"Assassin's Apprentice..." Conclusions? **plenty o' spoilers!**

[Michael]

Sarah Anne wrote: "I'm glad you mentioned the prior discussion because I don't always read them. People were getting a little out of hand, huh?"

I don't think they were getting out of hand at all, Sarah Anne, and I don't think you have a right to your opinion!

:p

[Michael]

Kateb wrote: "sorry I seem to be the only negative comment here. I found the book too "slow", I really got sick and tired of all the descriptive bits."

The first 220 pages almost did me in. Go to the kitchen, go to the stables, feel lonely, make sure you're not noticed, go back to the kitchen, go back to the stables. I couldn't figure out how I got roped into this nonsense! The writing was lush, but not enough was happening to make it worth it for me.

Then the Skill training and the villain Galen, and I suddenly got interested. The scene where Fitz almost commits suicide hooked me for good. I mean, wow, what kind of hero is so insecure they don't even care any more and only choose to live to take care of a dog? That was brilliant.

But I admit, this is a different pace of book than I am used to. It is a challenge for me to get hooked and want to get to the ending but still need multiple hours because the denouement lasts 130 pages. I'm just starting to compare it to Doomsday Book because we are planning on reading the sequel this month. That was an extremely slow book, too, but I was captivated from the first page. And I admit I prefer sci-fi, but there is something about how Ms. Willis gives flavor to even the most pedantic tension. I thought Ms. Hobb had those tensions in the first half - can I find a place for myself in court? can I keep the dog? - but I wasn't hooked in the same way. Just a different writing style I think.

[Michael]

Wastrel wrote: "Or perhaps a better description: the Wit is about the basic animal (including human) functions, all of the living and growing and striving and feeling that natural life naturally does, and about a sort of empathic sharing of that life between beings. It's a much more instinctive thing. I think of it as being a sort of sense of the... heat?... of life. The Skill is about the higher intellectual and cognitive faculties, and is much more proactive."

I'm actually not clear there is that much of a difference, although later books may flesh this out. Fitz is able to use The Wit and The Skill in the same way to see events through other's eyes. He does this through Smithy during the assassination attempt on Burrich (the first of many!), and he does this through Regal and Verity at the end. My understanding was the former was The Wit and the latter was The Skill. Also, both can be used to influence actions - it was mentioned that Fitz could suggest actions to the animals, try to get them to hunt for certain things, or untie his ropes - which is basically how Verity was using the skill to influence the captains of the ships. (Though now that I think of it, maybe the Skill is able to cloud minds and deceive in a way The Wit cannot.) Finally, it is implied with the "coteries" that those with the Skill can have a unique Bond with each other, which is similar to what we are being told about the Wit, and the bonding between animal and human.

Valerie wrote: "So, after my second read, I am even more convinced that "The Wit" is related to "The Skill." Perhaps a way to scare potential talents away from the gift? IF this is revealed in later books, DO NOT TELL me, please. I want to discover it on my own. Feel free to smirk at me behind your monitors where I cannot see you. I won't be offended."

I have only read this book (though I plan to start #2 today! I was very impressed with the second half of the book). I was most struck by the fact that The Wit saved Fitz from The Skill when Galen attempted to kill Fitz during his lessons. If it were not for his Bond with Smithy, Galen would have successfully Skilled Fitz to death! It made me think having The Wit was a boon to Skill users, an extra resource he may be able to tap if he gets over his shame and figures out how to use it.

I'm also curious if there is any truth to Burrich's fear of people becoming animals with The Wit. It would make sense because of the similar danger of being sucked into the ecstasy of The Skill, and perhaps both abilities have dangers that require discipline to avoid.

[Bruce]

Wastrel wrote: "This is probably grossly simplifying, but I think that essentially the Skill is about thinking and thoughts..."

Thanks, I didn't think of it that way. That helps!

[Silvana]

Michael wrote: "I'm also curious if there is any truth to Burrich's fear of people becoming animals with The Wit"

There will be examples throughout the trilogy but my poor memory can't even name one now.

[Michael]

From the Prologue of Book 2, Royal Assassin (no spoilers):

"One trained in the Skill is able to reach out to another's mind, no matter how distant, and know what he is thinking. Those who are strongly Skilled can influence that thinking, or have converse [sic] with that person. For the conducting of a battle, or the gathering of information, it is a most useful tool.

