🔸 Characters: I would've liked to see more of Patience and Verity, but I assume that may come in book 2 and 3. Molly is a little badass and I assumed we haven't seen the last of  her. Chade is another interesting character and I loved his conversation with Fitz regarding the content of their lessons ("As to what I'm to teach you...well. It's murder, more or less" 😁👌🏻). Obviously, it goes without saying that Fitz is a fantastic character, so not much else I can say there other than I just want good things for him but I don'tsee that happening anytime soon 😂. I had such mixed feelings about Burrich, especially after the rough ending of chapter 2 but I was so sad for Burrich when we hear about his sadness after Chivalry abandoning him and then his subsequent death - he clearly took that hard. Burrich intervening in Fitz's stealing was so abrupt and I even felt like I'd been caught red-handed 😂 he is the firm presence Fitz needed but he is so clear with his morals and boundaries and won't budge. He's a layered character that I adore already. Plus, Burrich can't get along with anyone who mistreats an animal 👌🏻 

Quote: "If I ever find the right woman, I'll want her to know I won't be looking at another. And I'll want to know all my children are mine" -- Burrich 

🔹Atmosphere: amazing, I felt completely immersed in the story from start to finish. It was just gorgeous. Hobb was constantly getting me in the feels from Fitz having to bed down with the dogs to Burrich and his admiration of Chivalry. 

🔸 Writing Style: it was jarring in the beginning but I loved it very soon after and loved picking it up each time. 

🔹 Plot: slow burn but thoroughly enjoyable. The Red Ship Raiders really intrigued me and I (morbidly) can't wait for the raids to properly begin. I love Fitz using the Wit(?) with the dogs. 

🔸 Intrigue: very intriguing. I want to see more of Fitz using the Skill. I want to see more action with Fitz, Burrich, Verity and Kettricken. The creatures of 'the Forge', while the situation didn't grab me straight away but the more the forgings appeared the gravity of the results felt more impactful ("And thus they already have been raped in spirit if not in flesh"). 

🔹 Logic / Relationships: this story introduced me to so many amazing characters and relationships Burrich & Fitz, Rurisk & Fitz, Patience & Fitz, Verity & Fitz, even The Fool & Fitz. I enjoyed all of these interactions. Fitz and any of his dogs though 🥰 

Quote: "...not at all sure that Burrich was right that bonding with a puppy wouldn't solve anything. I longed for his warm little world of  straw and siblings and milk and mother"). 

🔸 Enjoyment: I enjoyed this way more than I expected to 

I'm sure I've missed some valuable point(s) out of this review so I'll end on a short quote: "A grim horror settled on me" 

A great start to my 2021 reading year!