Lord T. asked about Hobbs's content, which none of you fine gentlemen seemed to address, but about which I am most happy to chime in. I have nearly-Victorian sensitivities, so keep that in mind. I don't mind a bit of sex and violence in literature, in small doses, as long as there are believable consequences or at least some realism. I remember some intense sexual situations in the Liveship trio that were shocking to me, with some brutality that bordered on the explicit and gratuitous. There were eventual long-term consequences, if I remember correctly, but I think there was more insensitivity to the female anatomy than I expect from a woman author. Girls do not normally enjoy their first sexual intercourse experience, people, no matter how many authors write the usual nonsense to the contrary! (But who wants to read about that?) There were believable elements of Stockholm syndrome and other intriguing psychological elements, but I do remember feeling a bit soiled after reading the whole thing. Tawny Man made it worth any trepidation, for me. I just loved that.
I mostly write these kinds of comments to maybe have some impact on a certain group of young aspiring writers and book critics, to maybe prompt/inspire their own investigation and critical thinking patterns. I believe that good understanding of these sorts of content issues contribute to the timelessness and beauty of literature in any genre. It's because I care, children.