I Read Books: Assassin's Apprentice
Fitz is the illegitimate child of Prince Chivalry Farseer and his appearance at the age of 6 leads Chivalry to renounce his claim to the throne. Fitz is brought up by a variety of people at court, his situation ambiguous. The Farseers are ruthless, but also caring and passionate rulers; Fitz is cared for and secretly trained as an assassin and spy.
Hobb’s craft from the smallest scales to the largest make this a sublime fantasy novel. Born on the wrong side of the blanket, Fitz moves between the highest levels, with intrigue between Prince Verity the King-in-Waiting and his brother Prince Regal, and the Farseer magic, the Skill, through the developing war with the Red Ship Raiders, down to the urchins of the town below. Fitz lives in the shadows, as a sidekick to various characters who might be the heroes in other stories.
Fitz makes some dumb mistakes, which is basically his M.O. Here he’s a kid, but as the books are written from his point of view with the benefit of hindsight, he’s pretty hard on himself. But subtly, just explaining what happened. Anyway can be a bit of a depressing read because of that.
Read This: A modern classic of fantasy
Don’t Read This: It’s the first of a thick trilogy and there are sequel series as well, so if you aren’t going to buckle up for that, maybe better not to start.
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