The Best Robin Hobb Books: Six Duchies Books Reading Order

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Robin Hobb is a beloved author in the fantasy genre, known for her richly imagined worlds and complex characters. One of her most significant contributions to the genre is the Farseer Trilogy. These books introduce readers to the realm of the Six Duchies and the character of FitzChivalry Farseer, and they’re personally my favourite of her work.

Since publishing the Farseer trilogy, Robin Hobb has published multiple series set in the same world, including the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, and the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy. In this article, we explore Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy as well as her wider body of work, discussing the importance of reading order and the impact of her writing on the fantasy genre.

The Farseer Trilogy: An Overview

The Farseer Trilogy is set in a world of magics that are both revered and feared, known and forgotten. The main character, FitzChivalry Farseer, is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry and is raised in the royal household of the Farseers.

However, this isn’t a fun story about a prince realising his destiny. Fitz is an outcast, despised by the courts for what he represents. He’s a child that’s manipulated and used by almost everyone around him.

As the name of the first book in the Farseer trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice, suggests, he is apprenticed to the court assassin and regularly finds himself placed in dangerous scenarios as an expendable asset.

Buy the Farseer Trilogy on Amazon

Robin Hobb and Magic in the Six Duchies

On top of being the bastard son of the beloved Chivalry (a man who in all other things lives up to his name), Fitz is gifted with both the Skill and the Wit. The Skill is a powerful royal magic that allows long-distance telepathy, powerful illusions, and mental manipulation. Those who are practised in the Skill can force others to do their bidding, and even influence the real world.

The Wit (also known as "Old Blood") on the other hand, is a shunned magic, despised and feared. It allows people to telepathically to communicate and bond with animals. Fitz bonds with a young wolf who becomes his constant companion. However, within the Six Duchies legends have it that practitioners of the Wit slowly lose their humanity to become more animal than man.

The three books that make up the trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest) are an epic journey of self-discovery, of dragons, Elderlings, and ancient barely understood magic. A story of the underdog fighting against all the odds to save a world that hates and fears him.

Readers who like Robin Hobb and dark fantasy may also like John Gwynne and his Bloodsworn Saga.

Ship of Magic (1998): The first book in the series introduces readers to the city of Bingtown, where a number of wealthy merchant families own sentient "liveships" made of magical wizardwood. These ships, passed down through generations of a family, have unique personalities and abilities. The Vestrit family is one such family, and they are preparing to launch their liveship, Vivacia, when the patriarch, Ephron Vestrit, suddenly dies. The family's finances are in dire straits and the launch of the liveship is critical to their future success. However, Vivacia's new captain has ulterior motives that put the Vestrits and their ship in danger.

The Mad Ship (1999): The second book in the series follows the continuing adventures of the Vestrit family as they try to save Vivacia and unravel the mysteries of the liveships. The story also introduces new characters, such as the pirate Kennit, who is determined to become a king and commands a formidable liveship of his own. Meanwhile, a group of former slaves from the Rain Wilds embark on a journey to find the legendary city of Kelsingra, rumored to be made of silver and home to powerful dragon magic.

Ship of Destiny (2000): The final book in the series brings all the various plot threads together in a thrilling conclusion. The Vestrits must fight to regain control of their liveship and fend off enemies, while Kennit makes a bid for power and the dragons of the Rain Wilds continue their journey to Kelsingra. The liveships themselves play a crucial role in the story, as their magic and personalities are explored in greater depth. The book also features some crossover with characters from Hobb's earlier Farseer Trilogy, tying the two series together.

Buy the Liveship Trilogy on Amazon.

The Tawny Man Trilogy

Fool's Errand (2001): This trilogy takes place 15 years after the events of the Farseer Trilogy. Fitz is now living a quiet life as a beekeeper, but he is drawn back into the world of politics and magic when an old friend returns.

Golden Fool (2003): In the second book, Fitz must navigate the treacherous political landscape of Buckkeep while also trying to uncover the truth about the mysterious Fool.

Fool's Fate (2004): The final book in the trilogy sees Fitz and the Fool on a perilous journey to save the Six Duchies from destruction.

Buy the Tawny Man Trilogy on Amazon.

The Rain Wild Chronicles

Dragon Keeper (2009): This series takes place in the same universe as the Farseer Trilogy, but it follows a new set of characters. The story begins with a group of dragon keepers tasked with transporting a group of young dragons to a new home.

Dragon Haven (2010): In the second book, the dragon keepers face new challenges as they try to create a new home for the dragons.

City of Dragons (2012): In the third book, tensions rise between the dragon keepers and the people of Kelsingra as they compete for resources.

Blood of Dragons (2013): The final book in the series sees the dragon keepers facing their greatest challenge yet as they try to save the dragons from a deadly disease.

Buy the Rain Wild Chronicles on Amazon.

The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy

Fool's Assassin (2014): This trilogy takes place several years after the end of the Tawny Man Trilogy. Fitz is living a peaceful life with his family, but he is forced to confront the past when the Fool returns to his life.

Fool's Quest (2015): In the second book, Fitz and the Fool set out on a quest to find the missing prince and prevent a catastrophic war.

Assassin's Fate (2017): The final book in the trilogy sees Fitz facing his greatest challenge yet as he confronts his own mortality and once again finds the fate of the Six Duchies in his hands.

Buy the Fitz and The Fool Trilogy on Amazon.

The Importance of Robin Hobb and The Farseer Trilogy in Fantasy Literature

The Farseer Trilogy is often cited as a game-changer in the fantasy genre. It features a realistic and flawed protagonist who is not the typical hero found in epic fantasy. Fitz's struggles with his identity and place in the world make him a relatable and sympathetic character. Hobb's focus on character development and emotional depth set her writing apart from other fantasy authors.

The Farseer Trilogy also paved the way for other authors to explore the nuances of character and theme in their writing. It's no coincidence that the rise of grimdark fantasy, which focuses on darker and more morally ambiguous characters, coincided with the popularity of the Farseer Trilogy.

Robin Hobb and the Farseer Trilogy Final Words

In conclusion, Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy and subsequent works have left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre. Her vivid characters, intricate plots, and unparalleled world-building have captivated readers for decades.

I’m a long-time fan of Robin Hobb’s and have eagerly read all of her books as they were released. From experience, I believe starting a the beginning offers the best reading order for her books. The first trilogy is also my favourite, followed closely by the liveship books. Both of these series have dramatic reveals in the final books that will change how you see the rest of the story.

Buy the Farseer Trilogy on Amazon

Robin Hobb's books are an unforgettable journey for any fantasy lover from the Farseer Trilogy to the Tawny Man Trilogy, Liveship Traders Trilogy, and beyond. So buckle up and get ready to dive into a world of dragons, magic, and adventure with one of the most beloved fantasy authors of our time.

The Best Robin Hobb Books: Six Duchies Books Reading Order