Book Review: "Assassin's Fate" by Robin Hobb

(Fitz & The Fool #3)
My Rating:  4.5/5

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Plot Tease

Bee has been kidnapped by the Servants, a society whose members dream possible futures to add to their wealth and influence. Bee plays a crucial part in these prophecies—but just what part remains uncertain.

Fitz and the Fool, believing her dead, embark on a mission of revenge that will take them to the distant island where the Servants reside—a place the Fool once called home and later called prison.

For all his injuries, however, the Fool is not as helpless as he seems. He is a dreamer too, able to shape the future. And though Fitz is no longer the peerless assassin of his youth, he remains a man to be reckoned with. Their goal is simple: to make sure not a single Servant survives.

Book Review

The end is finally here, whether we were ready for it or not.

The Fool and the Assassin barrel headlong toward their certain deaths. There has been no pause in that momentum since Fool's Quest. While this may be a welcome plot dynamic to some readers, the sustained level of tension is at risk of becoming tiring before the mid-point of the book. Despite this consistency, the emotional ride of Assassin's Fate is a classic Hobb rollercoaster. So grab your Feels, and let's jump into it.

Book Review: "Fool's Quest" by Robin Hobb

(Fitz & The Fool #2)
My Rating:  5/5

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Plot Tease

After nearly killing his oldest friend, the Fool, and finding his daughter stolen away by those who were once targeting the Fool, FitzChivarly Farseer is out for blood. And who better to wreak havoc than a highly trained and deadly former royal assassin?

Fitz might have let his skills go fallow over his years of peace, but such things, once learned, are not so easily forgotten. And nothing is more dangerous than a man who has nothing left to lose... 

Book Review

The story of Fitz and The Fool picks back up exactly where it left off in Fool's Assassin, standing on the edge of a knife, searching for a way out.

Prophet and Catalyst have definitely gotten themselves into a messy place, and ultimately I wasn't sure how Robin Hobb could manage to guide us out of it. But Fool's Quest is full of surprises and dramatic moments that don't disappoint.

Book Review: "Fool's Assassin" by Robin Hobb

(Fitz & The Fool #1)
My Rating:  5/5

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Plot Tease

FitzChivalry—royal bastard and former king’s assassin—has left his life of intrigue behind. As far as the rest of the world knows, FitzChivalry Farseer is dead and buried. Masquerading as Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is now married to his childhood sweetheart, Molly, and leading the quiet life of a country squire.

Though Fitz is haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who did so much to shape Fitz into the man he has become, such private hurts are put aside. At least, until the appearance of menacing, pale-skinned strangers casts a sinister shadow over Fitz’s past . . . and his future. 

Book Review

So I sat down to write this review, and all I could think was: "Oh my dear Sa I can't even Robin Hobb," along with "What are you doing to me and my heart"

When I heard that Robin Hobb would pick up Fitz's story once more after 11 years of silence, I have to admit I was floored. In so many ways. There was excitement, of course, and a sheer feeling of incredulity that the story of Fitz and Fool wasn't over. Along with that, though, was fear. Fear that all of my hopes and dreams would be crushed when this long-awaited next installment was published, and that I would have to watch in horror as my favorite characters suffered heartache and pain.

Well anyone who know Fitz knows that we can't escape any of these books without a little heartache - but oh boy was I in for a wild, unexpected ride when I finally got my hands on Fool's Assassin.

Book Review: "Assassin's Quest" by Robin Hobb

(Farseer #3)
My Rating: 
Why? Robin Hobb writes deep, realistic characters that go on a classic fantasy fiction quest anyone can enjoy. Her writing style and themes set her apart from most other fantasy fiction authors.
Cost: New $7.19/Used $0.01 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)

Buy Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb on Amazon.

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Plot Tease

FitzChivalry confronts his destiny as the catalyst who holds the fate of the kingdom of the Six Duchies...and the world itself. King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz—or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin. Only Verity's return—or the heir his princess carries—can save the Six Duchies.

But Fitz will not wait. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him—currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was before.

Full Book Review

You guys. Robin Hobb. She is my favorite fantasy fiction author by far at this point, followed closely only by Martin and Tolkien. The last half of this book totally blew me away. All that aside, I still have a bone to pick about Assassin's Quest in this book review. 

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.

Book Review: "Assassin's Apprentice" by Robin Hobb

(Farseer #1)
My Rating: 

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Plot Tease

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court. He is an outcast to all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who had him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill - a mind-bending talent - and the darker knowledge of a child raised with hounds and rejected by his family.

Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And although some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Book Review

If you haven't read Robin Hobb before, let me just tell you right now that you need to read this book. Assassin's Apprentice is the beginning of something big in fantasy. This book and these characters have a realistic edge to them, even amid the magic, that is incredibly enthralling. I don't even know how to pin it down for you. It just feels different.

To be totally blunt, this series has become my standard. I compare all other fantasy books to these ones. It's because of the characters.