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Assassin's Apprentice (The Illustrated Edition): The Farseer Trilogy Book 1 Hardcover – Illustrated, October 1, 2019

4.6 out of 5 stars 28,069 ratings

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In hardcover for the first time ever! 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 full-color 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: in hardcover, with ten beautiful full-color 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
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Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Farseer Trilogy;scifi fans;gifts for scifi fans;gifts for nerds;fantasy;science fiction;magic;sff

Editorial Reviews

Review

“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

About the Author

Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Soldier Son Trilogy, and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.

Magali Villeneuve has been an illustrator for well over a decade, and started by painting book covers in France, her home country. She now works for many different companies and publishing houses around the world, including Wizards of the Coast, Titan Publishing, Dynamite Comics, Valve Corporation, and Fantasy Flight Games. Her work has been featured in role-playing games, video games, collectible cards games, magazines, and book covers. She has done work in the universes of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and more. She is also the author of the dark fantasy book series La Dernière Terre in France.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Del Rey
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2019
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Anniversary
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 464 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 198481785X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1984817853
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.35 x 9.38 inches
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Farseer Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 28,069 ratings

About the author

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Robin Hobb
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Robin Hobb is a New York Times best-selling fantasy author. She is published in English in the US, UK and Australia, and her works have been widely translated. Her short stories have been finalists for both the Hugo and the Nebula awards, as well as winning the Asimov's Readers Award. Her best known series is The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin's Quest.)

Robin Hobb was born in Oakland California, but grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. She has spent her life mostly in the Pacific Nortwest region of the US, and currently resides in Tacoma, Washington State, with her husband Fred. They have four grown offspring, and six grandchildren.

Robin Hobb is a pen name for Margaret Ogden. She has also written under the name Megan Lindholm.

She published her first short story for children when she was 18,and for some years wrote as a journalist and children's writer. Her stories for children were published in magazines such as Humpty Dumpty's Magazine for Little Children, Jack & Jill and Highlights for Children. She also created educational reading material for children for a programmed reading series by SRA (Science Research Associates.) She received a grant award from the Alaska State Council on the arts for her short story "The Poaching", published in Finding Our Boundaries in 1980.

Fantasy and Science Fiction had always been her two favorite genres, and in the late 70's she began to write in them. Her initial works were published in small press 'fanzines' such as Space and Time (editor Gordon Linzner). Her first professionally published story was "Bones for Dulath" that appeared in the Ace anthology AMAZONS!, edited by Jessica Amanda Salmonson in 1979. A short time later, a second Ki and Vandien story entitled The Small One was published in FANTASTIC in 1980.

During that time period, she and her family had moved from Alaska to Hawaii, and subsequently to Washington State, where they settled. She had various money making occupations (waitress, salesperson, etc.) while striving with her writing. Her husband Fred continued to fish Alaskan waters and was home only about 3 months out of every year. The family lived on a small farm in rural Roy where they raised lots of vegetables, chickens, ducks, geese and other small livestock.

In 1983, her first novel, Harpy's Flight, was published by Ace under the pen name Megan Lindholm. Her later titles under that name included Wizard of the Pigeons, Alien Earth, Luck of the Wheels, and Cloven Hooves.

In 1995, she launched her best selling series of books set in the Realm of the Elderlings. At that time, she began writing as Robin Hobb. Her first trilogy of books were about her popular characters, FitzChivalry Farseer and the Fool. The Farseer Trilogy is comprised of Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin and Assassin's Quest. These books were followed by The Liveship Traders trilogy, set in the same world. The Tawny Man trilogy returned to the tale of Fitz and the Fool. Most recently, the four volumes of the Rain Wilds Chronicles were published: Dragon Keeper, Dragon Haven, City of Dragons and Blood of Dragons.

In 2013, it was announced that she would return to her best-loved characters with a new trilogy, The Fitz and the Fool trilogy. The first volume, Fool's Assassin, will be published in August of 2014.

