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The Farseer Trilogy #1-3
The Farseer Trilogy
Since Robin Hobb’s debut novel took the fantasy world by storm, the adventures of her beloved assassin FitzChivalry Farseer have spawned a sweeping epic that spans more than a dozen books—and counting. Discover the phenomenon from the beginning with this eBook bundle of the original trilogy:
ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE
ROYAL ASSASSIN
ASSASSIN’S QUEST
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 the Farseer Trilogy
“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, on Assassin’s Apprentice
“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, on Assassin’s Apprentice
“[Robin] Hobb continues to revitalize a genre that often seems all too generic, making it new in ways that range from the subtle to the shocking.”—Locus, on Royal Assassin
“[Royal Assassin] reaches astonishing new heights. . . . The Farseer saga is destined for greatness—a must-read for every devotee of epic fantasy.”—Sense of Wonder
“An enthralling conclusion to this superb trilogy, displaying an exceptional combination of originality, magic, adventure, character, and drama.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review), on Assassin’s Quest
“Superbly written, wholly satisfying, unforgettable: better than any fantasy trilogy in print—including mine!”—Melanie Rawn, on Assassin’s Quest
ASSASSIN’S APPRENTICE
ROYAL ASSASSIN
ASSASSIN’S QUEST
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 the Farseer Trilogy
“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, on Assassin’s Apprentice
“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, on Assassin’s Apprentice
“[Robin] Hobb continues to revitalize a genre that often seems all too generic, making it new in ways that range from the subtle to the shocking.”—Locus, on Royal Assassin
“[Royal Assassin] reaches astonishing new heights. . . . The Farseer saga is destined for greatness—a must-read for every devotee of epic fantasy.”—Sense of Wonder
“An enthralling conclusion to this superb trilogy, displaying an exceptional combination of originality, magic, adventure, character, and drama.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review), on Assassin’s Quest
“Superbly written, wholly satisfying, unforgettable: better than any fantasy trilogy in print—including mine!”—Melanie Rawn, on Assassin’s Quest
1952 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2011
1752 people are currently reading
12241 people want to read
About the author
Robin Hobb
318 books112k followers** I am shocked to find that some people think a 2 star 'I liked it' rating is a bad rating. What? I liked it. I LIKED it! That means I read the whole thing, to the last page, in spite of my life raining comets on me. It's a good book that survives the reading process with me. If a book is so-so, it ends up under the bed somewhere, or maybe under a stinky judo bag in the back of the van. So a 2 star from me means,yes, I liked the book, and I'd loan it to a friend and it went everywhere in my jacket pocket or purse until I finished it. A 3 star means that I've ignored friends to finish it and my sink is full of dirty dishes. A 4 star means I'm probably in trouble with my editor for missing a deadline because I was reading this book. But I want you to know . . . I don't finish books I don't like. There's too many good ones out there waiting to be found.
Robin Hobb is the author of three well-received fantasy trilogies: The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Quest), The Liveship Traders Trilogy (Ship of Magic, Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny) and the Tawny Man Trilogy (Fool’s Errand, Golden Fool, and Fool’s Fate) Her current work in progress is entitled Shaman’s Crossing. Robin Hobb lives and works in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a professional writer for over 30 years.
In addition to writing, her interests include gardening, mushrooming, and beachcombing. She and her husband Fred have three grown children and one teenager, and three grand-children.
She also writes as Megan Lindholm, and works under that name have been finalists for the Hugo award, the Nebula Award, and the Endeavor award. She has twice won an Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Readers’ Award.
Robin Hobb is the author of three well-received fantasy trilogies: The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Quest), The Liveship Traders Trilogy (Ship of Magic, Mad Ship and Ship of Destiny) and the Tawny Man Trilogy (Fool’s Errand, Golden Fool, and Fool’s Fate) Her current work in progress is entitled Shaman’s Crossing. Robin Hobb lives and works in Tacoma, Washington, and has been a professional writer for over 30 years.
In addition to writing, her interests include gardening, mushrooming, and beachcombing. She and her husband Fred have three grown children and one teenager, and three grand-children.
She also writes as Megan Lindholm, and works under that name have been finalists for the Hugo award, the Nebula Award, and the Endeavor award. She has twice won an Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Readers’ Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 520 reviews
February 21, 2021
At first, I didn't know if I was going to love or hate this trilogy. The premise was definitely intriguing but I was initially annoyed at how the story wasn't going where I was expecting it to go. Fitz was supposed to be a gifted orphan boy who becomes a deadly assassin, dammit! How come he keeps failing at every turn! That's not the way fantasy stories are supposed to be written! The main character's supposed to be a hero with a few flaws like hubris or impulsiveness. He's not supposed to be completely helpless in situations and make erroneous decisions!! That's just stupid. And too... well, human.
But then, by the end of Book 2, when Fitz starts recounting everything that has happened to him, confessing to all his "failures", lo and behold, a tear begins to fall down my cheek. And then two. And before I knew it, I was bawling my eyes out at 2am in the morning, cursing the unfairness of it all, and preparing to tear down anyone who dares to judge him for his mistakes.
Little did I know it but the characters in this world have surreptitiously dug its way into my heart. How the heck did that happen? Very sneaky, Robin Hobb. Very, very sneaky. I'm on the lookout for you. You won't take me by surprise again next time.
But then, by the end of Book 2, when Fitz starts recounting everything that has happened to him, confessing to all his "failures", lo and behold, a tear begins to fall down my cheek. And then two. And before I knew it, I was bawling my eyes out at 2am in the morning, cursing the unfairness of it all, and preparing to tear down anyone who dares to judge him for his mistakes.
Little did I know it but the characters in this world have surreptitiously dug its way into my heart. How the heck did that happen? Very sneaky, Robin Hobb. Very, very sneaky. I'm on the lookout for you. You won't take me by surprise again next time.
November 29, 2012
Fitz, the royal bastard, feels sorry for himself for three interminable volumes.
July 30, 2020
Book 1 - Assassin's Apprentice - 5 stars
I absolutely loved this. I don't know what I was expecting, but I admit going into this a bit under-enthused. I know this first book is not overly long, but I've been feeling a bit daunted by long books lately (says the person who just before this read Stephen King's massively long Under the Dome). But, it was in part because I enjoyed Under the Dome so much that I decided I could still tackle big books without feeling bogged down.
Anyway. People have raved to me about Robin Hobb for years, and I'm glad I finally read this because it was so much better than I hoped for. I loved the depth of character development, and the slow and steady way the story was detailed up to that pretty fast finish at the end. Over the next few months I'm planning to read the rest of this trilogy, and I am now very much looking forward to that.
