Assassin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb

Assassin's Apprentice

By Robin Hobb

  • Release Date: 1996-03-01
  • Genre: Epic Fantasy
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 1,266 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

  • Somber Reality

    5
    By Vaste Lorde
    This book made me understand that pain is not the end. It is the threshold were resolve and ambition collides. Regal you have an enemy in me! Also going to roll one to Galen’s 💀
  • Well written story

    4
    By TigersJC86
    This novel was extremely well written with a lot of care to characters and word usage. This is the 2nd time I’ve read this book and I did enjoy it more however about 3/4 of the way the book dips and I found myself struggling in the same spot as the first read. I am interested in future stories and some of the set up is done in this novel.
  • Slow star but picks up

    5
    By Eleazar Hernandez
    Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb is a slow burn, but once it gets going? You’re in for an emotional gut-punch wrapped in beautifully written fantasy. This isn’t a typical swords-clashing, bodies-flying-everywhere epic. It’s the quiet, heart-wrenching story of a bastard who’s raised in the shadows of royalty, trained to be an assassin, and constantly treated like a stray dog. Fitz is one of those characters you want to protect and scream at in equal measure. He was abandoned by his father (the Prince), dumped at the royal keep at six, and raised by a gruff stablemaster with a soft heart. There’s magic, too: Fitz can mind-meld with animals (they call it the Wit) and later learns royal telepathy (the Skill). The world building is rich and textured. Robin Hobb doesn’t rush. She lets you soak in every moment, even the quiet ones. And yes, there are villains and schemes, but the real magic is in the relationships. If you’re craving a fantasy that’s deep, character-driven, and emotionally rewarding, this one’s worth your time. Just don’t expect to finish it dry-eyed. The last paragraph broke me.
  • Good read

    4
    By nanac56789
    I overall liked this book, could of used more action, but I am guessing this is the setup book and will see more action in the next two books
  • Fantastic beginning

    5
    By user75892
    This was a delightful, and sometimes devastating, beginning to what I know is a long and winding fantasy tale of our young fitzchivalry. I quickly saw how the series is so beloved, and I’m so excited to explore more of the world of the realm of the elderlings.
  • Amazing

    5
    By Ldsgir724
    One of the best books I have ever read. It absorbed every fiber of my being as I read and could not even think when I set it down.
  • Loved it

    5
    By Baby Belly Forever
    Such an entertaining read.
  • Such a great book.

    5
    By Habib85577444788
    I love this series. I’ve always loved it. The illustrated editions are amazing and bring images to characters I’ve known for 30 years.
  • Assassins apprentice

    5
    By hannah loves books
    Ten out of Ten!!! I grew very fond of Fitz character. Can’t wait to see what journey the next book in the
  • Assassins apprentice

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