Assassin’s Apprentice: A New All-Time Favourite?

Hey Bookworms, I just finished Assassin’s Apprentice and I think I’m entering my Realm of the Elderlings era! I had been eyeing this series for so long and now that I read the first book I’m forced to wonder: “What was I waiting for?” If you, like me, are daunted by this series but want to try it, the best thing I can tell you is: Go 👏 For 👏 It 👏!

Synopsis

Fitz Farseer is six years old when he’s brought to Buckkeep and learns he’s a royal bastard. His father, the King-in-Waiting, abdicates his claim to the throne and Fitz is left in the care of the stablemaster. Only his secret magical connection to animals, known as The Wit, offers him companionship. The people of Buckkeep hate Fitz because of the danger he represents to the Crown. When King Shrewd decides to take Fitz under his wing and make him into a royal assassin, Fitz begins his life of training and courtly manners but there’s danger around every corner; Some of his tutors might not want him to succeed.

Review

After years of hearing others rave about this series, I was not sure if my sky-high expectations would be met but I’m happy to say they were exceeded in every way! I had strong opinions about every single character, which is exactly what I want from any book but especially from a fantasy series. Add me to the chorus of readers who feel that Hobb’s characters are amongst the most three-dimensional characters ever written! I know it’s a big statement but the author’s ability to make you empathize with characters you hate is spectacular. There I was, happily hating various villains, when in comes Hobb with her layers of nuance and backstory…frankly, that’s just rude 😤😜 Every single character is a shade of grey and it’s delicious.

If you’re thinking “It can’t be THAT good”, allow me to offer more evidence (and a content warning while we’re at it). I tend to avoid books where I know bad things will happen to animals. I have been known to DNF books when dogs die for example. Yet somehow, Assassin’s Apprentice made me throw my sensitivity out the window because I was so invested in the characters and storytelling. Don’t get me wrong it hurts a lot; Hobb does not take it easy on any character just because they’re an animal. So fair warning, take care of your heart if you’re sensitive to this.

That being said, Fitz’s ability to use The Wit to communicate with animals is one of my favourite parts of the whole story. I have such a soft spot for any magic that centers around animals and I adore the heartfelt bonds between Fitz and the animals in his life and how they affect him. I look forward to learning more about this ability as the story continues.

“Very little worth knowing is taught by fear.”

Robin Hobb, Assassin’s Apprentice

Wonderful Worldbuilding in Assassin’s Apprentice

We know from the start that Fitz is writing a history of the Six Duchies, and each chapter starts with a journal entry. I thought this was a clever way to develop the world organically and, in my opinion, it makes this well-lived-in world feel more accessible than I expected. The leisurely pace was absolute perfection because it facilitated seamlessly falling into this world. We’re living daily life along with Fitz as he grows up and trains in various disciplines. As a bastard, Fitz is in a unique position where he can go almost anywhere without arousing suspicion. Through him, we get to experience lofty highs in the Keep and beggarly lows among the poor children of the village.

What pulled at my heart the most was Fitz’s loneliness. He doesn’t have anyone who looks out for his best interests; every adult uses him in some way. He’s torn between wanting to connect with people and keeping them at arm’s length to protect himself. It’s devastating but also makes for fascinating character interactions and consequences. Reading this book felt like unravelling knotted yarn only to find another ball of knotted yarn attached to it. As we pick apart the intersecting threads of political intrigue, we slowly reveal answers, along with an equal amount of new questions.

Final Thoughts & Rating

I suspect this series is about to become an all-time favourite so I can’t wait to dig into book 2!

Are you a Robin Hobb fan? Is this book on your TBR? Please tell me what you think in the comments 😄

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