Fools Fate Tawny Man 03

A heralded writer of epic fantasy, Robin Hobb has given readers worlds within worlds in her heroic Farseer and Liveship Traders trilogies. Now she takes the final step in the breathtaking trilogy of the Tawny Man, as the tale of FitzChivalry Farseer comes to an epic end. Rife with boundless adventure and unforgettable characters, Fool's Fate is destined to become a classic of the genre.

Assassin, spy, and Skillmaster, FitzChivalry Farseer, now known only as man-at-arms Tom Badgerlock, has become firmly ensconced in the queen's court at Buckkeep. Only a few are aware of his fabled, tangled past — and the sacrifices he made to survive it. And fewer know of his possession of the Skill magic. With Prince Dutiful, his assassin-mentor Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly Skilled Thick, FitzChivalry strives to aid the prince on a quest that could ultimately secure peace between the Six Duchies and the Outislands — and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

For the Narcheska has set the prince on an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice — the legendary Icefyre, on the island of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Outislands support the prince's effort to behead their legendary defender. Are there darker forces at work behind the Narcheska's imperious demand? As the prince and his coterie set sail, FitzChivalry works behind the scenes, playing nursemaid to the ailing Thick, while striving to strengthen their Skill — ultimately bringing his unacknowledged daughter into the web of the Skill magic, where the truth must finally unfold.

The quest emerges amid riddles that must be unraveled, a clash of cultures, and the ultimate betrayal. For knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, FitzChivalry has plotted with Chade to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.

"A satisfying end....A winning combination of strong characters and colorful societies." Kirkus Reviews

"The conclusion of the Tawny Man trilogy is generally as distinguished as its predecessors....In this vast — and vastly rewarding — tale, Hobb largely avoids the sententiousness such an ethically loaded agenda portends." Roland Green, Booklist

"The author...concludes her [trilogy] in grand style. Hobb's rich, vibrant, and unique world, filled with sentient ships, magical beasts, and fascinating characters, deserves exposure to a wide audience. Highly recommended." Library Journal

Combining epic vision, intricate plotting, and seamless interweaving of characters and worlds, Robin Hobb has emerged as one of the most popular and acclaimed authors of "big book" fantasy. Now, she concludes her third spectacular trilogy with a novel of breathtaking imagination. Prince Dutiful has vowed to journey to the Outislands to slay the dragon Icefyre who has been frozen in a glacier for untold millennia. It's a perilous journey for no one has yet approached Icefyre's realm and lived. But Dutiful and his Skillmaster FitzChivalry soon find themselves up against the Fool — a formidable opponent determined not to slay Icefyre, but to free him. Trapped on an alien, icy island far from home, trying to build a crucial alliance, Fitz and Dutiful must do everything in their power to save a world — while attempting to find the secret that lies at the heart of the enigmatic Fool...is he what they think he is, or something far more profound and chilling?

"Complex . . . an atmosphere-filled adventure . . . with a fair quota of surprises . . . a winning combination of strong characters and colorful societies."--Kirkus Reviews

In the final book in the Tawny Man Trilogy, Fitz and the Fool are tested more severely than ever in a book the Monroe News-Star calls "a breathtaking ride from beginning to end."

FitzChivalry Farseer has become firmly ensconced in the queen's court. Along with his mentor, Chade, and the simpleminded yet strongly skilled Thick, Fitz strives to aid Prince Dutiful on a quest that could secure peace with the Out Islands--and win Dutiful the hand of the Narcheska Elliania.

The Narcheska has set the prince an unfathomable task: to behead a dragon trapped in ice on the isle of Aslevjal. Yet not all the clans of the Out Islands support their effort. Are there darker forces at work behind Elliania's demand? Knowing that the Fool has foretold he will die on the island of ice, Fitz plots to leave his dearest friend behind. But fate cannot so easily be defied.

The acclaimed Tawny Man trilogy from the heralded writer of epic fantasy comes to its thrilling conclusion as the fate of FitzChivalry Farseer is finally revealed.

Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy and the Liveship Traders Trilogy. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.