Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer #1)

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

I am so annoyed at the library patron who has had this book overdue since April 10th! Fortunately there are e-book copies to borrow; I vastly prefer physical books but I will take what I can get to keep up with the buddy read.

I am glad for the buddy read impetus to check this out; I never paid it much heed on the shelf, possibly I conflated it with the Ranger's Apprentice series. But, I have seen a lot of Robin Hobb love around these parts and now expect to enjoy it.

[Tawnie Rose]

I was able to get the full trilogy ebook from my library.. I need to clear a hold spot so I can keep it going long enough to finish.. so count me in please for this buddy read. This will be my first Robin Hobb book/story.

[Rachael]

I'm currently reading another book but I hope to join in in a few days. I've heard a lot about this series. The only book I've read by Robin Hobb is Ship of Magic which I enjoyed when I read it a couple of years ago

[Verena]

I would like to join this Buddy Read. I´m going to read the book in German. It´s my first book by Robin Hobb.

[El]

I got this book from my library a few weeks ago and it's due back next week so I hope it's not on hold and I can renew it! Only 30 pages in so far (halfway through Chapter 2) so it's a little early to form an opinion. It's my first Robin Hobb novel but I've heard good things so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story.

[JB]

I just finished chapter 2, and (view spoiler)[ I had to keep reminding myself that the boy was only 6 years old during this time. Did he seem older to you? Burrich mentioned that those with the wit are never truly children, and always know too much. I guess that kind of explains it (hide spoiler)]

[Esther]

I borrowed the audio book from my library and have a physical copy which I will be reading too please count me in for this buddy read

[Rachael]

Just finished Chapter 2. I want to give the boy a hug (view spoiler)[Poor Nosy. (hide spoiler)]. I'm enjoying it so far even though there is a lot of detail.

[Tawnie Rose]

Having the trilogy makes it very hard to guess where I am in the first book. Only a few percent through the ebook.. but I think its already 1/4 thru book 1.. wow!

I'm having issues remembering how old Fitz is at this point tho. (view spoiler)[ He starts off as 6 being dropped off by his grandfather...by the time he starts training with Chade and takes the knife after dining with the King... how old is he then? 9? (hide spoiler)] I keep thinking of his being older but I may be wrong.

[El]

I finished Chapter 3 and I agree with the comments about Fitz's age. (view spoiler)[ He speaks, thinks and acts like someone twice his age to me, but Burrich does mention that it is a common trait in people with the "Wit", so I'll let it pass for now... (hide spoiler)]

[JB]

Just finished chapter 5. (view spoiler)[To steal or not to steal from the king was always going to be a test. I just wish they didn't make him to stew on it for so long, he was in so much pain. The king didn't even apologize or anything, all he got was "you'll understand when your older"
I did love how Fitz pocketed the kings knife as he was leaving, that was awesome. (hide spoiler)]

[Rachael]

I'm really enjoying this and am whizzing through the pages! I'm at Chapter 17 and it's good. I will be continuing the series (eventually) but have other books to read at the moment so won't carry on with the series buddy read.
For anyone who has read other Robin Hobb books, do you think they are all set in the same world?

[oshizu]

I'm not a buddy reader for this book but I love this trilogy. Hope it's okay if I respond.
The Live Ship Traders is the second series in chronological publication order. It is set in the same world but with a different cast of characters (no Fritz and his people).

[Rachael]

I really enjoyed Assassin's Apprentice. Having previously read Ship of Magic, I could see how Robin Hobb's books seem to be linked and set in the same world.
I liked how 'factual history' was interspersed with the story. There's a lot of detail but it was building the world (and what great world-building it was) for subsequent instalments. I did find it hard to keep track of Fitz's age because at times he seemed wiser than his years. (view spoiler)[And yes, I know it's a plot point but I would have liked it a bit clearer (hide spoiler)]. All in all, this was a really good fantasy book and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the rest of the series to add to my neverending TBR pile.

4 stars

[Esther]

Up to chapter two and I am intrigued. I am enjoying the writing style.

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

I am up to chapter 5. I must say, I really enjoy stories like this that follow a boy growing up in a medieval fantasy world. The other book like this that springs to mind is The Name of the Wind. I must have read other examples but can't think of them now. Hobb's writing is immediately accessible, and the world is so like our own that it's easy to make progress. I have absolutely zero idea of where the story is going to go, but I know I will like it.

My library's print copy was never returned (in speaking with a librarian, replacing it was probably deferred until the new fiscal year in July), but fortunately they had the e-book version to borrow.

[JB]

I'm up to chapter fourteen and liking it so far. I'm wondering if this book is just setting the scene for books two and three. I'm starting to think we might not see much action until the next book. Either way, I'm enjoying the world building and the very detailed account of Fitz's upbringing.

[JB]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The last few chapters really had me hooked. I'll definitely be readying the next book in the series. (view spoiler)[ RIP Nosy, we will remember you always (hide spoiler)]

[Marc *Dark Reader with a Thousand Young! Iä!*]

JB wrote: "I'm up to chapter fourteen and liking it so far. I'm wondering if this book is just setting the scene for books two and three. I'm starting to think we might not see much action until the next book..."

Definitely plenty of questions left for future volumes, mostly about Fitz's (and others') special abilities, which Fitz continues to not have a whole lot of insight into. Ah, the carefree nature of youth.