Folklore tells of an even older magic, much despised now, known as the Wit... The Wit, it is said, gave one the ability to speak the tongues of the beasts. It was also warned that those who practiced the Wit too long or too well became whatever beast they had bonded to. But this may be only legend."

I thought this might be helpful because the Prologue is trying to sum up the previous book, but now I realize it is still kind of vague because "tongues of the beasts" implies speech, whereas the examples in Book 1 are clearly mind-to-mind contact with animals.

[Michael]

I am now one third of the way through Book 2 and can say with some certainty that the cover of Book 3 has some major spoilers for this one! In other words, don't peek ahead!! In case anyone is just starting these...

[Sarah]

Oh, thanks for the warning!

[Bruce]

Michael wrote: "From the Prologue of Book 2, Royal Assassin (no spoilers):

"One trained in the Skill is able to reach out to another's mind, no matter how distant, and know what he is thinking. Those..."

That explains a lot about the Skill and the Wit in book 1.

[Allison, Fairy Mod-mother]

Who's read it since 2016? Hooked? Depressed? Wondering what all that hype was about?

[Donald]

I read this back in the late 90s but the series still sticks in my mind.

I remember enjoying it, even if it was all a bit of a downer...

...right up until the end of the trilogy. At which point I just went "well it was a great series but I'm never ever reading this again."

[Kateb]

Donald wrote: "I read this back in the late 90s but the series still sticks in my mind.

I remember enjoying it, even if it was all a bit of a downer...

...right up until the end of the trilogy. At which point I..."

fully agree. it is one of those series that once you know the ending you will never be influenced to read it again.

[Andre]

Allison wrote: "Who's read it since 2016? Hooked? Depressed? Wondering what all that hype was about?"

This summer I started a complete read of Hobb's books from the beginning because I heard about the final trilogy being completed. Some years ago I'd read most of the first trilogy and a couple other books (one or two of the Liveship books and one or two of the Rain Wild books) before, but I got bogged down and hadn't finished. I think I'd started Tawny Man and wondered "why is Fitz in the middle of nowhere?" Not sure I'd even finished the first trilogy, so I decided to do it properly this time and not skip anything important.

After the first trilogy, I knew that Liveship and Tawny Man were pretty separate, so I was reading those in parallel, and then, as someone mentioned, I discovered that the second book of TM spoiled the thing about Paragon's face. Oh well. The second books of both series explained SO MUCH about the dragons and serpents.

...yeah, I'd say I'm well hooked, now. I might skip the first Rain Wild book because I read that one the most recently before I started the series over, and it seems like the Rain Wild books drag the most (but I'd expect three and four to pick up the pace some).

[Anthony]

I just finished it and was very impressed. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a period fantasy told in a first person narrative that felt so rich in characterization and so subtle in its approach to revealing a lovely, intelligent, and twisty plot. There was a melancholy, a longing coursing through the book from so many characters, but especially Fitz, that really moved me. I look forward to following his story and reading the rest of Robin Hobb’s work. I’m hooked.

[Gabi]

I know, those final impressions don't work like BRs, but I'll use it as such, cause I want to blabber on. ;)

I'm in chapter 13 now:
I totally like Lady Patience! She seems such a stubborn and completely impractical person, that I instantly felt for her. That Fitz is good with drawing is an aspect that I like as well. And I dearly hope, that Smithy escapes Nosy's fate. Pretty please! I'm such a dog person, I suffer when they have to suffer.

And not to forget: I'm completely intrigued by the Fool. ( And of course by the most essential of all questions: will this poor boy ever get a real name?)

[Jemppu]

I keep forgetting how young Fitz is through this all. Then he mentions how "his clothes are getting small" or some such to remind.

Agreed on Lady Patience ^^

[Jacqueline]

Yeah he’s only around 13 when he goes off on his first major trip.

I’m not up to Lady Patience yet. Just at the end of chapter 9.

[Anthony]

@Gabi I too think the Fool is a really fascinating and compelling character. It’s a part I would like to play if there’s ever an adaptation of these books for the screen.

Speaking of that, I feel like these books have characters who are far more sympathetic than the characters in Game of Thrones. These books came first, and yet I feel there would be unfair comparisons made between the material if these were ever adapted. Bastard sons in both (but how much more different could the stories of Jon Snow and Fitz be?); White Walkers and the Forged people; magic that involves connecting with animals; training to be an assassin in both. And yet these books are so much more emotionally satisfying to me. I think they would make an incredible tv adaptation. Apparently, Robin Hobb is very reluctant to give anyone the rights to do so. I wonder whether she could be persuaded, though, if the right people came along...

