The interesting part about Hobb is that all that talk about those vinyards and finances also gives you a lot of information about the politics of the world and the worlds cultural structure, its worldbuilding and character building at the same time.
Heaven's arena arc is very important for the magic system, some character moments, building up for the next arc and having (IMO) the second best fight in the series (Gon vs Hisoka). It's not the best HxH arc but I enjoyed it the first time I watched it. The things I don`t like about the series are the long info dumps explaining the magic, but that's something personal because I usually prefer softer magic. Otherwise the magic system is amazyng.
Althea is one of my favorite female protagonists ever, and yes, I'm pretty sure everybody who has read this trilogy wants to do unspeakable harm to THAT character
Just finished A Man Called Ove. Decided to give it a try based on your recommendation. What a good book! And SOOOO far out of my normal reading genre preferences. I never would have given it a chance. So Thanks, Merphy!
I felt exactly the same about the thief in the first half, I didn't anticipated how it would lead to one of my most favorite series ever. I hope you love it!!
2:23 When Merphy said the characters was thinking about their assets for 5 and half pages, I genuinely thought she was talking the character thinking about their "assets" and not their assets for a second there; I feel like a idiot.
Queen's Thief series is one of my favourite series ever. Book 3 is my all time favourite book ever. I feel like The Thief is one of those books that is better on reread when you know a lot more about the world and the characters. I told think Gen is ever written in first person again, which works much better in my opinion.
I'm so glad that you're listening to The Thief!! When I saw the tagline "I want to throw this character off the boat," I thought maybe you were referring to Gen because that is a very understandable response to him. I hope you enjoy it enough to continue with the series. I've read all of the books and haven't given the audiobook a try, but it is definitely one of my favorite series that I want to reread. Thanks Merphy!
@@merphynapierreviews literally the perfect energy. It sounds to me like what you’re maybe saying is that your energy level was low? About right? If so, that’s not a bane, it’s a boon.
The Queen's Thief is one of my favorite series. The first book has a lot of set up for the characters and the world. The hints for the reveal are all throughout the book, which is why the series is so rereadable. You notice things you missed the first time. It's a staple of Turner's writing. Book two, The Queen of Attolia, is where the series really gets going. It's only gets better from here on out. Glad you liked the first book and looking forward to you continuing with the series. Also, the Alanna books are another favorite of mine. Looking forward to your thoughts on that as well.
Great video as always :) One recommendation - maybe flash on the screen what book you're talking about - it makes it really easy for people who are flicking through to see what you're focusing on, so jumping around and skipping sections is easier thanks!
Merphyyy the Magic Systeeeem ! damn it sooo good. I reaaaaally want to re-exprience reading HxH without knowing a thing. I started reading books recently (actually reading the final empire after your rec :D loving it so far ). But I always been more of a Manga/Manhua guy. I started them at very young age and I still appreciate HxH & One piece so much as a 27 yo. The Magic system is brilliant I already know you will love it XD
I need to read Liveship Traders, but I'm prioritising finishing up Malazan first. I've slowly been getting back into manga and trying to decided which to prioritise Hunter x Hunter or One Piece. I guess I'll read both.
Michael and I have argued so much about how bad his takes are on Ship of Magic 😆 I am similar to you where Liveship worked WAY better for me than Farseer, Farseer is a solid 4 star series but Liveship is 5 star, favorite of all time
yesss to Tamora Pierce!! I loved her Circle of Magic series when I was younger (and honestly still love it as an adult). The Song of the Lioness quartet is very good and if you like that you might like her Beka Cooper series or the Tricksters duology which all take place in the same land of Tortall
This might be the first time we've seen you cook in a video. It was very visually pleasing. It also reminded me that I am currently hungry while watching this. Those stuffed peppers looked good 🤤
"I don't retain names, at all" - I always find it interesting how I can recognize everyone effortlessly when reading while being unable to name a single character in some books. I use a lot of descriptions instead of names when talking about books unless I look them up.^^
Oh I'm so happy you've tried The Thief. It's actually more like a prologue. I hope you read the rest of the Queen's Thief series too. You'll appreciate Gen and MWT's writing style even more. I'm also glad you enjoy Heaven's Arena. Learning about the Nen System is like doing homework lol. It's so complex but really impressive.
I'm reading it for the first time and it makes me question all my life choices that I didn't make before lol, I'm currently on book 5 and it's just so beautiful.
What you’ll discover while reading HunterxHunter is that the nen abilities that are displayed often give you information about the character’s individual personality.
that happens to me all the time too! i always say something like “i’m not going to read x book/won’t read it for a long time” then the next week i pick it up🤣
I realize this is a week old, but.... PHEW. Did you hear my exhale of relief, echoing across the landscape? I'm so relieved that you're finding the right connection point for Hobb. She's my all-time fave, and you're a fave, so it was like living with an imbalance in the bookish force. Also, I must add that two of my writing friends *made* me read starting from Farseer (this was over a decade ago), and after Assassin's Apprentice I was so very meh. Then they *made* me continue with Royal Assassin, and then I met Nighteyes (perhaps my favorite Hobb character). I eventually grew a fondness for Fitz, that--in later series--turned into admiration (mainly for Hobb's portrayal of him), and finally love. Keep your mind open to the possibilities, is all I'm sayin'. Glad you're feeling better. Keep up the good work!