Book 2 - Royal Assassin - 5 stars
This book picks up directly from Assassin's Apprentice, with things (as expected) continually going from bad to worse for Fitz. On the upside, we have a wolf!
I was a bit reticent to start this only two days before the end of the year, but...I just loved the first book so much that I couldn't help but go on with things right away. Needless to say, I finished off this 675 page tome in those two days, making Royal Assassin my final read for 2019, and also my final add to my favourites-2019 shelf.
Basically I loved this as much as the first. Loved the writing, the story, the characters, and the slow burn pace with the fast finish. It was all good and the perfect way to finish up the year.
Book 3 - Assassin's Quest - 5 stars
So, notwithstanding all the travelling, which I know some people find tedious to read, I loved this book. I think reading the Farseer Trilogy books in succession was definitely the way to go, as all 2000 or so pages really do sit firmly in my mind as a single tale.
Some (but definitely not all) favourite things from this final book:
*Hobbs' treatment of PTSD and residual trauma. Wow, just so excellently done, not just for Fitz, but Kettricken, and all the characters who suffered so in the making of this story.
*The relationship between Nighteyes and Fitz is an obvious highlight, and I love how it grows and changes. Nighteyes and his burgeoning personhood, as well as his growing relationships with others of his found family/pack was also a standout element for me.
*The dragons! Ok, these were truly excellent. Their emergence was harrowing, emotional, and had me trying to decide whether I was pleased or horrified (both, really).
Again Hobbs shows what a master she is at characterisation. If I have one complaint, it might be that Regal, while absolutely and truly horrible, is not quite as complicated as I might like. That's a minor complaint though in a huge cast of exceptionally well rendered players.
Overall just so excellent. As a whole the Farseer Trilogy ranks among my all time favourites.
I absolutely loved this. I don't know what I was expecting, but I admit going into this a bit under-enthused. I know this first book is not overly long, but I've been feeling a bit daunted by long books lately (says the person who just before this read Stephen King's massively long Under the Dome). But, it was in part because I enjoyed Under the Dome so much that I decided I could still tackle big books without feeling bogged down.
Anyway. People have raved to me about Robin Hobb for years, and I'm glad I finally read this because it was so much better than I hoped for. I loved the depth of character development, and the slow and steady way the story was detailed up to that pretty fast finish at the end. Over the next few months I'm planning to read the rest of this trilogy, and I am now very much looking forward to that.
Book 2 - Royal Assassin - 5 stars
This book picks up directly from Assassin's Apprentice, with things (as expected) continually going from bad to worse for Fitz. On the upside, we have a wolf!
I was a bit reticent to start this only two days before the end of the year, but...I just loved the first book so much that I couldn't help but go on with things right away. Needless to say, I finished off this 675 page tome in those two days, making Royal Assassin my final read for 2019, and also my final add to my favourites-2019 shelf.
Basically I loved this as much as the first. Loved the writing, the story, the characters, and the slow burn pace with the fast finish. It was all good and the perfect way to finish up the year.
Book 3 - Assassin's Quest - 5 stars
So, notwithstanding all the travelling, which I know some people find tedious to read, I loved this book. I think reading the Farseer Trilogy books in succession was definitely the way to go, as all 2000 or so pages really do sit firmly in my mind as a single tale.
Some (but definitely not all) favourite things from this final book:
*Hobbs' treatment of PTSD and residual trauma. Wow, just so excellently done, not just for Fitz, but Kettricken, and all the characters who suffered so in the making of this story.
*The relationship between Nighteyes and Fitz is an obvious highlight, and I love how it grows and changes. Nighteyes and his burgeoning personhood, as well as his growing relationships with others of his found family/pack was also a standout element for me.
*The dragons! Ok, these were truly excellent. Their emergence was harrowing, emotional, and had me trying to decide whether I was pleased or horrified (both, really).
Again Hobbs shows what a master she is at characterisation. If I have one complaint, it might be that Regal, while absolutely and truly horrible, is not quite as complicated as I might like. That's a minor complaint though in a huge cast of exceptionally well rendered players.
Overall just so excellent. As a whole the Farseer Trilogy ranks among my all time favourites.
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February 28, 2022Another trilogy that I cannot wait to re-read this year!
August 31, 2014
The best thing that can be said about this series is that Robin Hobb is a gifted writer, who has thoroughly researched and considered this world that she has created. The dialogue is clever, and the characters introduced are interesting with great backstories and are well developed. I also found the strong feminine characters, sprinkled in all unlikely roles to be amusing and interesting.
That being all said... the main character FitzChivalry is just about the whiniest, helpless, and most emotional character this side of the planet. For an assassin trained to kill people, he spends more time bemoaning his place in life and fate, than actually killing anyone of import. What he does kill, tends to be emotionless and feckless brainwashed character zombies. His emotions gets the better of him most of the time, and he can't seem to sit down to master any of the talents or skills, he's gifted with. He is a man (woman?) with premenstrual cramps 29 days out a month. His female compatriots on the other hand, are all strong champions of justice who seem to drag him along for the ride, while he wiles away his life drinking blackberry wine or elfbark tea and getting hangovers or nightmares. He can't assassinate or protect his king, he can't be a good father, he sucks at his magic, he's the quintessential fantasy deadbeat dad with a depressive/narcisstic complex who's place in this book seems only to be to bolster strong feminist zealotry and self-esteem for female readers.
This series is 1 book of great narrative, and 2 books of whining, self loathing/depressive contemplation. I had read great reviews about this series and expected some high adventure, but I found this be mostly a character study, slog with repetitive themes of helplessness, self loathing, and lackadaisacal effort. Is it unique? Sure. Would I ever read it again? no.
That being all said... the main character FitzChivalry is just about the whiniest, helpless, and most emotional character this side of the planet. For an assassin trained to kill people, he spends more time bemoaning his place in life and fate, than actually killing anyone of import. What he does kill, tends to be emotionless and feckless brainwashed character zombies. His emotions gets the better of him most of the time, and he can't seem to sit down to master any of the talents or skills, he's gifted with. He is a man (woman?) with premenstrual cramps 29 days out a month. His female compatriots on the other hand, are all strong champions of justice who seem to drag him along for the ride, while he wiles away his life drinking blackberry wine or elfbark tea and getting hangovers or nightmares. He can't assassinate or protect his king, he can't be a good father, he sucks at his magic, he's the quintessential fantasy deadbeat dad with a depressive/narcisstic complex who's place in this book seems only to be to bolster strong feminist zealotry and self-esteem for female readers.
