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mightyjor's review against another edition
4.0
This book is really enjoyable for the most part. I enjoyed the main character and all his relationships with the different people around him. The magic (when it was used) was fun. Any scene where it was being used had me engaged, though it’s still not nearly as explored or used as frequently as I would have liked for a book introducing it. I think it’s one of the coolest parts of the book.
Where the book really shines is the subtle political intrigue. Lots of back stabbing for political gain and a main character who somehow finds himself as a pawn/player in the games of nobles. I love the description the assassin gives at the beginning regarding the true purpose of an assassin, that it’s more of a spy who’s duties are memorization, sneaking, eavesdropping, finding opportunities to sneak in a poison or wound an animal so a lord has to wait a day or two to leave. In my opinion it makes for a far more interesting take on assassin work versus most stories that are just fist fights and sword fights.
My main gripe with the story though is how it all feels a bit aimless, at least for this first entry in the trilogy. There’s not really a main villain or conflict, mostly just Fitz going about his day to day business. When Fitz ends up finding himself in some perilous situations, we usually skip to after the conflict has been resolved and the account of how everyone acted afterword. In my opinion it’s a lot less interesting than being there with him in those dire moments. I also found myself getting sucked in during these tense spots and then there would be an awkward transition and all of a sudden I realize we’re no longer doing the exciting thing and Fitz is just hanging out with someone talking about horses or whatever else. I think the ending was excellent though it also felt resolved far too quickly without nearly enough time dedicated to resolution of the final conflict. Instead it feels a bit like an epilogue with the narrator just summing things up again.
Despite that complaint, I still really enjoyed the book and was always excited to get back to it. I enjoy seeing characters who, despite having a terrible hand dealt to them, pick themselves up and make the most of their situation. Fitz does a good job of that. Looking forward to book 2!
By the way, do what you want to Fitz but stop killing dogs please. I don’t like that.
Where the book really shines is the subtle political intrigue. Lots of back stabbing for political gain and a main character who somehow finds himself as a pawn/player in the games of nobles. I love the description the assassin gives at the beginning regarding the true purpose of an assassin, that it’s more of a spy who’s duties are memorization, sneaking, eavesdropping, finding opportunities to sneak in a poison or wound an animal so a lord has to wait a day or two to leave. In my opinion it makes for a far more interesting take on assassin work versus most stories that are just fist fights and sword fights.
My main gripe with the story though is how it all feels a bit aimless, at least for this first entry in the trilogy. There’s not really a main villain or conflict, mostly just Fitz going about his day to day business. When Fitz ends up finding himself in some perilous situations, we usually skip to after the conflict has been resolved and the account of how everyone acted afterword. In my opinion it’s a lot less interesting than being there with him in those dire moments. I also found myself getting sucked in during these tense spots and then there would be an awkward transition and all of a sudden I realize we’re no longer doing the exciting thing and Fitz is just hanging out with someone talking about horses or whatever else. I think the ending was excellent though it also felt resolved far too quickly without nearly enough time dedicated to resolution of the final conflict. Instead it feels a bit like an epilogue with the narrator just summing things up again.
Despite that complaint, I still really enjoyed the book and was always excited to get back to it. I enjoy seeing characters who, despite having a terrible hand dealt to them, pick themselves up and make the most of their situation. Fitz does a good job of that. Looking forward to book 2!
By the way, do what you want to Fitz but stop killing dogs please. I don’t like that.
natal1nda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kat7890erina's review against another edition
5.0
I originally read these books as a teenager and loved them dearly. Returning to them now, I love them still.
thira93's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holy_coconut's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
kalio's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
halefa's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The first part - maybe the first 60-70% - I would give a rating of 2,5/2,75.
The second part of the book I would give a rating of 3,75/4.
The beginning of the book is an incredible slow burn.
I don't particularly enjoy stories written from children's perspective, and that might be the reason for me disliking that part so much. Unfortunately for me, the main character is a child (6-12 years old) for most of the book.
Most of the book is also focused only on that child and various things that happen to him. There is no general thread or story arc yet, and the main character is rather passive and unopioniated (I mean - he's a child!).
The second half of the book luckily picksup pace. Now a teenager, the main character makes more decisions and takes actions. Also, a general plot develops giving the world more authenticity and relevance. A generic evil shows up and different characters' agendas to deal with it are revealed.
This part was far more engaging and interesting to read.
And then there are the last couple of chapters happen where the pace quadruples and everything explodes.
Apart from being of the opinion that the book stays in the childage era for far too long, I am sad we didn't get to know more about the aspect of the story that is actually in the title: "Assassin's Apprentice".
We only get vague hints and weak side sentences once in a while about what the assassin education included and I would have wished for more details and creativity here.
(Also I don't get Chade. Really weird mentor vibe.)
I noticed that the book contained barely any positive descriptions of women and the language used to describe female characters is often heavily inspired by the idea of stereotypical medieval terms.
The second part of the book I would give a rating of 3,75/4.
The beginning of the book is an incredible slow burn.
I don't particularly enjoy stories written from children's perspective, and that might be the reason for me disliking that part so much. Unfortunately for me, the main character is a child (6-12 years old) for most of the book.
Most of the book is also focused only on that child and various things that happen to him. There is no general thread or story arc yet, and the main character is rather passive and unopioniated (I mean - he's a child!).
The second half of the book luckily picksup pace. Now a teenager, the main character makes more decisions and takes actions. Also, a general plot develops giving the world more authenticity and relevance. A generic evil shows up and different characters' agendas to deal with it are revealed.
This part was far more engaging and interesting to read.
And then there are the last couple of chapters happen where the pace quadruples and everything explodes.
Apart from being of the opinion that the book stays in the childage era for far too long, I am sad we didn't get to know more about the aspect of the story that is actually in the title: "Assassin's Apprentice".
We only get vague hints and weak side sentences once in a while about what the assassin education included and I would have wished for more details and creativity here.
(Also I don't get Chade. Really weird mentor vibe.)
I noticed that the book contained barely any positive descriptions of women and the language used to describe female characters is often heavily inspired by the idea of stereotypical medieval terms.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Grief, Animal death, Death of parent, and Infertility
jayluke92's review against another edition
4.0
Really good! Seems like a great set up for the rest of the series. Loved the writing style and the character development.