Assassin's Apprentice

I first read Assassin’s Apprentice back in 1996, and now, after re-reading it, I can say it’s just as incredible as I remember. Robin Hobb’s storytelling is immersive, and from the very first page, I was drawn back into the life of FitzChivalry Farseer.

Fitz’s journey as a royal bastard turned assassin’s apprentice is filled with hardship, loneliness, and the constant struggle to find his place in the world. Hobb’s character work is exceptional, making Fitz one of the most deeply human protagonists I’ve ever read. His pain, doubts, and small moments of happiness feel real, and that emotional depth makes the story hit hard.

The world-building is rich but subtle, weaving in court intrigue, the mysterious Skill and Wit magic systems, and a looming sense of danger. The slow, character-driven pace might not be for everyone, but I love how it lets every moment sink in, making the relationships and betrayals feel even more impactful.

Even after all these years, Assassin’s Apprentice remains one of the best fantasy books I’ve ever read. It’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional story that only gets better with time.

Robin Hobb had been highly recommended to me and this book did not disappoint.

I am endlessly skeptical of books written in the first person, but Hobb managed to make a very interesting book in spite of the limitations provided. She keeps all of the characters interesting and the story in itself was utterly fantastic, completely engrossing, and I look forward to the next book. Particularly, books that stretch over a long timespan can often be uninteresting, but everything seems to somehow be relevant and fun to read.

My criticisms are few, yet I did find it was far too easy to predict who would be a bad guy, who would betray someone, and when something sinister happened, I felt as though there weren't that many surprises. This did not, however, make the story any less interesting. I was never able to predict what would happen, only who would turn out to be a "badguy" in the end. There was very little in the way of character "mystique".

All-in-all though, it was one of the best books that I read last summer and I would highly recommend it to anyone.