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Filled with adventure and bloodshed, pageantry and piracy, mystery and menace, Assassin's Apprentice begins the story of a bastard of the royal house, a young man who is trained in the mystic arts of the assassin and who may become the savior of his kingdom.
This is likely one of the best books in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre I have read since Ender's Game. I honestly had problems putting this book down and going to bed at night. Maybe it was something as simple as the writing style of using no page breaks until the end of the chapter. Maybe it is because most sci-fi books bounce between three groups of characters and their individual plots. This title stays rigidly focused on the one protagonist, and so maybe I felt like I got to know Fitz better as a character, and was not so distracted trying to keep multiple plot-lines straight. Whatever the cause, I grew totally immersed in Fitz' story, and joined in the constant hope that there would be something better for him just down the road. Cannot wait to read the second one in the series. Bravo.
- Vr/Zeux..>>
10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I went with this book on a whim; good reviews shot me a hope in the fact that this trilogy will be something of epic proportions and keep me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, this book is possibly "epic" to some, but to me? I was severely disappointed.<BR/><BR/>I started the book one night. I had to read slow, because this is one of those novels that if you happen to read fast or skim, you'll miss a detail and screw up your mental image of the situation or description at hand. So, I read slowly. It was trudging along for the first chapter. I gave it a chance.<BR/><BR/>Fitz is a bastard child of Prince Chivalry, whom is now abdicated from his throne. Fitz is seen as a mistake to everyone except Burrich, the stable master whom cares for him; Verity, Chivalry's brother, now Prince; and King Shrewd, his grandfather. Fitz carries along in lessons of assassination with his instructor Chade. And that's where I stopped.<BR/><BR/>Page 150 and my doubts were clear. This book was not for me. I'm all for action, fast-paced adventure, murder and just exciting stuff. This is a book that is character-driven and really, a fictional biography of Fitz. It is told from his old self, recalling on the past. Told in first-person as well.<BR/><BR/>Sure, I'm fine with description and slow pace for 100 pages. Maybe even 120. But after that, I'm not going to waste my time to read a book that I'm not merely excited by. Granted, this book is interesting! This story is interesting, but it doesn't possess that sort of ... jolt. I'm sorry, I don't get excited by Fitz FINALLY speaking his mind, I don't get excited by his young romance changing her ways to be more girly, I don't get excited when Fitz crawls into bed for three days, full of depression because he feels a ton has been placed upon his shoulders. I'm not a character kind of guy.<BR/><BR/>I guess that's why you may say I don't particularly enjoy this book or this kind of book for that matter. I stopped reading it early and granted, I may be wrong. It may pick up later on, but judging from other people's opinions or views who have read the trilogy...it doesn't seem that way. I may pick up the book again, may even like it if my need for characterization increases in the future, but right now, I want action. Pick up the book if you want detail upon detail, slow-paced storytelling and characterization. Ignore it if you're like me; you want action and fast-paced events that throw you to the wall in shock and excitement.<BR/><BR/>Before I finish up here, I'd like to give kudos to Robin Hobb. She has done a tremendous job here and there is nothing wrong with her style. I just happen to dislike the slow-paced trudging through the story.
7 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Fitz,a five year old and the "bastid" son of Prince Chivalry is brought back to the castle and dropped off by a farmer who had been raising the boy. He is affirmed to be the Prince's child and is put in the care of King Shrew's stable master Burrich, who is both foster father and drill sargent. Fitz has a secret talent of being able to communicate, of sorts, with animals, "The Wit". Burrich is adamant against this, causing confict between them. The Royal family blood line has another "Skill", being able to communicate with each other mentally over long distances, and more. King Shrewd decides to let his "Skill Master", Chade, who is secretly the Queens "Bastid" child as well, teach Fitz this art. He immediately hates Fitz and does his best to destroy him while teaching him to use the "Skill". Enter "Galen" the King's Asassan, who takes Fitz under his wing to tutor him in the Assassan's arts as well. He is told the King wants him to learn and be of help to the King this way. Many sub-plots intertwine. The only dissapointing part of book one is that the Skill and the Wit are discussed at length, but very little is actually done or explained about them, leaving the Magic element of the story a bit weak so far. Secondly the reader finds themselves saying why the heck did Fitz stay until his teens where EVERYBODY hates him. Finaly at the end "FitzChivalry" discovers how to release his "Skill" the hard way setting up for book two. Robn Hobb has done a great job starting out, and I look forward to The Farseer #2. Get this, I think you will like it.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 20, 2008
This book is absolutely enthralling! It is one of those rare books that is like a magnet for the mind. If you don't have this book finished within a day or two there is something wrong. Any fan of fantasy will love this book gauranteed. Robin Hobb's description is legendary and her stories are top notch! A must read.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 15, 2012
be ready to buy them all. She is a wonderfully vivid writer who grasps your interest early and never lets go. I absolutely love all of her books.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.6668049
Posted January 16, 2011
Strongly identified with the main character, got more caught up in this book than I had with the previous several fantasy books I had read.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have been eye-balling this book for years, and I can honestly say I wish I had picked it up earlier! It contains excellent characters and an interesting writing style...I've never read anything quite like it, and I think fantasy readers will love it!
