The uncharitable way to characterize this thought is to chide Hobb for wrapping up too many loose ends too hastily--one major event that happens to Althea, for instance, is given an overly pat conclusion only in the last chapter. Hobb's swift resolutions, in the hands of a lesser author, would seem perfectly fine; here, however, they are a disappointment, not least because we know just how adept Hobb is at honestly portraying the anguish and exigencies of life.
But this disappointment only arises in hindsight. In the throes of reading, Ship of Destiny is a delightful conclusion to the Liveship Traders Trilogy, filled with the same adventure and excitement that made the first two required texts for any fantasy fan. The events of this book wind to a showdown that will fulfill the wildest expectations of any reader of this series. And along the way Hobb treats us to some heartbreaking revelations in powerful scenes that will be hard to forget.
***MAJOR SPOILER ALERT*** Perhaps the most poignant image is that of Paragon cradling the young Kennit in his arms as Kennit, weeping, gouges out Paragon's eyes. ***END SPOILER***
It's too bad that Hobb feels the need, at the very end, to wrap up so many plot elements so neatly. But this single fault cannot budge the Liveship Traders Trilogy from its status as one of the most intense and compelling fantasy series I have ever read.
Copyright © 2002 Steven Wu 