If you've read Farseer and LiveShip I've got a question

[BuckBear]

Well, I've lost count on how many times I've re-read Fool's Fate completely or in parts, but there are still sequences in it that make me laugh and cry - every time. Even when I consciously think of what is going to happen "next".

It also happens to me often when I'm reading a new (to me) story by Hobb/Lindholm that I have to put the book down for a couple of minutes ([[Cloven Hooves]]) or even for days ([[Shaman's Crossing]]) because it's affecting my mood too much and I need to get something else to think about or I'll dive too deep into the story.

It's scary.

I definitely identify with this whole post. Although I'll add that instead of having to put the book down now, I look to them as comfort reading. Returning to the Realm of the Elderlings is soothing and refreshing for me.

[Changer]

I couldn't agree more with you people. I think that Hobb and also George R.R. Martin(though in a very different way) manage to break the stereotype of a fantasy tale (good v.s. evil etc.) What I like especially about the way Hobb writes is that your absorbed into the characters, I have this with Fitz in particular. The part in Royal Assassin were Molly leaves him, it felt as if I nearly experienced it myself ... It's something only a few authors/stories can do. I remember reading The Lord of the Rings as if I was floating above the events, which in the case of Tolkien's work is just fine, but with Hobb, and again in lesser extend with Martin, I see the things happening through the character's eyes. Something that still deeply impresses me, no matter how often I read the books ...

[n00854180t]

I think the worst part was nearing the last few pages of Fool's Fate (as I'd read the Assassin's books first, then the Liveship books, then the Fool's trilogy), because I didn't want the setting to end.

I also think that it's some of the best writing I've seen in terms of the action involved, specifically the vulnerability of characters in combat (e.g., the fight with the Forged where Fitz gets the scar on his neck).