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Cover of Ship of Magic

Fantasy · Adventure · Young adult

Ship of Magic

by Robin Hobb

4.2 out of 5, from 654 ratings from Hardcover readers

In the trading city of Bingtown, the Vestrit family owns a liveship, a vessel carved from magical wood that wakes up after generations. The first Liveship Traders book follows the family's struggle over the ship, with pirates and sea serpents in the background.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1998
Pace
Slow
Length
Long
Pages
896
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Liveship Traders
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like slow, character-heavy fantasy with a strong sea setting and family rivalries.

Skip this if you want a fast plot, as this one builds slowly through many viewpoints.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Slavery

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Misogyny
  • Child abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Vomit
  • Sexual assault
  • Blood
  • Sexism
  • Gore

Quick answers about Ship of Magic

What is Ship of Magic about?
In the trading city of Bingtown, the Vestrit family owns a liveship, a vessel carved from magical wood that wakes up after generations. The first Liveship Traders book follows the family's struggle over the ship, with pirates and sea serpents in the background.
Who should read Ship of Magic?
Read it if you like slow, character-heavy fantasy with a strong sea setting and family rivalries. Skip it if you want a fast plot, as this one builds slowly through many viewpoints.
How long and how fast is Ship of Magic?
It is a slow-paced, long read of about 896 pages, first published in 1998.
Does Ship of Magic have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Slavery.
Can I borrow Ship of Magic for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Ship of Magic; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Ship of Magic?
Readers who liked it often move on to Assassin's Apprentice, The Lies of Locke Lamora, The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Where to get it

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