Ship of Magic

by Robin Hobb
Ship of Magic cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Fantasy
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 4142
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780007504008
  • Published: 2012-08-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ship of Magic, the first installment in Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy, transports readers to a world where ships come alive and magic is woven into the fabric of life. Set in a land bordering the Six Duchies, this epic tale introduces readers to a richly detailed world filled with pirates, dashing heroes, and bloody battles. The story is not just about adventure but also explores themes of slavery, rebellion, and the consequences of power. Robin Hobb's masterful storytelling brings to life a unique blend of fantasy and maritime adventure. The Liveship Traders series is known for its intricate world-building and complex characters, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. With its engaging narrative and vivid descriptions, Ship of Magic promises an unforgettable journey for readers who love epic fantasy and maritime tales.

Reviews
The Quaint Book Nook · 2023-05-02
intricate 4.50

This is a hefty book with many character strands and complex politics, which only grows more intricate as the story progresses.

The reviewer describes 'Ship of Magic' as a hefty book with a lot of different character strands spread across the map. The story is filled with complex politics and secrets, which only grow as the narrative unfolds. The reviewer appreciates the depth and intricacy of the world-building, making it a rich and engaging read. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add layers to the story, making it a compelling journey.

Quick quotes

    This is a hefty book, with so many different character strands spread across the map

    A lot of complex politics and secrets, and it only grows as the story progresses

    The characters are well-developed, and their interactions add layers to the story

The Hobbleit · 2020-01-24
immersive 4.20

Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships, which are rare vessels carved from wizardwood.

The reviewer highlights Bingtown as a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility known for their liveships. These liveships, carved from wizardwood, are rare and magical, adding a unique element to the story. The reviewer appreciates the rich world-building and the depth of the characters, making the story engaging and immersive. The magical elements and the intricate politics add layers to the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Bingtown is a hub of exotic trade and home to a merchant nobility famed for its liveships

    Rare vessels carved from wizardwood, which ripens magically into something extraordinary

    The rich world-building and the depth of the characters make the story engaging and immersive

Grimdark Magazine · 2019-10-31
engaging 4.00

The writing is elegant and poignant, but it took time to adjust to the new characters after the previous trilogy. The story is rich with political intrigue and character development.

The reviewer found Robin Hobb's writing to be as elegant and poignant as ever. However, they noted that it took some time to become invested in the new characters, especially after the emotional depth of the previous trilogy featuring FitzChivalry. The story is filled with complex politics and secrets, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciated the intricate world-building and the depth of the characters, which made the story engaging despite the initial adjustment period.

Quick quotes

    Hobb's writing is as elegant, poignant, and admirable as ever

    Having so much of my heart invested in FitzChivalry it did take a while to adjust to the new characters

    The story is rich with political intrigue and character development

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