Assassin's Apprentice Book Cover

Assassin's Apprentice


A Fantasy Novel


Book 1 of the Farseer Trilogy Series


Subgenres & Tropes:

  • Epic Fantasy,
  • Court Intrigue,
  • Assassin Fantasy,
  • Coming of Age,
  • Reluctant Hero
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This book is for you if you're into...

  • Grumpy mentors who train outcasts in deadly arts
  • Royal intrigue with magic and secret assassins
  • Illustrated editions that celebrate fantasy classics

From Little Stack

Gruff, secretive, and forever hidden away in a towertop chamber, Chade is one of the most iconic (and, in my opinion, best-written) grumpy mentors.

As the illegitimate son of the king, like FitzChivalry, he’s earned his grumpiness, and that informs the way he approaches his training of young Fitz. He’s more than willing to throw Fitz into high-stakes, life-or-death situations with only just enough information to give him a chance at getting out alive. But as the layers peel back and we come to understand Chade, we see that beneath the scarred exterior is a man who ultimately truly cares for Fitz and is driven by a sincere desire to maintain peace in the kingdom. 

Publisher Description

A gorgeously illustrated anniversary edition of the book that launched the epic Farseer Trilogy, featuring a new foreword by Robin Hobb and ten illustrations.

Twenty-five years ago, Robin Hobb’s first novel featuring FitzChivalry Farseer and his mysterious, often maddening friend the Fool struck like a bolt of brilliant lightning. Thus began a beloved saga spanning multiple series, full of adventure, magic, and sinister plots. To celebrate a quarter-century of wonder, this special edition presents a modern classic as it’s never been seen before, with ten beautiful illustrations by Magali Villeneuve.

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

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