Fool’s Errand (The Tawny Man Trilogy, #1)

by Robin Hobb

The start of a thrilling new fantasy series, from the author of the bestselling Assassin trilogy.

When Assassin’s Quest closed, Fitz was living in self-imposed exile. Wracked with pain, he had chosen to discard the magical gifts that had seen him survive the wonders and torments of navigating the legendary city of the Elderlings, and of raising a dragon.

Now, in this the first of a new trilogy, we are returned to the world of the Six Duchies and the lives of those who managed to survive the events of the first Assassin trilogy.

Fifteen years have passed and events are about to sweep Fitz out of his quiet backwater life and into the main political current again. Persecution of the Witted has become rampant throughout the Six Duchies despite Queen Kettricken’s effort to damp it. The Witted themselves have begun to strike back. So when 15 year old Prince Dutiful disappears, is it only because he is nervous about his betrothal ceremony to an Outislander princess, or has he been taken hostage by the Witted? Worse, is he perhaps another ‘Piebald Prince’, a Farseer tainted by Wit magic? As the desperate situation worsens, Kettricken has no choice but to summon Fitz to Buckkeep, for who better to track the young prince down than another gifted with the Wit, together with his bonded companion, the wolf Nighteyes?

• ISBN13: 9780002247269
• Publish Date: 15 October 2001
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 8 March 2003
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Imprint: HarperVoyager
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 592
• Language: English
• URL: http://harpercollins.co.uk

Reviews

[Mercy]

The first book of The Tawny Man trilogy was as good as I expected. I've missed Fitz & Co. so much and since the first pages I felt at home. It always happens with Hobb's books. Returning to the amazing universe she created is a joy, even though I know I will have my heart broken more than once. I know what I signed for! Fool's Erran takes place almost 15 years after the first trilogy. A lot has happened in the Six Duchies and Fitz has chosen a retired life of the court's politics. But we wouldn't have a story if he stays that way, would we now? So, the intrigues, the past that is best left forgotten and many new dangers surround Fitz again as he has to go on a new mission. Together, with Nighteyes and his friend the Fool they go to new places of the Six Duchies.

Hobb books always have a slow start, almost 200 pages of Fitz full of doubts, of melancholy and his doing of daily tasks but it's so worth it. Seriously, I never got bored of it, not even once. Nighteyes the wolf, is big part of it, though. I loved his interactions with Fitz and the Fool, I was always laughing with his witty comments and banter. New characters are introduced, Hap and Dutiful were my favourites but I loved seeing old characters again. Fitz's mission has a lot to do with the Skill and the Wit, something I particularly enjoyed because there's still much to know about them. Along with Fitz, we learn the possibilities and dangers of both.

Hobb takes her time to build up the story but then, all suddenly it becomes a turmoil of emotions, action packed, magical places, runs for dear life and fights for the same reason. There's a moment when I couldn't put it down, all I wanted is to know more. And oh yes, let's not forget the sad moments, there's one I saw coming but it was painful nonetheless and I admire how beautifully narrated it was. This was such a beautiful written book and a great start to yet another series I know will stole my heart. ♥

[Jo]

You can read my review of the whole Tawny Man trilogy over on my blog here.