The characterisation of Fitschivalry through the series is brilliant; the books are told from the first person, almost entirely, thus the reader witnesses the change in his thoughts as he grows into a man. In this book, he has developed a new persona: Tom Badgerlock. This is set fifteen years after the Red Ship wars and King Verity’s reawakening of the Dragons. Tom Badgerlock is the person Fitschivalry has evolved into: the one he always wanted to be; he is the man with a simple life, a small farm, a few friends and the close companionship of his loyal wolf. His reaction is unsurprising when his former mentor and friend comes seeking his help: reluctance. Prince Dutiful, heir to the Farseer throne, has gone missing. Know body seems to know why. He is suspected of having the Wit and is known to have an undeveloped grasp of the Skill. Tom Badgerlock does not want to go back to being the tool of the Farseer throne: their Assassin. Few authors of the fantasy genre, if any, could write a book in which the first third of it is essentially the protagonist living in a hut looking back on his youth as he weighs up the decisions of the future. In this Robin Hobb’s style is remarkable. The internal conflict of Fitz really speaks to the reader; he has earned his rest but at the same time is the only person who can bring stability to the realm: he must go back to Buckeep and the role of his youth. The novel is very well paced and probably the most apprehension evoking I have read in fantasy; the author knows how to draw the plot out, revealing more information at exactly the right time. The plot could have been over and done with, in three hundred pages or so, but that would not have achieved the same effect. The emotions of Fitz, his fears and worries, all play a pivotal role in establishing the suspense of the plot and only through his vivid characterisation do we, as the reader, understand the meaning behind his decisions. A theme has been established through the book, through the use of animals, almost defining the author’s style. The thoughts of animals have been brought to life; their personalities exhibit their animalistic traits. For example, the cat’s snobbish nature and vainglorious attitude to itself is captured in the thoughts it sends to Tom Badgerlock. This is my favourite aspect of the series: the Wit magic. It is a wonderful idea. The relationship between Fitz and Nighteyes is very touching. Their bond, along with the Fool’s closeness to them, is very deep. They are almost one person as their wit bond has rubbed off characteristics onto each other. The Wolf thinks like a human and the Man acts like a wolf. I liked this development and how it becomes tested as Nighteyes ages quicker than Fitz. Robin Hobb is one of my favourite fantasy novelists; her books define the modern fantasy genre, thus her books are a must read for any fantasy enthusiast.

Fool’s Errand brings us back to Fitz, the Fool, and Nighteyes in a continuation that feels both familiar and emotionally heavy. While I didn’t find the wider plot as compelling as previous Robin Hobb books, the emotional storytelling remains exceptional. The relationship between Fitz and his companions continues to be the strongest part of the series, and the book delivers a genuinely devastating ending that stayed with me long after finishing. This feels like a setup instalment for a larger arc, but even as that, it is richly written and deeply affecting. Not my favourite Robin Hobb book, but still an excellent one.