Fool's Quest by Robin Hobb

Fool's Quest (Fitz and the Fool, #2)

by Robin Hobb

"Ranking alongside George R. R. Martin as a groundbreaking master of fantasy, New York Times bestselling author Robin Hobb delivers the second book in her long-awaited Fitz and the Fool trilogy.The harrowing adventures of FitzChivalry Farseer and his enigmatic friend the Fool continue in Robin Hobb's triumphant follow-up to Fool's Assassin. But Fool's Quest is more than just a sequel. With the artistry and imagination her fans have come to expect, Hobb builds masterfully on all that has gone before, revealing devastating secrets and shocking conspiracies that cast a dark shadow over the history of Fitz and his world--a shadow that now stretches to darken all future hope. Long ago, Fitz and the Fool changed the world, bringing back the magic of dragons and securing both the Farseer succession and the stability of the kingdom. Or so they thought. But now the Fool is near death, maimed by mysterious pale-skinned figures whose plans for world domination hinge upon the powers the Fool may share with Fitz's own daughter. Distracted by the Fool's perilous health, and swept up against his will in the intrigues of the royal court, Fitz lets down his guard. and in a horrible instant, his world is undone and his beloved daughter stolen away by those who would use her as they had once sought to use the Fool--as a weapon. But FitzChivalry Farseer is not without weapons of his own. An ancient magic still lives in his veins. And though he may have let his skills as royal assassin diminish over the years, such things, once learned, are not so easily forgotten. Now enemies and friends alike are about to learn that nothing is more dangerous than a man who has nothing left to lose. Praise for Robin Hobb and Fool's Assassin"Fantasy as it ought to be written."--George R. R. Martin" Hobb knows the complicated workings of the wayward human heart, and she takes time to depict them in her tale, to tell her story sweetly, insistently, compellingly. A book meant to be inhabited rather than run through."--The Seattle Times"[FitzChivalry Farseer is] one of the best characters in fantasy literature."--Fantasy Book Review"[Hobb's] prose sparkles, her characters leap off the page."--Tor.com"Modern fantasy at its irresistible best."--The Guardian"Fantastic. emotionally rich storytelling."--Library Journal (starred review)"--

"After nearly killing his oldest friend, the Fool, and finding his daughter stolen away by those who were once targeting the Fool, FitzChivarly Farseer is out for blood. And who better to wreak havoc than a highly trained and deadly former royal assassin? Fitz might have let his skills go fallow over his years of peace, but such things, once learned, are not so easily forgotten. And nothing is more dangerous than a man who has nothing left to lose"--

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

Share
Fool’s Assassin is the first book in Fitz and Fool’s third trilogy. It’s extraordinary. You must read the previous six though to get the full experience. It’s worth it. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s enriched my life so, I can’t imagine living without Hobb’s work. This is a Hobb classic, which has everything: beautifully written, full characters, rich world building, and an invigorating plot.
Hobb mentions how her heart always remained with Fitz and with this novel, she’s returned home. I feel the same. For me, this is more than just a favorite series. It’s personal and resonates in a way I can’t describe outside the closest friends who know my own story. I’m so glad to return and didn’t doubt Hobb’s ability to bring it home at all.

Point of view alternates between Fitz and another new favorite character. I haven’t fallen for someone this hard for someone since Fitz and Fool.

Fitz has aged and grown but still bears scars from his time as Catalyst. I connect with his need to constantly apologize. Yet unable to break habits pounded into flesh and drilled into thoughts. Classic Fitz being so insecure, rash, and at times dense, I can't help loving him.

Oh, Fool. Oh, you beloved Fool. Hands down my favorite character of all time.

Molly’s so sweet, loving, and strong as is Nettle. Every character is grounded and well-rounded. Background characters, like servants aren’t flat or bland. You’ll learn plenty of their names, whether you love or hate them.

Like their first book, Assassin’s Apprentice, it’s a slow buildup of relationships and dynamics before shit hits the fan. Most action and world-shifting changes don’t happen until the end. Even then, it’s more subdued than recent books. Before, Fitz was in the middle of world altering battles and politics. Now he’s an older man enjoying much deserved rest and reluctantly dragged into such doings. Too bad his calm doesn’t last long. Don’t for a second think this old wolf can’t or won’t protect his own.

I loved their everyday life at Withywoods. There are no mortal struggles, just mortals juggling the mundane: family dynamics and duties, neighbors and their kids, chores, jobs, learning, loving, and leaving. It's engaging and captivating, speaking to daily truths.

Even facts you see before Fitz does aren’t problematic. It draws out tension without ever breaking my patience, tolerance, or disbelief. It’s masterly achieved to provide gripping suspense waiting for the ax to fall because nothing remains peaceful for the royal bastard.

It’s such a roller coaster of emotion, hope, and turmoil. I was crying several times before hitting page 150. I don’t think I could ever do this experience justice. Homeward Bound was the first movie to rend me and stitch me back together. That, including every profound moment since then still doesn’t come close to this.

It’s beyond breathtaking and heartbreaking. Time-outs were required throughout to digest and recover; it’s that hard hitting. Even when responsibilities got in my way (dear god, nothing stays clean) I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I never left the Six Duchies and a part of me never will.
There’s so many questions still! The ending is…oh my lord; the Grand Canyon doesn’t have shit on this chasm Hobb leaves you clinging to. It’ll haunt me until I can continue the tale. I loathe cliffhangers but it’s a sensible separation place. Continuing would require another book or two; the fact I can’t have those now is my main gripe. (Please continue publishing every year, please!)
I’m sure I sound like a hopeless fangirl and this review does no good besides showing how much I love it, yet it’s all I can write. My friend and I were reduced to shouting “OH MY GOD” back and forth.
God, now I want to cry again.

So beautifully written. Descriptive, vivid, and engaging even when it’s just everyday chores. Everything springs to life.

Torn between wanting to read it quicker and make it happen now and never wanting it to end. Why can’t this be the never-ending story? I’d gladly live out my life in this world.

AND my friend got me an autographed copy!!! :DD

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 28 August, 2015: Finished reading
  • 28 August, 2015: Reviewed