← Back to search
Cover of Mad Ship

Mad Ship

Robin Hobb (1999)

SubgenreEpic Fantasy
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingR
Pages769 (Doorstopper (600+))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age16
Goodreads4.34/5 (86700)

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentModerate
LanguageModerate

Hero archetypes

PirateCaptain / Sailor

Protagonist archetypes

Sentient ShipMultiple POVs

Synopsis

In the second breathtaking volume of Robin Hobb's Liveship Traders trilogy, a new tide of glory and terror sweeps forward the story of the Vestrit clan, their liveship Vivacia, and all who strive to possess her.As the ancient tradition of Bingtown's Old Traders slowly erodes under the cold new order of a corrupt ruler, the Vestrits anxiously await the return of their liveship--a rare magic ship carved from sentient wizardwood, which bonds the ships mystically with those who sail them. And Althea Vestrit waits even more avidly, living only to reclaim the ship as her lost inheritance and captain her on the high seas. But the Vivacia has been seized by the ruthless pirate captain Kennit, who holds Althea's nephew and his father hostage. Althea and her onetime sea mate Brashen resolve to liberate the liveship--but their plan may prove more dangerous than leaving the Vivacia in Kennit's ambitious grasp....From the Paperback edition.

Is Mad Ship appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 16 and up.

This epic fantasy features piracy, kidnapping, hostage situations, and political intrigue with moderate violence and complex moral dilemmas. The magic system involves sentient ships bonded to families, creating emotionally intense situations.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include kidnapping, captivity, and violence (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Teens will be drawn to the adventure of reclaiming a stolen magical ship and the complex family dynamics at the heart of this sweeping fantasy.

Tags

Adventure FantasyNautical FantasyMagical RealismCharacter-Driven Fantasy