Magician: Apprentice: Riftward Book #1 by Raymond E. Feist

Magician: Apprentice My Rating:4.6

To the forest on the shore of the Kingdom of the Isles, the orphan Pug came to study with the master magician Kulgan. But though his courage won him a place at court and the heart of a lovely princess, he was ill at ease with the normal ways of wizardry. Yet Pug's strange sort of magic would one day change forever the fates of two worlds. For dark beings from another world had opened a rift in the fabric of spacetime to being again the age-old battle between the forces of Order and Chaos.

I recently listened to The Magician’s Apprentice on audio, and I think the narration played a big part in why it felt like a charming children’s fairytale to me. The story was light, whimsical at times, and full of heart — which made it perfect to have on while I did chores around the house.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Pug, Rowland, and Princess Carline (I kept wanting to call her Colleen!). They each had their own arcs and quirks, and I found myself rooting for them even when I wasn’t laser-focused on every plot detail.

What I loved most about this book was that it didn’t demand 100% of my attention to still feel immersive and satisfying. It felt like stepping into a classic fantasy world with familiar tropes done in a comforting, nostalgic way.

While I do plan to continue reading the series, I think I’ll take a short break first — sometimes it’s nice to let a story sit before diving back in. Overall, if you’re looking for a light, enjoyable fantasy with endearing characters, The Magician’s Apprentice is worth adding to your list — especially if you enjoy audiobooks that let you drift in and out without losing the magic.

The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold

 The Hallowed Hunt  My Rating: 3.5

The half-mad Prince Boleso has been slain by a noblewoman he had intended to defile -- and Lord Ingrey kin Wilfcliff must transport the body to its burial place and the accused killer, the Lady Ijada, to judgment. With the death of the old Hallow King imminent and the crown in play, the road they must travel together is a dangerous one. And though he is duty-bound to deliver his prisoner to an almost certain death, Ijada may be the only one Ingrey dares trust. For a monstrous malevolence holds the haunted lord in its sway -- and a great and terrible destiny has been bestowed upon him by the gods, the damned, and the dead.

I recently finished The Hallowed Hunt, the third book set in the World of the Five Gods series by Lois McMaster Bujold. While I truly enjoyed the first two books (The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls), this installment didn’t work for me.

The book started off promisingly, with Bujold’s trademark immersive world-building and graceful prose. Unfortunately, it quickly took a darker turn that I found deeply unsettling. The inclusion of animal slayings was particularly off-putting, and the story leaned heavily into demonic themes that I found disturbing rather than intriguing.

Bujold is undeniably a talented writer, and her ability to create complex, layered characters remains impressive. However, for me, the darker content overshadowed what could have been another captivating tale. In the end, I would recommend skipping The Hallowed Hunt, even to fans of the series. Despite my admiration for Bujold’s skill, I’m now unsure whether I’ll continue exploring her other works.

Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold

Paladin of Souls My Rating: 4.8

Three years have passed since the widowed Dowager Royina Ista found release from the curse of madness that kept her imprisoned in her family's castle of Valenda. Her newfound freedom is costly, bittersweet with memories, regrets, and guilty secrets -- for she knows the truth of what brought her land to the brink of destruction. And now the road -- escape -- beckons. . . . A simple pilgrimage, perhaps. Quite fitting for the Dowager Royina of all Chalion.

While I initially missed the presence of Cazriel from The Curse of Chalion, I was immediately drawn into Ista’s journey—and quickly fell in love with her as a character. Her wit, weariness, and quiet strength pulled me in from the first chapter. Ista’s dry humor and unique perspective on the world made her one of the most relatable and refreshing protagonists I’ve read in a long time.

What I appreciated most was the deep emotional and spiritual thread running through her story. It’s rare to see a middle-aged heroine not only take center stage but do so with such grace, vulnerability, and growth. The supporting characters were just as well-developed, adding layers of richness and purpose to Ista’s path.

Bujold’s writing continues to shine with beautiful prose, intelligent plotting, and thoughtful worldbuilding. Paladin of Souls is both introspective and adventurous—balancing divine mystery with deeply human struggle. I can’t wait to start book three!

The Curse of Chalion

 The Curse of Chalion My Rating: 4.8

A man broken in body and spirit, Cazaril returns to the noble household he once served as page and is named secretary-tutor to the beautiful, strong-willed sister of the impetuous boy who is next in line to rule. It is an assignment Cazaril dreads, for it must ultimately lead him to the place he most fears: the royal court of Cardegoss, where the powerful enemies who once placed him in chains now occupy lofty positions.