[Gabi]

@Anthony: where can I sign to see you play the Fool? I'd love that.

And I dearly hope, that this series turns out different than ASOIAF. Cause I completely lost all emotional connection there around book 3.

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "@Gabi I too think the Fool is a really fascinating and compelling character. It’s a part I would like to play if there’s ever an adaptation of these books for the screen.

Speaking of that, I feel..."

I fear the reaction a TV audience would have for this, after GoT though - how her work could seem the 'copy' now :/ (wouldn't wish that crowd upon her).

I'm with you though on these characters being far more sympathetic: one of the main reason's I never got too into GoT is, because every one of the characters and the general tone of the series seems so damned cynical and maliciously conniving.

[Dawn F]

I couldn’t agree more, at least judging from the television series there is nothing sympathetic about the Game of Thrones characters (except for Hodor - that was the only time I cried) and no warmth in the show. I only really watch it because it looks amazingly well produced on a big screen and it’s one of the few shows I watch with my husband.

@Gabi Let’s start a Kickstarter campain for a stage adaption of Assassin’s Apprentice and Anthony as The Fool! XD

[Jemppu]

Dawn wrote: "I couldn’t agree more, at least judging from the television series there is nothing sympathetic about the Game of Thrones characters (except for Hodor - that was the only time I cried) and no warmt..."

Hoh, count me in too! o/

[Mareike]

Gabi wrote: "I know, those final impressions don't work like BRs, but I'll use it as such, cause I want to blabber on. ;)

I'm in chapter 13 now:
I totally like Lady Patience! She seems such a stubborn and com..."

I love, love, love Lady Patience! (view spoiler)[She starts out as this quirky half-caricature and then, as Fitz gets to know her, we start to see her as a full person who very stubbornly insists on living life as she pleases it. I wonder how she would narrate the events of the books.... (hide spoiler)]

As for the Fool....as I've said before ❤❤❤ he's an enigma in the beginning (and really annoys Fitz, IIRC), (view spoiler)[and then grows into so much more.There's other important characters you still have to meet (or have maybe met while I was typing this) and I cannot wait to hear your thoughts. (hide spoiler)]

@Anthony: I'm not going to lie, I was wondering yesterday whether you'd be up for playing the Fool. Who do I have to petition to make that happen?
I read the GoT books before I read these, but I think these are so much better in terms of characterization, worldbuilding, emotional connections, etc. There's so much more depth to it and Hobb's long game is a lot better than GRRM's imho.

If anyone adapted this, they'd have to make sure to get the tone right and not force it into a GoT copy. And I guess Jemppu is right, there are people who'd just see it as a copy of GoT.

Edit: Did someone say Kickstarter?

[Bobby]

@Anthony, the Fool is my favorite character in the series, and one of my favorite fantasy characters of all time.

Robin Hobb did a Reddit AMA a few years ago, and from that I gathered that she wasn't too keen on the idea of her books being turned into movies or television. She said it could happen if the right people approached her, but she's perfectly content for them to remain books. She also said she didn't have anyone envisioned as any of the main characters, but thought a young David Bowie would have been great as the Fool.

[Anthony]

@Bobby I totally understand her reluctance to having her books adapted. So often adaptations can so profoundly differ in tone, intent, plot, etc, that it must be pretty unattractive to many writers. If I were in a position to help make these adaptations happen, I would do my utmost to shepherd them with care and integrity...

[Gabi]

Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17 ... - I should go back to stories, where I don't care about characters.

[Bobby]

Anthony wrote: "@Bobby I totally understand her reluctance to having her books adapted. So often adaptations can so profoundly differ in tone, intent, plot, etc, that it must be pretty unattractive to many writers..."

I think that's exactly what she was saying. Someone who's read the books and wants to carry over the story to a different format could make a wonderful adaptation. Someone who just wants the next big fantasy series probably wouldn't do the characters and world justice.

[Jemppu]

This book sure is an emotional rollercoaster for dog lovers!

[Wastrel]

I think the two big problems for a 'faithful' adaptation of the cycle as a whole is what to do about the non-Fitz books, and the time gaps. The obvious answer is to drop them - you can't just turn away from the entire main cast for three seasons - but Liveships is a bit relevent to Tawny Man, and Rain Wilds is VERY relevant to the most recent trilogy. And even if you only did the Fitz books, the big time gaps between trilogies means you'd need actors working in a lot of old-age makeup for entire seasons...

