Robbin Hobbs first novels(at least under that name--she also published under the name "Megan Lindholm" though the storytelling is quite dissimilar ), and still some of her best.
This trilogy consists of "Assassin's Apprentice
", "Royal Assassin
", and "Assassin's Quest
", and is narrated by Fitz, a bastard son of the dead Prince Chivalry brought up in the stables of the King Shrewd. Hobb is a master of characterization and she brings Fitz to life like few others could manage. Hobb gives those of royal lineage a name that indicates something of the characters nature hence the somewhat peculiar names.
Fitz eventually enters training as an assassin for the King, and as his father was royal he inherits 'the Skill', one of the two magical systems Hobb employs, and so is also trained in its usage.
Fitz also has something known as 'the Wit', an ability to bond with animals. The Wit is widely loathed, those possessing it are often persecuted.
Fitz doesn't have many friends--a shop girl in the nearby town, a wolf he bonds with, and the King's Fool who is strangely fascinated with him.
Hobb is not afraid to do terrible things to her characters, and Fitz suffers deeply in her hands. This is why the series works so well. A great example of a character driven story.
9.3/10
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