Published in 1995, Assassin's Apprentice is an epic fantasy novel written by Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden under the pen name Robin Hobb. The sequels include Royal Assassin (1996) and Assassin's Quest (1997) which make up The Farseer Trilogy.
The story centers on the character Fitz Farseer, who is a royal bastard son of Prince Chivalry. Upon learning of his bastard son, Chivalry renounces his title as the next king before ever meeting his son Fitz. In the kingdom of The Six Duchies, he is adopted in the Buckkeep Castle where he learns the royal ways and the art of weaponry as a royal assassin. Within the royal household, he faces rivalry with his uncle, Prince Regal, who uses the skill master to suppress his abilities. Through Galen, the prince works to prevent Fitz from gaining the mental powers of the royal bloodline. Meanwhile, the subjects of King Shrewd are under the threat of the Red-Ship Raiders, who turn their victims into zombies. Therefore, Fitz has to use his skills as an assassin to kill the zombies without attracting too much attention.
The novel is the debut novel by Robin Hobb under this pseudonym. It paved the way for the subsequent installments. Kirkus Review wrote, “An intriguing, controlled, and remarkably assured debut, at once satisfyingly self-contained yet leaving plenty of scope for future extensions and embellishments.” The Farseer Trilogy is part of The Realm of the Elderlings, which contains four other series.
The novel is written in a third-person point-of-view and follows the story of Fitz Farseer as he grows and matures. He is constantly challenged by his uncle, Prince Regal, and has to find his place in the royal court. Despite his royal blood, Fitz is often looked down upon by the other royal family members. He then meets a girl, Molly, who is also an outcast, and the two become close friends. Fitz also finds solace with the Wit, a magical and mysterious bond between man and animal, which further increases his prowess.
Throughout the novel, Fitz must also face some of the toughest challenges such as the Red Ship Raiders, the Forged Ones, and the mysterious Servants of the White. He also has to battle his inner demons to gain control of his powerful abilities. Fitz's journey eventually leads him to the mysterious and forbidden city of Aslevjal, where he must face his destiny and the truth of his identity.
The novel also explores themes of loyalty, duty, honor, and identity as Fitz grapple with his inner turmoil and the expectations of his family. He must choose between fulfilling the expectations of his family and staying true to himself. In the end, Fitz comes to terms with his identity and discovers his true place within the kingdom.
The novel has been praised for its gripping narrative, characterization, and world-building. It has been described as "a gripping tale of identity, loyalty, and destiny, with a strong and compelling protagonist." The novel has also won several awards, including the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1996 and the William L. Crawford Award for Best Fantasy Novel in 1997. It has been adapted into a graphic novel, a role-playing game, and a series of audiobooks. The Farseer Trilogy continues to be a popular fantasy series and a classic in the fantasy genre.
