Assassin's Apprentice

This is a brilliant start to a trilogy. While it stands well on its own with well-rounded characters and an intricate but well-paced plot, it also throws out tendrils of other larger stories in the books to follow. As for the story in this novel alone, one member of my book club pointed out that he is a hero without a quest. Fitz' place in society is so unique and his ways of coping with it feel very boyish and natural to me. He follows the hero's quest but every step of the way ends up a twist on the traditional formula. His relationships with people and with animals all carry a strength of realism within the fantastic setting. He isn't the most likable of heroes, but he is very believable in all his actions.

Definitely a series I'll be continuing when I clear a bit more off this to read shelf.