My friends and I say Killua's name like the drink too and have been since the manga/original anime came out. I'm so excited about you reading HxH!! It get's so much more amazing fight wise and character wise. I hope you feel better!
I DNFed Assassin's Apprentice last year but I'll be giving it another try next week. So far I'm more than halfway through Red Seas Under Red Skies and it's awesome! I'd never look up so much for Gentleman Bastards without your videos, Merphy! :)
Farseer trilogy and Liveship Traders are independent of each other, and can be read in any order you want. They're also very different, so if you don't like one there's a decent chance you may like the other. Liveship Traders is very maritime, so it scratches some of the same itches that Red Seas Under Red Skies does, while still being very different.
I remember reading about a book with a living ship when I was a kid. It's a sci-fi book by Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey called The Ship Who Searched.
I have to be honest, I almost didn't read Robin Hobb because of what you had said in the past about Assassin's Apprentice, and we usually have similar taste--but I am oh so so glad I did eventually because Farseer is now my favorite thing I've ever read!! It does break my heart a little you don't like Fitz, but I'm glad you are giving Liveship a chance. I'd be so sad if you missed out. ❤ Also really making me want to rewatch Hunter Hunter!! It's so goooood!!
I just finished re-reading Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper trilogy, her Alanna tetralogy, her Immortals tetralogy, and her Trickster duology. I love them all when I need a simple escape. Beka Cooper is my favorite protagonist of the lot.
Thank you for mentioning “Ship of Magic”! It’s available on Kindle for only $2.99 and the excerpt on the Amazon page sucked me in. I want to be there with the main character and root for her! I don’t really need another 800 page book, but here we go! UPDATE: 10 hours after my original response, I am now almost 50% through “Ship of Magic”. I blame you for hours spent glued to this book… but I also thank you. What great characters and such a cool world!
I’m currently rereading the Song of the Lioness quartet, since I adored it was younger. I just finished In the Hands of the Goddess, and I eventually want to get through all the Tortall books.
You may want to check out The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet. It's pitched in the summary as a fast-paced exciting read but it's really a slow burn focused on the characters and we get to see how their choices no matter how small really build into something big by the end.
Thanks for inspiring me back into reading. Found your channel during the pandemic lockdown last year and your videos helped in a massive way! Loving the vlogs 😊
The Thief is such a fun book (and series). Gen is one of those lovely protagonists where you live in their head and still get to be blindsided by reveals, either because you allowed the character's PoV to influence the information you are taking in (and thus you experience Gen being blindsided) or because he very skillfully leaves out what he is doing and you don't notice that there are holes (and Gen blindsides you). I'm excited that you are going to be reading the rest of the books. Definitely avoid reading cover blurbs on the books 3-5 b/c they likely have spoilers for at least book 2 possibly book 3
So glad you enjoyed The Thief! It's one of my favorite series ever! Fair warning though, maybe don't read the book blurbs for the next books until you've at least finished Queen of Attolia. ;) Spoilers might creep in.
You know those small blobby creatures in video games called slimes? You should read the light novel or the web novel for "That time I got reincarnated as a slime".
I hope you keep feeling better sweetie! And keep the b rolls coming 😇 I remember the hisoka v Gon match... It was the first time I finally realized Hunter was not my regular anime/manga! Did you know killua means something like 'lightning child'? Gon is 'rock the fundamentals', and hisoka is 'secret' 🤪
What a classic and amazing video love it and love you and your amazing channel please stay safe and enjoy your reading 📖 love your Australia fan John xx
I'm reading Mad Ship, the sequel right now, and at the moment I am loving all the characters again, but I felt the same at the beginning. I am so happy that you're enjoying this series better!
As much as I adore Althea, by the end of the series, Malta is far and away my favorite character in the Liveship Traders books. Also really looking forward to your thoughts on the Greed Island arc of HxH
Love the Thief series. ♥️ I’ve read the first 3. Book 4 is in my hold queue at the library but I’m #5 in line still. Ship of Magic was still not for me. I like a couple of the characters but I’m not a fan of most of them and I just don’t care. I may try again someday when I’m a bit more heart hardened and see if I like Hobb more.
Hunter x Hunter and Realm of the Elderlings are 2 of my 3 favorite works of fiction ever. Both of these series can be very heavy on the exposition sometimes, and I generally worry a bit about people's reactions to that when I recommend them. The fact that you also find that the amount of detail breathes life in these worlds makes me infinitely happy. It is definitely not everyone's cup of tea.
