The Farseer II: Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy)

The characters in this trilogy have invaded my sleep, in more ways than one. The books keep me awake far into the early hours, reading when I should be sleeping and then, when I do eventually turn out the light, the world of the Farseers sidles into my dreams. Stories don't get much more real and powerful than that. I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys fantasy - but with one proviso: don't expect a happy ending.


Faster than my legs could carry me!   May 3, 2005
IJ (Liverpool, UK)
32 out of 32 found this review helpful

Firstly...I am not going to give away one single shred of the story or indeed character developments that continue into this, the gripping second book in the Farseer Trilogy, because I have no doubt that would make me the most hated follower of this magnificent series.

When I came to the end of this book I ran (and I mean RAN) to my local bookstore to lay my hands on the final instalment of the story of Fitz, the Fool, Molly, Chade, Verity and each and every one of the many more characters brilliantly brought to life by Hobb. I ran not only because it was 4.40pm, the bookstore would be closing and I was in imminent danger of waiting days, or maybe even weeks to discover all that would follow in this utterly engaging character driven and magical, fantasy, adventure drama, but also because even minutes being left in the dark after the cliff-hanger that brings to a close 'Royal Assassin' seemed like a fate worse than death.

So, whatever you do, don't buy 'Royal Assassin' without also purchasing 'Assassin's Quest', or at least having a darn good contingency plan should you find yourself at the end of this book without the conclusion to the trilogy...you've been warned! I only wish I was being clever and exaggerating, but it's the absolute truth- the finale is breath-taking, so ignore my advice at your peril dear readers!!


An excellent series, well continued.   November 2, 2004
Ian Tapley
8 out of 14 found this review helpful

THE STORY:
Having barely survived Prince Regal's attempt to kill him, Fitz returns to Buckkeep weakened and with a new position in castle's society. He becomes the apprentice and aide to Prince Verity and must attempt to match wits with Regal whilst ensuring the safety of this he cares about; Burrich, Patience, Verity, Kettricken, Shrewd and the love of his life, a passionate girl named Molly.

WHAT'S GOOD:
Where 'Assassin's Apprentice' asked questions we all ask (Who am I? What is my place in this world?), this book deals with a different element of all our lives; the coming of age. Throughout this book we see Fitz grow from being a mere boy into a man of responsibilty, intelligence and influence. As far as I know, never before has a fantasy author been able to so completely immerse the reader in a character as Hobb emerses us in Fitz, we feel his pain, triumph and frustration as keenly as if they were our own. I cannot recommend this series strongly enough for anyone who wants a change to the 'quest' style of fantasy novel.

WHAT'S BAD:
Two things. Firstly, Regal is a bit too much of a cliched scheming villain, which detracts from the emotional impact of his sadistic plots somewhat. Secondly, this book is just way too depressing! You'll find yourself being unreasonably tense whenever Fitz has a fight with Molly or when a clever plot is foiled by Regal's agents. You'll just wish, in vain, that Fitz will throw caution to the wind and make a stand.