Book Review: Fool's Fate (Tawny Man #3) by Robin Hobb

It was with both anticipation and trepidation that I started reading Fool’s Fate, the last book in the Tawny Man trilogy. Having experienced Hobb finales twice at this point, I had full faith in her ability to wrap up this saga well. I was, however, considering how I would fare emotionally since both the previous finales had packed a real punch before getting the readers to whatever end was in store. I was right to feel as I did - Fool’s Fate was a great bookend to this trilogy, and it took me on quite the ride before we hit that last page.

One of my favorite things in a fantasy novel is a quest that requires a journey to see it through to completion – and that, in a nutshell, is the central plot in Fool’s Fate. It did take some time before the actual quest began, but I didn’t begrudge the time we spent setting everything up with the characters, their preparations and some additional plot threads. To me, it never felt like a page was wasted in this book because the way that everything converges is done so masterfully at the end. And that – the well-executed storytelling – is my favorite thing about a Hobb novel, but especially the end of a series from her.

We get so many moments in this installment: major world and character reveals, heartwarming and heartbreaking encounters, emotional milestones, intense physical experiences. And while the plot itself is already engaging and exciting, what really makes Fool’s Fate even better is the fact that readers will, at this point, have come to care deeply for Fitz, the Fool and many of the featured characters. The investment in both the individuals and what happens to them has a magical effect on a reader’s regard for the story – and for me, I was absolutely devouring each chapter in the interest of discovering just what would happen next.

Fool’s Fate concluded the Tawny Man Trilogy, and this portion of Fitz’s story, very well. Hobb’s storytelling ability continues to retain its epic quality, and I can only look forward to what she has in store for me next.

Fool's Fate (Tawny Man #3) by Robin Hobb

Publication Date: October 1, 2003 | Publisher: Harper Voyager

Format: ebook | Source: Owned | Buy the book!