Some comparable (and excellent) books are "Thief's Gamble" by McKenna and "Shadow in Summer" by Abraham...
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 22, 2013
It was refreshing to finally find a book that was concerned with developing a single character in a way that made you want to keep reading. Unlike many other popular fantasy series where the number of characters you are reading about can range well over a dozen, Hobb keeps her story told almost exclusively through the eyes of Fitz, the main character. Fitz is not perfect, and neither is his life, far from it actually. These flaws are what made me really feel compassion for Fitz.
If you are looking for a great story Robin Hobb will not let you down!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 26, 2012
I just finished this trilogy and the one that follows called The Tawny Man trilogy. I couldn't put them down! The characters are believable, and the plot really pulls you in. I found myself laughing out loud one minute, and on the edge of my seat the next. If you like fantasy books, this is a great series to pick up!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Reader42AS
Posted August 18, 2012
I have read this series and all of Hobb's following series. They are
without doubt among the best in the Fantasy genre I have ever read. I
have returned to them time and again. I wish she would go back to
Fritz's world and write another series about him. Highly recommend this
and all her work. If you find it a little slow going at the beginning,
be patient. She is setting the stage for a great series that is well
worth the effort. Trust me you will not regret sticking with it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.GinaTurner1
Posted August 16, 2012
At this time, I have only read the first three books in this series (The
Farseer Trilogy)and am just beginning the Liveship Traders Trilogy, but
I have to say, I have never read anything that so completely captured my
imagination, but also touched my heart so deeply. The characters came to
life like no others have, they tug and wrench at the heart, and the
very, very much unexpected love story that emerged....well I won't spoil
it for others, but all I can say is a resounding WOW!!! I actually care
about the characters in the story; I feel their love, their joy, their
incredible fear and pain, the tension, the vulnerability, the
tenderness. This is a story unlike ANYTHING I've ever read before, and
will live in my heart long after I've put the books down. I would rate
these books with even more stars if I could...yes, they are THAT GOOD.
This is what the joy of reading is all about!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 28, 2011
This is the first in one of my abolute favorite series. It is character driven, so not for someone who merely wants a melodramatic, action intensive fantasy adventure. Be prepared to fall in love with the characters, shed many a tear, and dive into a tale that will live with you for years after the last page turns.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 10, 2011
this book isworth buying but isnt the greatest book. it takes some concentration when reading, but all together it was pretty good.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 31, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Robin Hobb is one of the best fantasy fiction writers on the market today! Those who enjoy George R.R. Martin, Mercedes Lackey, R.A. Salvatore, Raymond Feist, etc. are going to fall in love with this amazing writer.
Assassins Apprentice is her first novel in the Farseer Trilogy and it is magnificantly crafted.
Those who are looking for a new country to explore, new hero to journey with need look no farther. Unlike many romantic fantasy writers, Robin Hobb NEVER pulls her punches, and you may find that you are laughing at one moment only to turn the page and cry the next.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 5, 2013
Full of mystery and suspense at very turn awsome book
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 26, 2012
Books 2&3 are a little out there.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 27, 2012
This story was brilliant. The memory perspective used is excellently executed and the character decelopement is amazing. I genuinly feel for the main character.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 5, 2012
The book starts slow and has a unique pace to it. The story isn't about a grand adventure, but really it's about the life of a boy and he deals with living in the world. The three stars were really only because it took awhile for the story to get somewhere but I will pick up the others in the series since I would like to know more about this universe and the problems that are faced in the book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2012
The coming of age story of a boy in a light fantasy world. The story is told mostly from in first person, starting with his introduction to the royal family at the age of six, mixed with a few paragraphs at the start of each chapter used to do some world building. The main story focuses on the boy's life under various different guardians, teachers, and patrons in the royal court.
It's a slow build. You see elements of things that are going to be important later (in this book and probably other books later in the series) as the story moves along. You have to get past the half way point before there's any combat, or deep exploration of magic, or political intrigue. What's here is good, and I think a nice ground work has been done for the future, but pay offs in this book are few and late in the reading.
What's here is good. I wouldn't be opposed to reading the next part of this series. But, like the author, I'll take my time in getting there.
Also, you should probably like dogs if you're going to read this book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 24, 2012
Interesting and well written story
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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