Who Would Like This Book:
If you love character-driven fantasy with deep emotional resonance and courtly intrigue, Royal Assassin is a treat. Robin Hobb once again brings FitzChivalry Farseer and his world to life with truly immersive writing and standout characters like the enigmatic Fool and the fiercely loyal wolf, Nighteyes. The stakes are higher than ever, with betrayals, magic, and battles woven into a complex web of relationships. Readers who enjoy intense coming-of-age stories, slow-burn drama, and a fantasy world that feels real and perilous will be hooked.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you’re hoping for a fast-paced assassin adventure, you may find the pacing slow, especially in the middle. Some readers get frustrated by the protagonist's passive suffering, repeated misfortunes, and the almost overwhelming bleakness at times. The villain can feel a bit over the top, and certain plot twists and court intrigues might seem predictable or drawn out. If you prefer non-stop action over introspection and emotional turmoil, this may not be your cup of tea.
About:
'Royal Assassin' by Robin Hobb, the second book in the 'Farseer' series, continues the tale of FitzChivalry, a royal bastard, spy assassin, and mage. The book is praised for its unique portrayal of werewolves and zombies, along with a chilling ending that leaves readers eager for the next installment. The character development of Fitz is highlighted as he faces more challenges and obstacles, making the story deeper and darker compared to the first book. The worldbuilding by Hobb is commended for creating a rich and believable realm, with intricate political intrigues and well-crafted characters.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of violence, trauma, and emotional distress, requiring medium content warnings.
Has Romance?
The book includes a medium level of romance, primarily exploring the complicated feelings between Fitz and Molly.
From The Publisher:
"Fantasy as it ought to be written . . . Robin Hobb's books are diamonds in a sea of zircons."-George R. R. Martin
Fitz has survived his first hazardous mission as king's assassin, but is left little more than a cripple. Battered and bitter, he vows to abandon his oath to King Shrewd, remaining in the distant mountains. But love and events of terrible urgency draw him back to the court at Buckkeep, and into the deadly intrigues of the royal family.
Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands-and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.
Praise for Robin Hobb and Royal Assassin
"[Robin] Hobb continues to revitalize a genre that often seems all too generic, making it new in ways that range from the subtle to the shocking."-Locus
"[Royal Assassin] reaches astonishing new heights. . . . The Farseer saga is destined for greatness-a must-read for every devotee of epic fantasy."-Sense of Wonder
Ratings (126)
Incredible (44) | |
Loved It (60) | |
Liked It (15) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (194):
Read It (142) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (41) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (7) |
4 comment(s)
4.5 ⭐️
This book is so hard to rate. I was so immersed in the story and I felt so deeply for every character. However, it is super slowly paced which sometimes makes it feel like nothing is happening. I was hoping this book would have more action in it since the previous book was a lot of set up but this book probably had even less or around the same amount. This is a very politically focused fantasy novel with a heavy emphasis on relationships and the line of succession to the throne. The politics were interesting enough that I never was bored but it was teetering on the edge.
I still love Fitz with all my heart. He is just a little teenage boy trying to be a kid but is forced to take on all this responsibility that I can’t imagine trying to shoulder as an adult much less a kid. I really loved the short romance side plot with Molly. At first I found her really annoying because she really doesn’t let Fitz do anything and gets mad if he doesn’t spend every waking moment with her but they have a big confrontation at the end of the book that made me relate to a lot of what she said and I truly understand her motives. I think that just demonstrates how well written every character in this series is. Everyone acts reasonably or has a justification for why they acted unreasonably.
I don’t think I’ve listened to an audiobook as immersive as the Farseer trilogy so far and I am eager to see how the trilogy gets wrapped up. Robin Hobb the woman that you are.
A bit draggy in spots, where the plot didn't catch up and there wasn't enough action. Hobb favors "telling, not seeing" to detail certain events in the kingdom, which can be very wearisome at times. Overall, when the characters actually did things and were motivated, the book picked up. Not as good as Assassin's Apprentice, but still, definitely good enough to want to read the sequel.
****4.5****
Review soon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk496Q6NonI
What can you read after
Royal Assassin?
About the Author:
Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Soldier Son Trilogy, and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.Magali…
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