Why did it take me so long to get to this author???? 
 I completely loved this!! Robin Hobb will make you cry for all her poor precious characters ...Fitz, Burrich, the Fool (I want to know so much more about the Fool!) and keep you in constant fear for the adorable puppies. 
 The world-building was everything I want from fantasy. I concur with Martin's quote "fantasy as it ought to be written" as that is exactly how I feel. I flew through this so quickly and am excited there are so many books set in this world so I don't have to say goodbye for a long time.