Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy)
“Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin
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 Assassin’s Apprentice
“A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.”—Publishers Weekly
“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
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 Assassin’s Apprentice
“A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.”—Publishers Weekly
“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
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Community Reviews
dnf'd at 79%
i am so seriously devastated i couldn't push through and finish this, but i just..i should have dnf'd this weeks ago.
this book is beautifully written. the characters feel like tangible people, and i could picture the world so clearly as i was reading. i think if i read this at a time when i had more brain power to expend and more emotional bandwidth to deal with Fitz' many, many, many misfortunes, i would have loved this, but i just don't. i'm stressed. i can't. so sorry. ugh.
i'll be reading the synopses for the rest of this series just to know if verity and burrich make it out alive but otherwise, i'm sending this book off to my library and going on my merry way. peace and love.
i am so seriously devastated i couldn't push through and finish this, but i just..i should have dnf'd this weeks ago.
this book is beautifully written. the characters feel like tangible people, and i could picture the world so clearly as i was reading. i think if i read this at a time when i had more brain power to expend and more emotional bandwidth to deal with Fitz' many, many, many misfortunes, i would have loved this, but i just don't. i'm stressed. i can't. so sorry. ugh.
i'll be reading the synopses for the rest of this series just to know if verity and burrich make it out alive but otherwise, i'm sending this book off to my library and going on my merry way. peace and love.
The Assassinâs Apprentice
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
The Assassinâs Apprentice
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
The Assassinâs Apprentice
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
By Robin Hobb
This book is utterly flawless. I give it an unreserved 5 star rating.
First published 1995, I somehow over looked this amazing gem until it was a Goodreads BOM on one of my groups.
From the first paragraph, this story sucked me in. The narratorâs voice is compelling and the story if traditional is well told. I utterly lost myself in this story. I occasionally thought it was reminiscent of both the King Killer Chronicles and Ravenâs Shadow before reminding myself that this story actually predates both so it is really the other way around. The story follows the life of one royal bastard from his discovery at only six years through his early life and introduction to the cut-throat world of politics. Told a sort of remembrance from a much older version of himself, the story manages to remain immediate and personal.
I was left eager to read the next installment of this series.
Recap with major spoilers
Chapter 1
The story opens with a first person narrative of a man attempting to write a history. Instead he starts the tale of his own life starting with his first memory as a six year old child. He tells the tale of being delivered by his grandfather to the castle where he is left with the explanation that he is the bastard of the Prince.
Through the narratorâs experience, the author deftly introduces us to the royal family and political intrigue. There is the king and three princes: the Crown Prince Chivalry (the bastardâs father), Prince Verity the middle brother, and Prince Regal the youngest.
Chapter 2
Kudos to writing that makes an info dump actually interesting as we get a history lesson on the founding of the royal family at Buckkeep and the kingdom of the Six Duchies. Also, we are introduced to the first fantasy element with the revelation that the royal family has a tendency to have âThe Skillâ
Inexplicably called Fitz (he came with no name) by his caretaker Burrich, our hero settles in to life with the master of the hawks, hounds, and horses. He forms some sort of psychic bond with the puppy Nosy and displays his first inkling of âmagicâ though still too young to even understand it.
He is a bit wild wandering the streets of the city unsupervised, with Nosy as his constant companion. Though his existence has been a catalyst for major political changes, no one seems intent on actually taking charge of the child. He spends his days with the wild beggar children of the city with life lessons and vividly described vignettes. He meets Molly (running among the wild children), a young girl in poverty with a drunken abusive father. Surely it is significant that his second show of magic comes while protecting her. He is also befriended by an older boy named Kerry and the three have the sort of adventures only children unnoticed in the busy city can stealing food and making some sums of money where they can.
His adventures come to an abrupt he when he has the misfortune of running into Burrich in the middle of a sausage stealing caper. Burrich quickly realizes what he should have been noticing all along and we get a quick explanation of magic. The sort that Fitz has been exhibited by completely bonding with Nosy and makes it clear he thinks it is wrong and dangerous and plans to put an end to it. In a heart wrenching moment he takes the dog from the boy permanently. I canât really explain how well Robin Hobb does this scene. It will kick you in the gut.
Side note, so many of the characters laugh when he tells them that Burrich calls him Fitz that I had to do a little research. Fitz mean son as in Henry Fitzroy aka the bastard son of Henry the eighth. Our character is called variously Fitz, The Fitz, the bastard, or just boy. Among his pals in the street he is called Newboy. It is much further in the book that we learn he does have the official name Fitzchivalry Farseer. No one bother to tell him this until he is nearly grown.
Chapter 3
Nearly three years go by as our hero goes on with his life under closer supervision by Burrich, but still mostly wild. Only occasionally sneaking off to see his friends in the city, he still mostly avoids anyone elseâs company. A chance encounter with the King (called King Shrewd as all the royals have names of virtues they hope to present) brings Fitz to his attention and his life changes again. A new room in the keep, fancy clothes, horsemanship and weapons training are his new life.
The brilliance of this story is revealed in this transition. The story could have gone directly to this from having been abandoned, but by spending time as a wild child, Fitz is more firmly himself at this point. The reader can believe they know who he is and who he isnât. He is firmly outside of the world he is immersed in.
