SuperHeroBooks - Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1)
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List Price: $7.99
Our Price: $3.00
Your Save: $ 4.99 ( 62% )
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Manufacturer: Spectra
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780553573398
ISBN: 055357339X
Label: Spectra
Manufacturer: Spectra
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 464
Publication Date: 1996-03-01
Publisher: Spectra
Release Date: 1996-03-01
Studio: Spectra
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: One of those rarest of stories
Comment: It's been a while -- a very long while -- since I've read anything that truly sucked me in, made me forget all else and read till the dawn hours (even when I knew I couldn't finish it in that time) and then, upon waking, start where I'd left off. A book that I simply could not read fast enough. A book I would bookmark whenever there was a really heartfelt, funny, or emotional moment, only to realize there were far more than I could reasonably mark.
But Assassin's Apprentice, the first of the Farseer Trilogy, is just such a book.
Fitz is the bastard son of King-in-Waiting Chivalry, whose existence convinces the prince to abdicate the throne. He is raised among dogs and horses, abandoned by the other children and his own family -- abandoned by everyone, really, except the king's stablemaster, Burrich. But when King Shrewd finally does notice Fitz, it is to declare him ready to be used for the Farseer throne -- as an assassin.
So Fitz is apprenticed to Chade, the old recluse who is currently Shrewd's assassin. He learns to maim, to incapacitate, to kill. And then, as intrigue builds all around him and he is given his worst assignment yet, Fitz begins to realize that maybe the monarchy's greatest threat does not come from outside the royal family at all...
I loved this book, and this series, more than I can reasonably explain without gushing. (And I have, many times, to friends and family.) While the plot is just convoluted and fascinating enough to catch you by surprise or even shock you, it isn't the plot that carries you by -- because you are hardly even aware of it. There is no feeling of the author manipulating the story, only that the characters you come to love as though you know them yourself are propelling it.
And the characters in this series -- the Farseer, of which Assassin's Apprentice if first, and then, later, the Tawny Man, are truly the most incredible I've come across in a long time. From my favorite, the mysterious and lovable Fool, to Chade, to Shrewd, to Verity, to Kettricken, to Fitz himself -- every character is exquisitely and realistically captured.
I can't recommend this book -- and series -- more. Beautifully written, with a plot, world and characters you will never want to leave, this is one to reread over and over.
(In order: Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin's Quest)
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Characters ruin it all
Comment: From the book's title I waited the worst. Ninja-style-masked assassin creeping in the shadows, taking out seven guards with his shurikens, another twenty with a swing of his katana. Thank god, the book is NOTHING like that. In fact, it started out great. There was the excellent premise of a noble-born [..] that needs to be used in certain ways such that he does not become dangerous to the royal line. Loved it. Should mention, I've also enjoyed the italicized introductions to chapters from the narrator. Nice touch.
While the plot is probably B+ and deserves 4-4.5 stars, and the setting/premise full 5, what ruins the book is the characterization.
-Fitz - is it just me, or does this guy like barely speak? Sure, being the narrator we get to know alot about him through thoughts. Still, by the end of the book, I had the feeling that Fitz is, well, very passive.
-Galen/Regal - flat and pretty pointless. Seriously, nothing new in terms of villains
-Chade - helllllo cliched master to teach da apprentice
-The Fool - OK this guy could have been cool, especially when he talked gibberish. Then all of a sudden he talks normal for the second half of the book. Cmon, give me some weirdness here.
Probably the two best characters are Verity and Burrich. Both had more depth than simply good/bad.
I should also say, that this is a very detail-driven book. There is VERY little dialogue, so if you are looking for easier/more character driven story, don't even bother.
I am still debating whether to buy part 2. Perhaps when I have nothing better to read.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Farseer Trilogy Review
Comment: It agonizes me to continue reading this series because though it is good, the plot and style of writing suffocates the intended enthusiasm and joy that I should receive from this trilogy. Robin Hobb's effeminate style of writing does nothing for me and the way she stifles the main character (Fitz) is a constant drag the reader has to plow through. The villain is the typical carbon copy from other fantasy books and wields so much power without consequences that it's infuriating to take him seriously. The upper hand he always holds.
And yet with all it's flaws, it's still a decent book that is worthy of being read. It completes itself, and a lot can be said of an author that doesn't drag her story out for profit. Just be warned that it's not a feel good series but a roller coaster of emotions that more often than not leaves the reader at the bottom of the emotional ride than at the top...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Full series review...
Comment:
I actually really enjoyed this series once I sat myself down and dedicated myself to it. I read the first one and a bit of the second in bits and pieces and just couldn't engage myself with it, but once I actually sat down, I made my way through the second and third within a couple of days.
It was a great series. The world was very well constructed, the characters were interesting, the plot kept moving and I was practically in love with the Fool (what a great character). The thing I love the most about his series was the ending - it was technically a happy one, but every character had sacrificed so much to get there so it was very bitter sweet.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Customer Rating:
Summary: My first Robin Hobb, and certainly not my last.
Comment: A young boy is abandoned and left in the charge of the prince's men; the boy, they've said, is the prince's bastard. It is more than irony that descends upon the royal family when news that Prince Chivalry, at least in one act, has not lived up to his name. Upon some assemblance of acceptance, the young boy begins his education -- bastard or not, the son of a prince should be educated in books and battle. He also secretly begins his other training -- as an assassin for the king.
While Robin Hobb's work was basically recommended to me as a whole, this particular series, The Farseer, was said to be her best. I love the idea of a boy from a very young age being trained to do the king's most secret bidding. And just like that I am engrossed in these books.
I am pleased with the recommendation so far. Much of the action in the first book happens elsewhere and is then retold, rather than our young protagonist being there to experience everything first-hand. And there was a lot of setup in the first book, but that is fine because there was a lot to set up. By the end of the book, things are really set in motion and there is a great momentum that will carry me forward. I just hope that the momentum continues when I delve into book 2.
After one book I love that this is a three-book series. I am currently in the middle of a few series that seem neverending. My opinion may change as I get deeper into the trilogy, but for now I am excited for my next dose of Robin Hobb.
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Editorial Reviews:
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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 like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly 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.
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