Next we have Wintrow Vestrit, son of Kyle and Keffria whose only desire is to become a priest and live a life of worship. Thus Althea must prove herself a capable sailor in a world dominated by men. Kyle will not let Althea sail on the Vivacia without having proved herself on another sailing vessel and produce a ship’s ticket. Althea is crestfallen when she learns that possession of Vivicia will not pass on to her but her older sister Keffria, who then gives control to her Chalcedean husband Kyle. This death causes Vivacia to “quickens” and awakens her to talk and share information with the crew. The first one is Althea Vestrit, whom is heartbroken when her father Ephron dies on the liveship Vivacia. We follow several amazing characters throughout the series. Also, the threat and influence of Chalced with their slave trade is becoming more popular throughout the world. The current leader of Jamailia has ignored promises his ancestors have made to the citizens of Bingtown causing outrage and unrest.

The story takes place in Bingtown, where political turmoil could lead to an all out war. The Vestrit family is still in debt to the Rain Wild Trader family from generations ago and the only way to trade with the Rain Wilds is on a liveship who can traverse the harsh seas. When three generations of a ship’s owners die on board, a liveship “quickens”, meaning that the ship awakens and becomes a sentient being with all the memories of the ancestors who have contributed to the ship’s quickening. A liveship is a ship made out of Wizardwood from the Rain Wilds and contains a magical substance, which gives the ship magical powers. The Liveship Traders series revolves around the fortunes of the Vestrit family and their liveship Vivacia.

I’m usually not a fan of stories that take place on ships, but with this gem in the fantasy genre, Robin Hobb has changed my mind and I will be rereading this series for years to come! This series does take place in the Realm of the Elderlings world, but the series can absolutely be read on its own with little to no input from her other series. In my humble opinion, The Liveship traders trilogy is the best example of Robin Hobbs work and it is my favorite series written by her.

There are few authors whom write beautiful prose the way that Hobb does while at the same time emotionally destroy you, as she is not very kind to her characters. Although there are many excellent female authors in the fantasy genre today, my go to answer is always Robin Hobb. Over the years I have been asked time and time again for recommendations of female authors in the fantasy genre.

Liveship traders books