Other works as Robin Hobb include The Soldier Son trilogy and short stories published in various anthologies. A collection of her shorter works as both Lindholm and Hobb is available in The Inheritance.

She continues to reside in Tacoma, Washington, with frequent visits to the pocket farm in Roy.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
28,069 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this fantasy book captivating with well-developed characters and beautifully written prose. Moreover, the world-building is richly detailed, and the emotional content is praised for its complex emotions. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it well-done while others say it moves slowly at first. Additionally, customers disagree on the book's complexity, with some appreciating the minute detail while others find it excessive.

447 customers mention "Character development"396 positive51 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are richly realized and Fitz grows in character throughout the story.

"...So many stories and so many characters and so many twists, yet not one bit of it is left unresolved...." Read more

"...Robin Hobb is excellent at making all of her characters feel very human...." Read more

"...In this first book I found him reasonably likable and hoped that he would turn into an interesting character...." Read more

"...In particular, Fitz and Burrich are very honorable individuals and much of their life in and around the castle are detailed in their routine tasks...." Read more

377 customers mention "Writing style"337 positive40 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully and solidly written, with one customer noting the author's great facility with words and sentences.

"...He is truly a gentleman—a compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working man who stands up for what he believes in and puts the welfare of his people..." Read more

"...Her writing lends itself easily to the imagination, her imagery is vivid and memorable...." Read more

"...The prose is rich with subtlety and descriptions that immersed me so deeply in the world of the Six Duchies...." Read more

"This book is eloquent and wonderful. I look forward to the second in the trilogy. Some beautiful quotes as well" Read more

138 customers mention "World building"132 positive6 negative

Customers praise the world-building in the book, describing it as ingenious and thoughtful, with one customer noting its richly detailed nature.

"...He is truly a gentleman—a compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working man who stands up for what he believes in and puts the welfare of his people..." Read more

"...I was there for every scene, experiencing all the sights, sounds, and smells of Buckkeep, its seaside town, the open road, and everywhere else we..." Read more

"...It's a very thoughtful exploration and introduction to the problems of identity and loyalty and friendship and how one's place in society affects..." Read more

"...I LOVE ASOIAF for its morally grey characters, his world building, his strong prose...." Read more

128 customers mention "Emotional content"92 positive36 negative

Customers appreciate the book's emotional content, noting its amazing way with complex emotions and beautiful writing, with one customer highlighting its touching and inevitable conclusion.

"...He is truly a gentleman—a compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working man who stands up for what he believes in and puts the welfare of his people..." Read more

"...Many of the friendships were deeply touching, and the moments of characters interacting were some of my favorites...." Read more

"...It was a bit sickening and disturbing, but I understood the author's use of it and realize it probably won't matter to most people...." Read more

"...This is actually a very intense moment for our hero and very revealing of how his status as an orphaned bastard grudgingly allowed by a reluctant..." Read more

98 customers mention "Complexity"65 positive33 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's complexity, with some finding the detailed world-building engaging and keeping them interested, while others find it too detailed and overwhelming.

"...Fitz is an incredibly strong lead character, someone who is easy to connect and sympathize with...." Read more

"I blasted through this book. The first chapter is confusing and then the book hooks you and reels you in." Read more

"...She's both efficient and also easy-going; able to develop something quickly in just a couple pages, but also eager to let you rest, to soak up what..." Read more

"...All were fleshed out and layered, with both strengths and flaws that affected their own lives and the lives of those around them...." Read more

96 customers mention "Interest"44 positive52 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's interest, with some saying it kept them completely enthralled and drew them in, while others found it quite boring.

