Fool’s Errand by Robin Hobb

Book Description: For fifteen years FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. But that is about to change when destiny seeks him once again. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished and FitzChivalry, possessed of magical skills both royal and profane, is the only one who can retrieve him in time for his betrothal ceremony--thus sparing the Six Duchies profound political embarrassment...or worse. But even Fitz does not suspect the web of treachery that awaits him or how his loyalties to his Queen, his partner, and those who share his magic will be tested to the breaking point.

Warning: Spoilers

Fool’s Errand is the first of The Tawny Man Trilogy. It takes place after the Farseer trilogy and the Liveship books. The events of both are referred to in the book, but it should be possible to read it without having read those first.

Fool’s Errand begins with Fitz and Nighteyes settled in a cottage and raising his foster son. Starling visits often; they are lovers. The Fool and Chade both try to convince him to come back, but he refuses. When Fitz does go back, it is because Prince Dutiful has disappeared before his engagement and Chade needs him to go find the prince. He does, but not before the prince is thoroughly disillusioned about the nature of his new Witted companion and friends both.

The saddest part was when Nighteyes died. I never really thought he would. I kept thinking, somehow he will be saved. Someone will come along who can save him. No one did. I can’t really question the writer’s decision to kill Nighteyes because it makes sense in the story. But it was very hard to read and I needed a break after.

The best part was the reunion with the Fool. The Fool’s skin turned golden where it was white before and that’s damn odd. He changed, become someone else, changed his name, his clothes, everything. But he was still the Fool.

The ending was good, too. Despite being the first in a trilogy, it was a satisfying ending in and of itself. There was no cliffhanger. Not that it matters. All three books are out so even if there was a cliffhanger, it is easy enough to get a hold of the second and third book.

Grade: B