Should I perservere with Robin Hobb Liveships?

[Stokey]

I just finished the Farseer trilogy over seeing Robin Hobb recommended on here

I hadn't read any fantasy for years and really enjoyed it despite the slightly rushed ending.

So I was going to go straight for Fool's Errand next but read some reviews that said you should read them chronologically. So I have started the Ship of Magic but am finding it a bit dull. I'm not very far in (about 100 pages).

Would you fans (Hobbists?) recommend continuing? Or should I just give up and go back to the Fool and Fitz?

I read those. Not usually my type of read, but I did get into the storylines.

I had bought them for my DS originally - he read them before me. I suspect I should have vetted them first, as they weren't really suitable for a 13 yo.

I skipped the liveship ones... Fool's Errand etc does make sense without them, but I cheated a little bit and read a synopsis of the Liveship trilogy just in case I had missed anything.

Fools and the Fitz is one of my favourite series.

(Just don't, whatever you do, read the Soldier Son trilogy by Hobb - Dire is not the word)

The Fitz and fool books make sense without the liveship ones but the newer dragon ones don't. I will add another vote for avoiding the soldier son trilogy.

Thanks for the replies. I guess I'll try a couple more chapters and hope I'll get into it but will avoid Soldier Son!

Joining in with warnings against Soldier Son. Dreadful books, those!

I would read the Liveship Trader books, if you can persevere (they can be dull in places). Its useful additional knowledge and background to have. But also don't think it is essential reading to be able to go on to Fool's errand, or to read in any chronological order if you do (I don't think I did read in order, though was approx a decade ago I read).

I skipped the live ship books, (though I read them later on), and on reflection I think I am glad I did. It was a much more intense experience reading the Fitz books all in succession. Also, I think Hobb is much better at writing in first person than from multiple vantage points.

Well I read another 100 pages last night and on the commute this morning and definitely feel like it is picking up.

I'm quite fascinated by Amber, the ships themselves and poor Wintrow. I do love Robin Hobb's characterisation, but it does make you want to give her characters a good slap, I'd struggle with Althea in real life.

Have also got Fool's Errand waiting on my kindle but am resisting temptation for the time being.

you have to read liveships, or certain references in the next three Farseer/Fool books won't make sense.

and that all i'm saying

Thanks everyone

I have continued and am now on book 2. I'm glad I did - they are slow moving in a way but there's a lot of background information. Think I'll be on the Tawny Man by next week - need to get through them so I can get my life back!