Fool's Errand

The Tawny Man Trilogy, Book 1

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 25 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But now, into his isolated life, visitors begin to arrive: Fitz's mentor from his assassin days; a hedge-witch who foresees the return of a long-lost love; and the Fool, the former White Prophet, who beckons Fitz to fulfill his destiny.

Then comes the summons he cannot ignore. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished. Fitz, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony, thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment - or worse. But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him - or how his loyalties will be tested to the breaking point.

©2002 Robin Hobb (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Hobb is a master

I love Realm of the Elderlings and this is one of the few times where I'll give a 5 star rating to a book that's not the last in an incredible series. The Tawny Man trilogy in general is my favorite part of RotE, and this first book in it is absolutely amazing. We get back to Fitz, the Fool, and Nighteyes and start incorporating more of the lore Hobb has masterfully developed over the last two trilogies. I love how perfectly she can weave stories and this remains one of my favorites of all time.

Wonderful as Always

It's such a joy being back in this world. I don't know how Hobb does it, but somehow she manages to write books where it's never so intense that I feel like I can't put the book down, but at the same time I always lose track of time while reading her stories and end up binging the whole book.

High-emotions

The adventure begins again! I find this book the hardest to read because it is so bitter-sweet and heart-felt, that if it doesn't move you to tears, you're not human. I love it, hate it, laugh with it, and cry. I truly love this story.

And so the boy is now a man

I am so glad to see how Fitz has grown. I was disappointed, initially, in the last book of the Farseers trilogy to see him having reverted so much to his boyish ways but 15 years later and with a charge of his own and with Nighteyes' help he really has developed into a wonderful man to follow on the journey. This story had a few slower points, but that could just be because I wasn't so invested in Dutiful because we'd not been introduced to him yet so my sense of urgency to see him rescued while on his trail made it hard to be more invested but I swiftly grew fond of him as well. This book props up a number of questions further into the Wit and I'm very excited to keep going. I do know, and warn, for anyone who loves our main hero and his furry brother, to keep some tissues handy. The tale is a bittersweet one for them. 10/10 would read again.

Fantastic Story; Excellent Reader

Where does Fool's Errand rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of my all time favorites. I have always liked Robin Hobbs, but have never done an audio book by him. This was a new story, but did gently weave in some of the previous books that I've read. Since it is a Book 1, I am counting on more!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fool's Errand?

The relationship between the Tawny Man or the "Fool" and his Catalyst, or Roger Badgerlock is great. I personally do enjoy books that intertwine humans with animals, and the relationship between "Night Eyes" and Fitz was outstanding. The voice rendition of "Night Eyes" and all communication between animals and people was especially well done.

What does James Langton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

James did an outstanding job expressing the animals communication in the story, and I enjoyed his reading overall. I never thought about a "reader" as I listened. It was real.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

When some key characters died, I did cry. Overall, however, I just wanted to keep on listening. It was a very compelling book. I definitely am looking forward to future books in the series!

Great story

Very engaging story, as I have come to expect from previous installments. wish things weren't always so gloomy for poor Fitz, but I suppose it is what it is. My only objection is the change in pronunciation from the last series to this... particularly the queen's name. It sounded much more like an actual name in the last series. oh well.

Robin Hobb is such a wonderful writer!

what a good book! Another step in the story that makes me want more! Enjoy

Enchanting storyteller!

As a first-time reader of Robin Hobb, her tale wound a spell around me. The narrator's various voices brought to life the characters.

New favorite?

I enjoyed the characters and story. The magic and mythology as well as the simple humanity. I expect I will finish the series.
The reader was pleasant to hear and made the characters distinctly present.

Fantastic!

This is a great fantasy novel. I applaud this series! Can't wait for the next book!