This series is 1 book of great narrative, and 2 books of whining, self loathing/depressive contemplation. I had read great reviews about this series and expected some high adventure, but I found this be mostly a character study, slog with repetitive themes of helplessness, self loathing, and lackadaisacal effort. Is it unique? Sure. Would I ever read it again? no.
February 14, 2017
This is one of the few books of which I can't say why I didn't stop reading. It was utterly, mind-bogglingly boring. None (that is: not a single one) of the characters was interesting or even likable, except maybe the Fool. Everything (that's every single thing) the protagonist does goes wrong. Every time he might accomplish something he fails and fails again. The few times when he seemed to achieve something, it's revealed later that is went awry after all. The main, interesting mystery, the Red Ships and the "zombies" is never revealed.
Everything that everyone says is meant to be very profound. There is not a normal conversation in the book, no banter, no everyday language. Everyone speaks in deeply philosophical speech.
If there would be some action now and again it would help the story engage me, but each of the three books gets moving only at the very ending of the book. The rest is court-intrige within the walls of the castle. If done right, that might be interesting, except, it isn't. Waste of time and shelf-space.
Everything that everyone says is meant to be very profound. There is not a normal conversation in the book, no banter, no everyday language. Everyone speaks in deeply philosophical speech.
If there would be some action now and again it would help the story engage me, but each of the three books gets moving only at the very ending of the book. The rest is court-intrige within the walls of the castle. If done right, that might be interesting, except, it isn't. Waste of time and shelf-space.
July 23, 2012
Out of dozens of series,this is my favorite fantasy series of all time. Unbelievable. I was literally IN LOVE with Fitz. The story is unexpected, totally original and engrossing. Fantasy should bring to the reader ideas and characters that surprise and delight - this series really makes you think "My God, what an imagination - never would have thought..." I was depressed when I finished the series. When I found the Tawny Man series I was ecstatic!
I have not reread the series because I got so attached to the characters I am afraid I will miss them so much that I will sink into a Fitz deprived depression.
I have not reread the series because I got so attached to the characters I am afraid I will miss them so much that I will sink into a Fitz deprived depression.
April 12, 2013
Had been reading lots of science fiction and thought this would be a good break as it is a top rated fantasy trilogy. But it was a big let down. The pace was slogging and while the narrative was engaging, ultimately the character development and plot didn't deliver. Characters were actually named after their personality characteristics (Prince Verity, Prince Regal) which is as transparent as you can get and the antagonists was a sniveling prince that you thought would be dispatched by the first book but lingers on to the detriment of the whole storyline.
May 30, 2017
The story of dramatic teen angst!
The chaotically paced storyline hops all around but there is one thing that remains constant; no matter what happens and where things go - Fitz will end up neck deep in teen dramatic angst.
Mollyyyyyy!
And it is not only Fitz who is prone to bouts of silly drama; pretty much everyone keeps taking their turns being a drama queen and sometimes (often) it crosses the border into the realm of unbelievable ridiculousness.
So many problems in this series.
-Protagonist who does very little to actually deserve that title. Most of the time Fitzy is sulking whiner and randomly does some blahblah heroic act. Other cast seems to consider him to be a hero, until they flip their opinion seemingly random or based on some stupid drama.
-Public opinion(s) that swings like a leaf in a tornado.
-World that makes no sense, most notably the nobility and economics.
-Antagonist whose sole role is to do antagonistic thing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; his antagonism and evilness is rubbed into our faces with every line that is written about him, yet, the world itself seems to be ignorant.
-Supervillain/antagonist who is supposed to be scary and dangerous, but seems like a random add on that is more ridiculous than everything... damn... his name is W*** (spoiler protection although prolly not needed)
-So many plot-duds! Seems like Hobb adds random sprouts that never actually mature. It's not that bad I guess, but so many and so random is bit... meh. Also, it kind of makes the first person narrator bit ... inconsistent?
-Most of the characters are unlikable, and more importantly, dull. Burrich and Shrew however do manage to break some molds every now and then.
-Contrivances (as always)
Am not sure why I gave the second star or why I kept reading. Whatever it is, is worth that second star.
EDIT: Going to remove the second star and give this one the one it deserves (imho). But just to mention if anyone ever even reads this one, Hobb also writes amazing books. ( I feel bit bad dissing a book with such fanbase )
The chaotically paced storyline hops all around but there is one thing that remains constant; no matter what happens and where things go - Fitz will end up neck deep in teen dramatic angst.
Mollyyyyyy!
And it is not only Fitz who is prone to bouts of silly drama; pretty much everyone keeps taking their turns being a drama queen and sometimes (often) it crosses the border into the realm of unbelievable ridiculousness.
So many problems in this series.
-Protagonist who does very little to actually deserve that title. Most of the time Fitzy is sulking whiner and randomly does some blahblah heroic act. Other cast seems to consider him to be a hero, until they flip their opinion seemingly random or based on some stupid drama.
-Public opinion(s) that swings like a leaf in a tornado.
-World that makes no sense, most notably the nobility and economics.
-Antagonist whose sole role is to do antagonistic thing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; his antagonism and evilness is rubbed into our faces with every line that is written about him, yet, the world itself seems to be ignorant.
-Supervillain/antagonist who is supposed to be scary and dangerous, but seems like a random add on that is more ridiculous than everything... damn... his name is W*** (spoiler protection although prolly not needed)
-So many plot-duds! Seems like Hobb adds random sprouts that never actually mature. It's not that bad I guess, but so many and so random is bit... meh. Also, it kind of makes the first person narrator bit ... inconsistent?
-Most of the characters are unlikable, and more importantly, dull. Burrich and Shrew however do manage to break some molds every now and then.
-Contrivances (as always)
Am not sure why I gave the second star or why I kept reading. Whatever it is, is worth that second star.
EDIT: Going to remove the second star and give this one the one it deserves (imho). But just to mention if anyone ever even reads this one, Hobb also writes amazing books. ( I feel bit bad dissing a book with such fanbase )
July 21, 2017
I never read a book so depressing, lack of engaging action, hard to like characters, stupid and dumb protagonist, tedious/slow story line, and predictable plot. When I read this trilogy, it felt like dragging myself thru mud. I skipped many parts of the story because they are very repetitive and unnecessary. I felt very sluggish, tired and very sick after reading this book that I avoided reading for months.