So glad you're enjoying Ship of Magic! I loved Farseer but was iffy with Ship of Magic but because I loved Hobb's other stuff I pushed through, and the next two books (Mad ship and Ship of Destiny) are now two of my favourite books of all time! Soooo good. I hope you like these ones enough to push on to the Fitz and the Fool trilogy despite not loving Fitz because it is also incredible!
Robin Hobbs world is my absolute favourite. I am almost done with the entire Realm of the Elderlings saga, I understand why they aren't for everyone but I find her books so rewarding to complete and I love all the characters so deeply. The Liveship Trilogy is really REALLY good
I recently read assassin’s apprentice and likewise wasn’t really drawn in. I haven’t picked up the second book yet but I wonder if I can just switch to ship of magic instead?😅
Nen is my favourite magic system and it's the best in animanga (and outside of literature in general) hands down. But some things that happen latter on makes it so that magic systems like the Mistborn ones are better. The base system itself is perfect. But the way it's used has some small and big problems. It's still quite well used in general though.
@@amuro9624 Ok. Spoiler alert to anyone who isn´t up to date with HxH. By big problems I basically mean the inclusion of Nanika. Which is by far the worst written thing in HxH, since Killua can use it without consequences and it´s a potential deus ex machina printer. It took away the consequence Gon had to face after the Ants arc and it broked the system. As for the small problems, I think there are 3 of those. The third one being a potential one. 1. The nen beasts take away a lot from the personality of nen as a magic system. 2. Manipulation nen isn´t well defined and diferenciated from transmutation. There seems to be 3 types of manipulator techniques. Those who manipulate others. Those who manipulate ones self. And those who manipulate elements/objects. The third kind is meant to be different from transmutation since the former should manipulate something that is there, while transmutators should create and effect similar to a substance through their aure. Instead of manipulating something from the enviroment. But then things happen such as Killua recharging with real electricity. Despite him being a transmuter. 3. Nen doesn´t seem to be a magic system well suited for where the story seemed to want to go. In order for the dark continent exploration to suceed it would be needed a new magic system or element. Since the dark continent is constructed to be something that far surpasses what technology can do in that world. And the fight between Netero and Meruem showed technology triumphs over the ceiling of nen. A small poisoned bomb was enough to deal with the most powerful nen users we´ve seen. We know there are a few more powerful ones, but it wouldn´t make sense for human nen users to be able to reach a level much higher than Netero´s. This is not an unsolvable issue, but it would be very hard to solve it.
@@goldenspiral6008 @GoldenSpiral @GoldenSpiral I feel like you're confusing how many things work with nen. I wouldn't say that Nanika is a deus ex machina printer cause it's something really unstable and dangerous that they wouldn't want to awake again. and I'm pretty sure there was some reason why they couldn't use it anymore after that but I've read that a while ago so I'm a bit fuzzy on the details. But that's pretty much a matter of opinion when it comes to how it felt as a plot element. I don't really see how nen beast take from the magic system since they're part of it and work within the system. Manipulation moves stuff, transmutation changes the property of things. The reason why you think the difference is blurry is probably because you try to put every nen ability into one category while most of them uses a mix of 2 or more. Leorio's type is enhancement but his ability is a mix of enhancement and manipulation for example. And kuripika's chains are a mix of almost all types. Conjuration, controlled with manipulation, made strong with enhancement, etc...killua's ability I'm pretty sure is just using manipulation to keep the electricity in his body and control it. Just because his type is transmutation that doesn't mean he can't use manipulation. It's only virtually impossible if the type is on the opposite based on the nen type hexagon thing. btw creating stuff is not transmutation or manipulation, it's conjuration. For the magic system of the new continent I really don't understand your logic. First of all the small poison was a nuke let's not forget that. And nen has never been a power that turn humans into gods so yeah poison will kill a nen user that doesn't mean nen users are now obsolete or something. The dark continent is an unexplored area with things that we don't know that doesn't have anything to do with technology...or nen. I just find your claim really bizarre and cannot grasp my head around the reasoning. Hxh is not a power level kind of thing it's all about characters having tools and using them strategically. That's why the end of the chimera ants didn't involve main characters, that was a thing that happened in the world but gon isn't even anywhere close to that power level so why do the global power level of character should go up to match the new threat? The mc have always been way weaker than the antagonists in every arcs so why do they have to catch up now?