A series of just the original trilogy would be great - but would it be long enough to merit the investment? I think you'd be struggling to get even two seasons out of the second and third book, as they tell a single story.


Ironically, I've always thought the best prospect in narrative terms for an adaptation would be the Liveship Traders trilogy. The MPOV structure and the bigger world would lend themselves to a TV series, and there's a lot of scenes that could look great on screen. But I guess it's much less likely than a Farseer series, as it's much less popular, and less warm (plus almost all the major non-villain characters are women, and Hollywood may not be there yet...)


Also, *points everyone to the Beyond Reality group, which is doing a group-read of the entire series but is only two books in*.

[Jemppu]

Wastrel wrote: "I think the two big problems for a 'faithful' adaptation of the cycle as a whole is what to do about the non-Fitz books, and the time gaps. The obvious answer is to drop them - you can't just turn ..."

Animation?

[Wen]

@Jamina & Dawn I watch GoT because I want to see dragon babies. And I am in season two so far, total only like 2 minutes of dragon babies…….gave up.

[Anthony]

Gabi wrote: "Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17 ... - I should go back to stories, where I don't care about characters."

Please remind me what happened in chapter 17?

[Gabi]

Anthony wrote: "Gabi wrote: "Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17 ... - I should go back to stories, where I don't care about characters."

Please remind me what happened in chapter 17?"

Smithy dies ... The rest of the chapter was fantastic nonetheless. So gripping (Fitz trying to get back in time and forsaking his test in doing so), that the poor girl who wanted to draw my blood at my physician had to work around my ebook.

[Anthony]

Ah yes...

I’m glad it’s gripping you!

[YouKneeK]

Gabi wrote: "Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17"

I was feeling bad for you in anticipation when I saw your post in message # 65.

[YouKneeK]

Regarding the idea of an adaptation…

I don’t know, I guess I'm the odd one out, but this series has such weight with me that I think I personally would decline to watch any sort of adaptation, as much as I might be tempted. I wouldn’t begrudge it of the people who want it if it happened, but some of these characters live almost like real people in my mind. Even if it were done extremely well, especially if it were done extremely well, watching the results of other people’s visions for the series would, at best, cause subtle changes to the characters living in my head and I feel like I’d lose something special if that happened.

I don’t normally feel that way, but these books are somehow more personal for me. Just to demonstrate that I’m not normally quite so crazy, I don’t feel the same about the potential upcoming Wheel of Time TV series. I enjoyed the books a great deal, but I have no qualms about giving the TV series a try if/when it materializes. As long as it’s done well in general, I won’t mind too much when some of the characters or other things are inevitably “off” from how they live in my head.

[Gabi]

YouKneeK wrote: "Gabi wrote: "Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17"

I was feeling bad for you in anticipation when I saw your post in message # 65."

Thank you! An understanding soul helps. Are there a lot more animals getting killed in the books? So I can emotionally prepare.

[Jemppu]

Gabi wrote: "YouKneeK wrote: "Gabi wrote: "Why do I open my mouth? :( ... Chapter 17"

I was feeling bad for you in anticipation when I saw your post in message # 65."

Thank you! An understanding soul helps. A..."

Honestly, after your message the whole rest of the book went "oh, yay, Gabi will be happy!", then "oh, no, no, Gabi will be devastated... again" <:)

[Anthony]

@Gabi there are amazing explorations of the Wit in the first two books. I won’t say anything about deaths or no deaths. But as a fellow animal lover, I will say that the idea of the Wit is a stirringly beautiful one, and I love how it’s applied in the story.

[YouKneeK]

Gabi wrote: "Are there a lot more animals getting killed in the books? So I can emotionally prepare."

My response is a little vague, but it’s more than I personally would want to know in advance, so I’m going to put it in spoiler tags just in case others don’t want to see my answer and to give you a chance to change your mind about wanting to know. :)

(view spoiler)[ There is one very painful animal death a few books down the road. Aside from that, I actually don’t remember there being all that many more, but I couldn’t swear to it with great confidence. I’ve only read the first 9 books and that was 7 years ago, so my memory of the details may be unreliable. In any case, there was only that one other that I found traumatic. (hide spoiler)]

[Gabi]

Jemina, Anthony and YouKneeK, you are all too sweet!
Sorry to be such a pain, but animal death is something that bothers me a great deal and I want to be prepared.

Oh yes, the idea of the Wit is beautiful indeed. To be able to share the soul of an animal is such a breathtaking imagination. I'd love that.

