Assassin’s Apprentice

By: Robin Hobb

Narrated by: Joe Eyre

‘Fantasy as it ought to be written’ George R.R. Martin

The kingdom of the Six Duchies is on the brink of civil war when news breaks that the crown prince has fathered a bastard son and is shamed into abdication. The child’s name is Fitz, and he is despised.

Raised in the castle stables, only the company of the king’s fool, the ragged children of the lower city, and his unusual affinity with animals provide Fitz with any comfort.

To be useful to the crown, Fitz is trained as an assassin; and to use the traditional magic of the Farseer family. But his tutor, allied to another political faction, is determined to discredit, even kill him. Fitz must survive: for he may be destined to save the kingdom.

©1995 Robin Hobb (P)2026 HarperCollins Publishers

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

I'm in

The gushers may be right! On to book 2. I eject to update this then.

I have a new favourite

Brilliant writing. It's an expertly weaved story with many surprising twists and turns to the last sentence. Production quality not that great, but not too distracting.

Excellent character and world building

While this is slower than modern fiction, I loved really getting to know the main character, as well as many other characters. This, plus the world building, made the story immersive. And towards the end when it picks up speed, it was captivating, extremely clever, and I could not figure out what would happen until the very end. Great listen!