But it is more than the traitorous intrigues of villains that threaten Cazaril and the Royesse Iselle here, for a sinister curse hangs like a sword over the entire blighted House of Chalion. And only by employing the darkest, most forbidden of magics can Cazaril hope to protect his royal charge -- an act that will mark him as a tool of the miraculous . . . and trap him in a lethal maze of demonic paradox.

If you're someone who typically shies away from fantasy, The Curse of Chalion might just surprise you. Other than the fictional setting, the first three-quarters of the book feels more like rich historical fiction than fantasy. The magical elements don’t truly take center stage until the final quarter—and by then, you're already deeply invested in the characters and the world.

The strength of this book lies in its rich character development. Cazaril, the main character, is a refreshing departure from the typical young, brash fantasy hero. Instead, we follow a deeply wounded, middle-aged man navigating politics, trauma, and purpose. His inner journey is slow at times, but that’s also what makes the emotional payoff so satisfying.

This is a book that rewards patience. The plot builds gradually, giving room for its themes of faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and healing to fully bloom. And once the spiritual and magical threads do begin to weave in, they’re as thought-provoking as they are surprising.

I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did, but by the end, I was eager to continue on to the next book in the series. The Curse of Chalion is a thoughtful, beautifully written story that I think even non-fantasy readers could appreciate—and maybe even love.

The Will Of The Many by James Islington

The Will Of The Many My Rating: 4.6

I tell them my name is Vis Telimus. I tell them I was orphaned after a tragic accident three years ago, and that good fortune alone has led to my acceptance into their most prestigious school. I tell them that once I graduate, I will gladly join the rest of civilized society in allowing my strength, my drive, and my focus—what they call Will—to be leeched away and added to the power of those above me, as millions already do. As all must eventually do. I tell them that I belong, and they believe me.

If you enjoy stories with layered world-building, moral ambiguity, and a dash of school-based intrigue, The Will of the Many might be your next favorite read. I went into it not knowing exactly what to expect and came out fully invested—and now I’m counting down the days until the sequel releases in November. The story follows Vis, a sympathetic and intelligent orphan who's easy to root for. He’s navigating a brutal, hierarchical society and ends up at a prestigious school where competition is fierce, alliances are murky, and secrets are everywhere. In many ways, it gave me Harry Potter vibes—think of Hogwarts, but darker and much more political. There’s the familiar feel of getting to know classmates, uncovering hidden truths, and facing dangerous forces, but the themes here are far more adult. What I loved most was the grayness of the characters. You’re constantly asking yourself: Can I trust this person? What are their true motives? James Islington does a masterful job of keeping you guessing without making the plot feel convoluted. And while Vis is clearly the emotional heart of the story, the surrounding cast adds depth and complexity. This book delivers not just in plot and pacing, but in emotional weight and philosophical questions—especially around power, loyalty, and free will. Highly recommend for fans of dark academia, adult fantasy, and character-driven stories with a punch.

Assassin's Fate (Fitz and the Fool #3) by Robin Hobb

Assassin's Fate 

My Rating:  5.0

Fitz’s young daughter, Bee, has been kidnapped by the Servants, a secret society whose members not only dream of possible futures but use their prophecies to add to their wealth and influence. Bee plays a crucial part in these dreams—but just what part remains uncertain. 

As Bee is dragged by her sadistic captors across half the world, Fitz and the Fool, believing her dead, embark on a mission of revenge that will take them to the distant island where the Servants reside—a place the Fool once called home and later called prison. It was a hell the Fool escaped, maimed and blinded, swearing never to return. 

For all his injuries, however, the Fool is not as helpless as he seems. He is a dreamer too, able to shape the future. And though Fitz is no longer the peerless assassin of his youth, he remains a man to be reckoned with—deadly with blades and poison, and adept in Farseer magic. And their goal is simple: to make sure not a single Servant survives their scourge.

Robin Hobb is solely responsible for me spending the past few months utterly consumed by her world. I found myself waking up in the middle of the night thinking about her characters—sometimes even reaching for my Kindle to read “just a few pages” before going back to sleep. Her writing is that immersive.

She made me fall deeply in love with so many characters, only to ruthlessly destroy them (emotionally, physically... sometimes both). And the dread—oh, the dread! That creeping sense of doom she so masterfully builds had me bracing for impact constantly, and yet I couldn’t stop reading.

Now that I’ve finished the series, I find myself in the dreaded book limbo—missing the characters, the world, the emotional rollercoaster... and honestly? I wouldn’t change a single minute of it. If you’re ready to be completely wrecked—in the best possible way—this series is worth every page.