I just read the events at Jhaampe. What a rollercoaster of clever twists, what a succession of a broad variety of feelings. There was little room to come up for air. Brilliant!

EDIT: Just realised, that this already was the end. My ebook was only at 80% but the rest is preview.

The beginning was slow and I wasn't sure, if I would get into the flow, but then it definitely hooked me. Anthony, you we're right, when you said you were sure I would love it. Thanks for the virtual smack on the head.

What I love is the ease with which I'm allowed to just follow the characters in this journey. Even If they only have short appearances, they feel authentic - at least the non-baddies. The latter are quite typical. For me especially Lady Patience and the Fool stood out.
I find myself wanting to know more about them.

The story itself of course is nothing new - which is why I shy away from medieval fantasy most of the time - but Robin Hobb tells it in such a refreshing way, with twists and turns, easily changing from feel good scenes to utterly devastation, that it was such a pleasure for me to follow it.

I'll join the reading journey - albeit perhaps not in the spaced out way. I need to read sequels in relatively timely matter to not get confused.

[YouKneeK]

Gabi wrote: "I just read the events at Jhaampe. "

Have you made it through chapter 21 then? I’ve been anxiously waiting for you to get that far. :)

[Gabi]

YouKneeK wrote: "Gabi wrote: "I just read the events at Jhaampe. "

Have you made it through chapter 21 then? I’ve been anxiously waiting for you to get that far. :)"

Nosy? :D (can I just say that I could have strangled Burrich?)

[YouKneeK]

LOL, yep! :)

[Anthony]

The relationship between Fitz and Burrich, in all of its complexity, is one of my favorites in these books.

[Kaa]

Gabi wrote: "What I love is the ease with which I'm allowed to just follow the characters in this journey. Even If they only have short appearances, they feel authentic - at least the non-baddies. For me especially Lady Patience and the Fool stood out.
I find myself wanting to know more about them.

The story itself of course is nothing new - which is why I shy away from medieval fantasy most of the time - but Robin Hobb tells it in such a refreshing way, with twists and turns, easily changing from feel good scenes to utterly devastation, that it was such a pleasure for me to follow it."

I'm glad I'm not the only one who loved Lady Patience! Robin Hobb has such a great way with characters. Some of my other favorites were Kettricken, Rurisk, and Jonqui, even though we only got to meet them briefly.

And I feel the same way about medieval fantasy, so I was also impressed with how beautifully the story was told.

[Jemppu]

Anthony wrote: "The relationship between Fitz and Burrich, in all of its complexity, is one of my favorites in these books."

Agreed. Those two and the Wit <3 Burrich ended up easily being my favorite character.

[Anthony]

There’s something I haven’t gotten to really talk to anyone else about, and it was the delicate manner in which the relationship between Fitz and Molly unfolded. There was such an ache to their later scenes that really moved me, and it was an unexpected grace note in this sort of book. I felt that Hobb got exactly right that male adolescent paralysis that can set in, and it was so clear that there was tremendous unspoken connection between them... the fact that it wasn’t consummated was a lovely, surprising touch.

Wondering if anyone agrees with that at all.

[Jemppu]

It was clear from the beginning that this was likely to be a masterfully devised whole, with colorfully described world and wonderful, varied cast of characters. And it was.

But of the kind, which I must admit having had initial reservations for (medieval fantasy quest? Meh.), and which at first read just as that - an 'inconsequential' adventuring, but which with some pondering turned out to hold some meaning too after all.

And again I was left to discover some deeper personal reasons as well, as to why certain aspects of a book affected me they way they did (or didn't affect the way they didn't?). So, excuse me, for I derail right from the start. But I feel I need to excuse myself for all the confessed animal lovers here.

So much of the protagonists feelings in story are depicted as relating to their emotions towards animals, dogs in particular. And brought up much talk here too, which in turn got me thinking, why treatment of animals here, or elsewhere, hardly ever seems to elicit any deeper feelings in me?

(view spoiler)[This time's 'personal revelation' was something, which I've long suspected anyway: I'm not an 'animal lover'. But before anyone goes labelling me a monster: I don't hate them either.

Growing up in a kennel, being surrounded by dogs was the daily norm: one would think that makes one even more perceptive to animal feelings. And maybe it does, but... while we were taught to treat dogs at home with certain amount of superiority to maintain 'pack order', it was also clear, that these dogs were of one's family. However, it being a kennel, meant that also the birth and death of dogs were constantly present. Birth and death of 'family members'.

