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Ship of Magic

Liveship Traders, Book 1

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Ship of Magic

By: Robin Hobb
Narrated by: Lucy Tregear
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About this listen

‘As addictive as morphine’ THE TIMES

From the author of the classic Farseer trilogy, SHIP OF MAGIC is the first part of the Liveship Traders. Set in a land bordering the Six Duchies, Robin Hobb begins her epic tale of pirates, talking ships, magic, sea serpents, slave revolts, dashing heroes and bloody battles.

Wizardwood, the most precious commodity in the world, comes only from the Rain Wilds. But only a liveship can negotiate the perilous waters of the Rain Wild River, and liveships are hard to come by. They quicken only when three family members from successive generations have died upon their deck.

The liveship Vivacia is about to undergo her quickening: Althea Vestrit waits for the ship that she loves more than anything in the world to awaken. But her dream of taking her father’s place at Vivacia’s helm is not to be, for her family have other plans…

And the dark, charming pirate Kennit also lusts after such a ship: he well knows the power of wizardwood and has plans of his own …

(P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers Dark Fantasy Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Fantasy Historical Military Magic Pirate

Critic reviews

‘Hobb is superb’ CONN IGGULDEN

‘Hobb is a remarkable storyteller’ GUARDIAN

'Even better than the Assassin books. I didn't think that was possible' GEORGE RR MARTIN
All stars
Most relevant
after having battled my way through most of this book with the previous narrator, i am so happy and grateful to listen to this version instead! the narrator has a great feel for the story and characters and, indeed, has made the story come to life! I almost gave up listening to this book entirely, but the new narrator came in and saved the day :)

Great narration for a great story

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I've been a long time fan of Robin Hobb but never listened to her books until recently. I saw this newly narrated version after listening to a sample of the previous one and not being impressed.
Lucy Tregear does a fabulous job of voicing the characters and truly brings the story to life. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next in the series.

Clear, Expressive Narration

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No offence againt Anne the previous narrator but I found the Liveship books unlistenable before, now I can enjoy them being read while at work 🙌🙌 clear, expressive and no silly accents, good voices for both men and women too. The story itself goes without saying is one of the best pieces of literature out there, as is the rest of the ROTE series. A must listen if you haven't already.

Thank god for new narrator!!

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My deepest thanks to whoever decided that theese needed a narrator change. Robin Hobb is my favourite author, and yet Anne Flosnik (the previous narrator) made me buy the books in print because I could not stand her narration. Lucy Tregear absolutely knocks it out of the park. I can finally listen to my favourite books read by a competent narrator not having to wince every two seconds. The story is as good as I remember and the whole of the Farseer, Liveship and Rainwild Chronicles possibly the best fantasy universe out there, and I have read most of them.

New narrator!

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