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A review by rorikae
Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
adventurous
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
4.0
'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb starts the Farseer Trilogy that centers on Fitz, the bastard son of the country's prince. Fitz is brought into the castle under the tutelage of the stableman but soon begins to train as an assassin. Through his life in the castle, he is thrown into multiple situations utilizing his skills, both those of the assassin and the magical abilities he possesses.
Having read the Mad Ship trilogy by Robin Hobb first, this story is a bit more typical of high fantasy though still speaks to Hobb's character building. It's especially impressive when considering that it was her debut novel.
I found that the story itself was rather basic for a fantasy novel though I hope that the next book in the series may introduce more complex plot lines, especially since this book centered on Fitz's childhood and upbringing. I think the strongest part of the story is the characters. Fitz is instantly likable and even in places where the story itself was slow, I was still compelled to read on because of my care for Fitz. His connection with the dogs that he encounters in the story was one of the strongest ways that I felt his character was built up and those were the relationships I was most invested in.
If you are interested in a solid first book in a classic fantasy style, Assassin's Apprentice is a good option though so far I have enjoyed the other books I have read by Robin Hobb more.
Having read the Mad Ship trilogy by Robin Hobb first, this story is a bit more typical of high fantasy though still speaks to Hobb's character building. It's especially impressive when considering that it was her debut novel.
I found that the story itself was rather basic for a fantasy novel though I hope that the next book in the series may introduce more complex plot lines, especially since this book centered on Fitz's childhood and upbringing. I think the strongest part of the story is the characters. Fitz is instantly likable and even in places where the story itself was slow, I was still compelled to read on because of my care for Fitz. His connection with the dogs that he encounters in the story was one of the strongest ways that I felt his character was built up and those were the relationships I was most invested in.
If you are interested in a solid first book in a classic fantasy style, Assassin's Apprentice is a good option though so far I have enjoyed the other books I have read by Robin Hobb more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent