Assassin’s Apprentice (Farseer Series #1) by Robin Hobb

Amazon/Barnes&Noble

Published by Random House Publishing Group

Review by Dani Hoots

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

*Synopsis taken from Amazon

Robin Hobb does a wonderful job creating an imaginary world of her own creation. From page one I was captivated by her highly detailed world, feeling as if I was there myself. Hobb pays attention to detail and you can tell she is a well experienced author. I can’t wait to start the next book in the series, as this one left me wanting more.

The main character Fitz is the bastard child of Prince Chivarly. Unfortunately he has the ability to communicate with animals, known as the Skill. No one is supposed to be able to communicate with animals, as it is seen as a dark power than can corrupt a person and make them beast-like. We are able to connect with Fitz right away as his life is decided for him, and his dear puppy is taken from him and put down because of his connection with it through the Skill. (Note: if you don’t like books where an animal is killed, do not read this book. It is purposefully though and is needed to move the story and character forward). He then has to learn how to become an assassin and kill his first human. How he goes about it is quite interesting and a little different than your typical tale.

I dearly loved this book, it reminded me a bit of the Arthurian legends mixed with Lord of the Rings. It is easy for a reader to connect with the story, but feels like it is told in such a majestic way that you feel like you are reading an ancient tale.

So if you love high fantasy and have not read this book, do check it out. I am not a big high fantasy reader but I enjoyed every second of it. Robin Hobb knowns how to creature believable, majestic worlds and I am glad I got to read such a great book. I give it a 5/5 and am downloading the next in the series now!