Fantasy Buddy Reads discussion

Fool's Assassin - Robin Hobb

August 15, 2020.

I can't believe this one is coming up so soon! I'm excited and a little bit sad. I don't want to catch up...and for this lovely world to end

I'm so excited but also a bit sad it's coming to the end!!

Is this definitely the last trilogy, anyone in the know? I'm scared to Google because spoilers! 🙃

I'm sooo excited! I already read the books a while ago, but I'm looking forward to re-read it with you guys ❤️

Yes, this is the last trilogy. I've been waiting for this to start, after skipping the whole Dragon quartet. So excited to get back to Fitz, and the Fool and the whole assassination business again. I probably need some friendly reminder on what happened in the Tawny Man trilogy though (curse this short-term memory of mine).

Barry wrote: "Yes, this is the last trilogy. I've been waiting for this to start, after skipping the whole Dragon quartet. So excited to get back to Fitz, and the Fool and the whole assassination business again...."

I'll try my best to remind you when needed! My memory is the same though! 😅

Starting today.

I will start later on today! ☺️

Chapter 3 - (view spoiler)[ I was scared we were going to lose Chade already! I couldn't handle that this soon!!
It's worrying how much Molly seems to be aging, I don't want poor Fitz to lose her. :(
I love seeing Dutiful, Kettricken and Thick again! :) (hide spoiler)]

@ Siobhan Ch 3 (view spoiler)[
I'm actually expecting Chade to die in this series, though probably not on this one. The one that subtly hurt is Patience's death. But at least she and Fitz have a few years at the end to live together, although, I doubt that they communicate as often as they should. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 4 (view spoiler)[
But, the one that I dread Molly's death. She seems so out of it. What with the "pregnancy". I mean, she's close to 50? Could she still be pregnant? (hide spoiler)]

Ch 5 (view spoiler)[
And indeed she was pregnant and now the child is born (hide spoiler)]

Ch 7 (view spoiler)[
I'm guessing Bee is a reincarnation of the Fool? Perhaps the dead female messenger was the Fool in disguise? If so, why was she running away? Or why was she being hunted for?

Or if not the Fool, then she's the next White Prophet. Perhaps, that's what the Fool was trying to tell Fitz. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 9 (view spoiler)[
The timeline really flies in this book. I believe we've covered something like 12-14 years within the first 9 chapters? Not sure if this kind of time jump is sustainable throughout the rest of the series haha. (hide spoiler)]

Ch 10 (view spoiler)[
Crap! I knew Hobb would do this! Oh, Fitz. (hide spoiler)]

I started it, too, I'm about a quarter in. I'm going to post some spoiler thoughts later.
It's been pretty slowgoing so far, even for Hobb.

The german translation reads is weird to read. Maybe it's because I've read so much Hobb already and know her style pretty well by now.

I'm going to try and start today too ^~^

Barry wrote: "@ Siobhan Ch 3 .."

RE chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ Yeah that one hurt, so casually dropped in as well. I hate it a little when beloved characters die off screen. :/ (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 13

(view spoiler)[Molly's death made me really sad. It's one of those cases where Hobb's writing hits home. My Mom was on the older side when she got me and she is also older than my dad. So I felt this on a personal level.

I think Bee is going to be a white prophet.

Fitz is suffering 24/7. At least he managed to bond more with Bee. But it's not going to last, our hearts cannot be left unbroken, can they?

I wonder when the Fool will show up.

I don't know what to make of that girl Chade wants Fitz to take in. Is she Chade's daughter? Btw. what's her name in english? (hide spoiler)]

Barry wrote: "@ Siobhan Ch 3 ..."

RE chapter 4 and 5 (view spoiler)[ I found these chapters very emotional! I'm sitting here crying 🙈 what a softie I am!
I so dread Fitz losing Molly 😭 I wish she weren't so stubborn and would let him use the skill to heal her and slow her aging like his!
I can't believe she did have a baby! 3 winters she was "pregnant"! I thought for sure she was mad.

