The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice

De: Robin Hobb

Narrado por: 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

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

Great book

I'm going to be suffering from withdraw for the next 2 months while I wait for the next book in this series to come out in audio... I've been looking for a good series to start with this author, but the only one audible has had in the past is the Soldier Son series and by all reports it isn't her best work. After reading this I think it likely I will pick that series up anyway, since even this author's sub-par work is still likely to be quite good.

This book is not heavy on fight scenes, and the main character isn't even that good in a face-to-face fight when it happens. Indeed, for an assassin he manages to kill and wound very few people, and is generally quite nice and likable. The thing that makes this story so excellent is it's world-building and attention to detail, and its ability to build and sustain tension. The plot moves from point to point and as one tension eases, another takes up the slack, drawing you constantly onward and never producing a dull moment. The characters are so well done that I can think of real people who have less personality. I can see how the lack of action might deter some people, but if you enjoy detailed world-building and excellent writing, this is a book you are sure to enjoy.

Another person mentioned the "Night Angel" series, which I have personally read and enjoyed - this however, is the EXACT opposite take on a fantasy assassin series in every way I can think of (and is written far better). Also, I don't know what it is about this reader and assassin books, but he is well suited to it.

Not much of an assassin...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

For a trilogy with the word 'Assassin' in the title, it's quite deceptive. The hero is whiny and lacks courage, and the fact that he's an assassin has very little to do with the story, nor is he good at being an assassin. The story is decent but tends to drag on at times, with the hero constantly weary and in a state of woe. There are many good characters in this book, but the hero is the least inspiring. I would have given 2.5 stars if possible.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Average and predictable.

What three words best describe Paul Boehmer’s performance?

Decent character voices.

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

I would rent it, but not pay theatre price.

Any additional comments?

Be prepared to constantly expect something around the corner that never comes.

A chance to grow up alongside a young assassin.

The Farseers rule the Six Duchies and have for many generations but dire times are at hand. The Red Ships are raiding the coastal cities and the King is aging. He has many sons so the line of succession is well defined, but that doesn't exactly sit well with the son who is furthest down the line.

Sound familiar? It certainly is but Robin Hobb offers you the chance to experience it all from the perspective of a young boy who doesn't even know his name. This boy is thrust into the middle of Six Duchies intrigue and politics and his life is directed down a path dictated by others every step of the way.

You learn about the world as the boy does including the magical abilities known as the Skill and the Wit. The Skill allows individuals to share thoughts and strength over vast distances and the Wit allows people to share their minds and thoughts with animals. For me it was the concept of Wit-bonds that are formed between people and animals that got me emotionally invested in Robin Hobb's world and characters.

I found it very easy to align with the main character and I enjoyed learning about the world from his perspective. This book made me want to know what happens next in the series but it is also complete enough to stand alone. Book 2 is not that way and if you go beyond the first book you are likely in for all three as I found the end of book 2 to be thoroughly unsatisfying.

Paul Boehmer does a fine job as narrator and since he also narrates the Night Angel series it felt right at home having him read the tale of another young assassin. The two series are very different, but both enjoyable in their own ways.

Well written, but can be tiresome

I really wanted to like this book better than I did. It's well written, great descriptions and interesting characters and situations.
However, the denseness of the main character sometimes drove me nuts. I understood where that denseness came from (you'll know what I mean if you've read the book) and intellectually, it made sense, but I just couldn't get over the damage that was done. I don't want a Mary Sue, but I do want a main character who can accomplish SOMETHING, for goodness' sake!
In a way, it was very realistically done (which is why, even though I got frustrated, I gave it 4 stars). I'd like to know what happens, but I don't know if I can do it.
As an aside, I found Boehmer's voice to be a little high-brow sounding for a narrator who, in the beginning of the book comes from humble origins, but I got used to it by the end.

Great Series!

I really loved this series - could not put it down. The characters are great - immediately drawn into the story and felt connected with them. Assassins are awesome, we all know that, but this series is so much more... Extremely well written - and not...your standard, predictable story-line...

Get this one.