@@amuro9624 1. They indeed introduced a reason to not use Nanika any more, but it´s merely character wise. Killua doesn´t want to use Alluka. He wants to treat her as a person. However, if Kurapika died, for example, that would definitely be enough reason for Killua to ask Nanika for a wish again. It´s true Nanika is dangerous and has a very strict set of rules in general, but Killua was shown to be able to bypass the consequences of that. 2. When it comes to the nen beasts, I want to clarify that I don´t intend to argue that it´s ilogical. But rather that it takes away from the charm nen has. Nen had always been about developing your personal ability within the restrictions of your given nen type. Nen beasts are about being given something you don´t undestand and having to figure out the ability you were given. They are flavoured like stands rather than nen. And that is not a favour I dislike at all or think is bad. It´s just not the one meant for nen and adding that flavour in makes the magic system loose a bit of it´s identity. 3. I know nen users can use a combination of nen types. The thing is transmutation and manipulation are on the opposite sites. So Killua shouldn´t have access to that. 4. I didn´t claim creating stuff was transmutation or manipulation though. 5. The thing is the dark continent has been built as something on too grat a level for strategies to be enough. As you said, even poison will kill a powerful nen user. On the dark continent we know there are deseases capable of whiping out people entirely. Humanity tried to explore it and always failed previously despite their powerful technology and nen users. Netero in his youth wasn´t able to dive deep into it either with other extremely talented hunters. And most of it is unexplored, meaning that the dangers on the borders were able to drive away humanity and everything it has in it´s power. Don Freecss being the only one who mightm have explored the continent. And that´s a character we don´t really know anything about. In any case, this last problem is mostly hypothetical anyway. It might or might not present itself depending on how the story goes.
When she first said the "Ship of Magic" had 5 pages of describing "assets", I was really curious as to where this book was going lol. I'm a big fan of HxH. I'd say it's my favorite. I love the magic system. I've heard that Mistborn has a good magic system, and that's gotten me interested in that series. If someone whose familiar with both could give me a bit of comparison between the 2, that'd be greatly appreciated :)
The explanation of the powers in Hunter x Hunter is really interesting, I really enjoy it but I'm not going to lie sometimes I seriously didn't understand much.
I think it sounds more complicated than it is because of all the terminology. at least you end up learning more and getting more familiarized with the different applications of nen throughout the story.
All of The Thief books are kind of like that. The first half of the book is confusing and secretive and the rest the book is A RIDE. (Though I have read the first four, so don’t know about the rest.)
"I'm never gonna be mad at more Hisoka because he terrifies me" has the same energy as "I love CP9 because they betrayed me". 🤣🤣
The interesting part about Hobb is that all that talk about those vinyards and finances also gives you a lot of information about the politics of the world and the worlds cultural structure, its worldbuilding and character building at the same time.
Heaven's arena arc is very important for the magic system, some character moments, building up for the next arc and having (IMO) the second best fight in the series (Gon vs Hisoka). It's not the best HxH arc but I enjoyed it the first time I watched it. The things I don`t like about the series are the long info dumps explaining the magic, but that's something personal because I usually prefer softer magic. Otherwise the magic system is amazyng.
I'm now anxiously anticipating Murphy getting to the Chimera Ant arc in Hunter x Hunter. Still one of my favorite conclusions to a storyline.
Althea is one of my favorite female protagonists ever, and yes, I'm pretty sure everybody who has read this trilogy wants to do unspeakable harm to THAT character
Merphy: "One character spends 5 and a half pages talking about their assets"
Me, a child: "their boobs?"
Just finished A Man Called Ove. Decided to give it a try based on your recommendation. What a good book! And SOOOO far out of my normal reading genre preferences. I never would have given it a chance. So Thanks, Merphy!
SO glad you loved it!
Awesome!! I actually just borrowed the audiobook from my library, also via Merphy’s recommendation, so excited to try it out!!
I felt exactly the same about the thief in the first half, I didn't anticipated how it would lead to one of my most favorite series ever. I hope you love it!!
2:23 When Merphy said the characters was thinking about their assets for 5 and half pages, I genuinely thought she was talking the character thinking about their "assets" and not their assets for a second there; I feel like a idiot.
I don't understand what you mean. I am stupid. Can you explain?
I could hear it as I was saying it 😂😂 I don't blame you
@@evrosidwa2801 physical attributes that might be beneficial to their, er…. I’ll just say it: them getting laid.
@@evrosidwa2801 Stuff like breasts and butts are sometimes referred to as assets
Haven’t even watched the video yet and I already know exactly who this is about… 😆
Queen's Thief series is one of my favourite series ever. Book 3 is my all time favourite book ever. I feel like The Thief is one of those books that is better on reread when you know a lot more about the world and the characters. I told think Gen is ever written in first person again, which works much better in my opinion.
Heck yea. Rock those airplane sheets. You're never too old to like fun things.
I'm so glad that you're listening to The Thief!! When I saw the tagline "I want to throw this character off the boat," I thought maybe you were referring to Gen because that is a very understandable response to him. I hope you enjoy it enough to continue with the series. I've read all of the books and haven't given the audiobook a try, but it is definitely one of my favorite series that I want to reread. Thanks Merphy!
I am so glad the vlogs are back! And I totally understand the separate channel, I don't care how many channels it takes, I'm so here for the vlogs!
