Ship of Magic

Synopsis

'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 . . .

Summary

Chapter 1: The Ship of Magic

* Real Example: Lyra, a young woman with magical abilities, discovers a hidden ship that possesses both the ability to sail through the air and the power to control the wind.
* Summary: Lyra finds a mysterious ship, the Windseeker, anchored in a secret cove. She learns that the ship is alive and imbued with powerful magic. She befriends the ship's captain, Alaric, and joins his crew.

Chapter 2: The Prophecy of the Chosen One

* Real Example: Alaric realizes Lyra is the Chosen One, destined to use the Windseeker to defeat an ancient evil.
* Summary: Alaric and Lyra learn of an ancient prophecy that foretells the coming of a Chosen One who will lead the Windseeker against an evil sorcerer named Malkin. Lyra accepts her destiny and sets out to find the magical artifacts needed to defeat Malkin.

Chapter 3: The Isle of Storms

* Real Example: Lyra and her crew encounter a treacherous storm while searching for the first artifact.
* Summary: The Windseeker navigates through a violent storm, but Lyra uses her wind magic to guide it safely. They reach the Isle of Storms and find the first artifact, a magical orb that controls the weather.

Chapter 4: The Cave of Shadows

* Real Example: Lyra faces her fears and overcomes a dangerous obstacle to retrieve the second artifact.
* Summary: The crew sails to the Cave of Shadows, where the second artifact is hidden. Lyra must confront her deepest fears and battle a formidable creature to retrieve a magical sword that can cut through any material.

Chapter 5: The Mountain of Fire

* Real Example: Lyra and Alaric encounter a powerful dragon and its hoard of gold while searching for the third artifact.
* Summary: The Windseeker ventures to the Mountain of Fire, where the third artifact is said to be hidden. They encounter a mighty dragon, but Alaric's leadership and Lyra's magic allow them to outsmart the beast and retrieve a magical amulet that can grant wishes.

Chapter 6: The Final Battle

* Real Example: Lyra and her crew confront Malkin and use the three artifacts to defeat him.
* Summary: The Windseeker carries Lyra and her crew to Malkin's fortress. They face numerous challenges and engage in a fierce battle against Malkin. Using the combined power of the artifacts, Lyra vanquishes Malkin and restores peace to the realm.

Chapter 7: Epilogue

* Real Example: Lyra and Alaric continue their adventures, using the Windseeker to do good in the world.
* Summary: After defeating Malkin, Lyra and Alaric return the artifacts to their rightful places. They continue to sail the skies with the Windseeker, helping those in need and protecting the realm from evil forces.