Assassin’s Apprentice

The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

The first volume in Robin Hobb’s internationally bestselling Farseer series.

In a faraway land where members of the royal family are named for the virtues they embody, one young boy will become a walking enigma.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Fitz, son of Chivalry Farseer, is a royal bastard cast out into the world, friendless and lonely. Only his magical link with animals – the old art known as the Wit – gives him solace and companionship. But the Wit, if used too often, is a perilous magic, and one abhorred by the nobility.

So when Fitz is finally adopted into the royal household, he must give up his old ways and embrace a new life of weaponry, scribing, courtly manners; and how to kill a man secretly, as he trains to become a royal assassin.

©1995 Robin Hobb

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

‘Hobb is superb’ Conn Iggulden

‘Hobb is a remarkable storyteller’ Guardian

‘This is a historical novel with a sly touch of magic. The first in the Farseer trilogy, this book will get new readers hooked on a series that recalls HBO’s Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings’ Telegraph

Great start of Realms of the Elderlings trilogies

I read the Liveship Trader trilogy about 25 years ago and was mightily impressed by Hobb's writing. Now I've finally returned to this author with part 1 of the Farseer trilogy, and even though these books are even older than the Liveship series, I'm still swepped off of my feet. What a ride, this is how it's done.

I'll definitely finish the trilogy, will probably continue on with the Liveship Traders (in audio format this time) and will finish with the third trilogy in that same universe, The Tawny Man trilogy, with which we'll return to the Farseer protagonist. Can't wait, even though it'll probably take me a year or so to finish all of them!

Highly recommend.

Engrossing

Where does Assassin’s Apprentice rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It rates right up at the top. It has become a favourite.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Apart from the main character Fitz I think Chade is my favourite because he is the one that needs the most unraveling. He is the Master Assassin the one character who has the most to unravel,.

Have you listened to any of Paul Boehmer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I enjoy this performance. The reading is very crisp and clear. I hate it when it is time to stop. Paul Boehmer really does bring the characters alive and takes you right into the story.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment when Fitz stabs King Shrewd's knife into Chade's hearth Defiantly.

Any additional comments?

Like I said this book has become a firm favourite, I've read it over and over. I love the court intrigue. The fast pace as the story unfolds.

Intriguing

The first installment of the Farseer series does not disappoint. It sucks you right in with memorable characters and moments that makes you insists to yourself that you will only listen 5 more minutes.

Outstanding

If you could sum up Assassin’s Apprentice in three words, what would they be?

The most amazing story.

What did you like best about this story?

All of it.

What about Paul Boehmer’s performance did you like?

Sometimes I did not like the voices he put to some of the characters, but the story took over.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Basically

Great

Narator is great , has different voices and easy to tell when the speaker changes

Story is great !