The Ship of Magic is a fantasy novel written by Robin Hobb. It is the first book in the Liveship Traders Trilogy, which is part of the larger Realm of the Elderlings series. The story is set in a world where magic is a reality, and ships made from a special type of wood called wizardwood come to life and possess a consciousness of their own. These ships are known as liveships and are coveted by many for their magical abilities. The novel follows the lives of several characters, each with their own unique perspective and storyline. Althea Vestrit is the protagonist and a member of the Vestrit family, who own and operate the liveship Vivacia.
“A colorful beginning to a new series.”—Locus
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. So a 2 star from me means,yes, I liked the book, and I d loan it to a friend and it went everywhere in my jacket pocket or purse until I finished it.
Althea Vestrit is the protagonist and a member of the Vestrit family, who own and operate the liveship Vivacia. However, the ship's captain dies, and her older brother Kyle takes control, much to Althea's disappointment. Determined to reclaim her birthright, Althea sets out on a journey to prove herself and regain command of the ship.
Ship of Magic
Ship of Magic is the first book of The Liveship Traders Trilogy. It is followed by The Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny. It was first published in 1998.
Meanwhile, the Bingtown traders, including the Vestrit family, are facing economic challenges due to the politics and trade restrictions imposed by the Elderlings, a powerful group with control over magic. They must navigate the treacherous waters of the Rain Wild River and face threats from pirates and rival traders. In addition to Althea, other main characters include Kyle Vestrit, who struggles with the responsibility of being a liveship captain, Wintrow Vestrit, Althea's nephew who is forced to become a priest, and Kennit, a pirate who dreams of becoming a king and desires to possess a liveship for his own purposes. The Ship of Magic is a richly detailed and character-driven novel that explores themes of power, greed, family, and self-discovery. It delves into the complexities and consequences of magic, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Robin Hobb's writing style is known for its intricacy and depth, creating a vivid and immersive world that readers can easily get lost in. The story is filled with political intrigue, adventure, and emotional moments that keep readers engaged throughout. Overall, The Ship of Magic is a captivating and compelling fantasy novel that sets the stage for the epic journey and struggles that the characters will face in the subsequent books of the Liveship Traders Trilogy..
Reviews for "The Beautifully Described Settings in Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb"
1. John - 2/5
I found "Ship of Magic" to be a slow and uneventful read. The plot seemed to wander aimlessly, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The story was bogged down with unnecessary details and descriptions, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was disappointed with the lack of excitement and found it to be a rather tedious read.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Ship of Magic," but it ultimately fell short for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and it took a long time for the story to really take off. The characters, while they had potential, didn't grab my attention, and I found them to be quite one-dimensional. Additionally, the world-building felt disjointed and confusing at times. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and won't be continuing with the series.
3. Alex - 3/5
While "Ship of Magic" had some interesting elements, I couldn't fully get into it. The multiple perspectives and storylines made it difficult to follow at times, and I found myself getting confused. Although the concept of living ships was intriguing, it was overshadowed by the slow pacing and lack of action. The book had its moments, but overall, it didn't meet my expectations. I may give the next book in the series a chance in hopes that it picks up the pace.