Chapter 4 - 6
The name of the book is The Assassinâs Apprentice, so it comes as no surprise, that 17% in the book, Fitz is apprenticed to an assassin on orders of the King. The author deftly picks episodes of Fritzâs life during this formative time to further illustrate who he is growing up. A fiercely loyal person once pledged to the king he never waivers even when his new teacher Chade tests that loyalty. The test seems trivial but Fritz doesnât see it that was. Chade is his mentor and only friend and yet he still put his loyalty to the King, his grandfather and a man barely known ahead of Chade.
There is also an encounter with a nearly grown Molly who Fritz doesnât see for a long time after coming to the attention of the King. It is beautiful and poignant.
Then he finds out the father he has never met has died.
Chapter 7 -10
With the death of Prince Chivalry, Burrich, already a shell of the man he was, becomes like a walking dead man. Burrich is a character that is very slowly revealed. Constantly referred to a Chivalryâs man, Iâm not sure we ever really get the whole story there. (Was he in love with Chilvery? The hints are much too veiled to say for sure). His relationship to Fitz is both complex and subtly understated.
Fitz is only thirteen, but is sent on his first mission. A mission that is surprisingly sophisticated for his first. The straightforward mission of discerning why the nobleman in charge of manning the watch tower hasnât been leads to a much more sinister story line. By luck he solves the immediate problem with some diplomacy and people skills.
Fitz and Chade discover a threat to the Kingdom as raiders called the Red Ships release captives from a town called Forge. These former captives are changed in a way that later becomes known as Forged. They are stripped of all human connection and ability to care even for their own wellbeing. They live only for immediate gratification. Fitz realized this as soon as he can see them with his eyes but not his inner sense. He also realizes for the first time that this ability to see people and their connection with his mind is unusual. It is so integral to him that it was just like another sense like sight or hearing.
Robin Hobb does an excellent job of introducing these subtle magic. Fitzâs connection to animals is called Wit and named an abomination by Burrich. The royals have another magic called the Skill witch is different but similar as the reader and Fitz eventually learn.
Chapter 11 - 13
As the summer drags on, the Kingdom (and the King) seems paralyzed by the threat of the Forged as they begin to be called. Fitz continues his life split between visits to Molly (who still has no idea who he is), working in the stables for Burrich, and his studies with Chade.
He meets Lady Patience, the wife of his late father. She is an unexpected person, flighty and yet down to earth at the same time. A little crazy at times, but somehow intent on mothering Fitz and making up for lost time. It is a hopeless task as he is nearly grown. She is sorely disappointed in his demeanor and lack of education but still sweet in her own way. She surprisingly demands that Fitz be recognized as Chivalryâs heir â something that no one expects to happen no matter her demands.
Patience tries her hand at educating Fitz herself as well as demanding that he be trained in Skill, something both Prince Chivalry and Prince Verity had been trained in. What exactly Skill encompasses seems to be a secret tightly held by the royals. In the discussion, Fitz learns that his teacher Chade is the bastard brother to the King.
Of all the gifts Lady Patience bestows on Fitz including the chance to learn Skill, it is the puppy he names Smithy he values the most. Despite the warning given by Burrich and the grief and anger he still feels over Nosy, he takes and bonds with the puppy.
Chapter 14-17
After spending time with Patience and sort of winning her over â only sort of, Fitz is handed over to Galen for training in Skill. From the get go it is clear Galen is one sleazy character. He is supposed to train Fitz along with seven other candidate including the kings nephew August.
The Skill appears to be some sort of telepathy and a small amount of mental persuasion and is indeed very similar to the Wit Fitz has with animals.
The next part of the story is a time of darkness for Fitz as he is tormented and stymied by Galen. It is clear that he will never be allowed to succeed and yet he refuses to give up.
He fails or rather is sabotaged by Galen and enters a period of depression. In the course of his testing someone kills his newly bonded puppy Smithy and makes an attempt on Burrichâs life. Fitz is completely baffled as to who and why but it seems pretty clear to the reader (or me at least). To worsen his fall, Burrich figures out his bond to the now deceased Smithy and rebukes him. Fitz is banished from the stables.
There is a subplot here surrounding Lady Patienceâs gifting of a diamond earring to Fitz that had once belonged to his father. Burrich is furious and admits the earring had been his gift to Chivalry. This is one of the few hints (never confirmed) that their relationship was closer than one would expect of Prince and servant and perhaps Burrich had been in love with the Prince. The only other hint is from the bad guy so it shouldnât be given much credence. Galen accuses Fritz of being his (Burrichâs) catamite. It could be Burrich and Chivalry were close and loyal friends which is a relationship that would completely elude Galen.
Chapter 18 â 19
Fitz emerges from his depression only after Verity discovers that Galen not only obstructed his training, but actually messed with his mind in an attempt to drive him to suicide. Fitz then becomes close to his uncle, the heir to the throne and learns that Verity is very powerful in Skill and using it every waking moment to keep the Red Ships at bay. Unfortunately, though he knows Galen is an utterly untalented under-trained teacher, he hasnât the time to take on students instead.
Chapter 20-24
The rest of the novel comes to a nail biting galloping conclusion (as much as it can knowing older Fitz is writing this tale) as Fitz is sent along with Regal to fetch Verityâs bride from a neighboring Kingdom. There is poison, political intrigue, loyalties tested, and betrayals a plenty. And a very unexpected twist when Nosy is found not dead but merely far away raised with a new master. I did not see that coming nor the revelation that Burrich had no idea that Fitz had assumed he had killed Nosey rather than sent him away. They have a reconciliation of sorts, but still Burrich sees Fitzâs talents as an abomination made more intriguing as Fitz realizes that Burrich has the same talent.
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