Fitz's trip to the mountains, seeing the Fool's old house and friend made me emotional too. His sad old memories and melancholy (that's our Fitz). I love that he got to spend time with Nettle on his own. And see how much they all think of him still and value him. Whenever he has a thought slip in from Nighteyes I have to reach for the tissues, seriously 😭 (hide spoiler)]

Bea wrote: "Up to chapter 13



I am about 3/4 thru, and yes (view spoiler)[ Bee could very well be the white prophet, she is obviously playing a major part. I am enjoying her interactions with everyone, as she surprises everyone with her intellect. You will see more. Mostly this book is a very long setup for more to come. And yes Molly's passing was sad, I know it was coming as soon the classic heart attack symptons were written. (hide spoiler)]

Up to chapter 24

(view spoiler)[I have to say I'm finding Fitz a bit annoying. Sure he's struggling with the loss of Molly but he really fails to see what's directly in front of his eyes!

I'm quite enjoying Bee's point of view, though. I fear she will be treated badly by the other kids again once school begins.
And she has a black and white cat now <3

I'm pretty sure that 'son' is actually Bee. Her 'white' traits are pretty obvious but Fitz seems completely oblivious... (hide spoiler)]

Please hide the spoilers!! 🙁🙁

Aw crap, I just saw my spoiler is still visible in Frank's post! 😖 I hate it when GR does that!

And I just came here to complain that my Mom kept dropping spoilers while I was reading in the garden this afternoon..

I've only read the first Farseer trilogy. Would it be an okay idea to read this now, or should I read the other Elderlings books first?

Hi Ryan.

You should definitely read the Tawny Man Trilogy, as it’s the prequel to this series. Otherwise you wouldn’t understand what the characters went through to get to this point.

The Liveship Traders quartet, although related (a few recurring characters mentioned in the Tawny Man), but if you skip it I think it’s ok. Though, you should also read them as they’re really good.

There’s another series focused mostly on the dragons. I skipped that one, but I think a bunch of people read them. I think it’s also ok to skip the Dragonhaven quartet and still able to follow this trilogy.

Hope my answer helps.

Thanks! I'll hold off then.

Ch 27

Bee (view spoiler)[
My guess is Bee is either the next White Prophet or the Unexpected Son. I recall that the Fool is genderless, and perhaps the word ‘Son’ only reflects that s/he is an unexpected child, not his/her specific gender.

I’m glad that her relationship with Fitz is growing. Though there are still some mishaps here and there, especially early when Shun first arrived, but I’m glad to read that Bee is starting to trust him.

I can’t wait too to see who she’s going to bond with. One of the pups from the Winter Market? Man, I’m glad Fitz did what he did to free the pups. Kinda similar to how he got Nighteyes. Don’t think it’s gonna be one of the cats she took into the secret passageway as her bonded animal, because somehow I suspect that the cats are spies? Kinda like how the Piebalds used cats to trap and spy Dutiful.

Could the Piebalds, in concert with some inner Duchies nobles, be the villains? (hide spoiler)]

Lant (view spoiler)[
I guessed he’s Huntswoman Laurel’s Son. Only, I’d guessed his father is Dutiful. But, it appears that’s not the case. I guess this Lord Vigilant, whoever he is, is truly his father.

As for Lant being the Unexpectec Son, I don’t think so. Mainly based on his skin color. He’s just not pale enough. Unlike Bee. (hide spoiler)]

Shun (view spoiler)[
I hope her living arrangements won’t bankrupt Fitz lol. (hide spoiler)]

Ryan wrote: "Thanks! I'll hold off then."

Yupp! Barry is correct. You there are three trilogies with Fitz. So you don't want to miss out on the Tawny man one before starting this one.

The dragon series that was mentioned is the "Rainwilds Cronicles" which isn't necessary for the Fitz plot...but it certainly helps with the wordly lore and also builds upon characters from the Liveship trilogy :D

Realm of Elderlings Reading Order
1) Farseer Trilogy*
2) Liveship Traders Trilogy
3) Tawny Man Trilogy*
4) Rain Wild Chronicles
5) Fitz and the Fool Trilogy*
6) Novellas

Bea wrote: "Aw crap, I just saw my spoiler is still visible in Frank's post! 😖 I hate it when GR does that!