"...long moments of self-reflection and constant and repetitive musings brings the pace way down...." Read more

"...Robin Hobb is *that* good. Her books are so deep, and so enveloping that describing them as simply ’fantasy’ fails to do them justice...." Read more

"...first (human) murder is recalled by him passively and with absolutely no tension or drama...." Read more

"This story sucked me in from the very beginning! Absolutely loved it. Was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns." Read more

Phenomenal book. Excellent edition.
5 out of 5 stars
Phenomenal book. Excellent edition.
I’m a classic lit fan generally. But I needed a change. From the very thorough research I did - seriously I study Data Science so it’s my thing - this series is always at or very near the top of fantasy reader’s favorites. I loved LoTR so fantasy was what I figured I’d try. This immediately has not disappointed. I started with the kindle version and was blown away by the beauty of the art that’s included-especially using my iPad to read it. I’ve included 2 illustrations that are included in the kindle-on-my-iPad edition. These paperbacks do not have pictures. The story is at once beautifully crafted, detailed, interesting and I couldn’t put it down for a few hours - homework be dam*ed. But I work on my laptop so much I prefer actual analogue books. And these paperbacks are so well done. If you understand the importance of “floppyness” and binding then I’ll say these are amazing. I literally just opened the box and opened the book. As you see in the pic it’s not a struggle to keep them open even with one hand. But are strongly bound. And easy to hold in any position. And again the story is 100% fantastic. Either kindle or paperback it’s a book that anyone would enjoy and though it’s fantasy it’s not YA - thank the Almighty above. No ridiculous toxic teenage storylines (I definitely checked before I started reading it). But a true coming of age story. But it is much more than that. It’s not a kids book. It’s not HP but HP fans could easily love it. I bought all 3 of this first series and I already know I’ll end up with every single book in the entire collection. Phenomenal world building, character development, flow, depth, sentence structure (!). Just brilliant. I’m stuck in and grateful for the study break where I do not feel guilty at all. Pure pleasure. Feel like a giddy kid.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2019
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I went into this novel with what seemed like absurdly high expectations and it managed to not only meet but exceed all of those expectations. Having heard so many wonderful things about Robin Hobb’s novels, I was certain I would enjoy it, but I never expected to fall so in love with this absolutely beautiful piece of literature. Assassin’s Apprentice captivated me from page one. Literally. One day, I picked it up just to try out a few pages and there was no stopping me after that. I devoured every aspect of this narrative, was enchanted by the magic, enthralled by the political intrigue, and surprised by all the twists and turns. This world and its characters completely ensnared me and I never wanted to leave.

    In this novel, we follow Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, and a royal bastard. As a young boy, he is abandoned and sent to live in the royal household where he is written off, shunned by most he comes across. He begins his time here living with the stable master, Burrich, and finding what little companionship he has with the animals he works and lives with. When a magical art, called the Wit, makes itself evident within him, he finds peace, and even love, with the intense link this power allows him to have with his animal friends. Despite the danger of it and the nobility’s distaste for such powers, it is his lifeline in a world that wishes he never existed.

    From the day he gets dropped off at the Farseer door, we are witness to many years of Fitz’s struggle to fit in, grow up, and to simply just survive as a reluctantly tolerated member of this royal family. When he one day garners the attention of the king, he is thrust into a life of lessons that befit a child of the Farseer name—and there is something more. Under cover of night, Fitz is being trained to become a powerful, royal assassin. And with strange goings-on at court and the growing underpinnings of corruption among royals, Fitz may just have his work cut out for him.

    Robin Hobb’s writing is some of the most beautiful writing I have ever read. She completely captures the high fantasy style of the ‘80s and ‘90s, which I have always thought had such a unique and particularly enchanting quality to it. This is the sort of writing that truly made me into the fantasy lover that I am today, and there was this very poignantly nostalgic feel that wrapped around me until the final page. To say she has a talent for crafting an emotionally vivid and intriguingly complex narrative is an understatement. The way she has woven each and every element seamlessly together to create a multi-layered and unforgettable tale is remarkable.

