Damian's Reviews > Fool's Errand

5/5

“Despite my pain, I felt not the regret of an ending, but the foreboding of a beginning.”

Fool’s Errand is the first entry of The Tawny Man trilogy, which is the third trilogy of Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings series. I had mixed feelings about returning to the Elderlings series. The Farseer trilogy and The Liveships Traders are among some of my favourite books ever, holding a special place in my heart. On one hand, I was excited about returning to this incredible world and Fitz & Nighteyes, two of my all time favourite characters. The previous Elderling books are a tough act to follow - what if Fool’s Errand didn’t live up to previous standards? I am happy to report that my fears were misplaced - Fool’s Errand is a beautiful return to the story of Fitz.

“You have been with me, as close as the tips of my fingers, even when we were years and seas apart. Your being was like the hum of a plucked string at the edge of my hearing, or a scent carried on a breeze.”

Firstly, I just want to stress how beautiful the opening section of this book is. The initial cottage chapters are some of the most tenderly written and emotionally raw pages I have ever read. Hobb has always been a master of the craft when it comes to poetic prose and sensational character work, these chapters encompassing some of her very best examples. Reading about Fitz settling into an ordinary life, whilst exploring his past trauma, old, new and renewed relationships, as well as his regrets of his past life and dreams of the future, invoked pure elation in me. These chapters also added so much more depth to events of Farseer, as well as adding a lot more context to Liveship. Quite possibly the best chapters I have read of the Realm of the Elderlings so far. 

“For his sake, I had taken hurts so grievous that both my mind and my body would bear the scars until the day I died. Yet as I drew near to the still form, I felt tears prick my eyes, and knew longing for only his familiar voice.”

It’s worth noting that the start of this book very much feels like an extended epilogue to Assassin’s Quest. I adored Assassin’s Quest, it’s my favourite of the three Farseer books. Yet I would have loved to have gotten more time dedicated to the aftermath of the events at the Skill garden, seeing how Fitz processes his traumatic loss. Hobb delivered on that front with Fool’s Errand tremendously. The book very much feels like the spiritual successor to Assassin’s Quest. The prevailing themes in the previous book of Fitz story are sacrifice, loss and grief - which continues on to an even larger effect in Fool’s Errand. Melancholy once again is imbued throughout the story. I’ve also said previously that I love the Fitz & Verity relationship dynamic, because I believe that it’s the defining relationship of Fitz’ character. Yes, his relationship with Nighteyes is the heart and soul of the story, but his relationship with Verity defines the entire character of Fitz. His love, his loyalty, his devotion - right down to putting the needs of others above his own, and never being the one truly in control of his life. Hobb adds even more further complexity & depth to that already complicated relationship; but we’re also given satisfying growth on that front for the evolution of Fitz’ character.

“Wait for you? Not likely. I've always had to run ahead of you and show you the way.”

Fool’s Errand also gives us a deeper dive into the magic of The Wit, mirroring Farseer’s focus on The Skill, shining a light on those who are witted and the bond they share with their bonded animal companions; making for some fascinating development as well further insight into the powerful and beautiful relationship between Fitz and Nighteyes. As well the intro of a certain feline character who is both smugly infuriating as well as hilarious. 

“Sound seemed muted, and night darker, scent and taste dulled. It was as if the world had been robbed of its brightness. He had left me behind to dwell alone in a dimmed and stale place.”

The way this book handles grief and the loss of a loved one is genius. It is such an accurate depiction of grief and the feelings that tend to follow. That said, the closing act of this book broke me and it is the the first time a book has brought me to tears. I have felt haunted by it since reading it. I’m upset, but I’m also angry at Hobb, and I know that it’s unreasonable. This is a testament to her ability as an author and I genuinely believe she is the pinnacle of writing in fantasy. That said, the closing act of this book is something I will never be able to forget and it’s going to haunt me. I don’t have it in me to forgive her for the books biggest moment, and I likely never will. This book is emotionally devastating.

Overall, Fool’s Errand is fantastic. It is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read, continuing Fitz and Nighteyes story masterfully. Yet it is also the most heartbreaking. Many regard The Tawny Man to be the best of Hobb’s works. If Fool’s Errand is any indication, I can certainly see why.