Summary
Assassin's Apprentice, published in 1995, is the first book in Robin Hobb's acclaimed Farseer Trilogy. Hailed by Publishers Weekly as “a gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies and Arthurian romances,” the novel introduces FitzChivalry Farseer, a royal bastard trained as an assassin. Its success spawned multiple sequel trilogies set in the same fictional world, collectively known as the Realm of the Elderlings series. Hobb's intricate plotting and nuanced character development have earned her a devoted fanbase over the decades since Assassin's Apprentice was first released.
Plot
In The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice, a young boy named Fitz is brought to Buckkeep Castle as the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry. His father abdicates and retires without ever meeting him, leaving Fitz to be raised by the royal stableman, Burrich. As Fitz grows up, he discovers he possesses two magical abilities—the Wit, which allows him to communicate with animals, and the Skill, a form of telepathy used by the royal family.
King Shrewd recognizes Fitz's potential and secretly arranges for him to be trained as an assassin by the mysterious Chade Fallstar. Meanwhile, the coastal regions of the Six Duchies are under attack by the Red-Ship Raiders, who leave their victims in a zombie-like state. Fitz becomes involved in defending the kingdom, using his assassin skills to eliminate threats and his magical abilities to assist Prince Verity in combating the raiders.
Fitz faces numerous challenges, including hostility from the cruel Skill teacher Galen, who attempts to sabotage his training. As political intrigue unfolds, Fitz becomes embroiled in a plot involving the arranged marriage between Prince Verity and Princess Kettricken of the Mountain Kingdom. Sent on a mission to assassinate Kettricken's brother, he discovers the order is based on false information provided by the scheming Prince Regal.
Assassin's Apprentice culminates in a series of dramatic events in the Mountain Kingdom. Fitz uncovers a conspiracy to seize the throne, led by Prince Regal and Galen. He manages to thwart their plans but is poisoned in the process. Using his Skill, Fitz contacts Prince Verity for help, leading to Galen's defeat. Narrowly surviving, the young assassin recovers slowly from the ordeal but suffers lasting effects on his health. The story concludes with Fitz reflecting on his experiences and the challenges that lie ahead.
Themes
Coming of age and identity formation
Loyalty and betrayal within royal politics
The burden of secret knowledge and abilities
Nature of family and belonging
Moral ambiguity in service to the crown
Contrast between different types of magic
Overcoming prejudice and social stigma
Setting
Set in a medieval-inspired fantasy world, The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice takes place in the Six Duchies, a coastal kingdom ruled by the Farseer royal family. The story unfolds primarily at Buckkeep Castle, the seat of power, where young Fitz begins his journey from outcast to royal assassin.
The era depicted is one of political intrigue, maritime trade, and looming threats from barbarian raiders known as the Red-Ship Raiders. Magic exists in this world, manifesting as the Skill, a hereditary telepathic ability, and the Wit, a controversial power allowing communication with animals. These magical elements are woven into the fabric of daily life and court politics.
Beyond the Six Duchies lies the Mountain Kingdom, a neighboring realm that becomes crucial to the plot as alliances are forged through marriage. The coastal regions, constantly under threat from raiders, play a significant role in shaping the kingdom's defensive strategies and the characters' motivations. This rich, multi-faceted setting provides a compelling backdrop for the unfolding drama of Fitz's life and the larger conflicts threatening the realm.
Characters
FitzChivalry Farseer: The protagonist and narrator. A royal bastard raised in Buckkeep Castle, Fitz is secretly trained as an assassin. He possesses both the Skill and the Wit magical abilities. Despite facing prejudice and danger, Fitz remains loyal to the Farseer throne.
Burrich: The royal stablemaster who raises Fitz. A gruff but caring father figure, Burrich teaches Fitz about animals and disapproves of the Wit. He is fiercely loyal to the Farseers and becomes a key ally to Fitz.
Chade Fallstar: The royal assassin who trains Fitz. A secretive and scarred man, Chade becomes a mentor and confidant to Fitz. He teaches him the art of assassination and espionage.
King Shrewd: The aging king of the Six Duchies. A cunning ruler who uses Fitz as a secret weapon. He recognizes Fitz's potential but also manipulates him for political gain.
Prince Verity: King Shrewd's second son and heir, a dutiful and honorable prince who defends the kingdom against Raiders. He forms a bond with Fitz and relies on his Skill abilities.
Prince Regal: King Shrewd's youngest son and the novel’s main antagonist. Ambitious and cruel, Regal despises Fitz and schemes to take the throne.
Lady Patience: Chivalry's widow, who becomes a mother figure to Fitz. Eccentric and kindhearted, she helps Fitz navigate court life.
Molly: A candlemaker's daughter and Fitz's childhood friend. She becomes Fitz's love interest as they grow older.
Galen: The Skillmaster who trains Fitz and other students. Cruel and prejudiced, he attempts to sabotage Fitz's training.
Kettricken: Princess of the Mountain Kingdom, who becomes Verity's betrothed. Strong-willed and compassionate, she plays a crucial role in the political landscape.
Quick facts
Assassin's Apprentice was the first novel published by the author under the pseudonym Robin Hobb.
The book's original working title was “Chivalry's Bastard.”
Assassin's Apprentice launched the Farseer Trilogy, which went on to spawn multiple sequel trilogies set in the same world.
The main character, Fitz, possesses two different types of magic—the Wit and the Skill.
Assassin's Apprentice introduces the concept of the Forged Ones—people robbed of their humanity and emotions.
The cover art for the US edition was created by renowned fantasy artist Michael Whelan.
The Dutch symphonic metal band Within Temptation credited the novel and its moral conflicts with inspiring the lyrics for their 2007 song, “Hand of Sorrow.”
In 2013, the British group Kitchen Party released a single called “Fitz's Poem” inspired by Assassin’s Apprentice.
In 2020, Folio Society released a special illustrated hardback edition of the entire trilogy.
About the Author
Robin Hobb is the pen name of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden, an acclaimed American fantasy author. She achieved major commercial success as Robin Hobb in 1995 with the publication of Assassin's Apprentice, the first book in her Farseer Trilogy. This launched the Realm of the Elderlings series, which spans 16 novels across five subseries. Her work as Robin Hobb is characterized by rich world-building, complex characterization, and themes exploring otherness, gender, and humanity's relationship with nature.
Born in California in 1952, Ogden grew up in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, environments that deeply influenced her writing. She began publishing short stories and children's fiction under her real name and the pseudonym Megan Lindholm in the 1970s and 1980s. Throughout her career, she has received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Her novel Wizard of the Pigeons, which she published in 1986 as Megan Lindholm, is considered an early pioneer of urban fantasy. As Robin Hobb, she has been praised for her introspective, character-driven approach to epic fantasy. By 2018, her works had been translated into 22 languages and sold over four million copies worldwide.
In 2021, Ogden was awarded the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in recognition of her contributions to the genre. She continues to write under both pen names and resides in Tacoma, Washington with her husband.
