This story is simply human and poignant. I surprise someone with my rating of 5 stars.
I also strongly recommend to those who do not read fantasy novels in general because there is a good chance that he changes his mind with these novels.
When you start the first one will worry until the 13th. I just took a break after the 6th tom "The solitary queen" that closing a first part of the life of the main character: Fitz because the emotion was at its height.
The feelings of the characters are transcribed tellements we can not stay indifferent. Sometimes we hate and sometimes we love and it's ca makes this very human story.
Nothing is ever perfect but the note justifit by the overall high quality of the work and the great sadness that is felt when closing the 13th toms, because we do see again all those characters so amazing and this rich universe.
Thank you Ms. Hobb, I joined your many admirers already well now I see on this site.