Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)

"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

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448 pages

Average rating: 7.92

64 RATINGS

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7 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

E Clou
May 10, 2023
8/10 stars
You know it’s good when I’m finishing it at 2:40 a.m. Starts off slowly but the pieces start falling into place and the action goes completely nuts. I recommend it and I’m starting the second book in the series ASAP.

The only slight frustration is how slow on the uptake Fitz is, but I suppose that’s somewhat understandable since he’s still a young child.
Aubaubs
Mar 26, 2023
9/10 stars
This book was incredible. I don’t know how Robin Hobb can constantly go into long winded details and it stay interesting and never get boring. But it’s honestly so impressive. This book was a great first book, and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. This book made me emotional multiple times. The world and characters are so vibrant and rich. Highly recommend!
Libbylibbyleee
Mar 03, 2023
9/10 stars
A great fantasy novel with great characters, magic, and a story you won’t be able to put down.
BarelySpicy
Feb 25, 2023
8/10 stars
4.5/5

This is the first book I read by Robin Hobb and it certainly will not be the last.

Her world-building is truly phenomenal as well as her writing of the characters (Not to mention the richness in her writing). This was a slower read to me (I'm not fluent in English), I found myself reading it more.

I really liked Fitz, Burrich , Verity and the fool (he is my favourite!). I found myself entertained throughout the whole book, I never got bored, even the long details thats given in the book or routines I still found myself enjoying it. Its written in a way that you never find yourself bored.

Karengsmith
Dec 30, 2022
10/10 stars
IT WAS SO GOOD.

There is much to be said for this one, and I don't have all the words for it now, but what comes to mind immediately is how good this was to set up for the series. it makes you eager to read the whole 16 novels as quickly as humanly possible. and that in itself is a testimony to how wonderful this one was.

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