This first volume of a new trilogy from one of fantasy's most popular and skilled authors will delight longtime Hobb fans as well as first-time readers of her work.

FitzChivalry, the hero of The Farseer trilogy, now lives an isolated and quiet life with his foster son Hap and his Wit partner wolf, Nighteyes, until he is sought out by his old mentor Chade and the enigmatic, charming Fool. Once again, duty calls: Fitz must find a missing prince and prevent political chaos in the Six Duchies. The mission will test his conflicting loyalty to country and family, his uneasy compromise with his own magic, and all the relationships he values most.

If you're a fantasy fan who hasn't yet explored the Farseer world, this is a fine place to start: Hobb deftly provides new readers with all the needed information. The finely detailed world building and intensive character development rarely slow down the action of the story. Fool's Errand is a complex, beautifully written and sometimes heart-rending examination of the consequences of duty and love. --Roz Genessee


From Publishers Weekly
In this hard-to-put-down follow-up to the Farseer Trilogy, Hobb maintains the high standards of her earlier fantasy series. The Fool and FitzChivalry Farseer band together once more to ride against the foes of the Farseer royal family in the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Last seen in Assassin's Quest, FitzChivalry (aka Tom Badgerlock due to the shock of white in his dark hair) has matured beyond the youth blindly following orders. For the past 15 years, Fitz has quietly led the life of a semi-recluse, trying his hardest to disappear. Believing that his glory days are over, he's surprised when fate (in the form of the Fool) pulls him back into the political intrigues that plague the Six Duchies. Endowed with both royal Skill magic and beast magic, Fitz assumes the task of returning the wayward heir to the throne, Prince Dutiful, to his home before his betrothal ceremony something that should be an easy task. In the event, the easy task proves extremely difficult, both physically and mentally for Fitz. The first half of the novel mostly focuses on Fitz's angst-ridden past. The heart-thumping, sword-clashing action that Hobb is known for emerges only during the second half, bringing Fitz fully to life. This is not to say that the first half is by any means dull. It's not. But the full range of Fitz's capabilities doesn't come to the forefront until later. When the action sequences finally kick in, they're non-stop. What starts as a very good read shifts into a stay-up-until-2:00 a.m.-to-finish type of book. (Jan. 9)Forecast: Stephen Youll's quiet jacket art gives no hint of the novel's intensity, but Hobb fans will know better and not be deterred.Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Hobb continues the adventures of FitzChivalry the Wit, the protagonist of her Farseer trilogy, in the first volume of a new triptych, The Tawny Man. Now in his mid-thirties, Fitz enjoys life in a forest cottage with his bond-wolf and a boy he has raised as virtually his son, and he is most reluctant to go questing again. But his old companion the Fool, now the Tawny Man, makes a compelling case that Fitz's help is needed. Prince Dutiful, a local royal, has got into a parlous situation through a romantic entanglement that suggests he was very inaccurately named. The consequences of this misalliance bode far worse things than negative media coverage, so Fitz, who hasn't lost his sense of responsibility or, fortunately, any of his old skills, launches another quest. In the remainder of the book's many pages, he encounters a dazzling array of characters, many of them human, and all of them drawn in exquisite detail, particularly the women. Is Hobb fashioning as world-class a fantasy saga as The Liveship Traders? Seems so. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
“Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”
--George R. R. Martin

“In this hard-to-put-down follow-up to the Farseer trilogy, Hobb maintains the high standards of her earlier fantasy series....A stay-up-until-2:00-a.m.-to-finish type of book.”
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Hobb’s fans won’t be disappointed with this latest installment. Fool’s Errand lives up to the legacy of the Farseer trilogy.”
--Monroe News-Star




Review
?Robin Hobb?s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.?
--George R. R. Martin

?In this hard-to-put-down follow-up to the Farseer trilogy, Hobb maintains the high standards of her earlier fantasy series....A stay-up-until-2:00-a.m.-to-finish type of book.?
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

?Hobb?s fans won?t be disappointed with this latest installment. Fool?s Errand lives up to the legacy of the Farseer trilogy.?
--Monroe News-Star




Book Description
Robin Hobb has emerged as one of today’s foremost fantasy authors. Now she continues the adventures of one of her most popular heroes in the first book of what promises to be her most spectacular trilogy yet.

Fool’s Errand

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.


From the Inside Flap
Robin Hobb has emerged as one of today’s foremost fantasy authors. Now she continues the adventures of one of her most popular heroes in the first book of what promises to be her most spectacular trilogy yet.

