"First, let me introduce you to yourself" (Beware RotE Spoilers)

[Mervi]

Welcome Atthis, and thanks for your kinds words about the site. Don't ever hesitate to ask for help if there's something about the forums or anything you don't understand or something doesn't seem to work. This is a hobby for me, and not the only site I run/help to maintain so sometimes often things are "under construction" or I have to learn to do it myself first before I can guide others. No such things as a stupid question here!

[Nuytsia]

So how many Aussies are there on these boards? Is there a way to tell?

I don't *think* there is an easy way to find out exactly how many people are from a certain place....... if you wanted to click on every single member's profile I guess you could make a count

I'm glad to hear you'd still read posts on Dragon Keeper and Haven. And since you asked, my PhD is on the evolution of the Enterobacteriaceae. This is a family of bacteria that includes such species as E. coli, Salmonella, Yersinia, and Klebsiella (I think these are the ones you are most likely to have heard of). My project has involved a large amount of DNA sequencing, followed by computer analysis of the sequences. Unfortunately no field work for me; all my bacterial samples were collected before I started, and are now stored in a huge -80 C freezer in my lab.

Hmm I see ..... or do I? hehehe well I got the gist of it.
I have heard of E coli and Salmonella...... apart from the main ones the only 'research' I have done on bacteria is those that are involved in making weird types of bread!
No field work eh? Hmm not sure I'd like to do field work collecting E coli

[Maulkin's Tangle]

Hello All,

Sorry for my bad manners by not introducing myself before posting on the other threads!

I'm a software developer from a small town near Glasgow, but now live in the city with my wife, young son and cat. I first got into Robin Hobb's books by taking a chance on Assassin's Apprentice from a second hand book shop. I've now read the lot (with the exception of "Words Like Coins" - which I can't get anywhere) and own all of the books. I like having my favourite books in Hardback - so have all except AA and Royal Assassin in that format as they're just too pricey.

I think Robin Hobb is my favourite author now - her books always have a great story, deep\complex characters, intrigate plots and proper 'sneaky pete' political intrigue! I don't think there is one bad one in the lot. She has supplanted Stephen Donaldson due to a slightly ropey Last Chronicles (still worth reading though), ruining his previously perfect report card.

I came across this site while googling furiously in a vain attempt to locate a copy of "A Fantasy Medley" at a purchase price that would not be vetoed by the Upper House (the wife), and am delighted to have a found a place filled with like minded enthusiasts. I look forward to joining the chat!

[Nuytsia]

I haven't updating my readings of the other threads yet, so I'll say 'Welcome to the Forums' here!

I don't think I've ever seen a hardback of any of the Hobb books here in Australia...?

I used to love Stephen Donaldson too, but it was ages ago that I read his stuff. I'm not sure what I'd think of it now. I didn't even realise there was a 'last chronicles' until recently. I really should check it out.

[Maulkin's Tangle]

I haven't updating my readings of the other threads yet, so I'll say 'Welcome to the Forums' here!

Thanks Nuytsia!

I don't think I've ever seen a hardback of any of the Hobb books here in Australia...?

The older ones are harder to get - I got most from eBay. The new ones tend to be offered at discounted (almost paperback) price from Amazon on pre-order - so I always get them from there. Re.The older books: The first two assassin books pop up fairly regularly, but the price is never below £80 on hardback - so too rich for my blood - the rest are usually only a few £s. Don't know what the postage would be like to Australia though...

I used to love Stephen Donaldson too, but it was ages ago that I read his stuff. I'm not sure what I'd think of it now. I didn't even realise there was a 'last chronicles' until recently. I really should check it out.

I was a huge fan for years. The Last Chronicles are perhaps a bit overblown, but not as bad as some make out. Going to be starting the Third one in the next few weeks.

[Nuytsia]

Hmmm I really should try reading the Last Chronicles, but I've forgotten a lot of what happened before! I'm not sure I'm up to re-reading all the previous ones.

