Yes, I know it isn’t Friday. Yesterday was a day and I ran out of time. So today is Fantasy not-Friday, and I present the Tawny Man trilogy by Robin Hobb.

While I started Tawny Man shortly after it came out, approximately 20 years ago, I never got around to finishing it. I have a bookmark at page 88 of book two but I have virtually no recollection of book one. What I do remember is that it is many years after the end of the Farseer trilogy and Fitz and Nighteyes are living in a fairly isolated area when the Fool comes calling. I think he brings with him news of Fitz’s son and a request that Fitz return to provide some aid. From memory, the aid is related to his son inheriting the Wit from Fitz, but I also vaguely recall a kidnapping.

I don’t know why I didn’t finish. Likely it was during one of my very many life-induced slumps where I could mostly only reread favourites and otherwise read popcorn books.

As my memory is challenged, here’s the blurb from book one. Do note that you should probably read Farseer before Tawny Man, as the latter will have spoilers for the former and it may also assume you have earlier knowledge (though there is likely recaps of most of what you need to know somewhere, as was common with fantasy series at the time).

“We are here, you and I, Fitz, to change the world. Again.”

Fifteen years have passed since the end of the Red Ship War with the terrifying Outislanders. Since then, Fitz has wandered the world accompanied only by his wolf and Wit-partner, Nighteyes, finally settling in a tiny cottage as remote from Buckkeep and the Farseers as possible.

But lately the world has come crashing in again. The Witted are being persecuted because of their magical bonds with animals; and young Prince dutiful has gone missing just before his crucial diplomatic wedding to an Outislander princess. Fitz’s assignment to fetch Dutiful back in time for the ceremony seems very much like a fool’s errand, but the dangers ahead could signal the end of the Farseer reign.