Fool’s Errand

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.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Fool's Errand, part of Robin Hobbs's Tawny Man series, takes place approximately 15 years after the events in the Farseer trilogy and continues chronicling the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a heroic young boy introduced in Assassin's Apprentice. Fitz, as he is called, is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry and is treated as an outcast by the whole royal court -- everyone, that is, except King Shrewd, who has him secretly trained in the arts of the assassin. He is made even more invaluable to the king because of his Skill, a hereditary magical power that allows Fitz to telepathically communicate with other Farseers and spiritually bond with animals, among other things. As the series progresses, Fitz grows up and begins to come to grips with his incredible power -- and the responsibility that goes along with it.

Here we rediscover FitzChivalry Farseer as a much older man (though by the way he speaks, you would think he was ancient!). He's living with his bonded wolf, Nighteyes, and a young boy he is raising named Hap. They share an isolated life in a small cabin in the deep woods. Fitz now goes by the name of Tom Badgerlock and refuses to go back to the Buckkeep. He is, after all, supposed to be dead. Both Fitz and Nighteyes are aging, and Fitz is pretending to enjoy his life of inactivity. This contentedness is severely tested when he gets a visit from some old friends.

Fitz's old mentor Chade arrives first, showing signs of having the ability to Skill. The only other person known to have this ability is Fitz himself. Chade wants Fitz to return with him to Buckkeep and train the young Prince Dutiful in the art, but he adamantly refuses. Two more old friends visit Fitz, and the news is not good. The Witted, it seems, are being persecuted throughout the Six Duchies because of their bonds with animals. To complicate matters, Prince Dutiful -- soon to be married -- is missing. Fitz's assignment to get him back in time for the wedding ceremony seems like a fool's errand, but the hazards ahead could signal the end of the Six Duchies as he knows it.

FYI: Readers don't have to have read Hobb's Farseer novels before beginning this book (though, in all honesty, it does add to the experience). Hobb masterfully slips in the needed background information smoothly and concisely. Within the first few chapters, all readers should have a solid grasp on the realm of the Six Duchies, and on Fitz and his previous history.

Fool's Errand is one heck of a good read: it is fast-paced, there's a ton of action and adventure, and fans of Hobb's Farseer series will thoroughly enjoy getting to know Fitz again as an adult. (L.E.)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"For fifteen years, since the events that shattered his old life, FitzChivalry Farseer has lived in a self-imposed exile, assumed to be dead by almost all who once cared about him. A bastard with royal Farseer blood, he has retreated to an isolated cottage far from the intrigues and dangers of the capital. Now he believes himself content to exist in obscurity, raising his adopted son, Hap, and sharing his solitude with his faithful wolf bondmate, Nighteyes. Despite the rumors he hears of savage reprisals against those possessing the Wit magic, he is determined to remain aloof from the conflict. After all, he has served his kingdom, sacrificed what was dearest to him, and he deserves his peace." "But all that is about to change when destiny comes seeking him once again. High summer brings visitors to his door, and with them his past. Jinna, a hedge-witch, foresees that a long-lost love will return to him. Chade - court assassin and Fitz's mentor from his own assassin days, now growing infirm - has reasons of his own for desiring Fitz to return to Buckkeep Castle. And when the Fool, the former White Prophet, reappears as the wealthy and charming Lord Golden, he beckons Fitz to take up his duties as Catalyst, the one who enables others to be heroes and change forever the path of time." "To all of them Fitz says no. He has done his duty - more than one man should be expected to do. But then comes the summons he cannot ignore. Prince Dutiful, the young heir to the Farseer throne, has vanished from Buckkeep Castle without a trace. Whether Dutiful has been kidnapped or has fled his impending arranged betrothal is unclear. What is clear is that the Prince is rumored to be Witted at a time when public superstition is running high against those possessing that "beast magic."" Endowed with both the royal Skill magic and the despised Wit, FitzChivalry may be the only one who can retrieve the Prince before his betrothal ceremony - thus sparing the Six Duchies profound polit

SYNOPSIS

Robin Hobb has emerged as one of today's foremost fantasy authors. Now she continues the adventures of one of her most popular heroes in the first book of what promises to be her most spectacular trilogy yet.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

