Ratings175
Average rating4.1
A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as “fantasy as it ought to be written” and Lin-Manuel Miranda as “an incredible series,” featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten illustrations. 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. Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin’s Apprentice “Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin “A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.”—Publishers Weekly “This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don’t want it to be over.”—Steven Brust
Series
3 primary books5 released booksThe Farseer Trilogy is a 4-book series with 3 primary works first released in 3 with contributions by Robin Hobb.
Series
16 primary books21 released booksThe Realm of the Elderlings is a 20-book series with 16 primary works first released in 3 with contributions by Garth Nix, Scott Lynch, and 18 others.
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How could I give this book 3 stars before?!!
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It was my first time reading this type if books where we followed the protagonist from when he was young. The slow-paced story, formal writing style, I'd have to say i struggled i bit throughout the book. But as the story goes I've come to like Fitz, the bastard, our protagonist training to become a royal assassin. I was under different impression of the type of assassin he was training to be and expected a bit of action here and there. Nevertheless, i quite enjoy the book.
Really nice read. I loved the character development and description of relationships as they evolved. Cool foreshadowing in the chapter intros too. I will be finishing this series.
Anybody who has read and liked ‘The Name of the Wind' should pick this one up. Easy to read, and high quality all the way through.
It's a slow read, but the ending was pretty full-packed with action.