The Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

When you’re the illegitimate son of a prince, you’re lucky if you survive into adulthood, even if you can talk to animals.

Fitz is the bastard son of Lord Chivalry Farseer, brought to Buckkeep as a little boy to be raised by the gruff stableman, Burrich. Unaware of the political machinations concerning whether he should be allowed live or not, Fitz is apprenticed to be a royal assassin by the devious King Shrewd. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

Fitz also has a rare form of magic – the Wit – which allows him to communicate with animals. It’s in his best interest to keep his abilities to himself, however. In a brutal world where life is cheap, a child with no one to claim him is worth nothing at all.

Hobb’s fantasy world is breathtaking. The different countries, with varying cultures, provide a realism seldom seen in fantasy literature. While Buckkeep and Fitz’s life is mostly lived in the genre typical medieval style culture, the author has made it her own, portraying a place complete with economics and politics that could easily be real.

Likewise the magic system is fascinating and believable, with rules that make it all the stronger.

While Fitz is the main character, my favorite was Burrich who raised him. A tough as nails, no nonsense man who prefers the company of animals and is a softie on the inside, what’s not to love?

Did I mention that Fitz can talk to animals? That he has a wolf companion called Nighteyes? Do I really have to say anything more about this great novel?

I award The Assassin’s Apprentice…