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.
"Very little worth knowing is taught by fear."
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!
"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."
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.
Should You Read It?
I’d rate Assassin’s Apprentice ★★★★ (4/5 stars).
- Gorgeous world-building and lore.
- Intricately crafted magic system.
- Heart-wrenching (but in a good way).
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!!
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.
