Book Review: Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
An immersive, carefully crafted piece of lore that will leave you in pieces.
This is not fast-paced book. Robin Hobb definitely took the time to develop the a carefully crafted world and lore. Her work definitely shows here, because the world we're introduced to is completely immersive.
At first impression, I was wondering about the naming conventions ("Shrewd", "Chivalry", "Regal", etc) and felt that they may bit too on-the-nose, but now I can see why they are written that way.
There are some great tropes in here that I always find myself drawn to: Coming Of Age, Found Family, Political Drama. There are more, but those really stood out to me. I also love a good map in the front to reference to, and this does not disappoint!
"Very little worth knowing is taught by fear."
Some of the pacing felt just a tiny bit off, but not enough for me to worry about it. There were some moments where I thought the pacing was picking up toward the climax of the book, but then it slowed back down again. Not a complaint, just an observation.
"All events, no matter how earthshaking or bizarre, are diluted within moments of their occurrence by the continuance of the necessary routines of day-to-day living."
In all, I found myself drawn in to this beautifully crafted world and definitely shed some tears for our hero and his story. This first book is definitely a lot of world-building, but the story and action was still solid. I realize that I'm signing myself up for several books following this character and this world, but I'm definitely looking forward to them!!
Rating: ★★★★
Book Summary
- Title: Assassin's Apprentice
- Author: Robin Hobb
- Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy
- Who Should Read It? Anyone who enjoys epic fantasy that will break your heart and leave you wanting more.
Synopsis: In a faraway land where members of the royal family are named for the virtues they embody, one young boy will become a walking enigma.
Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard, cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals - the old art known as the Wit - gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.
So when Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and embrace a new life of weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly, as he trains to become a royal assassin.
