Assassin's Apprentice
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Image:Robin Hobb - Assassin's Apprentice Cover.jpg Assassin's Apprentice is a book by Robin Hobb, the first in her Farseer Trilogy. It was her first book under this pseudonym, and published in 1995.
Editions
- An American English paperback edition was issued in New York by Bantam Books in 1995 with ISBN 0553374451. The cover of this edition is illustrated by Michael Whelan.
- A British English paperback edition was issued in London by Voyager/HarperCollins in 1995 with ISBN 0006480098. This edition's cover is illustrated by John Howe.
Plot
The beginning of Fitz's life as a "bastard" (hence his name, FitzChivalry, after his father Chivalry) in Buckkeep Castle as he begins his training as an assassin and finally completes his first, yet devastating mission.
The story begins with Fitz (thus far just called "Boy") being dumped into the presence of Prince Regal by commoner Grandfather. The commoners cannot take proper care of Fitz with their limited means. Even at a very young age Fitz is shown to possess the despised ancient magic called "The Wit" magic. This allows him to telepathically communicate with a dog named Nosy. Regal decides that Fitz is to be taken to the castle at Buckkeep. His father (Prince Chivalry) and his father's wife (Lady Patience) moved away from Buckkeep long before "Boy" ever arrived, driven by the shame of Chivalry siring a bastard son to a commoner. Chivalry and Patience move to an estate in the country far before "Boy" arrives. "Boy" is not of pure royal blood and therefore isn't accepted by the other nobility. Burrich, his father's right hand man is charged with raising Fitz. Fitz is raised by Burrich the best he is able and is given the job of stable boy by Burrich. Fitz quickly learns his duties and grows although he is very lonely.
Eventually Fitz agrees to become a "King's Man" to King Shrewd and is bound by oath to serve the king. He is taken into King Shrewd's service and moves into the castle proper. Here he is schooled and is taught basic combat skills by Hodd.
Eventually Fitz is introduced to the recluse, Chade. Chade is a skilled assassin. Fitz agrees to learn these skills as he is desperately lonely and seemingly has no other prospects.
The book is an incredible venture into the mind of a young boy, giving detailed descriptions of his emotions and reactions throughout.Template:Fantasy-book-stub