Series: Farseer Trilogy #2, Realm of the Elderlings #2
Published by Spectra on February 3, 1997
Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
Pages: 675
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Fitz has survived his first hazardous mission as king’s assassin, but is left little more than a cripple. Battered and bitter, he vows to abandon his oath to King Shrewd, remaining in the distant mountains. But love and events of terrible urgency draw him back to the court at Buckkeep, and into the deadly intrigues of the royal family. Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz’s hands—and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.
Royal Assassin has the same quality character and world building that I loved in Assassin’s Apprentice (book one). Robin Hobb has a way of bringing characters and their world to life without making it feel like info dumping. Rather, I experienced the world through and alongside of Fitz.
The events of Royal Assassin pick up almost immediately after Assassin’s Apprentice left off. As Fitz demonstrates greater maturity and familiarity with life at Buckkeep, this book expands the world to explore more of the political intrigues at court. Things don’t come easy for Fitz, and they’re only made harder because of all he suffered during the events of Assassin’s Apprentice. He tries and he fails and he makes stupid, reckless decisions—for love and duty and self. This is (somewhat) counterbalanced by his fear and caution in light of his hard-earned knowledge of the powers in play. While it’s painful to watch him flounder through life, his failures make him all the more endearing, for his mistakes, his pain, and his suffering of the consequences are what make him so very human.
As much as I love Fitz, I confess that I also read this for the wolf. I purchased the original edition of Royal Assassin, which features a howling wolf on the cover, so I spent much of the first pages anticipating the wolf’s entrance. The wolf is as much and more than I could have hoped for. Fitz is a growing adolescent of fifteen years with many conflicting identities and little say in his life. In comparison, the wolf cub lives fully in the now. Certain of his identity and his growing bond with Fitz, the wolf plays a vital role in forcing Fitz to acknowledge who and what he is.
The ending, while not entirely a cliffhanger, left me in need of book 3 to find out what happens next. I read Assassin’s Quest as soon as I could get my hands on a copy.
Content
- Language
- Prejudice/discrimination (against the Witted, who are able to communicate with and bond with animals)
- Sex
- Violence, Torture, Killing
(Note: it’s been a while since I read this book, so this list may be incomplete)
Chat With Me
📚 Have you read the Farseer trilogy or any other books by Robin Hobb (note: she’s also written under the name of Megan Lindholm)?
📚 What’re your thoughts on the Farseer books?
📚 If you had to choose between duty to your country or the love of your life, which would you prioritize?
theorangutanlibrarian says
Ahh I totally relate to reading this for nighteyes as well. Definitely agree that this is of such a high quality. Great review!
Crystal says
Nighteyes is one of my favorite characters ❤️ Thanks!
Grace Louise says
Ohhh I haven’t heard of this before but it sounds increddddible. Will have to add them to my TBR soon! Lovely post Hun x
Grace Louise || http://www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
Crystal says
The Farseer Trilogy is fantastic. I hope you enjoy it!
ShootingStarsMag says
I’ve heard of the author but I haven’t read any of their books. I’m glad you’re really enjoying this series though! 🙂
-Lauren
Crystal says
Thanks, Lauren! I love Robin Hobb’s work! 🙂
Melliane says
It’s an author I should try one day!
Crystal says
Robin Hobb is fantastic. I hope you enjoy her work, Melliane!