Assassin's Apprentice

By Robin Hobb

Assassin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb
  • Release Date: 1996-03-01
  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 950 Ratings

Description

A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as “fantasy as it ought to be written” and Lin-Manuel Miranda as “an incredible series,” featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten illustrations.

Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb’s first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition presents a modern classic as it’s never been seen before, with ten beautiful illustrations by Magali Villeneuve.

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
 
“Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons.”—George R. R. Martin
 
“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

Reviews

  • Assassins apprentice

    5
    By doorduck
    One feels like a participant in Hobb’s stories. Excellent!
  • Nice

    5
    By Cji712
    Nice
  • One of the Best Books I’ve Read

    5
    By Lazersmat
    The Assassin’s Apprentice takes us into an exciting world of courtly intrigue. Following Fitz’s journey from boyhood to the king’s assassin is a delightful read. Highly recommend. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
  • Good enough

    3
    By Rmijon
    Fairly good plot with a few notable holes, interesting characters lacking slightly in depth, good ending that closed out a little to neatly and quickly. A good read, just not on the level of Tolkien, Martin, Lewis, or Rothfuss.
  • Excellent

    5
    By Supa squirl
    Couldn’t put down this rich and satisfying read.
  • Pretty good

    4
    By SpenceNads
    Decent
  • Are you thinking about reading this? Think again.

    2
    By ilovegoodbooks(butwhodoesnt)
    I gave this book two stars because it was *BY FAR* the best book in this series. I just finished the series. I have endured long and worthless amounts of pain because I didn’t stop reading it (even though I knew it would probably go not so well). I was holding out for a happy ending, but after this book it just goes downhill. Really fast. Scratch that. Nothing about this series is fast. Honestly if you want to spend three to seven hours reading about meaningless traveling for *absolutely no reason* then go right ahead. I just wish someone woulda told me how rough this series is. Loves are lost, souls are broken, betrayal, sad loneliness, and messed up people. It doesn’t end well, guys. That doesn’t mean that people die, although that could happen in any book, I’m just saying that it ended on a depressing note. But if ya wanna try it. Honestly, good luck. I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
  • Not for me

    3
    By Butterwaffle
    Well written, but the characters are not likable. Also, it was irritating that neither the characters nor the narrator attempt to systematize or explain how magic works in the book's world. While it probably serves the author's purpose (say to put readers in a slightly confused or apprehensive state), it's hard to appreciate.
  • Almost excellent..

    4
    By whateverdoyouwantforaname
    Would have given it 5 stars, but his talent to "repel" people disappears after the beginning of the book, I guess to further the plot.
  • Couldn't Put It Down

    5
    By Birdieman6
    Very interesting plot, great cast of characters. I hope the next books in the series have as much to offer. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.