    Now, when I say this novel is complex, I definitely do not mean that it is challenging to follow or understand. Personally, I was blown away by how easily I fell into the many branches of this storyline. There is so much intricate detailed poured into every moment—into every event and setting and relationship. Years go by and new knowledge, twists, and turns fill each page and never once does it become muddled or overwhelming. Hobb writes in such a way that effortlessly carries you over every single page, not allowing you to get lost along the way. So many stories and so many characters and so many twists, yet not one bit of it is left unresolved.

    And as if I haven’t been gushing enough already, there is still the topic of the characters. These marvelous, three-dimensional characters that are the driving force of this novel. Fitz is an incredibly strong lead character, someone who is easy to connect and sympathize with. His story is equal parts heart-wrenching and heart-pounding, and it is impossible not to cheer for him all the way. He faces such massive obstacles and stands up to them, persevering in the most unlikely circumstances. Fitz is not one of those flawless heroes—every aspect of his life, every success and failure, is chronicled in these pages. His growth throughout the narrative as he fights to give himself a life is awe-inspiring.

    Every single character Robin Hobb creates in this story is multi-dimensional and fully fleshed out. They are all made into a significant element of the overall narrative, contributing in some way, however small, to the unfolding of the plot. I thought Hobb did a brilliant job building each and every one of her characters with care and precision.

    Chade and the Fool were two of my absolute favorites. From the second they enter, they are both depicted with a vivid and striking characterization that makes them unforgettable. Another favorite of mine was Verity Farseer. He is truly a gentleman—a compassionate, intelligent, and hard-working man who stands up for what he believes in and puts the welfare of his people above anything else. And, just on a side note, he may also be one of my new book boyfriends.

    As I am sure you have already guessed, I adored this novel with all my heart, and it has turned me into a complete Robin Hobb addict. This was such a satisfying read and is one that will continue to stick with me throughout my entire life, both as a reader and as a writer. It is this type of work that inspires me so greatly when it comes to my own personal writing, as fantasy is my genre of choice.

    It is rare to find a book that impacts me quite as much as this one did—one that rekindles that initial feeling I had as I discovered my love of reading—and which reminds me why I am so passionate about literature. The next book, Royal Assassin, is sitting in front of me as we speak, and I am so eager to throw myself back into this world. If you have not tried out Robin Hobb’s novels, I highly recommend giving this one a go.
    57 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This has been on my TBR list for a very long time. I think the problem was that every time I put it down, I forgot about it. Once I switched to the audiobook, it was much easier for me to be in the story. I also had to be in the right mood to want to read this kind of writing style. As many people said, this is like Charles Dickens writing fantasy. It's extremely detailed and well written but it can be slow and dense.

    Hobb does a fantastic job of transporting you into the mind of Fitz, a b*stard son of the Crown Prince. The beginning was the hardest part to read through because Fitz is a small child. As he grows and starts training as an assassin, he eventually gets a little more action. There are moments that Fitz goes through a depression that is so well written, it was brutal. I really enjoyed the ending of the book where there was more action and less of the normal day-to-day life.

    Fitz's magic is something I wish existed. It's so cool and the loss of his first bond is heartbreaking. Really, it's the beginning that shows how much of Fitz's life is out of his control.

    I will be reading the rest of the trilogy and probably more of Hobb's work. It's very interesting and I'm looking forward to what's next for Fitz after book one's ending.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    ~ Spoiler-Free Series Review ~

    This trilogy is now one of my favorite epic fantasies. The story, the characters, and the worldbuilding are all masterfully done. The plot takes its time, but I was willing to just sit in this world, absorbing Hobb's beautiful prose as the story unfolded.

    Robin Hobb is excellent at making all of her characters feel very human. Some characters I loved, some I had complicated feelings towards, and some I absolutely hated. All were fleshed out and layered, with both strengths and flaws that affected their own lives and the lives of those around them. Many of the friendships were deeply touching, and the moments of characters interacting were some of my favorites. Fitz was an interesting character to see this world through. His story examines what it's like to have very little agency in your life simply because of who your parents are, and watching Fitz struggle with that is absolutely gutting. I always found him compelling, even though he is a boy and makes a boy's mistakes.