The first book was interesting. The second book, I started to have doubts and regret. By the third book, I was like should I abandon or continue? It felt like waste of time not to continue, but it was also like wasting my time reading it.... OMG please never never again...
If you experience similar reaction like me, just drop it and start another book, don't force yourself to finish it, not worth it.
The first book was interesting. The second book, I started to have doubts and regret. By the third book, I was like should I abandon or continue? It felt like waste of time not to continue, but it was also like wasting my time reading it.... OMG please never never again...
If you experience similar reaction like me, just drop it and start another book, don't force yourself to finish it, not worth it.
October 9, 2017
I stuck with this trilogy until halfway through the third book in the hopes that the protagonist would find some backbone and cease being an intolerable drip (he unfortunately, did not). The books are well written but paced extremely slowly. I'm a huge fan of The Liveship Traders trilogy also by Hobb and would highly recommend anyone who's interested in reading her work to give this initial trilogy a miss and start with the second instead, it's well worth a read.
December 29, 2015
Book 1 is barely ok. Very slow pace with too many descriptions and not much going on. Writing is good though and it leaves hope that following books will have some action.
Book 2 is still slow and characters are infuriating. The hero is fairly dumb with actions or emotions that don't make sense for the supposed experience he's been through. The worst part is the bad guy. He is way too cliche and there would be no way he would get to do what he does in a different world. All in all, nothing happens, only frustration.
Book 3 is so bad I had to stop after 50 pages. Same problems as other books but the hero is even dumber.
Book 2 is still slow and characters are infuriating. The hero is fairly dumb with actions or emotions that don't make sense for the supposed experience he's been through. The worst part is the bad guy. He is way too cliche and there would be no way he would get to do what he does in a different world. All in all, nothing happens, only frustration.
Book 3 is so bad I had to stop after 50 pages. Same problems as other books but the hero is even dumber.
July 20, 2018
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July 7, 2014
Robin Hobb's The Farseer Trilogy numbers among the epic fantasy reads that I always intended to read again. Having read Assassin's Apprentice again, it's clear why her books are considered classics that you will find at almost every good bookstore.
What starts with the almost standard trope of the boy hero with royal parentage, is quickly subverted. Boy or Fitz as he is later known begins life as the unwanted, unexpected son of king-in-waiting Chivalry, and grows up in the stables then is later apprenticed to the assassin Chade.
He was born with the Wit, the ability to touch the minds of other living things, but if anyone were to discover this ability, he would certainly be put to death.
The Six Duchies face an external threat from the Viking-like Red Ship Raiders, who devastate coastal settlements and leave survivors "forged" (magically violated and devoid of all empathy). Yet from the inside, there is strife. King Shrewd's son from his second marriage, Regal, has pretensions to the throne, and bears Fitz little love.
Hobb has populated this saga with a rich cast of fascinating, diverse characters. Though the story is slow paced it is richly textured and it is all too easy to lose on self in the world she has created. I suspect this novel would have been released under the YA banner had it been written now, but Fitz comes to readers with a surprisingly mature voice.
He really has a difficult time and his personality is such that readers can see that he has so much to offer others if only he had the opportunity to share his love. Due to circumstances he is a lonely child, however, and makes do with the scraps he is offered. He experiences much loss and cruelty yet he remains steadfast to his king. This is the redeeming aspect of a character some might find cause to despise because of his vocation.
Hobb has it all in her writing: solid world building, ancient mystery, unforgettable characters, high adventure and enough courtly intrigue to give old GRRM a run for his money. I am looking forward to reading the rest in this series again. At least this time half the books won't be missing courtesy of our sorry library system.
What starts with the almost standard trope of the boy hero with royal parentage, is quickly subverted. Boy or Fitz as he is later known begins life as the unwanted, unexpected son of king-in-waiting Chivalry, and grows up in the stables then is later apprenticed to the assassin Chade.
He was born with the Wit, the ability to touch the minds of other living things, but if anyone were to discover this ability, he would certainly be put to death.
The Six Duchies face an external threat from the Viking-like Red Ship Raiders, who devastate coastal settlements and leave survivors "forged" (magically violated and devoid of all empathy). Yet from the inside, there is strife. King Shrewd's son from his second marriage, Regal, has pretensions to the throne, and bears Fitz little love.
Hobb has populated this saga with a rich cast of fascinating, diverse characters. Though the story is slow paced it is richly textured and it is all too easy to lose on self in the world she has created. I suspect this novel would have been released under the YA banner had it been written now, but Fitz comes to readers with a surprisingly mature voice.
He really has a difficult time and his personality is such that readers can see that he has so much to offer others if only he had the opportunity to share his love. Due to circumstances he is a lonely child, however, and makes do with the scraps he is offered. He experiences much loss and cruelty yet he remains steadfast to his king. This is the redeeming aspect of a character some might find cause to despise because of his vocation.
Hobb has it all in her writing: solid world building, ancient mystery, unforgettable characters, high adventure and enough courtly intrigue to give old GRRM a run for his money. I am looking forward to reading the rest in this series again. At least this time half the books won't be missing courtesy of our sorry library system.
March 28, 2015
First book was good, second book had so many unnecessary chapters, third book was "why did I start this trilogy.... WHY -__-!"
April 1, 2012
The Farseer Trilogy wasn't what I expected, and that's absolutely wonderful, because I expected something cliche.
The Farseer Trilogy stars Fitzchivalry, who at first seems to be a cardboard cutout of so many of the "poor farmer boys" from epic fantasy. But the drama, action and pain that he experiences through these three books is anything but typical. The Farseer Trilogy is the story of the red ship raiders that ravage Buck's coastline, using dark magic to turn those that survive their pillaging into little more than animals, little more than zombies.
It's also the story of Fitz's journey as a bastard child of the former King-in-Waiting, Chivalry, and the young boy's training as an assassin for the current monarch, King Shrewd.
It's also a love story with an ending that is satisfying but depressing.
It's also got dragons.
These books were full of action, drama, and lots of painful scenes. Robin Hobb really knows how to give her characters hell, and it shows. Fitz is often very close to losing his life at any given moment, and has the kind of frequent brushes with death that reminded me of Harry Dresden in Changes. A lot of very bad stuff happens to Fitz, and you're there for every agonizing moment.
This series is much closer to George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire than I thought before reading it. What I mean by that is that bad things happen to good people, good people die, and sometimes the bad guy wins. That's not to say that they're horribly depressing, or so emotional that you won't be able to read them. Quite the opposite. You'll find yourself turning pages like a madman, because you're rooting for that idiot Fitz to figure out the plot and save the day, or himself.
