Hobb continues to impress in this 2nd book of the Tawny Man trilogy.  Intricate plot lines keep you thinking, guessing, and reading.  You'll fall in love with these characters and agonize over their problems and mistakes.  Robin Hobb can bring a story to life like a true master and I'd consider her to be one of the very best authors out there.

Golden Fool brings together the first two Hobb trilogies, with Bingtown traders coming to Buckkeep to petition for aid against Chalced and revealing the rebirth of true dragons to the world.  Mysteries about the Farseer trilogy are further explained here, principally about the nature of the Six Duchies dragons and the Elderlings.  Additionally, the nature of the Fool is further revealed, and his ties to the White Lady and opposing destinies adds to the wonder of the tale.

In this book, Fitz, Dutiful and co. are all at Buckkeep, working to prepare for the future.  Court intrigue and diplomacy replace the breakneck action from the first book.  Negotiations with delegations from the Out Islands, Bingtown, and the Old Blood take up the majority of the book, each adding its own element of mystery to an increasingly complex (and beautiful) plot.  As Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is kept busy as Lord Golden's bodyguard as well as secretly training the prince and Thick in the Skill, while being distressed by his daughter Nettle and an even stranger voice (whom you suspect to be Tintaglia the dragon).  As a part-time spy for Chade, Fitz observes a number of puzzling things, including the intricate (and painful) tattoo on the Narcheska's back.  As usual, distrust runs rampant through Buckkeep, with friends keeping too many secrets from one another.  The reader gets the feeling that many mysteries could be solved with a little better communication between Fitz and his comrades.

The book ends on a high note, with all of the companions safe and together and the prince about to journey to the Out Islands on what will surely be a monumental quest.  Many questions and mysteries are left for the final book in the series, and I'm sure that it will be terrific.
Hobb continues to impress in this 2nd book of the Tawny Man trilogy. Intricate plot lines keep you thinking, guessing, and reading. You'll fall in love with these characters and agonize over their problems and mistakes. Robin Hobb can bring a story to life like a true master and I'd consider her to be one of the very best authors out there. Golden Fool brings together the first two Hobb trilogies, with Bingtown traders coming to Buckkeep to petition for aid against Chalced and revealing the rebirth of true dragons to the world. Mysteries about the Farseer trilogy are further explained here, principally about the nature of the Six Duchies dragons and the Elderlings. Additionally, the nature of the Fool is further revealed, and his ties to the White Lady and opposing destinies adds to the wonder of the tale. In this book, Fitz, Dutiful and co. are all at Buckkeep, working to prepare for the future. Court intrigue and diplomacy replace the breakneck action from the first book. Negotiations with delegations from the Out Islands, Bingtown, and the Old Blood take up the majority of the book, each adding its own element of mystery to an increasingly complex (and beautiful) plot. As Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is kept busy as Lord Golden's bodyguard as well as secretly training the prince and Thick in the Skill, while being distressed by his daughter Nettle and an even stranger voice (whom you suspect to be Tintaglia the dragon). As a part-time spy for Chade, Fitz observes a number of puzzling things, including the intricate (and painful) tattoo on the Narcheska's back. As usual, distrust runs rampant through Buckkeep, with friends keeping too many secrets from one another. The reader gets the feeling that many mysteries could be solved with a little better communication between Fitz and his comrades. The book ends on a high note, with all of the companions safe and together and the prince about to journey to the Out Islands on what will surely be a monumental quest. Many questions and mysteries are left for the final book in the series, and I'm sure that it will be terrific.