Series: Farseer Trilogy #1, Realm of the Elderlings #1
Published by Spectra on March 1, 1996
Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Pages: 435
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
In a faraway land where members of the royal family are named for the virtues they embody, one young boy will become a walking enigma.
Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.
So when Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and embrace a new life of weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly, as he trains to become a royal assassin.
There are several main points of intrigue that follow us throughout the book—most predominantly, the politicking over the succession of the throne and the threat of the Red-Ship Raiders. Rather than telling his story as it relates to these events, however, Fitz treats this narrative more like a chronicle of events as he reflects back on his life. This means that many pages are dedicated to day-to-day life. Much time can pass before the threat of the Raiders or Fitz’s political enemies resurfaces, for he is young and not always aware of the dangers looming over his head. (Note: This book covers his years from the age of six, when he is given to the royal family, to fifteen.)
As Fitz was trained from a young age to observe details and report conversations as exactly as possible, many pages are given to observations of people and places. More so on things that capture his fancy, not all of which are central to the threats looming over the kingdom. To a fellow dog lover, Fitz’s ability to bond with animals and his special fondness for dogs are especially compelling. Connected as they are to him, his four-legged friends are fiercely loyal and loving.
What I appreciate most about this novel is how Robin Hobb draws the reader into Fitz’s story. I felt as if I lived through Fitz’s rocky childhood and the beginnings of his realizations of his identity. I look forward to continuing his adventures as he begins his growth into a young man.
Content
Language
Violence
(Note: it’s been a while since I read this book, so this list may be incomplete)
Let’s Chat
📚 Have you read Assassin’s Apprentice or any other books by Robin Hobb (note: she’s also written under the name of Megan Lindholm)? What’re your thoughts?
📚 If you could Wit bond to any animal (communicate with them and experience the world through their senses), what animal would it be?
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I read Assassins Apprentice a looooooonnnnnggg time ago and never kept up with the series. I really need to get back into it. It love dragons and creature bonding so its all right up my alley. I’m so glad you enjoyed this and are going to continue.
Crystal says
Same here. Assassin’s Apprentice hits all the things that I love in fantasy! The later books are fantastic as well. Assassin’s Quest wraps up the first trilogy beautifully 🙂
Sophia Rose says
I’ve heard of her whenever top fantasy books are listed, but I haven’t looked closely yet. Glad to get your thoughts and realize that I would probably love this series. Enjoyed your review, Crystal!
Crystal says
I’m so glad to hear that, Sophia! I hope you enjoy her books 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I get so excited whenever someone blogs about Robin Hobb. She’s an absolute favorite author of mine—I’ve read almost all of her books (though I still need to read her last two—need to get on that NOW!).
Crystal says
It’s been a lot of fun to hear from other people who enjoy Robin Hobb’s writing 🙂 She’s my new favorite author after having read the Farseer Trilogy. I’ve read Farseer and Tawny Man. I need to go back and read Liveship Traders before moving on to the later books. I think I missed out on a lot of the politics in Tawny Man because I skipped Liveship Traders lol. Enjoy the last two books, Nicole!
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
I find that a lot of daily life and observations in a book can slow a book down and run the risk of being a bit boring, so the fact that you still loved this so much means it must be really well-written, and the character sounds great!
Crystal says
I agree that an abundance of daily life and observations can slow down a book too much. I think it really works for this book because of Fitz’s trade and the fact that this is an account of his life from an older perspective, because of the compelling MC, and most of all because of the strong writing.
Melliane says
Of course I know about the author but I confess that I never tried any of her books
Crystal says
Robin Hobb is fantastic. I hope you get a chance to check out her writing!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
Lovely reviews Crystal. I like the way they tell the story and that you witness him growing, experiencing things along with him.
Crystal says
Thanks, Kimberly! I love stories that show strong character growth.