That reminds me that I need to mention my least favorite part of these books. Fitz is sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) a moron. Maybe I'm not a teenager, and for a good part of the series Fitz is, but some of the mistakes he made seemed pretty obvious to me, right up to the end of the novel. The information that people often tried to give him seemed easy for me to understand as well, but he just didn't get it.
Despite Fitz sometimes being dumb as a box of rocks, the story is excellent, the descriptions beautiful, and the pacing of the plot wonderful. There were parts of the first book that slowed down a little too much for me, but once the tension ramped up starting at the end of book 1, even the slow scenes had that unmistakable sense of looming dread that keeps you reading and turning pages.
I loved
Bad things happening to good people. This was real life, and sometimes life sucks even for the best of us.
The magic systems. They weren't very well defined, but in this case I think it helped, rather than hurt.
The ending of the series. It's sad, it's happy, it's perfect. I almost don't want to read her other books in this world, just so I can hold on to that feeling of perfect completion. Authors, take note. Hobb stuck the landing, and you would do well to study it.
I hated
Fitz being such a moron. Come on, some of that stuff was pretty obvious, and he really should have been a little smarter about his decisions. I'll grant that he was a teenager, so that plays a part, but he still had me yelling at the book. I guess I didn't like it, but it was obviously good characterization to get me so riled up.
The Farseer Trilogy gets a 9/10. Even with the glut of great fantasy, old and new, this deserves to be a series that everyone that wants to be familiar with the best the genre offers should read.
The Farseer Trilogy stars Fitzchivalry, who at first seems to be a cardboard cutout of so many of the "poor farmer boys" from epic fantasy. But the drama, action and pain that he experiences through these three books is anything but typical. The Farseer Trilogy is the story of the red ship raiders that ravage Buck's coastline, using dark magic to turn those that survive their pillaging into little more than animals, little more than zombies.
It's also the story of Fitz's journey as a bastard child of the former King-in-Waiting, Chivalry, and the young boy's training as an assassin for the current monarch, King Shrewd.
It's also a love story with an ending that is satisfying but depressing.
It's also got dragons.
These books were full of action, drama, and lots of painful scenes. Robin Hobb really knows how to give her characters hell, and it shows. Fitz is often very close to losing his life at any given moment, and has the kind of frequent brushes with death that reminded me of Harry Dresden in Changes. A lot of very bad stuff happens to Fitz, and you're there for every agonizing moment.
This series is much closer to George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire than I thought before reading it. What I mean by that is that bad things happen to good people, good people die, and sometimes the bad guy wins. That's not to say that they're horribly depressing, or so emotional that you won't be able to read them. Quite the opposite. You'll find yourself turning pages like a madman, because you're rooting for that idiot Fitz to figure out the plot and save the day, or himself.
That reminds me that I need to mention my least favorite part of these books. Fitz is sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) a moron. Maybe I'm not a teenager, and for a good part of the series Fitz is, but some of the mistakes he made seemed pretty obvious to me, right up to the end of the novel. The information that people often tried to give him seemed easy for me to understand as well, but he just didn't get it.
Despite Fitz sometimes being dumb as a box of rocks, the story is excellent, the descriptions beautiful, and the pacing of the plot wonderful. There were parts of the first book that slowed down a little too much for me, but once the tension ramped up starting at the end of book 1, even the slow scenes had that unmistakable sense of looming dread that keeps you reading and turning pages.
I loved
Bad things happening to good people. This was real life, and sometimes life sucks even for the best of us.
The magic systems. They weren't very well defined, but in this case I think it helped, rather than hurt.
The ending of the series. It's sad, it's happy, it's perfect. I almost don't want to read her other books in this world, just so I can hold on to that feeling of perfect completion. Authors, take note. Hobb stuck the landing, and you would do well to study it.
I hated
Fitz being such a moron. Come on, some of that stuff was pretty obvious, and he really should have been a little smarter about his decisions. I'll grant that he was a teenager, so that plays a part, but he still had me yelling at the book. I guess I didn't like it, but it was obviously good characterization to get me so riled up.
The Farseer Trilogy gets a 9/10. Even with the glut of great fantasy, old and new, this deserves to be a series that everyone that wants to be familiar with the best the genre offers should read.
October 25, 2021
What a treat to return to a series not touched in 15+ years and find it still as heady and engaging as it was as a teenager.
Hobb weaves a slow, inexorable narrative with the development of each of her characters the stepping stones on the journey, chiseled away page-by-page.
The trilogy is truly one story over three books. In this Folio Society edition there is a foreword from Hobb describing that she sought to write the story of a side-character. Verity is the protagonist of these three books: his struggle, his quest. Fitz is a witness, a resource, and a tool. And these books are as much about what that means as they are about the main plot.
Each book follows Fitz during a period in his life: a colorful, whirlwind childhood; a depressive adolescence; and (to quote Le Guin) a journey into adulthood: "ever the path grows narrower till at last he chooses nothing but does only and wholly what he must."
Apprentice was better than I remembered. The plot moved fast, it was more sensory, and the climax surprised me. I had forgotten how out of left-field Hobb's endings were. I leapt into Royal Assassin ready for more. Unfortunately it was a chore. The first 60% should have been about a third as long as it was. The first few chapters full of call-backs also felt unnecessary. I wish, since this was sold as a collected edition, they had cut out the recaps in the first 100 pages.
Fitz and Regal are tedious characters in book 2, which helps make the ending so exciting.
And so, onto book 3, Quest, which is the best of the lot. There are some things I remembered and some that I didn't . Something I did remember is that I started reading the last 400 pages of the book at 10pm on a school night when I was a teenager and calling in sick the next day because I stayed up all night to see what Fitz was going to find at the end of his quest. Even though I stuck to more work-friendly hours this time around, the rush of the ending felt the same. It was such a satisfying conclusion to the story and has me set up for the Rain Wilds - which I remember enjoying even more than this trilogy.
Here's hoping Folio does editions of all of Hobb's books!
These books meander. They stay with each character likely too long for most people's enjoyment. They make you get to know the ponderous, loyal, foolish Fitz better than a close friend. The characters are emotionally intelligent and get caught up in their own narratives and ideas. Fitz is pushed and pulled by powers both political and magical too complex for him or us to fully comprehend. This aspect of his youth was very convincing and I appreciated it much more in my early thirties than I did as a teenager. I wonder if I will feel the same way in another 15 years.
