Continuing the story from book 1. The trilogy can be read as one very long book, and the division is mostly because it would not be practical to publish such a long book undivided.

All I said about book 1 is still applicable. This is excellent, character-centered epic fantasy. As often happens with doorstoppers like this, sometimes I wish the author would get to the point, and feel that the story could benefit from some editing. On the other hand, it's an opportunity to get immersed in the secondary world. ( )

Very long and quite slow until near the end. ( )

Mad Ship is a worthy second book in the series. Despite Hobb's terrible book names and her sometimes lackluster magic systems, she more than makes up for her deficiencies through her phenomenal characterization and strong plot-driven writing. The pacing of this book felt much better than the previous book, and though it took me a while to finish, I never felt like reading Mad Ship was laborious or frustrating. Though I still would not recommend the series to those who are not already fantasy enthusiasts (at least to an extent), I do think that after Sanderson, Rothfuss, and Martin, Robin Hobb is a strong member of the second tier of fantasy, and that her books deserve a great deal more appreciation than they currently receive. ( )

Again, a more interesting and original read than the Farseer Trilogy. The multiple viewpoints are expanded with the addition of the Rain Wild Traders and a companion of the satrap, though she turns out to play a much more minor role than anticipated. Malta matures from a spoiled brat into a young woman prematurely worn by cares but still having guts and determination. The conflict between the Bingtown traders, Jamaillia and the Chalcedeans comes to a head while the pirate Kennit's crusade against slavery strengthens. The delicious irony is that the pirate isn't really good, but ends up doing good in the course of expanding his own powerbase and fulfilling his childhood dreams of power and of having his own liveship. And Vivacia turns pirate as she grows to love Kennit, and Wintrow discovers a new destiny. Plus the truth behind the serpent/dragon life cycle is revealed including the awful secret of the liveships.

The only thing that holds this back from 5 stars is being brought up short from time to time by evidence of the lack of editing I noticed on the first Liveship Traders volume. This varies from confused subjects to really klonky grammar mistakes. But there are not a huge number just quite a few scattered through this 900 page book. ( )

I am at absolute odds with loving Hobb's strong female characters and absolutely despising her seeming lack of feminist ideals. I'm reminded a bit of a shadow of Gabaldon's "Outlander" characters who seem incapable of defending themselves against any sort of hardship or danger.

Hobb's characters are made of much stronger stuff - and I keep hoping that each strong woman will find her way without the help or support of a male lead - but have so far been quite disappointed.

Don't get me wrong - the story is absolutely amazing. The world-building is enticing and beautiful. The characters are believable - even lovable. Most of them are female - which I love - I'm just too damn old and have seen too damn much of life to give 5 stars to a story that still finds women lacking, despite all their strengths and capabilities.

Maybe I'll have a chance to ask Hobb about this at her Denver Comic Con panel this Saturday! ( )