You should post a pic of your cat in the 'photo gallery' thread

[Nightchade]

Greetings Earthlings. I'm new to the whole 'forum 'thing although have made a couple of overlong posts on YUKI. Naturally secretive, like Chade, I have been lurking and spying for some time (but only with the best intentions!) ever since I became a bit obsessed with the Farseers. I'm female, live in England, work with people. Love reading, gardening, music(playing and listening-all kinds),Art,dabble in Reiki and meridian therapies, bees, wildlife(and I'm a bit of an 'anorak' ! ). A relative newcomer to these books but having completed Fools Fate a month ago I'm finding it hard to get into anything else and I'm enjoying dipping back into the series. I will read anything that appeals. I have been a sci-fi fan for years and have tended to shy away from anything describing itself as 'fantasy' (although do love LOTR/Narnia/Dark Materials...snobbery?.. possibly..there's plenty of that re sci-fi also..) Then I reckoned that many of the sci-fi books I love best are a bit 'crossover' anyway eg. Sheri S Tepper. My favourite book was always 'Ursula le Guins ' The Dispossessed', but RH may have won me over and makes me want to try more fantasy. I'm currently trying a 'Game of Thrones' based of all of the recommendations. Only a few chapters in, I'm finding it a bit 'macho' though and keep going back to read favourite passages about the Fool and Fitz. I've only read the Assassins series, Liveship's and TM but have Soldiers Son and and Dragon Keeper waiting on my Kindle...but all I want is more of the Fool.....Gahhh..x

[Farseer]

Well met and welcome to thePlenty forums, Nightchade - terrific to have you with us!!

Like you, I had limited forum experience prior to finally progressing beyond the lurker stage last year (I'd hung around for at least a couple of years before that though!). Feel free to ask for help if it's needed and someone will happily give you a hand.

You have Dragon Keeper waiting on your Kindle?! What restraint you have!!! I'd read that first, then Dragon Haven, and then you'll be ready by the time the next book comes out...and, in the meantime, you will also be able to enjoy at least two Realm of the Elderling-related short stories that will appear in Hobb/Lindholm's 'The Inheritance'.

[Nuytsia]

Hi Nightchade,
Welcome to the forum. Love the name!

A relative newcomer to these books but having completed Fools Fate a month ago I'm finding it hard to get into anything else and I'm enjoying dipping back into the series.

I think this is a common phenomenon! Well at least *I* can definitely relate to it!

I'm currently trying a 'Game of Thrones' based of all of the recommendations. Only a few chapters in, I'm finding it a bit 'macho' though ...

Interesting! I really LOVED Game of Thrones and the subsequent books, but I wonder if I would have felt any differently about them if I'd tried to read them directly after the Hobb ones ..?

...but all I want is more of the Fool.....Gahhh..x

Hehe I doubt you're alone there! Not sure if it will ever happen though... well maybe!

[Lady Laura]

Hello everyone!

I'm fairly new to the world of Robin Hobb, and a bit slow to become a fan of hers! Initially, I read the Soldier's Son trilogy about 2 years ago. Although I enjoyed it overall, I thought book 1 was very slow and long winded to begin with, I liked book 2 the most, and I hated book 3 lol I know that trilogy has had different responses from different readers though.

I read the Liveship trilogy last summer, and I adored it Definately one of the best fantasy trilogies I've ever read. Hobb's characters especially stand out for me- they are so flawed and complex, and go through so much development. Her writing style is exquisite too

I've just finished the Rain Wild Chronicles. I have mixed views on this to be honest! I enjoyed them overall, and I did look forward to every night when I got a chance to read on in the books. But I have some issues with some of the things in the books, mainly her repetition, and the way the 1st book took far too long to get into the story. But apart from that, I did really enjoy those 2 books, it's just I feel Hobb's standards seem to have fallen a bit...

I'll stop discussing her books now, I dont think this is the thread to do that! I havn't read the Tawny or Farseer books, I'm hoping to read them soon I look forward to posting my views here, but it seems that most other members are truer fans than I am, and have read ALL her books! So hopefully I wont read too many spoilers