The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

With unforgettable characters, a sweeping backdrop, and passionate storytelling, this is a fantasy debut to rival that of Robert Jordan. Filled with adventure and bloodshed, pageantry and piracy, mystery and menace, Assassin's Apprentice is the story of a royal house and the young man who is destined to chart its course through tempests of change. Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal household by his father's gruff stableman. An outcast whose existence has forced his father to abdicate his claim on the throne, Fitz is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in the young man's blood is a heritage of magic, the talent called the Skill, as well as another, even more mysterious ability.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts and leave behind the zombie-like husks of the townspeople to prowl the countryside, Fitz is growing toward manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission, a mission that poses as much a threat to himself as it does for his target---for Fitz is a threat to the throne...but he may also be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

©1999 Robin Hobb (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

“Intriguing, controlled, and remarkably assured...at once satisfyingly self-contained yet leaving plenty of scope for future extensions and embellishments.” ( Kirkus)

Started great then fizzled

The end was agony. It started so well and as it was so long of an audiobook I expected it to be great, but it just ,.. stopped being interesting and seemed forced. The last 3 hours were just Words words words words words. I just needed to get to the end.

Sweeter than Expected

=================================
What I loved about Assassin’s Apprentice!
=================================
The first person narrative in fantasy is what I prefer, and Assassin’s Apprentice didn’t disappoint in that regard. I enjoy getting close to one character and following him or her throughout the story. I think this is what kept me reading. The happenings in the world built intrigue and interest. I wanted to learn more, yet my perspective remained limited like that of the narrator.

I’m interested to see where the rest of the series takes the premise of “The Skill” and “The Wit.”

Robin Hobb did a great job of setting up the world, and as the first in a series, that’s critical. Set in a typical fantasy medieval world, a few unique traditions make it original. Other unique elements include telepathic magic and the red ships / forged ones that build quite a bit of mystery and intrigue that keeps you pressing through.

=================================
What could have been better?
=================================
The naming tradition within the royal family irritated me quite a bit. It seemed a cheap way to develop a character without really putting in the effort to developing and showing the character traits.

When the forged ones came into play, my initial thought was “Oh, no! Zombie Zone…” followed by a dramatic eye-roll. However, I pressed forward, and I’m still not certain if they are zombies or something else. I worry that if they are, it will make me put the series down immediately. We shall see.

As I mentioned in the summary, many threads were started but not completed. Namely, I’m still wondering how the magic sways the overall story? Also, what happens with the red ships and forged ones? I really don’t feel closure at the end of this novel. Granted, Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel Series is my measuring stick for all fantasy series. In those, every book wraps up a complete story, yet I still want more and more of the main characters after reading each one.

=================================
All-in-all
=================================
It’s worth the read, but I wouldn’t rave about it like so many of the other reviews. I can’t say if it would be better through audio or reading, but the audio was enjoyable. Unfortunately, even though there is a complete arc here, I don’t think it’s the end of the story–hence, a series, I’m sure.

It's a hard life learning to be a Assassin!!!

Good book, it takes a while to get going.Some stuff is left open,so I have to start the second book.The Farseer was not explained the book goes into the skill and that is understood their could be more killings by Fits,but overall good book!!!

Slow Slow Build But Necessary

Any additional comments?

A very slow start and takes almost to the second book to really get the ball moving. Its a must due to the fact the last book is awesome. great story but at times too much detail and drawn out.

Great Listen

I enjoyed this very much, was a little slow at times but character development is important to me. Overall great listen and has drawn me in to purchase the rest of the trilogy.

Very well written

Very well written

I don't do spoilers, but the story unfolds well and is an interesting and hearty read

Great book!

Loved it! Fell in love after the first couple chapters. Def recommend it to anyone.

Makes you care

Great job. At first I wasn't sure about the narrator and writing bc of the polished way to it when it's supposed to be an assassin's voice but once you go through it it's perfect. Favorite book I have listened to in a long time. The writing made me feel and care for the characters.

Good storyline and great character development

The hardest part about reading/listening to a series is when it's finally over (or you're waiting for the next book) to then jump into another series. now waiting on 3 other series to continue I decided to give this one a shot. I had some apprehension at the beginning of this book because I was still in the world of Locke from lies of Locke lamora. but eventually grew to thoroughly enjoy Fitz as the main protagonist and am excited to see where it goes in book 2/3. If youre a fan of fantasy and subdued action this series is great for you.

One of the best starts to a story I've experienced

Being that my work allows me to listen to books for long periods of time, I've gone through more books this year than ever before. I've started and finished many series but this is the best start to one this year and maybe ever. Robin Hobb brings these characters to life and makes the world she created feel real and lived in. I can't wait to continue on to the next one!