In this hard-to-put-down follow-up to the Farseer Trilogy, Hobb maintains the high standards of her earlier fantasy series. The Fool and FitzChivalry Farseer band together once more to ride against the foes of the Farseer royal family in the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Last seen in Assassin's Quest, FitzChivalry (aka Tom Badgerlock due to the shock of white in his dark hair) has matured beyond the youth blindly following orders. For the past 15 years, Fitz has quietly led the life of a semi-recluse, trying his hardest to disappear. Believing that his glory days are over, he's surprised when fate (in the form of the Fool) pulls him back into the political intrigues that plague the Six Duchies. Endowed with both royal Skill magic and beast magic, Fitz assumes the task of returning the wayward heir to the throne, Prince Dutiful, to his home before his betrothal ceremony something that should be an easy task. In the event, the easy task proves extremely difficult, both physically and mentally for Fitz. The first half of the novel mostly focuses on Fitz's angst-ridden past. The heart-thumping, sword-clashing action that Hobb is known for emerges only during the second half, bringing Fitz fully to life. This is not to say that the first half is by any means dull. It's not. But the full range of Fitz's capabilities doesn't come to the forefront until later. When the action sequences finally kick in, they're non-stop. What starts as a very good read shifts into a stay-up-until-2:00 a.m.-to-finish type of book. (Jan. 9) Forecast: Stephen Youll's quiet jacket art gives no hint of the novel's intensity, but Hobb fans will know better and not be deterred. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

In this hard-to-put-down follow-up to the Farseer Trilogy, Hobb maintains the high standards of her earlier fantasy series. The Fool and FitzChivalry Farseer band together once more to ride against the foes of the Farseer royal family in the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Last seen in Assassin's Quest, FitzChivalry (aka Tom Badgerlock due to the shock of white in his dark hair) has matured beyond the youth blindly following orders. For the past 15 years, Fitz has quietly led the life of a semi-recluse, trying his hardest to disappear. Believing that his glory days are over, he's surprised when fate (in the form of the Fool) pulls him back into the political intrigues that plague the Six Duchies. Endowed with both royal Skill magic and beast magic, Fitz assumes the task of returning the wayward heir to the throne, Prince Dutiful, to his home before his betrothal ceremony something that should be an easy task. In the event, the easy task proves extremely difficult, both physically and mentally for Fitz. The first half of the novel mostly focuses on Fitz's angst-ridden past. The heart-thumping, sword-clashing action that Hobb is known for emerges only during the second half, bringing Fitz fully to life. This is not to say that the first half is by any means dull. It's not. But the full range of Fitz's capabilities doesn't come to the forefront until later. When the action sequences finally kick in, they're non-stop. What starts as a very good read shifts into a stay-up-until-2:00 a.m.-to-finish type of book. (Jan. 9) Forecast: Stephen Youll's quiet jacket art gives no hint of the novel's intensity, but Hobb fans will know better and not be deterred. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

VOYA

Book one in The Tawny Man series continues the story of FitzChivalry Farseer, illegitimate cousin in the ruling dynasty of Hobb's Farseer series. Having withdrawn from his obligations to royalty, FitzChivalry lives in a village with his wolf, Nighteyes. Imbued with the rare combination of Wit, or animal magic, and a more orthodox Skill magic, FitzChivalry alone can uncover the trail of the lost Prince Dutiful, heir to the Farseer line. Reluctant to reenter the life he purposely eschewed, FitzChivalry nonetheless agrees to accompany Lord Golden on a quest for the prince. Lord Golden, Court Fool turned royal protector, depends on FitzChivalry's special magics to seek out the creatures responsible for the prince's disappearance. FitzChivalry at last acknowledges his responsibility to the Farseer line, his Wit heritage, and the inevitability of change. This novel needs streamlining; the first third of the book plods, heavy with description and background, although the plot noticeably tightens toward the end, concluding in a compact, suspenseful way that is satisfying and believable. Women have a peripheral role. The story's three women—scheming seductress, mysterious guide, and evil enchantress—are superficially developed and sparingly mentioned. Although FitzChivalry is always likeable, his character spends too much time reminiscing, regretting, and complaining to transform believably into the ruthless killing machine he occasionally becomes. Nevertheless the memorable personalities of FitzChivalry, the Fool, and Nighteyes will appeal to the teen fantasy reader willing to persevere until the story hits its stride. This new series is recommended for school and public libraries witha strong fantasy collection. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Bantam Spectra, 496p, $24.95. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Caitlin Augusta SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)

Kirkus Reviews