"Assassin's Apprentice" by Robin Hobb
About the Book:
"Assassin's Apprentice" is the first book in the Farseer Trilogy, written by Robin Hobb. The novel was first published in 1995, and has since gained popularity among readers worldwide. The story is set in a fictional world called The Six Duchies, and follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, the illegitimate son of a prince who is trained as an assassin.
The Plot:
The story begins by introducing us to the protagonist, FitzChivalry Farseer, who is the bastard son of Prince Chivalry. Fitz is brought to the royal court of The Six Duchies by his grandfather, King Shrewd, who takes him in as a stablehand. Soon, Fitz is chosen by King Shrewd to be trained as an assassin, and he is initiated into the world of politics and scheming.
The bulk of the story is focused on Fitz's training as an assassin, and his growing relationship with his mentor, Burrich. As Fitz learns the ways of the assassin, he realizes that his training is essential to the survival of the kingdom, as The Six Duchies is under threat from external enemies as well as internal political intrigue.
The plot takes many twists and turns, as Fitz navigates the treacherous waters of court politics, battles with his own conscience, and embarks on dangerous missions to save the kingdom. Along the way, he also discovers the true extent of his magical abilities, and learns to harness them to fight against his enemies.
The Characters:
The characters in "Assassin's Apprentice" are vividly and expertly drawn by Robin Hobb. FitzChivalry Farseer, the protagonist, is a complex and nuanced character who is struggling to find his place in the world. His mentor, Burrich, is a tough and gruff veteran assassin who is fiercely loyal to his charge. Other notable characters include Prince Verity, King Shrewd's second son, who is struggling to hold the kingdom together in the face of external threats; and Regal, the king's youngest son, who is scheming to seize the throne for himself.
The Writing:
Robin Hobb's writing is compelling and immersive, and she paints a vivid picture of the world of The Six Duchies. Her descriptions of the characters and the setting are detailed and evocative, and she expertly weaves together a complex plot full of twists and turns. The pacing of the novel is slow and deliberate, allowing the reader to fully absorb the intricacies of the story.
The Verdict:
"Assassin's Apprentice" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and epic adventure. Robin Hobb's expert storytelling and vivid characters make this novel a true classic of the genre. The novel has won numerous awards, and has been praised by critics and readers alike.
- If you are looking for a gripping, character-driven story full of intrigue and political maneuvering, then "Assassin's Apprentice" is the book for you.
- If you are a fan of Tolkien or George R.R. Martin, then you will love Robin Hobb's writing.
- Overall, "Assassin's Apprentice" is a fantastic start to the Farseer Trilogy, and is a must-read for fans of the fantasy genre.
Final Thoughts:
"Assassin's Apprentice" is a stunning achievement in the world of fantasy literature. Robin Hobb's masterful storytelling and vividly drawn characters make this novel a true classic of the genre. This is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Farseer Trilogy.