    The prose is rich with subtlety and descriptions that immersed me so deeply in the world of the Six Duchies. I was there for every scene, experiencing all the sights, sounds, and smells of Buckkeep, its seaside town, the open road, and everywhere else we traveled with Fitz throughout the series. There is so much mystery built into the magic and the world, and the balance of what was known and what wasn't was perfect for me. When it comes to the role humans play, there's no lack of politics and intrigue to keep you guessing.

    There is so much more to this series, but to avoid spoilers, I'll just say that I'll be thinking about the themes for a long time. I have some criticisms about how a few things played out in the third book, but I still loved it and cannot recommend the Farseer Trilogy highly enough.

    Content:
    Romance - a few fade to black/very very vague open door scenes; talk of affairs and light innuendo
    Foul Language - some moderate swearing and crude language
    Violence - descriptions of war violence, blood, injury, poisoning, and death; non-graphic talk of rape
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is eloquent and wonderful. I look forward to the second in the trilogy. Some beautiful quotes as well
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I blasted through this book. The first chapter is confusing and then the book hooks you and reels you in.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Cammi
    4.0 out of 5 stars great! but,
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on November 16, 2024
    It’s nice I’m a little sad it has a bent corner that made the corner light to even touch but it really isn’t visible to the eye at all that’s why I’m keeping it. Lovely !! but please package books with bubble wrap or something
  • Sam | The Book in Hand_
    5.0 out of 5 stars I am so impressed with this book and have already started the next book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2020
    As it is with the well established series of the fantasy genre, and even more so ones of this magnitude, there are always tonnes of opinions. What the book did wrong, how it depressed some readers, how it was slow but amazing or any number of other comments. So it is more than likely you will see some similar views within this review but I like talking and reviewing books so I’m still going to write this despite what I have just said 😀

    As we can see I’m pretty late to the Robin Hobb party but I don’t think it is a book I could have tackled any earlier. I had this trilogy on my TBR for a while but always veered away from it because I knew it was an older fantasy book and a classic. Though, I can safely say that I am happy I joined the Hobb party no matter how late.

    So Assassin’s Apprentice has some fairly long chapters, at one point I was tired and thought ‘Ohhh I’ll just read to the end of the chapter’. Ummmm, no. I quickly looked how long it was and was like ‘nope, I can’t do it. I can’t make it that long’ 😂

    Straight off the bat, I knew I would love Hobb’s writing style. It is soo stunningly written, and being told her other trilogies only get better is amazing and has be insanely excited.

    With writing like Hobbs it often goes hand in hand with immense world building and this book is no exception. Hobb treats you to such detailed and colourful world building, there wasn’t a time I didn’t feel utterly involved in the book, in both larger scale plot events and smaller interactions.

    One thing I really loved about this book was the time spent with Fitz as he grew up, I really enjoy these starts to a book and this one kinda reminded me of Anthony Ryan’s Blood Song. Now, I know this came out first but I read Blood Song first, so if I say it reminds me of Blood Song just take that as it is, ok? Ok. I loved Blood Song, so as soon as I met a young nameless boy being carted off to somewhere other than what he thought was his home and be thrust into the unknown I was eager! Even more so for this tale to begin the way it did with the snippets of narrator texts (again reminded me of Blood Song) it was already off to an amazing start.

    Though, while I mention this and as I said I enjoy these beginnings because we see incredible character developments it does make for a far slower pace. This isn’t really an issue for me, least all in a first book but I know it may be for some people.

    Hobb has done a damned fine job at building an incredible collection of characters. I loved the depth of Fitz as a character, he had so much personality and as a reader you genuinely felt a whole range of emotions. What made him even more intriguing was the fact that he never truly showed anyone himself wholly, he always kept something from someone! It provided a lot of options for the book, is he going to slip up with one person, tell the wrong person something they don’t know, show them a side of him he simply cannot? It is brilliantly written.

