Robin Hobb’s Ship of Magic

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I’ve been enjoying Robin Hobb’s Ship of Magic because of the
detail and variety of subcultures in her world. Windrow’s
sense of peace and wisdom within his religious order set against his duty to his family, Althea’s own prejudices regarding class and her concerns over her family’s future and the Liveship Vivacia.  Even the Kennit, the pirate, has a sense of completeness to him, even given his cruelty and greed he displays a sort of cold wisdom even courage.

The fleshed out feel of the characters and backgrounds they come from really keep this story engaging and relevant through the many changes in fortunes and interests.

Featured Character: Valestros

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Valestros is Primelord to the galaxy in charge of settling disputes among Archlords.  He also holds responsibility of protecting the Praeumptor Assembly, the parliamentry body charged with making inter sector laws governing trade and treaties between sectors.  As such he holds the largest armada in the galaxy and is given wide latitude in his treatment of the other Archlords particularly those in a state of conflict.  His parents were killed in the wars between Archlords before he assumed their place among the Archlords and the Assembly and enforced his peace through the use of his Grelden soldier, widely known for their brutal discipline and savagery on the battlefield.  Since then he has maintained a strict hold on Archlord activities and trade and has sought to expand the Primelord’s powers over the opposition of Donalia of the Scion Academy, using fear of the Shal races and of the dangers of unregulated warp research to maintain a position of power and influence that has limited Valestros’ goals.

He has two cousins Zelidan and Rusala, and a son Shalron who is married to Rusala.  Shalron is widely thought to be inadequate to the subtleties of politics having been fosters among the reputedly barbaric Greldens, but his cousins are known to very devious and interested  in advancement despite the black mark their mother’s insanity places on their family.  Some suspect they may have plans against Valestros but few would bet against him in such a conflict.  Valestros presides over the Throne world of Caelinar, a swampy mountainous planet known for its strange life forms and radiation storms.  Some speculate that is why Valestros has limited his public engagements.

http://www.amazon.com/Dragonhold-ebook/dp/B006FIFAGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328581616&sr=8-1

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Dunes complex weave of various factions and the intensely
personal dimension of many of the individuals’ goals is one of my favorite of this type.

Game of Thrones offers a similarly rich tapestry of characters
often become more or less sympathetic as you learn more about them. A great example of how the author engages us through personal conflict within an unforgiving political structure.

Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders series gives us great insight into
how the magic of her world integrates into the social and economic lives of her characters, as well as establishing a basis for the rich opiniated and colorful characters of her world.

The Enders Shadow series offers an interesting projection of the
long term ramifications of an already cruel social experiment and offers
interesting looks into the effects of technology and crisis on local and
international politics.

Gordon R. Dickson’s Child Cycle Saga Offers interesting
perspective of future social stratification based on specialized talents
becoming subcultures and those culrures coming into conflict due to their
alieness to each other.

Dragonhold

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Excerpt from Dragonhold: “He raced across the sands as the others hurried to catch up, his horse kicking red and gold sand flickering in the suns’ light as his wiry white hair fanned behind him.  Jakata barely noticed them following.  All he could feel was the
wind through his hair and nearness of his prey along his skin.”

This site is for the discussion and sharing of all things scif and fantasy related.

I have included links to my novel and serveral stories I have published on kindle.

I anyone here wishes to discuss a favorite work of fantasy or scifi, or share a publishing experience in these areas feel free to share.

Excerpt Shadowlight(coming soon):  “Primus woke, gasping for air.  He had the dream again, the same since he could remember.  Primus rubbed his grey
eyes.  They burned from the decompression in the dream.  Primus tapped the night
stand twice and the small faucet filled his glass.  His eyes fixed tightly on the water before he drank.”