Locus Award nominee 1998.

As this epic trilogy reaches its unforgettable conclusion, young FitzChivalry faces his toughest opponent ever: himself. Embittered and broken, his body reclaimed from the grave and his spirit from the care of his bond-wolf Nighteyes, Fitz awakens to a world where everything he once held dear is in ruins. King Shrewd is dead; Prince Regal has claimed the throne and rules the kingdom with a cruel and selfish negligence. Molly has deserted him for parts unknown. Queen Kettricken and her unborn child have fled to the mountains with the Fool, Verity is lost seeking the elusive Elderlings, and Fitz's presumed death forever bars him from Buckkeep. The only companions he had left in his solitude are Chade and Burrich, who wrestle him reluctantly back to humanity after his sojourn in Nighteyes' mind.

But angry with the lot Fate has cast him, Fitz drives away even these loyal companions, and for the first time faces his life on his own, without anyone to guide or lead him. And what he most desires is revenge against Regal, for everything the usurper has cost him. So, preparing his assassin's kit, he sets out for Regal's new capital at Tradeford, determined to murder the treacherous ”king.” Without guidance, though, he botches the attempt, and an urgent sending by Verity to save him leaves Fitz imprinted with the burning imperative to find and aid his true king in his quest to aid the land.

Eventually fighting his way through to the mountains, he rejoins Kettricken and the Fool in a quest for Verity – and there in the Skill-shadowed hills, he discovers an ancient power and a mysterious riddle, whose answer may well change the fate of the Six Duchies forever...

Hobb covers portrayed here are from UK editions, by John Howe.

Published
March 1997
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The Farseer

The series

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The Farseer Trilogy follows the life of FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard and trained assassin, in a kingdom of The Six Duchies while his uncle, Prince Verity, attempts to wage war on the Red-Ship Raiders from The OutIslands who are attacking the shores of the kingdom.

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2 reviews

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10/10

Assassin’s Quest is an emotional and breathtaking conclusion to the Farseer Trilogy. After the devastating events of Royal Assassin, Fitz’s journey takes a new turn, one filled with loneliness, hardship, and self-discovery. This book is slower and more introspective than the previous ones, but for me, it was a perfect.

Fitz is broken—physically, mentally, and emotionally—but he refuses to give up. His path is long and often frustrating, but it feels so real. Robin Hobb doesn’t just tell a story; she makes you feel every struggle, every moment of despair, and every small victory. The deep bonds between Fitz and Nighteyes, Fitz and the Fool, and even his complicated relationships with Burrich and Verity make this book incredibly powerful.

The world expands as Fitz ventures beyond Buckkeep, and while the journey is slow at times, the payoff is worth it. The Skill and the Wit become even more fascinating, and the way magic is woven into the story makes everything feel deeply personal rather than just a tool for grand battles. The final chapters are intense, emotional, and leave a lasting impact.

By the time I finished, I felt both satisfied and heartbroken. Assassin’s Quest isn’t just the end of a trilogy—it’s an unforgettable experience. Hobb’s writing is raw, beautiful, and deeply immersive, making this one of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read.

10/10

Assassin's Quest is the last book of The Farseer Trilogy. The touching and unique story of Fitz continues in this book.

In my opinion Assassin's Quest is an entertaining and interesting fantasy book. Only a very skilled writer can write something like this. High fantasy doesn't get any better than this.

I highly recommend this book to every fantasy lover. If you haven't read this book (and the previous books in this series), you should buy them. You'll love them.

As some of you may already know, Robin Hobb continued the story of Fitz in The Tawny Man trilogy. If you like this book and The Farseer Trilogy, you should read The Tawny Man (Fool's Errand, The Golden Fool and Fool's Fate) too.

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