Rating: 
Summary: Well, what did you expect?
Review: All i need to say is that if you have read the first book, 'Ship of Magic' then you really ought to read this. It continues exactly where the first book left off, and carries on with the original brilliant storyline, but also it gives you a whole lot more background information and introduces you to more relevant key elements of the novel. A definate must buy, but i would advise that you read book one first.
Rating:
Summary: Robin Hobb is the best -- bar none -- in the fantasy genre
Review: I have loved all of Robin Hobb's earlier works (Farseer trilogy and Ship of Magic) and very much enjoyed quite a number of her books when she was writing as Megan Lindholm (Reindeer people, Harpy's Flight) but she's just getting better and better! I zoomed through Mad Ship in a couple of days and my wife was at me to hurry up and finish so she could read it.In a genre that is so cluttered with stereotypical plots and characters, Hobb's work shines as truly original material. Her characters have flaws and change over the course of the story and I found myself empathizing much more strongly with them than with the typical superhero that slashes his way to a *yawn* predictable save-the-world conclusion. There's plenty of spoilers in these reviews so I won't add to it but I really can't wait until Ship of Destiny comes out. Keep up the good work Ms. Hobb!
Rating: 
Summary: A well-crafted book 2 of an original and fascinating series
Review: Once again Ms Hobb continues to please. Like many of the other reviewers, I feel that the Liveship series lacks the poignancy and impact of the Farseer series. But let's face it - that's one hard act to follow! Each instalment of the Farseer series left me emotionally drained for days! You should compare apples with apples, eh? This series is different - it's written in the third person which never draws you in like the first person does. Its scope is far larger with several plots and sub-plots wending their way to what I am sure will be a memorable and satisfying resolution. But a central theme remains consistant with the author's earlier works: that of the animation of inanimate things by the absorption of a human personality (is that animism of some type?). This series answers some of the questions arising from the first series and continues the theme with the creation of "live ships" hewn from a special "wood". I found the "quickening" process somewhat disturbing and the tales of Paragon's genesis quite distressing. (My instincts were right! The whole liveship thing is an abomination.) The author keeps the story and character development jumping along at a good pace. (Her characterisations are nearly the best in the business. J.V. Jones could take a leaf or two eh?)I look forward eagerly to book 3 and I congratulate the author on her outstanding achievements. The best fantasy (apart from George R. R. Martin) I have read for many years.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: Hobb carries on the brilliant tradition started in the assassin trilogy. I am shocked, I have absolutely no criticisms of this book, it was wonderful. Hobb is a master at intriguing and unpredictable plots and an excellent story teller. She is one of the best authors out there don't miss this book!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, colurful and rich in every way!
Review: This book is good! But it's only when you've finished it that you relise HOW good it is. Buy It! It is exotic,fascinating and engrosing . One of my favorite series.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book! Captivating!
Review: I am really pulled into these books. When I'm done, I'm the one who is "drowning in memories"! The only bad thing I can think of about this book is that Robin Hobb can't write as fast as I read! (Read it in one afternoon and evening)
Rating:
Summary: Compelling thoughtprovoking, but......?
Review: WHOS THE HERO???? WHERE IS FITZ?????
Rating:
Summary: Truly remarkable
Review: The characters are superb - all of them feel very real to me. There are no perfect heroes, every character has certain strenghts and certain flaws. I also enjoyed that most of the characters are developing during the course of the story. (The way Malta changes from a spoiled brat into something more is plausible. Kennit stays as ambigious as ever, but still seems to develop a soft spot for Wintrow.) The plot is magnificent! The reader is given a huge amount of information - trying to put all the details together is like trying to solve a puzzle - real fun!! And I think it's great that there is a close connection to the "Farseer Trilogy" - just who is Amber, anyway?! What bothers is me is that none of my friends has yet read Robin Hobb's books, because the German translation is bloody awful - and none of them feels up to reading the English version. And now I'm looking forward for "Ship of Destiny".
Rating:
Summary: Pure escapism, addictive, couldn't put it down, absorbing
Review: As an avid reader never have I been so totally absorbed, made to beleive the characters are so real to life as Robin Hobb makes them. She creates an imaginary world that is so beleivable, how will I bear the wait for book III?.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect!
Review: I love this book! I got it the day that it came out and couldn't put it down since. I would say that it is the best, but all of her books are the best. You can't choose one over the others. But this one is splendid. I enjoyed from beginning to end. There is not a dull word in this thing! Robin Hobb is one of the BEST fantasy writers I have ever come across. I can barely wait for her next one. If you love fantasy books, read this.
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