You're abousltuey killing the game, with these vlogs merphy.
awe thank you so much! I felt pretty lack luster about this one with being sick so this means a lot
@@merphynapierreviews you are very welcome.😀
@@merphynapierreviews literally the perfect energy. It sounds to me like what you’re maybe saying is that your energy level was low? About right?
If so, that’s not a bane, it’s a boon.
I know!!! They are so much fun and I am binge-watching them tonight!! 😅😃😃😃
I'm so happy you've decided to continue Hobb with Ship of Magic!! I loved Farseer, but then I read Liveship, and I definitely love it more!
The Queen's Thief is one of my favorite series. The first book has a lot of set up for the characters and the world. The hints for the reveal are all throughout the book, which is why the series is so rereadable. You notice things you missed the first time. It's a staple of Turner's writing. Book two, The Queen of Attolia, is where the series really gets going. It's only gets better from here on out. Glad you liked the first book and looking forward to you continuing with the series. Also, the Alanna books are another favorite of mine. Looking forward to your thoughts on that as well.
Great video as always :)
One recommendation - maybe flash on the screen what book you're talking about - it makes it really easy for people who are flicking through to see what you're focusing on, so jumping around and skipping sections is easier
thanks!
"😀- oh. 😐 did you see it? 🤨 📖"
Idk why this killed me so much lmao. Just about sums up why I love Merph so much.
So excited for you to get to the next arc in Hunter X Hunter!! Togashi’s ability to write complex characters truly shines in it!
Lol showing us you can indeed cook after the fire alarm in the last vlog
I know the character you already want to push off the boat. Don't worry, Merph. We ALL did😂😂
Merphyyy the Magic Systeeeem ! damn it sooo good. I reaaaaally want to re-exprience reading HxH without knowing a thing.
I started reading books recently (actually reading the final empire after your rec :D loving it so far ). But I always been more of a Manga/Manhua guy. I started them at very young age and I still appreciate HxH & One piece so much as a 27 yo.
The Magic system is brilliant I already know you will love it XD
I need to read Liveship Traders, but I'm prioritising finishing up Malazan first. I've slowly been getting back into manga and trying to decided which to prioritise Hunter x Hunter or One Piece. I guess I'll read both.
Michael and I have argued so much about how bad his takes are on Ship of Magic 😆 I am similar to you where Liveship worked WAY better for me than Farseer, Farseer is a solid 4 star series but Liveship is 5 star, favorite of all time
we need to team up to defeat him!
yesss to Tamora Pierce!! I loved her Circle of Magic series when I was younger (and honestly still love it as an adult). The Song of the Lioness quartet is very good and if you like that you might like her Beka Cooper series or the Tricksters duology which all take place in the same land of Tortall
Ohhh yes! I adore her books but I don't know a lot of people who read them. Her characters are so alive! :D
This might be the first time we've seen you cook in a video. It was very visually pleasing. It also reminded me that I am currently hungry while watching this. Those stuffed peppers looked good 🤤
"I don't retain names, at all" - I always find it interesting how I can recognize everyone effortlessly when reading while being unable to name a single character in some books. I use a lot of descriptions instead of names when talking about books unless I look them up.^^
you calling vivacia vivika was all i needed to see lol. great video take care!
Nen is such a versatile magic system that it’s endlessly fascinating.
Oh this is going to be great haha, I know most the books this time!
Oh I'm so happy you've tried The Thief. It's actually more like a prologue. I hope you read the rest of the Queen's Thief series too. You'll appreciate Gen and MWT's writing style even more. I'm also glad you enjoy Heaven's Arena. Learning about the Nen System is like doing homework lol. It's so complex but really impressive.
I love The Thief. I'm reading it for about the fifth time now! (up to King of Attolia)
@@sarahschreffler5407 King of Attolia is my favorite in the series :)
This series is so good! I need to do a reread!
I'm reading it for the first time and it makes me question all my life choices that I didn't make before lol, I'm currently on book 5 and it's just so beautiful.
What you’ll discover while reading HunterxHunter is that the nen abilities that are displayed often give you information about the character’s individual personality.
I love when giving authors another chance pays off!💕💕💕
that happens to me all the time too! i always say something like “i’m not going to read x book/won’t read it for a long time” then the next week i pick it up🤣
I realize this is a week old, but.... PHEW. Did you hear my exhale of relief, echoing across the landscape? I'm so relieved that you're finding the right connection point for Hobb. She's my all-time fave, and you're a fave, so it was like living with an imbalance in the bookish force.
Also, I must add that two of my writing friends *made* me read starting from Farseer (this was over a decade ago), and after Assassin's Apprentice I was so very meh. Then they *made* me continue with Royal Assassin, and then I met Nighteyes (perhaps my favorite Hobb character). I eventually grew a fondness for Fitz, that--in later series--turned into admiration (mainly for Hobb's portrayal of him), and finally love. Keep your mind open to the possibilities, is all I'm sayin'. Glad you're feeling better. Keep up the good work!
