Ship of Magic

The Liveship Traders books explore the roles of women in arguably more depth than previous and subsequent books within Hobb’s massive Realm of the Elderlings series. In Ship of Magic, we are introduced to multiple characters including female protagonists Althea and Malta, two members of the Vestrit family who, throughout this series, try to establish their place in a society that very firmly places women within restricted roles. Hobb is a master at character work, and following the stories of these two young women is a journey in itself. We see them evolve, grow, and, ultimately, overcome the oppressions… show more.

I love books with complex, interesting characters. It lets me view the world through a different lens, to see things from a new perspective. It’s more than just getting to know a new character—it’s about growing with him/her as they navigate the world in which they are set. There are characters in this book that you admire, that you root for, and that you love to hate—until you better understand their motives. That’s what really excites me, and this book delivers!

Set in the same world as the celebrated Farseer series, this book takes us to the mystical, dangerous Rain Wilds, where shipbuilders harvest wizardwood. The precious and rare wood is used to build self-aware liveships. Trust me, there’s nothing more attractive to a pirate than a ship who can love her back! This book explores the gray shading of morality, with an enterprising pirate who hunts slave ships and frees the captives, in service to the goal of owning a liveship himself, and a young sailor fighting to regain the birthright unjustly taken from her.