Reading: Assassin's Apprentice

[white_hart]

I know a lot of people who love Robin Hobb's books, but I was always slightly daunted by just how many there are of them. Did I really want to embark on a 16-volume fantasy epic? I did, however, buy a copy of the first in the series, Assassin's Apprentice, a couple of years ago, thinking I probably should give it a try sometime.

Assassin's Apprentice is the story of Fitz, the illegitimate son of the heir to the throne of Buckkeep. Dumped with his father's people at the age of six, he grows up in the King's castle, never quite fitting in either as a stable-boy or once he begins to be taught the skills of the aristocracy and threatened by powerful people who hate him simply for who he is. The characters are interesting and engaging, and there's a lot of interesting court politics woven around Fitz's story. I enjoyed this a lot; enough that, at about 50% on the kindle edition, I logged on to Amazon and bought all 15 of the other books.

(I would note, though, that there is a recurring thing where Bad Things Happen To Good Dogs, so this might not be one to read if you're feeling particularly sensitive about dogs.)

Comments

[fencesitting]

The nice thing is that it's not actually a 16-book epic, it's 5 related series. :) (So you can take a break or whatever between series without losing track of the entire epic plot yes I'm looking at you Wheel of Time.)

[white_hart]

That's true! And with huge series I always accept that I'm going to have forgotten enough that by the time I get to the last book I won't pick up all the callbacks to the first.

[rachelmanija]

I'm really interested to hear what you think of them. I loved the first book too.

[white_hart]

I'm quite fussy about epic fantasy these days, but this was great!

[mrs_redboots]

I think I preferred the second book, or even the third (which is good). Fitz is always a little discontented, though, and his constant self-pity gets a bit wearing!

[nomeancity]

Hey, I adored those around 10-15 years ago! Assassin's Quest (which is the third in the first trilogy) ranked as one of my favourite books for quite a long time... I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. :) (I was a bit disappointed in the most recent reprise, but I'll save my thoughts for after you've read them.)

[crinolinerobot]

As Pete and I share a Kindle account I've got access to all the Hobbs, but as you say, just starting them seems awfully daunting. Still, he loves them and as it's good enough for you to buy the others that's another good recommendation.