Dang! On your death bead! 🤭 Glad your ok, Merph.
Liveship is amazing! I think you’ll love the trilogy
I love Alanna, that's my childhood right there. That's why I recommend Sherwood Smith alot as it's an adult series with Tamora Pierce vibes
I really missed your vlogs. So glad you're back at it! Such great reading motivation ❤️
My friends and I say Killua's name like the drink too and have been since the manga/original anime came out. I'm so excited about you reading HxH!! It get's so much more amazing fight wise and character wise. I hope you feel better!
Yey!!! I'm so so happy you started Ship of magic!
Merphy You should try a manga called Spy X Family. You will love it. Mark my word
yep ! I'm so good in the manga
it's on my list!
I’m so glad you’re vlogging again. I love this format.
Love the airplane sheets
I only love Fitz because the fool does 😂
I DNFed Assassin's Apprentice last year but I'll be giving it another try next week. So far I'm more than halfway through Red Seas Under Red Skies and it's awesome! I'd never look up so much for Gentleman Bastards without your videos, Merphy! :)
Red Seas is SO GOOD! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Farseer trilogy and Liveship Traders are independent of each other, and can be read in any order you want. They're also very different, so if you don't like one there's a decent chance you may like the other. Liveship Traders is very maritime, so it scratches some of the same itches that Red Seas Under Red Skies does, while still being very different.
I remember reading about a book with a living ship when I was a kid. It's a sci-fi book by Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey called The Ship Who Searched.
Get well soon Merph! 🥰
Those peppers look amazing!!! Hope you feel better soon and continue to enjoy SoM
I like the b roll addition
The way you describe how you like Ship of Magic makes me think that you should read Red Mars.
I have to be honest, I almost didn't read Robin Hobb because of what you had said in the past about Assassin's Apprentice, and we usually have similar taste--but I am oh so so glad I did eventually because Farseer is now my favorite thing I've ever read!! It does break my heart a little you don't like Fitz, but I'm glad you are giving Liveship a chance. I'd be so sad if you missed out. ❤ Also really making me want to rewatch Hunter Hunter!! It's so goooood!!
One of my favorite books ever. I love Fitz
I just finished re-reading Tamora Pierce's Beka Cooper trilogy, her Alanna tetralogy, her Immortals tetralogy, and her Trickster duology. I love them all when I need a simple escape. Beka Cooper is my favorite protagonist of the lot.
Thank you for mentioning “Ship of Magic”! It’s available on Kindle for only $2.99 and the excerpt on the Amazon page sucked me in. I want to be there with the main character and root for her! I don’t really need another 800 page book, but here we go!
UPDATE: 10 hours after my original response, I am now almost 50% through “Ship of Magic”. I blame you for hours spent glued to this book… but I also thank you. What great characters and such a cool world!
I’m currently rereading the Song of the Lioness quartet, since I adored it was younger. I just finished In the Hands of the Goddess, and I eventually want to get through all the Tortall books.
NEN is an AURA base technique that is the most explained and the most complex in literature...like ever.
Just have to say, I absolutely LOVE your vlogs! They are so calming, and it is always fun to watch you gush about books. Hope you feel better soon!
You're saying Killua right, just don't draw it out as much. Just faster. Almost like you're saying kilowatt without the end.
You may want to check out The Unwilling by Kelly Braffet. It's pitched in the summary as a fast-paced exciting read but it's really a slow burn focused on the characters and we get to see how their choices no matter how small really build into something big by the end.
The stuffed peppers look great.
The synopsis you gave of about The Thief reminds me a lot of Therion from Octopath Traveler. His story starts the exact same way.
I just found out that the one piece background with the waves was not an edited green screen but actually on the wall. Loving your content!
Thanks for inspiring me back into reading. Found your channel during the pandemic lockdown last year and your videos helped in a massive way! Loving the vlogs 😊
The Thief is such a fun book (and series). Gen is one of those lovely protagonists where you live in their head and still get to be blindsided by reveals, either because you allowed the character's PoV to influence the information you are taking in (and thus you experience Gen being blindsided) or because he very skillfully leaves out what he is doing and you don't notice that there are holes (and Gen blindsides you). I'm excited that you are going to be reading the rest of the books. Definitely avoid reading cover blurbs on the books 3-5 b/c they likely have spoilers for at least book 2 possibly book 3
I’m so glad you’re feeling better!! Really enjoying the vlogs :)
So glad you enjoyed The Thief! It's one of my favorite series ever! Fair warning though, maybe don't read the book blurbs for the next books until you've at least finished Queen of Attolia. ;) Spoilers might creep in.
You know those small blobby creatures in video games called slimes? You should read the light novel or the web novel for "That time I got reincarnated as a slime".
