This series following the life of Fitz Chivalry is interesting. The magic is often borrowed by other authors. Fitz's relationships with the other characters is frustrating because he's such a woe begotten character that he often gets in his own way. However I think that's part of the charm of these books and Robin Hobb does a really excellent job reflecting Fitz's maturity with the choices that he makes. The Fool who you'll get to know in later books is a supper interesting and heartfelt character that you don't really get in other fantasy series. But those gushy moments with Fitz and The Fool or Burrich or Molly are earned so your not frustrated by an over dramatisation of an innocuous event. This is my favorite solo perspective protagonist driven epic and that includes Harry Potter. I think Robin Hobb deserves to be put into the pantheon of great fiction/fantasy writers along side Tolkien, R.R. Martin, and Joe Abercrombie. Narrations good IMO, obviously.

This book is the first of a trilogy of very long and boring books. It sounds harsh but almost nothing happens during these books and you are stuck inside the characters head for so long that you become bored. The idea of the books is fascinating and the concepts of magic are interesting so I kept reading to finish the trilogy. But it doesn't really get any better and I feel that I wasted my money and time. overall not a bad book just boring.

This was a book where both the story line and the narrator were excellent but I was wishing for an abridged version by 2/3 of the way through. Descriptions of the tapestries do NOT aid in staying awake while driving. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will continue the series.

Filled with gambit of emotions, intrigue, and the essence of life during that period. The strife feels real. The author engulfed me in the story. The characters are awesome. Didn't want to stop listening.

The characters are engaging and well developed. I love to read a book that I can love the characters. Robin Hobb has done this.

very good.

good book waiting to start book two

Great story! Loved the narrator!

I enjoyed this series. Though I thought it needed some tweaking.

Robin Hobb's work was unknown to me until now. Must say, I unknowingly chose a work I couldn't stop listening to until I finished the entire trilogy. Great job and I will undoubtedly listen again. Great Narration too.

Great Book, Enjoyed the Narration.

The book started a little wordy but I soon got into the flow. Otherwise great characters and I couldn't wait to hear the next chapter and read the next book.

An under appreciated talent, Robin Hobb is every bit as fantastic storyteller as Martin or Rothfuss with a bigger catalogue to boot.

Quite liked the story line and characters. An interesting premise and hopefully the series holds up!

I love this book so much. was delighted when it was offered on audio books. com. but the narrator ruined the audio version for me. Paul what's his name has now ruined 3 good books for me. why they get this guy to do readings is beyond me. this book deserved a quality narrator like Michael Kramer. this narrator actually caused me to stop listening to 3 books now. I won't be buying any more with this guy reading. I feel like I threw my money in the trash.

Not bad. First book I have heard from this author. I'll try another.