Book Review: "Royal Assassin" by Robin Hobb

(Farseer #2)

My Rating: 

Why? Robin Hobb's book shows a depth of character and realism that fantasy books don't usually have, while telling a classic story that will pull you in!

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Plot Tease

Young Fitz has just survived his first perilous mission as an assassin. But the cost has been high, and a brush with death has left him little more than a cripple. But love and events of terrible urgency soon draw him back to the court of the Six Duchies. Meanwhile, the terrible Red-Ship Raiders have renewed their vicious attacks on the coast. The kingdom is also under attack from within, as plotting and treachery threaten the throne of the ailing King Shrewd. In this time of great danger, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands - and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice. 

Full Book Review

Somehow, Robin Hobb manages to write books different from all other fantasy books (Disclaimer: ...that I have read to date!). Fitz is one character in a cast of many who are all incredibly detailed and constantly developing. This entire series so far is on my top fantasy books list, for sure. 

At the end of the last novel, Fitz was barely hanging on to life. When you open Royal Assassin, you'll find a character that is about to become a man. His sense of responsibility is on the verge of collapse at first, but his relationships at home are threatened and he finds his footing. Fitz finally finds a real sense of maturity, despite all his personal failings.

That is partly due to the character of Molly. While Fitz was gone, she took up a position as the servant of Lady Patience because of financial need. In the last book, these two characters were on equal footing as crazy street children. Although Fitz is starting to become a man, Molly has already been catapulted forward into adulthood. She makes sacrifices in order to survive, whereas Fitz is still leaning towards his old complaining ways. However, his affection for her is still strong, and the desire to be worthy of her love pushes him as a character.

But it also gets him in loads of trouble. When it comes to Molly, Fitz is totally blind. You'll want to smack some sense into him by the end of the book. He's so desperate to win her love that he makes some really, really dumb decisions. He grows and learns, but its really painful along the way at times. 

This book review would not be complete if I neglected to talk about Kettricken's development as a character. You guys, Kettricken is awesome. The poor girl is taken from her homeland, across a continent to marry an older man who is mostly absent, and thrust into a royal court of people who's values are completely opposite of hers. And yet she owns. Her strength is quiet, but it's definitely ironclad. It's a (terrible) cliche in fantasy books that female characters have to be either warrior princesses or demure ladies. But the best authors break this mold, and Kettricken is an example of that.

She is never overbearing, but she can't be pushed around either. Time and again she shows that she knows what is right and acts on it, despite popular opinion. She is a regent and a servant of her people, which is really beautiful. If I was going to pick someone as a role model from these books, Kettricken would definitely be high on the list. She has an inner light that is not sullied by any of the intrigue in Buckkeep. 

Let's talk about Regal. Fitz's half-uncle is the epitome of slimy villain that fantasy books sometimes showcase. I really can't think of anything redeemable about his character. Let's see: he's got an irrational hate of Fitz, he's a liar, he'd throw his own family under the bus to get his way, he's a traitor to his country, he snaps easily, and he's a drug addict (ahem). In Royal Assassin he begins to move into the spotlight, and the consequences are somewhat devastating. It's disgusting how he treats the people beneath him, especially those he finds fault in. 

The Fool and Fitz seem to be on his list especially. Fitz is, honestly, a derp sometimes. But we stick with him. The Fool on the other hand is admittedly my favorite character at this point. Intrinsically, he's an outsider with a passion and strength that no one expects. These things are revealed to only a few. The rest of the world sees an overly strange, odd looking wit and either reacts with repulsion or—at least—believes him to be of no value. The inspiring part for me is the way this phases him. Which is to say: not at all. He is a true believer in his vision of the world's future, and no matter the personal consequences he does not let go. If there were more characters like him in life, we would be better off. 

Well, that paragraph was supposed to be about how Regal yells and throws teacups at him and is generally reprehensible, but I couldn't do it. Fool, you hijacked me, again.

This series is definitely in my top fantasy books list. As far as characters are concerned, it is ridiculous how good these are. Even when you don't like them, you they will make you feel. Which is great. Whenever I'm asked about the best fantasy books, these come to mind first. Please give this series a try! I'm almost completely positive that you will find something fantastic in them. 

Talk Back!

There's a lot of variation in fantasy books these days. Which is your favorite series?

POLL! Why do you read a book review? To find out about new books or talk about ones you've already read?

If you've read them: Do you believe in the Fool's explanation of himself? Is Fitz right to put his trust in him?

Do you think love helps or hurts the hero here? Does Fitz's focus on Molly hold him back?

"The most distinctive part of your fighting style is the incredible way you have of surviving it." - Verity 

Cost: New $7.99/Used $0.01 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)

Buy "Royal Assassin" on Amazon.

This book review is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are entirely my own.