Fool's Quest (Fitz and the Fool #2) by Robin Hobb

 My Rating: 5.0

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.

Hobb can build suspense like no one else. I loved, loved, loved this book so much but don't want to write about it to prevent spoilers. Just read it. I am so sad their is only one more book in this series but also can't wait to read it next!  

Fool's Assassin (Fitz & The Fool Book 1) by Robin Hobb

 My Rating: 4.9

Tom Badgerlock has been living peaceably in the manor house at Withywoods with his beloved wife Molly these many years, the estate a reward to his family for loyal service to the crown. 

But behind the facade of respectable middle-age lies a turbulent and violent past. For Tom Badgerlock is actually FitzChivalry Farseer, bastard scion of the Farseer line, convicted user of Beast-magic, and assassin. A man who has risked much for his king and lost more… 

On a shelf in his den sits a triptych carved in memory stone of a man, a wolf and a fool. Once, these three were inseparable friends: Fitz, Nighteyes and the Fool. But one is long dead, and one long-missing. 

Then one Winterfest night a messenger arrives to seek out Fitz, but mysteriously disappears, leaving nothing but a blood-trail. What was the message? Who was the sender? And what has happened to the messenger? 

Suddenly Fitz's violent old life erupts into the peace of his new world, and nothing and no one is safe.

I can't even capture how amazing Robin Hobb's writing and story is. She has completely pulled me into the cozy castle world of Withywoods and made me fall in love with Fitz, The Fool and Bee. I never want this series to end but also can't wait to start the next book.

Blood of Dragons (Volume 4 of the Rain Wild Chronicles) by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.6

The dragons and their dedicated band of keepers have at last found the lost city of Kelsingra. The magical creatures have learned to use their wings and are growing into their regal inheritance. Their humans, too, are changing. As the mystical bonds with their dragons deepen, Thymara, Tats, Rapskal, and even Sedric, the unlikeliest of keepers, have begun transforming into beautiful Elderlings raked with exquisite features that complement and reflect the dragons they serve. But while the humans have scoured the empty streets and enormous buildings of Kelsingra, they cannot find the mythical silver wells the dragons need to stay health and survive. With enemies encroaching, the keepers must risk "memory walking"- immersing themselves in the dangerously addictive memories of long-deceased Elderlings - to uncover clues necessary to their survival. And time is of the essence, for the legendary Tintaglia, long feared dead, has returned, wounded in a battle with humans hunting dragon blood and scales. She is weakening and only the hidden silver can revive her. If Tintaglia dies, so, too, will the ancient memories she carries - a devastating loss that will ensure the dragons' extinction.

This book had the Rain Wild series come together for me. I would almost miss it except, I know that my beloved Fitz and The Fool are waiting for me next. I never thought fantasy would appeal to me but, I absolutely LOVE this series and highly recommend. 

City of Dragons (Volume 3 of the Rain Wild Chronicles) by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.6

A small group of weak, half-formed and unwanted dragons and their displaced human companions as they search for a legendary sanctuary, Kelsingra. Now, as the misfit band approaches its final destination, dragons and keepers alike face a challenge so insurmountable that it threatens to render their long, difficult odyssey utterly meaningless.

This series is building as are the characters - both humans and dragons alike. The ending had Sedric, Reyn and Malta back again and I can't wait for the next and final book in this Rain Wild series.

Dragon Haven (Volume 2 of the Rain Wild Chronicles) by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.5

As the fledgling dragons and their keepers forge a passage through the uncharted waters of the Rain Wild River, they are supported by the liveship Tarman, its captain, Leftrin, and Alise Finbok, who has escaped her cruel marriage in Bingtown. 

A vial of dragon blood can earn a man enough gold to last a lifetime: there may be some in the party who see the dragons as more valuable as body parts than whole and alive. But it is the Rain Wilds themselves – mysterious, unstable and ever perilous – that may provide the deadliest danger as they make their way towards the mythical haven of Kelsingra. The hazards of that journey will push them all to the very brink of survival.

Hobb has excellent character development but it can still be a slow slog. The Rain Wild Chronicles is my least favorite of the series so far but, still well worth my time. 

Dragon Keeper (Volume 1 of the Rain Wild Chronicles) by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.5

Too much time has passed since the powerful dragon Tintaglia helped the people of the Trader cities stave off an invasion of their enemies. The Traders have forgotten their promises, weary of the labor and expense of tending earthbound dragons who were hatched weak and deformed by a river turned toxic. If neglected, the creatures will rampage--or die--so it is decreed that they must move farther upriver toward Kelsingra, the mythical homeland whose location is locked deep within the dragons' uncertain ancestral memories. 

