Assassin's Quest

The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 37 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

The gripping finale to Robin Hobb’s classic Farseer trilogy.

Keystone. Gate. Crossroads. Catalyst.

Fitz is about to discover the truth about the Fool's prophecy. Having been resurrected from his fatal tortures in Regal's dungeons, Fitz has once more foiled Regal's attempts to be rid of him. Now, back in his own body, and after months of rehabilitation, Fitz begins the painful and slow process of learning the ways of a man again.

Under the watchful eye of Burrich, old King Shrewd's Stablemaster, Fitz must learn to cast off the wild but carefree ways of the wolf and enter once more the human world: a world beset ever more viciously by the relentless Red Ship Raiders who are now left free to plunder any coastal town they please. But more immediately, a world in which he finds he is utterly alone.

Regal has stripped the kingdom of its riches and retired to the inland city of Tradeford. Of Verity, on his quest to find the legendary Elderings, there has been no word; Molly, Kettricken, and the Fool have all vanished. Unless Fitz can find Verity and help him in his quest, the Six Duchies will perish and there will be no safe place to live.

©2012 Robin Hobb (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

“Hobb is one of the great modern fantasy writers … what makes her novels as addictive as morphine is not just their imaginative brilliance but the way her characters are compromised and manipulated by politics.” ( The Times)

“In today’s crowded fantasy market Robin Hobb’s books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons” (George R. R. Martin)

Dripping dissapointment

Wish i had never listened to the first book, will never read anything from this author again.

Not a very bright hero

I was often going 'Urgh, how dumb is this guy' when Fitz was stumbling head first into a trap. It's like the author gave him no survival instincts or critical thinking skills. He literally couldn't sense danger if it landed on his head and tried to kill him. So many times his words or actions made me lose respect for him. The character development was non existent, I know he is the 'catalyst', but that doesn't mean he should be a flat character. The wolf was very cool though

Weird storyline and over-romanticism

Started off as good as last books, but lost me efter a while. Storyline got hard to understand and was heavily romanticized at times. Also the author shouldn't misuse "decimated" or use "irregardless"

Good characters, poor reveal

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

yes, if he or she were a fan of fantasy

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I hate it when you know the plot twists before the protagonist. I was just thinking he must be an idiot if he can't see it.

What does Paul Boehmer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Distinct, appropriate voices.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

I cared about the character, but I was annoyed his development was slow in parts, and that he always reacted emotionally. Considering what he'd been through you'd think he would have got a handle on his emotions and never seemed to develop. He was also thick, you can see plot twists coming a mile away, but the hero never seems to which had me yelling at my car stereo "you idiot!" more than once. But I did like the characters, I liked the overall story and I liked the world building.

I think if this book had been written today it would be returned to the author for a rewrite. For example detailed supporting characters that you never see again. But in spite of all its flaws, I'm glad I listened to it and there was more to enjoy than to dislike.

Fitz POV much too feminine and sub plots belaboring!!!

No question that Hobbs writes beautifully. But far far too indulgent. The trails and physical abuse Fitz experiences is simply unnecessary and gets laborious and very frustrating. It causes the story to just drag on and on. All that saves the story is that is beautifully performed.

Perhaps more critically is Fitz adult point of view is much too female. (Ok, guilty… my wife says I am a chauvinist) In book one as a child the softer personality the feminine outlook was endearing and appropriate. By book two it was getting wearing. By book three it was totally inappropriate and frankly annoying.

All this criticism aside, as said before, Hobbs writes beautifully and definitely has wonderful insights on life and very cleaver ways of story telling.

I do recommend reading the book but go into it ready to endure….

dragged along abit.

Very interesting but felt the storyline was elongated, but incredibly world and characters. Good read regardless.