I hope you keep feeling better sweetie! And keep the b rolls coming 😇
I remember the hisoka v Gon match... It was the first time I finally realized Hunter was not my regular anime/manga!
Did you know killua means something like 'lightning child'? Gon is 'rock the fundamentals', and hisoka is 'secret'
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What a classic and amazing video love it and love you and your amazing channel please stay safe and enjoy your reading 📖 love your Australia fan John xx
The peppers look delicious. I'm going to have to try that recipe out now.
I love the vlog format. Your videos are such a light, Merphy!
I'm reading Mad Ship, the sequel right now, and at the moment I am loving all the characters again, but I felt the same at the beginning. I am so happy that you're enjoying this series better!
I think you should read the Inda series by Sherwood Smith - great antagonists, characters to latch onto and there is a pirate storyline
Killua is made of friend
Hisoka is terrifying
Bungee Gum has the properties of both rubber and gum
That is all have a great day.
Glad your feeling better.
As much as I adore Althea, by the end of the series, Malta is far and away my favorite character in the Liveship Traders books. Also really looking forward to your thoughts on the Greed Island arc of HxH
Love the Thief series. ♥️ I’ve read the first 3. Book 4 is in my hold queue at the library but I’m #5 in line still.
Ship of Magic was still not for me. I like a couple of the characters but I’m not a fan of most of them and I just don’t care. I may try again someday when I’m a bit more heart hardened and see if I like Hobb more.
I'm so excited that you're reading Ship of Magic! Can't wait to see your full thoughts when you finish it
Loving the vlogs! Get well soon
Hunter x Hunter and Realm of the Elderlings are 2 of my 3 favorite works of fiction ever. Both of these series can be very heavy on the exposition sometimes, and I generally worry a bit about people's reactions to that when I recommend them. The fact that you also find that the amount of detail breathes life in these worlds makes me infinitely happy. It is definitely not everyone's cup of tea.
What’s your third favorite work of fiction?
@@Fakenapkin March comes in as a lion/3-gatsu no lion, I didn't mention it because its strong points are very different from hxh and RotE
These videos are so fun!
So glad you're enjoying Ship of Magic! I loved Farseer but was iffy with Ship of Magic but because I loved Hobb's other stuff I pushed through, and the next two books (Mad ship and Ship of Destiny) are now two of my favourite books of all time! Soooo good. I hope you like these ones enough to push on to the Fitz and the Fool trilogy despite not loving Fitz because it is also incredible!
Read/Listen to The Thief again and I think you will find there is more happening in the "slow part" than is apparent on the first read.
Robin Hobbs world is my absolute favourite. I am almost done with the entire Realm of the Elderlings saga, I understand why they aren't for everyone but I find her books so rewarding to complete and I love all the characters so deeply. The Liveship Trilogy is really REALLY good
I recently read assassin’s apprentice and likewise wasn’t really drawn in. I haven’t picked up the second book yet but I wonder if I can just switch to ship of magic instead?😅
Hopefully you get better soon best of luck!
Heaven's Arena is a classic for me
I TOLD YOU YOU'D LIKE SHIP OF MAGIC. I AM VINDICATED.
Oh boy, HxH Volume 8, here we go. Next HxH arc is the best, imo.
i read ship of magic on ebook and i had no idea it was that long. oh my god, what a long book
I think I might start Ship of Magic soon! Feel better Merph
Yup, you pronounced Killua correctly 👍
Nen is my favourite magic system and it's the best in animanga (and outside of literature in general) hands down. But some things that happen latter on makes it so that magic systems like the Mistborn ones are better. The base system itself is perfect. But the way it's used has some small and big problems. It's still quite well used in general though.
what do you mean by small and big problems?
@@amuro9624 Ok. Spoiler alert to anyone who isn´t up to date with HxH. By big problems I basically mean the inclusion of Nanika. Which is by far the worst written thing in HxH, since Killua can use it without consequences and it´s a potential deus ex machina printer. It took away the consequence Gon had to face after the Ants arc and it broked the system.
As for the small problems, I think there are 3 of those. The third one being a potential one.
1. The nen beasts take away a lot from the personality of nen as a magic system.
2. Manipulation nen isn´t well defined and diferenciated from transmutation. There seems to be 3 types of manipulator techniques. Those who manipulate others. Those who manipulate ones self. And those who manipulate elements/objects. The third kind is meant to be different from transmutation since the former should manipulate something that is there, while transmutators should create and effect similar to a substance through their aure. Instead of manipulating something from the enviroment. But then things happen such as Killua recharging with real electricity. Despite him being a transmuter.
3. Nen doesn´t seem to be a magic system well suited for where the story seemed to want to go. In order for the dark continent exploration to suceed it would be needed a new magic system or element. Since the dark continent is constructed to be something that far surpasses what technology can do in that world. And the fight between Netero and Meruem showed technology triumphs over the ceiling of nen. A small poisoned bomb was enough to deal with the most powerful nen users we´ve seen. We know there are a few more powerful ones, but it wouldn´t make sense for human nen users to be able to reach a level much higher than Netero´s. This is not an unsolvable issue, but it would be very hard to solve it.
