The Robin Hobb Collection discussion

Alex wrote: "In addition to chapter 4, chapter 21 may be one of the most important in the book.

I won't spoil anything, but if you've read it before...wow."

That whole time the dance is going on I'm yelling get away, can't you see what's happening? Especially after he makes those hand signals that he seems to have no control over. At times he seems really dense about the tree woman. I guess he keeps trying deny that that incident with Dewara and the tree woman never really happened.

Alex wrote: "And so the fall down the dark, deep hole begins. Did I mention dark?

God damn it Robin. I almost threw my book into the Yarra river when Nevare was discharged because of Caulder's lie."

This is the point where I assumed he would try to become a scout.

Alex wrote: "Chapter 23 was fun to read, but so different from anything we've seen so far. Seems like an important battle just happened in the magical realm."

I really enjoyed that chapter and I kept wondering when he would figure out how to use the saber.

Alex wrote: "This one ended with a surprisingly hopeful mood. The last few chapters were quite a low point, but it looks like Nevare scraped out of it.

Not without any loss, of course, but still.

Overall, lov..."

I agree, Alex. Really enjoyed the book. Only a few parts in the beginning kept it from being a 5 star read.

I was too engrossed in this section to make any comments. Very satisfying conclusion. Looking forward to the next book

My review

If chapters 16-20 made me feel a bit frustrated, most of it was resolved here. I was so glad when a new Academy commander was brought in and how appalled he appeared on the state of the buildings (and horses!)

But i was horrified to find out that the patrol cullings were already locked before the year even started. That his own aunt had specifically requested his removal. That all the poor new noble sons and the sons of the most powerful new nobles will be scratched together. I get the balance they have to keep, I don't get an army that would cut on this basis. No wonder they lost the war with Landsinger!

Oh also - The Speck attack was fabulously done. And the bridge (which most people seem to remember). At least Caulder tried to redeem himself somehow, and it wasn't his father that made him, but his own teenieweenie bit of honour.