Assassin's Apprentice
by Robin Hobb
Author's Description:
“Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb’s first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition of Assassin’s Apprentice presents a modern classic as it’s never been seen before: in hardcover, with ten beautiful illustrations by Magali Villeneuve.
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.
As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.”
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.
As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.”
My Review - Rating - 9/10
This book did everything right, and more. The writing is great, the plot is fantastic, the series stays interesting throughout, and the characters are incredible. Every major character in this series has their own goals, motivations, and plans. Almost every character is relatable and human, with flaws they must overcome and faults they need to own up to. I love the way that Hobb wrote the book like an autobiography, as the childhood anecdotes, interpretations of memories by Fitz after the events, and general commentary are incredible and this sort of perspective is rare in a fantasy book. The anecdotes and recollections allow the book to stay interesting without having action and plot developments every five seconds, which in turn allows the author to develop the characters, the relationships between them, and the politics of the court far more extensively than most fantasy books do. Overall, the book has a solid premise, an interesting plot, and excellent character development and writing that turn this book from a good story into an excellent read. I would recommend this book to any fantasy fan.
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