Book Blurb
About twenty years ago, Robin Hobb made a remarkable entry into the fantasy genre with the first Farseer novel, “Assassin’s Apprentice,” featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his enigmatic friend, the Fool. This novel, along with others that followed, carved new paths in fantasy literature. Alongside George R. R. Martin, Hobb paved the way for new talents like Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik.
Robin Hobb’s creativity has explored the mythical lands of the Six Duchies in series such as the Liveship Traders Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. Nonetheless, her true passion remained with Fitz. Now, she’s returned with an exhilarating new novel that brings a darker, more gripping continuation of the Farseer saga.
FitzChivalry, once a royal bastard and king’s assassin, has left his secretive life behind. The world believes FitzChivalry Farseer to be dead. Living under the alias Tom Badgerlock, he’s married his childhood love, Molly, and now leads a peaceful life as a country squire. However, Fitz is still haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who played a critical role in shaping him. These personal sorrows are set aside for daily life until the arrival of ominous, pale-skinned strangers threatens his past and future. Fitz must once again embrace his former life to protect his new one.
Review: Fool’s Assassin
When I finished “Fool’s Fate,” I was a mess. I didn’t just tear up; I sobbed uncontrollably, both during and after reading it. The ending left me so heartbroken I couldn’t touch another novel for weeks. The Tawny Man trilogy, and the overall story of Fitz and the Fool, have profoundly affected me. To say it changed my life isn’t an overstatement. I couldn’t accept the ending, nor could I handle Robin Hobb’s silence on whether there would be more.
That’s why I was filled with both excitement and fear when “Fool’s Assassin” came out, starting a new trilogy: Fitz and the Fool. I had to know what happened next. Would Fitz and the Fool reunite? Could they heal old wounds, or would Hobb subject them to even more pain?
Without giving too much away for those unfamiliar with the story, this book was so captivating I almost wanted to devour it. The new setting of Withywoods was charming, especially the winter scenes. I adored the new character, Bee, and was thrilled by the clues hidden in the cover art. Surprisingly, I even warmed up to Molly for the first time.
However, don’t be deceived by the relatively gentle pace of the story. Just when you think Hobb has mellowed, she hits you with unexpected suffering, leaving you begging for the next book with questions like, “But what happens next?!” and the ever-familiar, “Fitz, how can you be so dense?” Like many fans worldwide, I have to patiently await the next installment.
If you haven’t yet started the journey with Fitz and the Fool, iBooks is currently offering the first book, “Assassin’s Apprentice,” for free. You can enjoy the gripping saga from the very beginning.
Adaptation Recommendation
Given the epic nature of this story, an adaptation would have to be a large-scale TV series, much like “Game of Thrones,” or a series of big, beautiful films akin to “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”
Overall Rating
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
Romance Rating
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
Book Info
– Hardcover: 641 pages
– Publisher: Del Rey
– Genre: Fantasy
Buy at: Amazon and Amazon UK
