Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars

Publisher - Harper Voyager

Genre - High Fantasy Fiction
Publishing year - 1995
Language - English
ISBN - 978-0-00-756225-1
Pages - 392

Book Review - 

Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in the Farseer trilogy by Robin Hobb, is an enthralling fantasy novel that combines political intrigue, complex characters, and a richly woven plot. 

Set in the Six Duchies on the brink of civil war, the story presents a kingdom threatened not only by internal power struggles but also by external dangers from the Red Ship Raiders. These raiders raid their lands and use a terrifying weapon known as Forging, which strips people of their memories, reducing them to an animal-like state.

The central character, FitzChivalry Farseer, is the illegitimate son of Chivalry, the former king-in-waiting. When Fitz's existence is revealed, Chivalry abandons the palace, leaving the kingdom in turmoil. 

Verity, Chivalry's brother, reluctantly takes up the role of the next king-in-waiting. Unlike his older brother, Verity is a soldier with little experience in diplomacy, making the transition difficult. 

Meanwhile, their half-brother, Regal, is introduced as a conniving and ambitious character, whose greed and disdain for his family set the stage for treacherous events that unfold throughout the story.

Raised by Burrich, a loyal stablemaster, Fitz is left to navigate life within the royal court. As he matures, he becomes entangled in the palace's political web, facing threats from various factions. 

His journey leads him to train as an assassin while also discovering the "Skill," a magical ability that allows communication over long distances without words. This talent becomes essential to Fitz's mission, but it raises the question: Will he master the Skill and save his kingdom, or will the betrayals and dangers around him overwhelm him?

Robin Hobb's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making this complex fantasy tale accessible. The character names, such as Patience, Shrewd, Fool, Chivalry, Verity, and Regal, are unique and symbolic, adding depth to their personalities. 

As a reader, I found myself captivated by the intricate politics, the nuanced relationships, and the struggles of a young protagonist finding his identity in a hostile world.

If you enjoy stories that blend political drama with fantasy elements and characters shaped by manipulation and intrigue, it is a highly recommended read. It's a book that will keep you hooked from start to finish, and I’m already looking forward to exploring the next two parts of the trilogy.

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