    You do spend a lot of time in Fitz’s head, and this isn’t really a bad thing but i did find myself at times hoping for a character interaction and not getting one.

    This story goes far beyond Fitz alone, you become invested in nearly all the characters and Hobb both gives you the goods and doesn’t. Chivalry for instance, isn’t a character we got more from and I really wanted to see more of him, but where this is the case Hobb seamlessly interweaves the characters relationship to him to satisfy it. We see the way Burrich thinks of him, and the level of loyalty he shows, this alone shows us more into Chivalry’s character. His relationship with his brother and with Patience. It is quite masterfully done, we create a relationship with a character who isn’t even there so imagine the goods you get from those we do come into contact with.

    Now, I don’t often mention magic systems in my reviews, I probably should because the are an intrinsic part of the fantasy genre but honestly I don’t feel qualified in magic systems yet having not read some of the leading ones of the genre. That’s not to say I don’t have an opinion on them but you won’t get me talking about hard magic or rule based ones and so forth. Buuuuut, saying all that I am going to say how much I liked the magic in this book. We have Wit and Skill and they are so simple in nature yet the way Hobb weaves them into the plot and the characters development just puts them a step above others I have read. Hobb also teases us with the potential for these magics to play a far greater role in the future books of the trilogy.

    Overall, I am so impressed with this book and have already started the next book. I am reading them considerably slower than usual but that is more to do with a busier schedule than anything but I am almost grateful for it as the time I am giving these books when I can is that much more treasured.
  • :Luke
    5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely incredible
    Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What an incredible read. This is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. I recently got into the epic fantasy genre (within the last 5 months or so) and aside from one other book, this is the first one that I physically could not put down and had to finish ASAP.

    The characters are deep and relatable, and there were so many obstacles that the main character came across where I was also perplexed with how he would proceed.

    I had heard that the plot was slow and that you really have to get through the first book so you can enjoy the second. Yes, there may not be a ton of action in the first book, but I enjoyed the story-telling aspect that this book has, which is exactly its purpose. I have a feeling that it is the EXACT context we will need to enjoy the rest of the series to its full extent.

    I am curious if Robin Hobb has the “No One is Safe” writing style that I so adore in epic fantasy, but I’m sure I’ll find out because I will definitely be reading the next book as soon as I finish posting reviews for Assassin’s Apprentice.
  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Auf so vielen Ebenen herausragend
    Reviewed in Germany on January 7, 2020
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Nachdem ich den Farseer gelesen habe, den Tawny Man und auch The Fitz and the Fool, möchte ich nun unbedingt eine Rezension aus dieser Perspektive schreiben.

    Was mich bei Robin Hobb umhaut ist zuerst mal ihre wunderbare Sprache, ich würde deswegen unbedingt die englische Version empfehlen.

    Manche Rezensionen bescheinigen dem Buch 'Mainstream' Fantasy zu sein und Klischees zu beinhalten. Ich finde genau das Gegenteil ist der Fall. Jedes 'Klischee' (wie zum Beispiel Drachen, oder die Magie) wird von Hobb durch ihre wunderbaren Ideen genau davon befreit. Der Skill ist nicht nur einfach eine plumpe Magie, sondern wandelt sich im Laufe der Bücher zu einem komplexen System über das durchaus philosophiert werden kann. Aber erst nach und nach erschließt sich das LeserIn und den Protagonisten. Auch ist er Teil eines größeren magischen Kanons. Ganz allgemein wachsen von Trilogie zu Trilogie Konzepte und Figuren, Charaktere spinnen Beziehungen zueinander und es erwächst eine lebendige Welt. Und was ich am bemerkenswertesten finde: Jeder Band greift auf vielschichtige Weise die vorhergehenden Bände auf! So bekommen alle Dinge die passieren Bedeutung, oft auch kleine, und man hat wirklich das Gefühl einer lebendigen Welt beizuwohnen.

