
The Farseer: Assassin's Apprentice
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Narrated by:
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Paul Boehmer
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By:
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Robin Hobb
About this listen
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 TantorCritic reviews
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Started great then fizzled
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What I loved about Assassin’s Apprentice!
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The first person narrative in fantasy is what I prefer, and Assassin’s Apprentice didn’t disappoint in that regard. I enjoy getting close to one character and following him or her throughout the story. I think this is what kept me reading. The happenings in the world built intrigue and interest. I wanted to learn more, yet my perspective remained limited like that of the narrator.
I’m interested to see where the rest of the series takes the premise of “The Skill” and “The Wit.”
Robin Hobb did a great job of setting up the world, and as the first in a series, that’s critical. Set in a typical fantasy medieval world, a few unique traditions make it original. Other unique elements include telepathic magic and the red ships / forged ones that build quite a bit of mystery and intrigue that keeps you pressing through.
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What could have been better?
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The naming tradition within the royal family irritated me quite a bit. It seemed a cheap way to develop a character without really putting in the effort to developing and showing the character traits.
When the forged ones came into play, my initial thought was “Oh, no! Zombie Zone…” followed by a dramatic eye-roll. However, I pressed forward, and I’m still not certain if they are zombies or something else. I worry that if they are, it will make me put the series down immediately. We shall see.
As I mentioned in the summary, many threads were started but not completed. Namely, I’m still wondering how the magic sways the overall story? Also, what happens with the red ships and forged ones? I really don’t feel closure at the end of this novel. Granted, Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel Series is my measuring stick for all fantasy series. In those, every book wraps up a complete story, yet I still want more and more of the main characters after reading each one.
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All-in-all
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It’s worth the read, but I wouldn’t rave about it like so many of the other reviews. I can’t say if it would be better through audio or reading, but the audio was enjoyable. Unfortunately, even though there is a complete arc here, I don’t think it’s the end of the story–hence, a series, I’m sure.
Sweeter than Expected
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It's a hard life learning to be a Assassin!!!
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Any additional comments?
A very slow start and takes almost to the second book to really get the ball moving. Its a must due to the fact the last book is awesome. great story but at times too much detail and drawn out.Slow Slow Build But Necessary
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Great Listen
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I don't do spoilers, but the story unfolds well and is an interesting and hearty read
Very well written
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Great book!
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Makes you care
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Good storyline and great character development
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One of the best starts to a story I've experienced
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