Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

Growing up on fantasy novels gave me a strong sense of what I liked and what really wasn’t working. One thing you’ll find in Robin Hobb’s work is that every aspect defining great writing is woven together in each one of her books. Many novels get too bogged down in background, or scenery, or even plot. But Hobb never fails to enrapture you with her work.

Assassin’s Apprentice is the first in her Farseer Trilogy, telling the tale of a lonely boy born a bastard to the Six Duchies King-In-Waiting. Assassin’s Apprentice opens with the main character, FitzChivalry Farseer writing a narrative autobiography of his life and life in the Six Duchies. Hobb continues this unique way of introduction in each subsequent chapter in the trilogy. FitzChivalry, commonly known as Fitz (or The Bastard), is raised by Burrich, his father’s right hand man, left at the main palace when Chivalry abdicates the throne to live out his shame quietly. As Fitz begins to reach his awkward preteen years, he is recognized by his grandfather, King Shrewd, as a useful tool as an assassin.

Assassin’s Apprentice is filled with intrigue and plot, and Hobb deftly weaves a story you could find in any political scandal or royal history. But Hobb’s crowning glory is truly the depth of her characters. Each character is so uniquely different, and so brilliantly expressed, that you can see each person as a friend, or bitter enemy. As you follow Fitz through his growing pains, you realize that you made many of the same choices while growing up, and recognize the pain and agony of adolescence. Hobb introduces a world complete with innovative and original magics, and engages the reader in the history and lore of her world. This is one of the best openers to a trilogy I have ever read, and trust me, the other two will not disappoint.

Rating: 10 out of 10