And I just came here to complain that my Mom kept dropping spoilers while I was reading in the gard..."

Oh crap how did that happen, sorry all.

Goodreads is silly when you hit reply after having opening a spoiler tag. Do you think you can edit the post??

Katie wrote: "Goodreads is silly when you hit reply after having opening a spoiler tag. Do you think you can edit the post??"

Done

Thanks so much! ^~^

I finished it yesterday. Overall, I ended up liking it quite a bit. A little slow, but in the end it did pick up.

(view spoiler)[Fool, my poor boy! What have they done to you 😭😭😭.
It was so sweet how Bee set out to help him. And Fitz still has no clue she must be the 'son'. I also liked how Kettricken did not hesitate to help.
I'm scared both Fitz and the Fool are going to die in this series. I really hope Fitz and Bee will get another chance for some father/daughter time. Something always seemed to get between them.

And then of course Bee had to be abducted! At least that keeps me excited for the next book.

Shun is annoying. I finally googled and found out that's her name. Her german name is "Ungelitten" (unsuffered). Sometimes I wonder how translators get these names 😅

Also, I gotta repeat: why do they always come for the puppies? 😭
So glad Fitz intervened and at least the puppies were saved. If there's one thing I cannot handle in books, it's animal cruelty.

I felt sorry for the housekeeper. Just when Bee had started to like him and even got him presents, he just dies like that. (hide spoiler)]

I just started and will try to catch up :)

But "Ungelitten", wow, that's horrible :D

Barry wrote: "@ Siobhan Ch ..."

I'm up to chapter 11 now, I'm reading another book at the same time so slow progress.

RE chapters 7 to 10 (view spoiler)[I know the timeline does really fly!! It's strange how quickly we're skimming through years!

Did the female messenger die? I thought it was only a small amount of blood. I think that was the Fool, obviously we know he can pass for a woman from Liveship Traders.

I agree Bee is a white prophet, that was my first thoughts with her hair and eyes. Also with her unnaturally slow aging, the Fool has said he's much older than he appears.

So sad Molly is gone, poor poor Fitz :( his grief was so well written I could feel it.

Very interesting to get a chapter from Bee's POV! Wasn't expecting that, it's always Fitz! (hide spoiler)]

I've finished too. Don't think I need to say much on how good this book is and how masterful Hobb is in manipulating my emotion while reading her books.

@ Bea (view spoiler)[
I mean, it's not like Fitz has led a serene life, but no Hobb has to keep pounding him down just after he's able to stand up and breathe a little. Poor guy. Nighteyes, Molly and now Bee is missing. I think it's the perfect set up for him to die after rescuing Bee? (hide spoiler)]

Chade (view spoiler)[
Is he losing his touch? His two latest "apprentices" (Shun and Lant) seem like terrible assassins. I was expecting one of them to actually surprise everybody and take charge of Bee's safety. But, no. Lant actually was killed. But, Shun seems like a good-for-nothing, irresponsible, spoiled and self-centered lady. I thought she showed some spunk when she challeged Fitz on their first meeting. (hide spoiler)]

Fitz (view spoiler)[
Though, I understand that he stabbed the Fool as a plot device to get Bee alone at the Withywoods, but I still question why his first impulse when seeing a blind beggar nearby his daughter was to stab the guy. I understand that Fitz can be extremely decisive in terms of assassinating somebody, but if only he was more restrained in his response to the situation at the market. Sigh, now I'm expeecting lots of despair in the next book as he and the Fool (and maybe Riddle and Nettle?) search for Bee's whereabouts. (hide spoiler)]

...I'm probably gonna start today ^^;

Up to Chapter 3 (view spoiler)[ It took me a bit to get into the story again, it has been far too lomg that I read tje tawny man books and this one. I think the tone is immediately and incredible different from the last 4 Rainwild books. Way more deep, much slower but also more emotional.
Lady Patience death made me really sad, but I'm also glad that they spend the last years together. And it's great to see Thick, Kettricken and Dutiful again. I really like the grown-up and much wiser Dutiful, he seems to be a good king! (hide spoiler)]

Siobhan wrote: "RE chapter 4 and 5 ."

