I liked learning the backstory of the prince and why the wit is hated but as I read the Assassin's Apprentice years ago I wasn't as invested in the characters.

5⭐️

This is a collection of two novellas, both set in the Realm of the Elderlings but based many, many years before the storyline of Fitz and other Fareseer character we know and love. You could certainly start with these books and they wouldn't spoil anything for you, and I would say they're a great place to 'try out' Hobb. However, I will say if you have read the other books in the Realm of the Elderlings then some of the things Hobb mentions within this will resonate a lot with you and enchant you (as they did for me).

As always I believe that Hobb's writing style is fab. She's brilliant at drawing you in and making you connect to the characters who are narrating or part of the story, and this was no exception. We have two storues, the first, The Wilful Princess, focuses on Felicity and her companionship with the Princess Caution (of the Farseers). Felicity is from a simple family and yet she becomes firm friends with the baby Princess and stays by her through her life. They go through much and more together, and you follow their bond and the problems that Caution (not a good representation of her name) sets up for Felicity and herself.
The second story is also narrated by Felicity but is a retelling of a story told to her by Redbird, and this is following the next generation of Farseer, The Piebald Prince. If you've read the later Farseer, Tawny Man and Fitz and the Fool books then you'll no doubt recognise the name of the Piebald Prince. this is his story and shows just why he became famous and his tale was passed down through the generations all across the Realm of the Elderlings.

On the whole, both of these were short, to the point, but brimming with all the magic of the Elderling world and it hinted at all the extra to come. I adore these characters and this world, and I really enjoyed re-immersing myself with this (although I am sad again that there's not a lot more for me to immediately read). 5*s overall, I just love Hobb :)

Hob is the greatest to do it

I loved this little book as I do all of Robin Hobbs work but to be honest I expected it to be the first Hobb that didn't receive 5* from me. Solely on the basis that it is so short and Hobb is renowned for her detail, I presumed it would be lacking. I am happy to say that I was wrong. The book is divided into two interconnected stories, the first tells the story of Princess Caution who fell in love with a witted stable master and from this relationship the Piebald Prince is born. The latter tells the story of the Piebald Prince and we begin to understand why peoples attitudes to the witted changed. It echoes the crucible in a way because innocent people were put to death over peoples fears. All problems that the six duchies faced were blamed on the witted which led to even harsher treatment. The witted are not inherently evil but people whether witted or not started to be put to death due to fears that they possessed the beast magic. It is really unsettling to see people change like that and I loved the Piebald Prince as a character.
I think the book itself is necessary to explain the hostile relationship between the witted and those who are not in the series. It really is a great addition to the Realm of the Elderlings series. Also the book is just beautiful with lovely illustrations throughout by Jackie Morris.
If you love Hobb then this book is for you but if you have not read any before do not start here. I think this book is best read either after the first trilogy or after the Tawny Man trilogy.

Biased because I'm already a fan of the Farseers but this works both as a standalone myth and intrigue as it does a prologue to the events of the first trilogy. Beautifully crafted <3

3.5 stars