@@goldenspiral6008 @GoldenSpiral @GoldenSpiral I feel like you're confusing how many things work with nen. I wouldn't say that Nanika is a deus ex machina printer cause it's something really unstable and dangerous that they wouldn't want to awake again. and I'm pretty sure there was some reason why they couldn't use it anymore after that but I've read that a while ago so I'm a bit fuzzy on the details. But that's pretty much a matter of opinion when it comes to how it felt as a plot element.
I don't really see how nen beast take from the magic system since they're part of it and work within the system.
Manipulation moves stuff, transmutation changes the property of things. The reason why you think the difference is blurry is probably because you try to put every nen ability into one category while most of them uses a mix of 2 or more.
Leorio's type is enhancement but his ability is a mix of enhancement and manipulation for example. And kuripika's chains are a mix of almost all types. Conjuration, controlled with manipulation, made strong with enhancement, etc...killua's ability I'm pretty sure is just using manipulation to keep the electricity in his body and control it. Just because his type is transmutation that doesn't mean he can't use manipulation. It's only virtually impossible if the type is on the opposite based on the nen type hexagon thing.
btw creating stuff is not transmutation or manipulation, it's conjuration.
For the magic system of the new continent I really don't understand your logic. First of all the small poison was a nuke let's not forget that. And nen has never been a power that turn humans into gods so yeah poison will kill a nen user that doesn't mean nen users are now obsolete or something.
The dark continent is an unexplored area with things that we don't know that doesn't have anything to do with technology...or nen. I just find your claim really bizarre and cannot grasp my head around the reasoning. Hxh is not a power level kind of thing it's all about characters having tools and using them strategically. That's why the end of the chimera ants didn't involve main characters, that was a thing that happened in the world but gon isn't even anywhere close to that power level so why do the global power level of character should go up to match the new threat? The mc have always been way weaker than the antagonists in every arcs so why do they have to catch up now?
@@amuro9624 1. They indeed introduced a reason to not use Nanika any more, but it´s merely character wise. Killua doesn´t want to use Alluka. He wants to treat her as a person. However, if Kurapika died, for example, that would definitely be enough reason for Killua to ask Nanika for a wish again. It´s true Nanika is dangerous and has a very strict set of rules in general, but Killua was shown to be able to bypass the consequences of that.
2. When it comes to the nen beasts, I want to clarify that I don´t intend to argue that it´s ilogical. But rather that it takes away from the charm nen has. Nen had always been about developing your personal ability within the restrictions of your given nen type. Nen beasts are about being given something you don´t undestand and having to figure out the ability you were given. They are flavoured like stands rather than nen. And that is not a favour I dislike at all or think is bad. It´s just not the one meant for nen and adding that flavour in makes the magic system loose a bit of it´s identity.
3. I know nen users can use a combination of nen types. The thing is transmutation and manipulation are on the opposite sites. So Killua shouldn´t have access to that.
4. I didn´t claim creating stuff was transmutation or manipulation though.
5. The thing is the dark continent has been built as something on too grat a level for strategies to be enough. As you said, even poison will kill a powerful nen user. On the dark continent we know there are deseases capable of whiping out people entirely. Humanity tried to explore it and always failed previously despite their powerful technology and nen users. Netero in his youth wasn´t able to dive deep into it either with other extremely talented hunters. And most of it is unexplored, meaning that the dangers on the borders were able to drive away humanity and everything it has in it´s power. Don Freecss being the only one who mightm have explored the continent. And that´s a character we don´t really know anything about. In any case, this last problem is mostly hypothetical anyway. It might or might not present itself depending on how the story goes.
When she first said the "Ship of Magic" had 5 pages of describing "assets", I was really curious as to where this book was going lol.
I'm a big fan of HxH. I'd say it's my favorite. I love the magic system. I've heard that Mistborn has a good magic system, and that's gotten me interested in that series. If someone whose familiar with both could give me a bit of comparison between the 2, that'd be greatly appreciated :)
Will this channel be only reading vlogs or will we get travel (if you are able), food vlogs also?
def travel as well! Probably not food as much though
The explanation of the powers in Hunter x Hunter is really interesting, I really enjoy it but I'm not going to lie sometimes I seriously didn't understand much.
I think it sounds more complicated than it is because of all the terminology. at least you end up learning more and getting more familiarized with the different applications of nen throughout the story.
Yay yay yay Liveship Traders!!!!!! I knew you'd like it!!
Al THEE uh. You were super close.
Vi VAY shuh.
I think you'll love this trilogy!!
Great Vlog!
All of The Thief books are kind of like that. The first half of the book is confusing and secretive and the rest the book is A RIDE. (Though I have read the first four, so don’t know about the rest.)