 05:07:07 -0700

Jen is on page 145 of 258 of The Remains of the Day.

Jen commented on Blake's review of Between Two Fires

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:56:17 -0700

New comment on Blake's review of Between Two Fires
by Christopher Buehlman

FIVE???

Jen liked a review

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:56:13 -0700

Jen liked Blake's review of Between Two Fires:

Jen is currently reading 'Engines of Empire'

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:53:27 -0700

Jen is currently reading Engines of Empire by Richard S. Ford

Jen added 'Silver Nitrate'

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 06:06:30 -0700

Jen gave 4 stars to Silver Nitrate (Audiobook) by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
bookshelves: creeps
wish i was a movie person solely to feel the vibe of this book more. lots of talk about how film works, which was cool, but sorta lost me esp in the audiobook format. but silvia moreno-garcia can write like a beast so i forgive her all this <3

Jen wants to read 'Dragons of Autumn Twilight'

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:42:16 -0700

Jen wants to read Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis

Jen wants to read 'Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason'

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 03:57:53 -0700

Jen wants to read Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason by Michel Foucault

Jen wants to read 'Almond'

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:11:25 -0700

Jen wants to read Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung

Jen wants to read 'The Willows'

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 10:51:54 -0700

Jen wants to read The Willows by Algernon Blackwood

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