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A review by ariel790
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
adventurous
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Slow burn, so if you read, be prepared for that. A lot of the set up doesn't pay off until about the last half of the book. Given that it is the first of a series and set up for the character, Fitz, made sense to me for the slower pacing. I am hoping for a better ease into the character in future books of the series.
This book is mainly about Fitz. Fitz is the love child of Prince Chivalry. Due to this, he is left unwanted but is still thrown into a court of a king. This story is about his coming of age, covering from about the age of 6 to 15, and the different difficulties of being born into the position that he is. Thinking that he is unloved and a pawn of the king, he does do what he can to stay in favor.
Fitz is easy to like. As you read, you are growing up with him, experiencing his challenges and view point. He is the hero of this story, and the author makes that clear. As soon as he starts to become a capable, on his own type of person, his world is devastated by war from the outlands. The Outlanders turn captured people into "Forged" or brainless thugs who don't care what happens to themselves or those they once loved (totally a hidden zombie story of the 90's with this side story ;) ). As the outlanders gain ground in the war, it becomes a do or die situation for Fitz and his comrades. Stress and panic ensue.
Lots of layers to this one, there is the story of Fitz, of his friends, teachers, of the king and the princes, as well as politics and war. Not a quick read at all. Seems worth the investment, if into the sort of thing.
This book is mainly about Fitz. Fitz is the love child of Prince Chivalry. Due to this, he is left unwanted but is still thrown into a court of a king. This story is about his coming of age, covering from about the age of 6 to 15, and the different difficulties of being born into the position that he is. Thinking that he is unloved and a pawn of the king, he does do what he can to stay in favor.
Fitz is easy to like. As you read, you are growing up with him, experiencing his challenges and view point. He is the hero of this story, and the author makes that clear. As soon as he starts to become a capable, on his own type of person, his world is devastated by war from the outlands. The Outlanders turn captured people into "Forged" or brainless thugs who don't care what happens to themselves or those they once loved (totally a hidden zombie story of the 90's with this side story ;) ). As the outlanders gain ground in the war, it becomes a do or die situation for Fitz and his comrades. Stress and panic ensue.
Lots of layers to this one, there is the story of Fitz, of his friends, teachers, of the king and the princes, as well as politics and war. Not a quick read at all. Seems worth the investment, if into the sort of thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Grief
Moderate: Murder and War
Minor: Alcoholism