 Thymara, an unschooled forest girl, and Alise, wife of an unloving and wealthy Trader, are among the disparate group entrusted with escorting the dragons to their new home. And on an extraordinary odyssey with no promise of return, many lessons will be learned--as dragons and tenders alike experience hardships, betrayals . . . and joys beyond their wildest imaginings.

Unlike other books in this series, this one took me a while to get in to. Completely different characters and a new scene would be difficult enough but, after Fitz and the Fool well, that is an impossible act to follow. Once I got in to the book, I quite enjoyed the story of the dragons and the people who wanted to help them.

Fool's Fate: The Tawny Man Trilogy Book 3 by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.9

Fitz, Chade, the Prince and many others set out from Buckkeep to Aslevjal to fulfill the Narcheska's challenge to lay the head of the dragon Icefyre on her hearth. Having abandoned the Fool in Buckkeep, Fitz is guilt-stricken; but determined to keep the fate of his beloved friend at bay, since prophecy foretells the Fool's death if he ever sets foot on the isle of the black dragon. But as their ship draws in towards Aslevjal a lone figure awaits them...

Despite my claim that "I don't like the fantasy genre", I continue to absolutely LOVE this series. Hobb has an incredible ability to make her writing seem simple and readable and yet she captures so much. The icy cold world of Aslevjal had me grabbing a blanket. This book had several VERY gruesome scenes (think Silence of the Lambs, torture, disturbing types of scenes) but it also brought me to tears. Hobb has such amazing ability to make you fall in love with characters and cheer for them that you are shattered and broken with how she treats your beloved friends so ruthlessly and yet seemingly so cavalierly. I do not want this series to end and yet will be immediately jumping in to the Rain Wild Trilogy. 

Golden Fool The Tawny Man Trilogy Book 2 by Robin Hobb

My Rating: 4.9

Prince Dutiful has been rescued from his Piebald kidnappers and the court has resumed its normal rhythms. But for FitzChivalry Farseer, a return to isolation is impossible. Posing as Tom Badgerlock, bodyguard to Lord Golden, FitzChivalry becomes the eyes and ears behind the walls. And with his old mentor failing visibly, Fitz is forced to take on more burdens as he attempts to guide a kingdom straying closer to civil strife each day.

The problems are legion. Prince Dutiful’s betrothal to the Narcheska Elliania of the Out Islands is fraught with tension, and the Narcheska herself appears to be hiding an array of secrets. Then, amid Piebald threats and the increasing persecution of the Witted, FitzChivalry must ensure that no one betrays the Prince’s secret—a secret that could topple the Farseer throne: that he, like Fitz, possesses the dread “beast magic.”

Meanwhile, FitzChivalry must impart to the Prince his limited knowledge of the Skill: the hereditary and addictive magic of the Farseers. In the process, they discover within Buckkeep one who has a wild and powerful talent for it, and whose enmity for Fitz may have disastrous consequences for all.

Only Fitz’s enduring friendship with the Fool brings him any solace. But even that is shattered when unexpected visitors from Bingtown reveal devastating secrets from the Fool’s past. Now, bereft of support and adrift in intrigue, Fitz’s biggest challenge may be simply to survive the inescapable and violent path that fate has laid out for him.

I loved that no time had passed at all (maybe one day?) since the last book. It could have just been the same book and I was immediately immersed in the story. I loved the scenes of Fitz teaching Dutiful the Skill. I continue to feel swept away by these books as Hobb's is such a powerful story teller. I am jumping right in to the next one in the series and don't want it to ever end!

Fools Errand: The Tawny Man Trilogy Book 1

 My Rating: 4.7

Fifteen years have passed since the end of the Red Ship War with the terrifying Outislanders. Since then, Fitz has wandered the world accompanied only by his wolf and Wit-partner, Nighteyes, finally settling in a tiny cottage as remote from Buckkeep and the Farseers as possible.

But lately the world has come crashing in again. The Witted are being persecuted because of their magical bonds with animals; and young Prince Dutiful has gone missing just before his crucial diplomatic wedding to an Outislander princess. Fitz’s assignment to fetch Dutiful back in time for the ceremony seems very much like a fool’s errand, but the dangers ahead could signal the end of the Farseer reign.

Oh, I loved having Fitz and the Fool back! Even though time has passed, it felt like no time had passed since we were last with them. It was like reuniting with old friends. They were so good as they went back and forth in their roles, between Fitz and the Fool and Tom and Lord Golden, and had me chuckling many times. I enjoyed their hunting for Prince Dutiful and the Piebalds / Old Bloods and all the political intricacies of the palace. I can't wait for the next book in this series. LOVE! 