Haha, poor Siobhan, I hope you're alright!
(view spoiler)[But yeah, two very emotional chapters! I think the whole pregnancy storyline was really well written, because you go back and forth in believing Molly that she might be pregnant. Up to a point where you don't know what to think (At least it was for me the first time around). :) (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "...I'm probably gonna start today ^^;"

Yeah! 🙌

I'm not that far into the story, and Siobhan also mentioned she's only making slow progress... On the other hand, she's up to chapter 11 already, so I don't know if we can trust her :D

Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "...I'm probably gonna start today ^^;"

Yeah! 🙌

I'm not that far into the story, and Siobhan also mentioned she's only making slow progress... On the other hand, she's up to chapter ..."

hehe, such speedy readers. You and me will have to stick together Anni ^^

I just finished chapter 2 the other day. I don't know if I'll get to read much more because it is a full day of Dungeons and Dragons for me ^~^

But I love being back in this world! I kinda forgot where the last trilogy left off. Like I had forgotten (view spoiler)[Burich died. Right? Fighting the dragon? (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 2~
(view spoiler)[ So I guess Fitz and Molly got back together? <3

I'm so happy he got what he wanted. But I feel like a piece of him is still missing. With Nighteyes gone. :( He still reacts like a wolf. Rising his hackles, anger at blood in the den.

I wonder if part of him doesn't want another bond because of Molly? She was someone who wasn't sure if she could share that kind of relationship, right? Having such a close bond? hmmm...either way it seems to work out nice for them.

But still. Trouble during the party. I'm worried for our little family. And to end that chapter! Knowing that messanger was from the fool?!

Also, sidenote. They've talked about ages a bit...but these kids are pretty old, right? Late teens? Tom in his late 40s? (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "...I'm probably gonna start today ^^;"

Yeah! 🙌

I'm not that far into the story, and Siobhan also mentioned she's only making slow progress... On the other hand, she..."

(view spoiler)[ I don't think it was stated that the messager was the fool, but that the message could have been from the fool...

Not sure I remember correctly, but in the next chapter Fitz is thinking about his age, I think he's 50, but thanks to his healing his body is more like that of a 35 years old, while Molly is a bit older than him.

And Burrich and Nighteye's death still gets me every time :( (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "Katie wrote: "...I'm probably gonna start today ^^;"

Yeah! 🙌

I'm not that far into the story, and Siobhan also mentioned she's only making slow progress... On the o..."

Ohhh gotcha gotcha. You're probably right. I just thought it was some foreshadowing. I can still hope though <3

(view spoiler)[I really want the fool to come back ~

Oh wow, really? Oh right. The magic did weird stuff to him, right??

Me too Anni, me too T_T (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "Up to Chapter 3 I.."

I agree the tone is different, definitely slower and more emotional than the Rainwild books. If anything, this tone is what they were lacking. This feels like the Hobb we know and love!

Sir Anni wrote: "Siobhan wrote: "RE chapter 4 and 5 ."

Haha, poor Siobhan, I hope you're alright!
[spoilers removed]"

Haha thanks lovely <3

You're right that part was very well written, I certainly didn't know what to think either way!

Through chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ Bea, the girl's name in English is Shun. Very strange name.
I'm assuming she's Chade's bastard, for him to take such an interest in her. I hope she is nicer than she seemed from her first impression! 😬 I wonder how Bee will take to her.
I've liked seeing Fitz and Bee grow closer to each other, or at least develop an understanding between each other. (hide spoiler)]

This book is so good you guys ^~^ I've been contemplating the idea now...'What will an adventurer do once their quest is over? That sort of life is such a struggle...wouldn't one want something safer?' ~~ me and my Dungeons and Dragons character thoughts as I develop characters ^^

We see that kind of thought exactly here in those first few chapters. There is just so much...contentment there. Just this ease of the day by day activities, festivals, and the absolute love for one another <3

I just finished Chapter 5 and oh my goodnesses. It was so heartfelt. My favorite quote was this~ (view spoiler)[

“I met her gaze; she looked at me as if she knew the answer to every mystery. I leaned in closer, taking in her scent, and the wolf in me leapt high. Mine. Suddenly she was obviously mine in every way. My club, to protect. Mine. From this moment, I would die rather than see harm come to her. Mine. The Wit told me this little spark of life burned strong. Tiny she was, she would never be prey.” ~142

T_T

I get the doubt of the pregnancy...but it's not that uncommon for older woman to have children at such an age. If a bit rare. Certainly these Buck people haven't seen many.