This reread also showed me some weakness in the trilogy: most of it lying in the bloated wallowing of book 2. And it showed me an emotional nuance I didn't realise I was missing until I found it again. I don't think anyone writes people with the tenderness of Hobb.
4.5 stars rounded up.
John Howe's covers and illustrations will always be my favourite. This one is from the cover of Assassin's Quest.
Hobb weaves a slow, inexorable narrative with the development of each of her characters the stepping stones on the journey, chiseled away page-by-page.
The trilogy is truly one story over three books. In this Folio Society edition there is a foreword from Hobb describing that she sought to write the story of a side-character. Verity is the protagonist of these three books: his struggle, his quest. Fitz is a witness, a resource, and a tool. And these books are as much about what that means as they are about the main plot.
Each book follows Fitz during a period in his life: a colorful, whirlwind childhood; a depressive adolescence; and (to quote Le Guin) a journey into adulthood: "ever the path grows narrower till at last he chooses nothing but does only and wholly what he must."
Apprentice was better than I remembered. The plot moved fast, it was more sensory, and the climax surprised me. I had forgotten how out of left-field Hobb's endings were. I leapt into Royal Assassin ready for more. Unfortunately it was a chore. The first 60% should have been about a third as long as it was. The first few chapters full of call-backs also felt unnecessary. I wish, since this was sold as a collected edition, they had cut out the recaps in the first 100 pages.
Fitz and Regal are tedious characters in book 2, which helps make the ending so exciting.
And so, onto book 3, Quest, which is the best of the lot. There are some things I remembered and some that I didn't . Something I did remember is that I started reading the last 400 pages of the book at 10pm on a school night when I was a teenager and calling in sick the next day because I stayed up all night to see what Fitz was going to find at the end of his quest. Even though I stuck to more work-friendly hours this time around, the rush of the ending felt the same. It was such a satisfying conclusion to the story and has me set up for the Rain Wilds - which I remember enjoying even more than this trilogy.
Here's hoping Folio does editions of all of Hobb's books!
These books meander. They stay with each character likely too long for most people's enjoyment. They make you get to know the ponderous, loyal, foolish Fitz better than a close friend. The characters are emotionally intelligent and get caught up in their own narratives and ideas. Fitz is pushed and pulled by powers both political and magical too complex for him or us to fully comprehend. This aspect of his youth was very convincing and I appreciated it much more in my early thirties than I did as a teenager. I wonder if I will feel the same way in another 15 years.
This reread also showed me some weakness in the trilogy: most of it lying in the bloated wallowing of book 2. And it showed me an emotional nuance I didn't realise I was missing until I found it again. I don't think anyone writes people with the tenderness of Hobb.
4.5 stars rounded up.
John Howe's covers and illustrations will always be my favourite. This one is from the cover of Assassin's Quest.
September 24, 2014
All finished and what a ride. I didn't expect to love these books so much.
I expected more typical fantasy and I got very little of that until the ending of the third book, which I swear was written in the 70s (in a good way) and sent forward in time. Other than a few types of "magic" that come into play every chapter or so, plus a dragon and some mindless not-undead people, it's very low fantasy. Think GRRM.
The characters are all unique and feel real, with the exception of the main villain, who is a stereotype of the evil aristocrat, ambitious-no-matter-what. But even he has a few quirks, a bit of character history, to set him apart. His fate was not what I expected, but felt fair.
Every person is treated fairly, even when they're not. How do I mean? They are written as human beings - every one has faults, quirks, moments they regret, the hero himself, Fitz, most of all. While he occasionally feels a bit Mary Suish at first, with how easily he becomes this beloved but still outcast character who is able to fix any situation and stumble into the solutions to all problems, as he grows up and becomes a teenager you see where his lucky breaks end and the hero, the human, has to come out. He whines, he overlooks things that hurt people he loves though we're screaming at the page to look, look, look. But he acts his age and pays for it. He ends fairly.
I loved the books, mostly because of the emotional ride we went through with Fitz, the Fool, Molly, Burrich, Verity, Kettricken, Starling, Kettle, etc. I ended up dreaming about these people, unable to sleep until I finished the last pages.
Great books.
I expected more typical fantasy and I got very little of that until the ending of the third book, which I swear was written in the 70s (in a good way) and sent forward in time. Other than a few types of "magic" that come into play every chapter or so, plus a dragon and some mindless not-undead people, it's very low fantasy. Think GRRM.
The characters are all unique and feel real, with the exception of the main villain, who is a stereotype of the evil aristocrat, ambitious-no-matter-what. But even he has a few quirks, a bit of character history, to set him apart. His fate was not what I expected, but felt fair.
Every person is treated fairly, even when they're not. How do I mean? They are written as human beings - every one has faults, quirks, moments they regret, the hero himself, Fitz, most of all. While he occasionally feels a bit Mary Suish at first, with how easily he becomes this beloved but still outcast character who is able to fix any situation and stumble into the solutions to all problems, as he grows up and becomes a teenager you see where his lucky breaks end and the hero, the human, has to come out. He whines, he overlooks things that hurt people he loves though we're screaming at the page to look, look, look. But he acts his age and pays for it. He ends fairly.
I loved the books, mostly because of the emotional ride we went through with Fitz, the Fool, Molly, Burrich, Verity, Kettricken, Starling, Kettle, etc. I ended up dreaming about these people, unable to sleep until I finished the last pages.
Great books.
March 7, 2022
Someone please help me. For years since I finished the series I have not been able to find a book I’ve had a connection as I’ve had as to these book. Do note that these are the first 3 of a 15 book saga. If anyone else has read them all and loved them I could use recommendations to find something that moved me like these did.
August 7, 2025
individual ratings
-
1. assassin's apprentice— 4.5★
2. royal assassin— 4.25★
3. assassin's quest— 3.75★
* overall trilogy— 4.25★
hope i won't see Fitz being this helpless again (i would like to).
-
1. assassin's apprentice— 4.5★
2. royal assassin— 4.25★
3. assassin's quest— 3.75★
* overall trilogy— 4.25★
hope i won't see Fitz being this helpless again (i would like to).
March 5, 2025
Great trilogy
March 30, 2021
(Vague Spoilers) This series is not my usual kind of read. Typically I avoid stories that are tragic, but this series hooked me with the characters and wouldn't let me go. It's an emotional rollercoaster ride for sure.