Thus, I must not feel for (animal) death that strongly, having grown up with it from early age on. And I wouldn't say it is 'immunity' to it either - just practical awareness of the 'circle of life', perhaps.

I could imagine, it's the same kind of regard for a 'family member' as a pig farmer might develop for their pigs, whom up until they are served on dinner table remain as parts of the family (not that we ever ate our dogs *hah*). And yes, some might find this too horrendous.

But with litter after litter and the constant flux of changing family, as puppies come and go, one learned to become rather ambiguous towards bonding with these canine 'siblings' - form an emotional barrier? (indeed, only years after leaving home, I learned to even regard pets as something 'worthwhile' - before this I would've been baffled as to why people would get so excited over a puppy or a kitten).

And this is my excuse, I think, why in this book too I just didn't quite find that connection between the narrator and the animals itself that relatable, still. I didn't feel for the animals nor relate to them for just being animals - as I likely wouldn't to any under developed, disposable human character either -, and thus that emotional bond between them and Fitz got left somewhat onesided it felt. Distant and rather irrelevant.

Until realising, that this was an irrelevant connection to try and nurture anyway, if instead viewing these scenes as 'fodder' to the possible metaphorical interpretations of "the Wit". Which instantly made me feel for these parts of the story too, through the relationship between Fitz and Burrich - and the tragedy that is the Wit being denied of Fitz (his relationship with whom he chooses being denied). For no particular reason other than for it being 'low', it's said.

Great characters were a plenty in this book. But my fave was easily 'single dad' Burrich. Particularily his struggles with injury, and loneliness and substances abuse after Chivalry's passing.

And my liking of him holds even firmer, if indeed viewing the Wit as a metaphor for "bigotry" and him as a 'closeted' posessor of it (after all, he too gets along with 'beasts', but - unlike Fitz - denies it being anything meaningful, condemns it even). Like a poor, broken, denial ridden 'fool' that he is.

Wouldn't have thought, that in such "court intrigue" story (usually my jam), it would be the 'supernatural' (usually very much not my jam) to help me ease into the narrative.

Another fave character was of course the ambiguous albino, that is 'the Fool'. Though, once again, I find myself cursing English language's us of "gender pronouns" (dang useless and divisive thing that, imho).

Princesses Patience and Jonqui too were intriquing characters - both for their individual brands of strong willedness.

As were all the damn princes (more, please!) and their wonderfully diverse personalities!


Random points:

Loved the lustrous depiction of the port town bustle.

The descriptions of the world around Fitz were wonderful: at the beginning I especially remember finding myself constantly as if 'looking up at things' from his perspective.

Fitz skilling with Verity at the end was such a dang satisfaction! (and I do wonder what he would've experienced had he not been fast asleep on the wedding night. Hey, the phrasing of it begs the question!)

The term itself, "to Skill" 👍

Actually found young Fitz not being 'fluent' in communicating verbally relatable *hah*

This passage from Chivalry's death recalled back to some of the more resentful sentiments irl, upon Lady Di's passing: "His public life should have ended with his abdication; how tactless of him to draw further attention to himself by actually dying".

(And the whole abdicating thing 'of course' reminded one of Edward VIII - the most consequential 'abdicator' in recent history - and one of the personal fave royals.)

And I thought I had missed something when Chade first so nonchalantly spoke of bastards as "we", and then it was only later revealed that even Fitz hadn't figured him out yet at that point. Which was surprising: such realizations usually come to me only long after the fact.

"It's too late to apologize, I've already forgiven you" :,) This was so sweet - especially how it traveled across the cast. (hide spoiler)]


Not Tigana level epic, but fine quest even in the eyes of someone not (supposedly?) too keen on 'this sorta stuff' in general.

Lastly, I must again praise the audio reading of a book. This by Paul Boehmer. (view spoiler)[Especially the Chyurda accents were tantalizing (whom, btw, as a society rang to me as having this certain air of "Firstborn" of ElfQuest about their description). (hide spoiler)]

[Anthony]

Thank you, as always, Jemina for your honest and very personal sharing of your thoughts that this book engendered. I’ll be very curious to see how the further depiction of the Wit in Royal Assassin affects you.

And I totally agree that Burrich’s entirely shame-ridden and complicated relationship to the Wit has many parallels with any kind of closet that one lives in, and I think it’s masterfully brought to life by Hobb.

I’m glad there are so many of you to share this journey with. Thank you!