    Die Saga ist auch voll von bemerkenswerten Figuren. The Fool zum Beispiel, wie schon oft erwähnt. Ich finde ihn nicht nur einfach gut, ich würde sagen er ist höchst ambivalent und sogar äußerst subversiv. Allgemein kommt es mir so vor als würde Hobb viele reale Probleme aufgreifen (beim Fool z.B. das Thema Transgender) und auf eine unglaublich einfühlsame Weise in ihrer Fantasywelt verarbeiten.

    Was den Plot angeht möchte ich mich eher allgemein halten. Man kann sagen, dass sich hier sehr alltägliche Probleme mit Problemen epischer Scale die Hand reichen. Der erste Band der Farseer&Trilogie gängt zum Beispiel sehr beschaulich ab. Beim Tawny Man sieht man es noch stärker. Hobb lässt sich einen ganzen Band Zeit an die alten Bücher anzuknüpfen und schickt Fitz in ein eher kleines Abenteuer. In Tawny Man 2 geht es sehr viel um Gefühle und Beziehungen zwischen den Charakteren, während Band 3 äußerst episch endet. Trotzdem verliert Hobb nie ihre Sprachgewalt. Gerade die ruhigen und alltäglichen Situationen geben der Serie meiner Meinung nach ihre Tiefe.

    Natürlich sind die Bücher nicht perfekt. Fitz ist manchmal allzu blind gegenüber den Dingen die passieren, es kann einen deprimieren wie er sich immer wieder ins Unglück stürzt oder gestürzt wird. Was ihn aber auch allzu menschlich dastehen lässt! Er ist eine äußerst tragische Figur, und wie im richtigen Leben gibt es kein perfektes und dauerhaftes Happy End. Er lamentiert oft zu viel, was einem das Gefühl gibt manche Dinge zu oft zu hören. Einzelne Situationen hätte man vielleicht glaubhafter lösen können.

    Alles in allem strotzen die Bücher aber voll guter Einfälle und wunderbarer Ideen. Ich glaube das ist eine der wenigen Fantasy-Serien von denen ich etwas für mein Leben mitnehmen konnte, und das ist denke ich das größte Kompliment.

    Auch fand ich die Bücher durchgehend stark, wenn man von einzelnen Durchhängern absieht. Das Ende von Fitz and the Fool ist emotional, tragisch und einfach wunderschön, ich habe selten eine Serie so zufrieden beendet.

    Vergleiche möchte ich nicht ziehen, aber weil jemand Das Lied von Eis und Feuer erwähnte: Ich habe es geliebt, aber auf lange Sicht werden mir die Farseer Bücher mehr am Herz hängen, weil sie für mich mehr Herz besitzen. Und weil es Hobb geschafft hat durchgehend ihr Niveau zu halten.
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  • Roger Ferret
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasia moderna
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 5, 2016
    Format: Mass Market PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Es un libro que al inicio puede parecer humilde en sus descripciones y sencillo en su trama, pero es porque su escritora es asi de buena. Sin que uno lo vaya sospechando Hobb no sumerje poco a poco en un mundo medieval que esta regido por hombres con faltas y problemas. Sus personajes so sobre todo muy humanos. Y su magia, siendo escasa, es muy apropiada. El libro tiene esa tendencia de la fantasia moderna de tener menos magia en sus lineas (sin contar a "Malaz: el libro de los caidos", que como en tantas otras cosas ha formado su propia categoria).

    Hobb nos quita ese cliche de que los asesinos son perversos hombres sedientos de sangre y sin un fin propio. Muy interesante el enfoque que guarda.

    Una lectura recomendada a todo aquel que le haya gustado Cancion de Fuego y Hielo de Martin. Hobb tiene un mejor manejo de los detalles y no sucumbre, como Martin, a subterfugios aleatorios para darle un poco de "interes" a una trama floja. No, ella sigue un camino diferente, lento, pero muy satisfactorio.