THE GOOD
Amazing Characters: As so many have pointed out, Robin Hobb is a master of character development. She makes you love her characters even as you want to strangle them. Fitz in particular is an idiot who can't see the obvious if it hit him between the eyes... but you still got to love him. The Fool is intriguing and unknowable. Burrich is a lovable grump with a heart of gold. Verity a noble but flawed king-in-waiting. Nighteyes is just amazing. All vividly depicted characters.
Truly, the great characters are why I kept reading these books, that point cannot be undersold, because they are SO good that they kept me reading despite some VERY frustrating aspects of the storytelling.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
Fitz is the REAL Fool: I seriously wanted to strangle Fitz on many occasions, particularly in the third book. He is a teenager, I know, but the idiot can't see what is right in front of him. But you as the reader know what's going on, and it's often a long sloooooow wait as you watch with dread the inevitable train wreck headed Fitz's way.
Fitz's Stupidity as a Plot Convenience: To expand on Fitz's stupidity and how it drives the story, it really is a plot convenience at points because the author needs him to be stupid for the story to go in the direction she wants it to. As a reader, it's incredibly frustrating to watch. Again, I realize he's supposed to be a teenager, and we were all dumb at that age, but he'll have you pulling your hair out in frustration.
Fitz's lack of training with the Skill: At some point in the story I just got tired of Fitz's lack of training in the Skill. So much would have been different if someone had just taken the time to train the poor kid, and it becomes yet another frustrating part of the story. At some point you realize he'll never be trained, because like his stupidity, it's a plot convenience for the author. If Fitz could control his powers he wouldn't be as helpless, so of course he'll never be trained. So when the plot requires it, he can use his powers. Similarly, if the plot requires it he can't use his powers.
Everyone $hits on Fitz: At some point, you realize that hoping for something good to happen to Fitz is pointless, because you know that nothing but bad things will ever happen to him. Oh sure, he'll get to be happy for a little while, but only so he (and you as the reader) can be devastated when it's taken away.
Tension: The tension the author builds up is truly relentless. You are always braced for something terrible to happen, mainly because you know it's possible. The author is not afraid to kill or maim a character, so you can never be sure anyone is safe.
THE VERDICT
I read the Farseer trilogy back-to-back, and honestly, I'm exhausted. The emotional rollercoaster and constant tension was draining, and I need a break from this world and the authors writing style.
I did love the books because the characters are amazing, and do recommend them. But they are probably the most emotionally intense books I've ever read. I'm going to read some lighter fare before continuing on with my Realm of the Elderlings read-through.
THE GOOD
Amazing Characters: As so many have pointed out, Robin Hobb is a master of character development. She makes you love her characters even as you want to strangle them. Fitz in particular is an idiot who can't see the obvious if it hit him between the eyes... but you still got to love him. The Fool is intriguing and unknowable. Burrich is a lovable grump with a heart of gold. Verity a noble but flawed king-in-waiting. Nighteyes is just amazing. All vividly depicted characters.
Truly, the great characters are why I kept reading these books, that point cannot be undersold, because they are SO good that they kept me reading despite some VERY frustrating aspects of the storytelling.
THE NOT-SO-GOOD
Fitz is the REAL Fool: I seriously wanted to strangle Fitz on many occasions, particularly in the third book. He is a teenager, I know, but the idiot can't see what is right in front of him. But you as the reader know what's going on, and it's often a long sloooooow wait as you watch with dread the inevitable train wreck headed Fitz's way.
Fitz's Stupidity as a Plot Convenience: To expand on Fitz's stupidity and how it drives the story, it really is a plot convenience at points because the author needs him to be stupid for the story to go in the direction she wants it to. As a reader, it's incredibly frustrating to watch. Again, I realize he's supposed to be a teenager, and we were all dumb at that age, but he'll have you pulling your hair out in frustration.
Fitz's lack of training with the Skill: At some point in the story I just got tired of Fitz's lack of training in the Skill. So much would have been different if someone had just taken the time to train the poor kid, and it becomes yet another frustrating part of the story. At some point you realize he'll never be trained, because like his stupidity, it's a plot convenience for the author. If Fitz could control his powers he wouldn't be as helpless, so of course he'll never be trained. So when the plot requires it, he can use his powers. Similarly, if the plot requires it he can't use his powers.
Everyone $hits on Fitz: At some point, you realize that hoping for something good to happen to Fitz is pointless, because you know that nothing but bad things will ever happen to him. Oh sure, he'll get to be happy for a little while, but only so he (and you as the reader) can be devastated when it's taken away.
Tension: The tension the author builds up is truly relentless. You are always braced for something terrible to happen, mainly because you know it's possible. The author is not afraid to kill or maim a character, so you can never be sure anyone is safe.
THE VERDICT
I read the Farseer trilogy back-to-back, and honestly, I'm exhausted. The emotional rollercoaster and constant tension was draining, and I need a break from this world and the authors writing style.
I did love the books because the characters are amazing, and do recommend them. But they are probably the most emotionally intense books I've ever read. I'm going to read some lighter fare before continuing on with my Realm of the Elderlings read-through.
February 22, 2017
This book is written inconsistently. It flows well in some parts and in others we get a tasteless retelling of events. One second you'll be reading a brilliant dialogue the next you read a short sentence about how the next month went. The author has a habit of telling you things instead of letting the reader discover them. While some telling is good it gets rather annoying to be told everything as if without the rehashing of facts you would be hopelessly lost. We go deep into the mind of fitzchivalry. It's unfortunate that while the series sounds promising the content of the story somehow manages to come across as dull and unengaging. The coming of age of a court assassin who has magical abilities sounds like the type of book that you just won't be able to put down. I have. On three separate occasions I tried to get into this book. Reading just a chapter more here and there hoping for some tidbit of action or intrigue. Yet somehow even when what I imagine is supposed to be a poignant or powerful sequence appears I find it wanting. Imagine picking up a novel advertised as a sweeping journey only to find that it reads like a bland textbook in your least favorite class. Perhaps one day I'll truly be so starved for reading material that I'll pick this "vanilla ice cream in Willy Wonka's chocolate factory" novel back up and finish it. I doubt it. It's simply too boring to waste your time trying to see if you like it. The ratings in my personal opinion are very misleading in regards to this book. There are many more engaging novels with very similar plots that one can find easily. The coming of age assassin who is special trope is hardly a rare one.
August 28, 2016
This series had me really twisted. The writing is superb. Prosaic, well read, a world I really could feel. Even the characters overall had a rich and fullness you expect in any good series.
The but.
But I really. Really. REALLY, disliked the protagonist. He was always weak, always moping, always self centered. His character development was halted numerous times and he was never allowed externally or internally to overcome his flaws. He embraced weakness and ignored his strength.
