My journey through Robin Hobb’s sixteen part Realm of the Elderlings series has reached a point where I’ve finished the second trilogy: The Liveship Traders. Initially I was worried that after the marvelous ending of the first trilogy, I would be disappointed by anything new Hobb introduces to the reader. But I tried to keep an open mind and it worked, because I loved Ship of Magic, The Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny! Though it took a while to get into the story, to understand the new locations, traditions and characters, I did eventually find myself hooked.

In the Liveship Traders trilogy we follow old and renowned trader families and their magical, living ships. In the beginning of Ship of Magic, the ship of the Vestrit family, Vivacia, wakes up (meaning that the figurehead comes alive), which leads to a family dispute over who should be her new captain. There are also pirates and sea serpents, buried ancient cities and other liveships - a vivid world to explore. The connections to Fitz and Six Duchies are nonexistent, but I do hear that later in the series they are tied together in unexpected ways, which I’m very excited for!

I don’t see the point of sharing my thoughts on the books individually, because together they make up such a coherent story arch and honestly, I can’t remember where one book ends and another begins. They are long, around 900 pages each, but easy to get through. The different POV:s prevent the story becoming boring and though there were a few moments, in the beginning halves of the books, where I questioned the length, it always made sense in the end.

I appreciate how The Liveship Traders expands the world, and I can’t wait to get back to Fitz’s storyline in Fool’s Errand and see if I view him and Six Duchies differently knowing what I know now. Also, I’ve heard that The Tawny Man (the third trilogy) is the favorite of many fans, which makes me extra eager to continue sooner rather than later. Thankfully I already bought all the books.