Ship of Destiny by Robin Hobb (Book #6 in the Series)

 My Rating: 4.9

As Bingtown slides toward disaster, clan matriarch Ronica Vestrit, branded a traitor, searches for a way to bring the city’s inhabitants together against a momentous threat. Meanwhile, Althea Vestrit, unaware of what has befallen Bingtown and her family, continues her perilous quest to track down and recover her liveship, the Vivacia, from the ruthless pirate Kennit. Bold though it is, Althea’s scheme may be in vain. For her beloved Vivacia will face the most terrible confrontation of all as the secret of the liveships is revealed. It is a truth so shattering, it may destroy the Vivacia and all who love her, including Althea’s nephew, whose life already hangs in the balance.

Well, I thought I loved the Fitz series and nothing else could top it.....not so! This Mad Ship series had me completely engrossed. I have no idea how Hobb's can write so deceptively simply, reel you in and yet the writing is beautiful and more complex than it feels. From the very beginning, I cared what happened not only to Althea, Wintrow and Brashen, but also the liveship Paragon and Vivacia. How an author can bring a ship to life where you truly care about what happens to it is, well, magic. I do admit to hating and skimming the chapters with the serpents talking - ugh! Every time that a storyline switched, I was completely immersed back in the setting and characters. I can't wait to see what is next!

Mad Ship by Robin Hobb (Book #5 in the Series)

 My Rating: 4.9

The Vestrit family's liveship, Vivacia, has been taken by the pirate king, Kennit. Held captive on board, Wintrow Vestrit finds himself competing with Kennit for Vivacia's love as the ship slowly acquires her own bloodlust. Leagues away, Althea Vestrit has found a new home aboard the liveship Ophelia, but she lives only to reclaim the Vivacia and with her friend, Brashen, she plans a dangerous rescue. Meanwhile in Bingtown, the fading fortunes of the Vestrit family lead Malta deeper into the magical secrets of the Rain Wild Traders. And just outside Bingtown, Amber dreams of relaunching Paragon, the mad liveship 

Is it heresy for me to say that I may love The Liveship Trader Series even more than The Farseer Trilogy? I do miss Fitz but am completely in love with so many character in the Ship series - including the ships! The only part I don't like is the serpents. For some reason I just couldn't get in to them speaking but, knowing Hobb, I am sure she will have a reason for including them. I didn't like some characters (Malta! I am looking at you) but they are all really well developed.

Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb (Book 4 in the series)

My Rating: 4.8

Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships—rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into sentient awareness. Now the fortunes of one of Bingtown’s oldest families rest on the newly awakened liveship Vivacia. For Althea Vestrit, the ship is her rightful legacy. For Althea’s young nephew, wrenched from his religious studies and forced to serve aboard the Vivacia, the ship is a life sentence. But the fate of the ship—and the Vestrits—may ultimately lie in the hands of an outsider: the ruthless buccaneer captain Kennit, who plans to seize power over the Pirate Isles by capturing a liveship and bending it to his will.

I have fallen in love with this series. A 'liveship" is not only made from wizardwood but it has to have three generations of a family die on the decks for the ship to be quickened. The ship comes alive and has the knowledge and awareness of the prior family generations. As Hobb writes, you can picture the ship's figurehead coming to life. The plot is very slow moving but the characters are what kept me turning the pages. I am cheering for most of them (yes, even Kennit!). This is deceptively easy to read  but with incredible writing. I can't wait to read more in this series!

Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy Book 3) by Robin Hobb

  My Rating: 4.7

King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz—or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest—perhaps to death. Only Verity’s return—or the heir his princess carries—can save the Six Duchies. But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him—currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was.

Hobb is a masterful writer. She makes her books feel light and easy to read but they actually pull you in where you care deeply for the characters as well as the world she creates. She does all of this effortlessly, or least it feels that way to the writer. Gifted! This is the last of the Fitz Trilogy until he reappears later in the series. I will miss Fitz. Next is the Mad Ship Trilogy I will definitely continue on in this series.

Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy Book 2) by Robin Hobb

 My Rating: 4.8

Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz’s hands—and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice. This book focuses on the marriage of Prince Verity to Kettricken.

The more I read of this series, the more I want to read....it is popcorn! I am falling in love with several characters but especially Fitz, Verity and Burich. This is a light easy read that immerses you in the world of Buckeep and makes you want to stay there.