It drove me batshitcrazy.
If Fitz had been a secondary character and another character the lead it'd have been fine. Much of the cast felt stronger, deeper, and more forthcoming developmentally than the main was.
At the end of each book you think. This will be his moment, this crucible will make him understand. But it never was carried. Forever held back into a deep whining and self loathing. Ooooh MOLLLY.
O.o
I drove the whole series with a tinge of hope but it was never realized, not fully rewarded. The end few chapters felt like a glimmer of salvation but felt rushed against the length of the overall quest.
Read this if you can handle a wet noodle of a protagonist against an amazing backdrop of characters and scenery. Avoid this if you get heartburn when character development is stunted every step of the way.
The but.
But I really. Really. REALLY, disliked the protagonist. He was always weak, always moping, always self centered. His character development was halted numerous times and he was never allowed externally or internally to overcome his flaws. He embraced weakness and ignored his strength.
It drove me batshitcrazy.
If Fitz had been a secondary character and another character the lead it'd have been fine. Much of the cast felt stronger, deeper, and more forthcoming developmentally than the main was.
At the end of each book you think. This will be his moment, this crucible will make him understand. But it never was carried. Forever held back into a deep whining and self loathing. Ooooh MOLLLY.
O.o
I drove the whole series with a tinge of hope but it was never realized, not fully rewarded. The end few chapters felt like a glimmer of salvation but felt rushed against the length of the overall quest.
Read this if you can handle a wet noodle of a protagonist against an amazing backdrop of characters and scenery. Avoid this if you get heartburn when character development is stunted every step of the way.
February 11, 2025
Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assasin's Quest of the Farseer Trilogy and one of my first paranormal fantasy reads after I demolished Raymond E Feist books. Robin can tell a tale and bring it to life with her rich narrative and interesting characters. She weaves a complexity of threads seamlessly together.
I liken her writing to Raymond's and that's a very good thing.
I love a great paranormal tale and Robin gives her readers that. I have read each book in this series and own most of them since they were around before ebooks. There is something about old pages and holding a book in your hand.
Get stuck into this series now. You will love it.
Happy reading folks!
I liken her writing to Raymond's and that's a very good thing.
I love a great paranormal tale and Robin gives her readers that. I have read each book in this series and own most of them since they were around before ebooks. There is something about old pages and holding a book in your hand.
Get stuck into this series now. You will love it.
Happy reading folks!
September 19, 2018
Deceit, treachery, twisted plots. I could be reading about the Plantagenets. Onto book three
Assassin's Quest.
Assassin's Quest. 
June 6, 2013
Want to give it 6 stars.
Recently finished re-reading.
The best sort of Hero, a hero that doesn't want to be and is not perfect.
Recently finished re-reading.
The best sort of Hero, a hero that doesn't want to be and is not perfect.
January 27, 2017
Fantastic. An immersive story of an interesting and well thought out land with lovable and hate-able characters. Just what I needed. Perfect mini escape from the real world, into magic <3
March 5, 2017
Absolutely loved these from start to finish.
May 18, 2021
Rating: 3.5/5
Review: Review: This was a pretty long haul made even longer with a story line languishing in the shade of reason.
Fitz is an enjoyable character whom is transformed from an early age into a somewhat lame assassin. Yeah, he poisons a few and hacks away at the Forged like any other soldier but he never becomes immersed in that aspect of his life even though he is trained for years. A somewhat weak transition follows where he moves to train in the ‘Skill’ and here the intrigue is off like a spent horse.
Most of this novels story line is revolves around the ruminations within Fitz’s head or pondering the interactions of supporting characters in a daily ebb and flow of emotion. This process builds each character, laboriously. More expedient means enjoin movement to deepen a characters personality. Not to say that this series did not have it’s fair share of movement, only that it seemed more like separate occurrences. When the movement was shared and a character was enhanced, the trait was quickly abandoned or drove the character in an opposite direction. For instance when Fitz is in battle he becomes bezerker boy with an ax. Later the ax (which was a pretty cool character enhancement) is abandoned and Fitz no longer bezerks but mewls around and laments his current state of fear/uncertainty.
Fitz was a character that constantly devolved in almost every instance to the point where you wondered how he became a man that people might respect and follow. He grows to manhood yet still exhibits petty emotions that really don’t align with his character. Yeah you can have times where things don’t go your way (aggravation) but petty jealousy and petulant recrimination are not the hallmarks of a hero. We all love a flawed hero, only in the right way.
Burrich and Molly were a sad ending to an interesting story line as was the Fools. The series feels incomplete in that the expectation is that Fitz becomes the Skill Master, yet no such thing transpires.
Despite some hiccups I enjoyed the series entire. The world building draws you in and keeps you there. An engrossing novel of hope and betrayal.
Review: Review: This was a pretty long haul made even longer with a story line languishing in the shade of reason.
Fitz is an enjoyable character whom is transformed from an early age into a somewhat lame assassin. Yeah, he poisons a few and hacks away at the Forged like any other soldier but he never becomes immersed in that aspect of his life even though he is trained for years. A somewhat weak transition follows where he moves to train in the ‘Skill’ and here the intrigue is off like a spent horse.
Most of this novels story line is revolves around the ruminations within Fitz’s head or pondering the interactions of supporting characters in a daily ebb and flow of emotion. This process builds each character, laboriously. More expedient means enjoin movement to deepen a characters personality. Not to say that this series did not have it’s fair share of movement, only that it seemed more like separate occurrences. When the movement was shared and a character was enhanced, the trait was quickly abandoned or drove the character in an opposite direction. For instance when Fitz is in battle he becomes bezerker boy with an ax. Later the ax (which was a pretty cool character enhancement) is abandoned and Fitz no longer bezerks but mewls around and laments his current state of fear/uncertainty.
Fitz was a character that constantly devolved in almost every instance to the point where you wondered how he became a man that people might respect and follow. He grows to manhood yet still exhibits petty emotions that really don’t align with his character. Yeah you can have times where things don’t go your way (aggravation) but petty jealousy and petulant recrimination are not the hallmarks of a hero. We all love a flawed hero, only in the right way.
Burrich and Molly were a sad ending to an interesting story line as was the Fools. The series feels incomplete in that the expectation is that Fitz becomes the Skill Master, yet no such thing transpires.
Despite some hiccups I enjoyed the series entire. The world building draws you in and keeps you there. An engrossing novel of hope and betrayal.
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