I'm with Molly on this one. She trusted a whole lot of crazy with Fitz. He deserved to give her the same love and trust <3 (hide spoiler)]

@ Katie Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ Great quote, I also love when Nighteyes or just wolf-like thoughts appear in Fitz mind. It's not the same and it still makes me miss him, but it's great to see what an important role he plays, still!

"I get the doubt of the pregnancy...but it's not that uncommon for older woman to have children at such an age. If a bit rare. Certainly these Buck people haven't seen many.

I'm with Molly on this one. She trusted a whole lot of crazy with Fitz. He deserved to give her the same love and trust <3"


I don't think it was the age alone, but more that she was pregnant for more than two years, I thibk every husband, no matter how eager he was to trust his woman would start questioning the pregnancy if the baby continues to be not birthed :D Also I had the feeling that he truely felt bad and I liked how he apologized without trying to find excuses. (hide spoiler)]

@ Barry Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ "Or if not the Fool, then she's the next White Prophet. Perhaps, that's what the Fool was trying to tell Fitz."

That's what I thought as well, it also explains why Molly was pregnant for so long. Fool told Fitz once that white prophets age way slower than other people. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10 (view spoiler)[ I was surprised by the sudden change to Bee's POV. I love her and I feel very bad for her being treated that way just because she's different.

And Molly's death... Oh no :( It was somehow to be expected, but I don't want it to HAPPEN. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11 (view spoiler)[Here's one of my favorite quotes, sooo sad, but also so beautifully written:

“There are endings. There are beginnings. Sometimes they coincide, with the ending of one thing marking the beginning of another. But sometimes there is simply a long space after an ending, a time when it seems everything else has ended and nothing else can ever begin." (hide spoiler)]

Sir Anni wrote: "@ Katie Chapter 5 Great quote, I also love when ..."

Those moments were so great <3

(view spoiler)[I miss Night Eyes dearly too T_T I kinda of want Fitz to find someone else to share his life with, with the wit bond. But that must be so incredibly hard. He was determined when he said no to having any hounds at the estate for that very reason :(

Haha, you're right. Beyond a few years would call into question a few things with the birth XD I wonder what kind of power is in the works here? For some reason my thoughts went straight to the fool and prophecies, but that's probably not it, lol. I'm very glad how he handled the situation as well. He's grown so much from that young boy we first met ^~^ But he still has his stubbornness, lol (hide spoiler)]

Katie wrote: "Sir Anni wrote: "@ Katie Chapter 5 Great quote, I also love when ..."

Those moments were so great <3..."

Anni and Katie (view spoiler)[ I love the moments when Nighteyes' thoughts come through too, so much. I love that he's still a presence in some way.

I agree Katie I'd like to see Fitz find another wit bond, but must be so hard!

Re the 2/3 year pregnancy - My thoughts went straight to the Fool and White prophets too Katie, I think you're right personally!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26 - (view spoiler)[ oh my Fitz ❤️ thank you so much for always taking Bee's part. I knew he would be furious with Lant for his treatment of Bee in her first lesson. What a dickhead he was! All because of that Shun... So proud of Fitz, he's such a lovely father. I teared up when he told Bee how he defended her and she hugged him. ❤️ Such a beautiful moment!!

What a wonderful chapter that was! (hide spoiler)]

Bea wrote: "Up to chapter 24
."

I was thinking that last bit too, Bea.

Chapter 27 - (view spoiler)[ wow that was heartbreaking, poor dog :'( I'm so glad Fitz stepped in and has taken the puppies and donkey to safety. I hope Bee bonds with one of the pups too Barry.

I'm really enjoying the lovely moments of Fitz and Bee bonding. Like how happy she was to have her father buying her a saddle and scarf etc. So lovely! (hide spoiler)]