As part of my WWE  Women of Genre Fiction reading challenge my book for April was the first in Robin Hobb’s acclaimed Farseer Trilogy, The Assassin’s Apprentice.  I absolutely loved this book in fact I probably won’t be able to do it justice here!  For the past three days I’ve been living in this world and resenting all the natural little breaks from reading such as going to work, sleeping and other general, everyday minutiae that have come between me and the story.  The characters and the world building together with such an intriguing plot have totally captivated me.  In fact, I have no hesitation in saying that if you enjoy Rothfuss, Martin and Lynch you can’t fail to love this and as far as I’m concerned that’s some pretty damn fine praise right there.

The story brings to us, and is told by, Fitz (or boy or bastard as he is equally as often called).  No prizes here then for guessing that Fitz’s arrival at Buckeep Castle was not a cause for celebration for many of the inhabitants.  Fitz was born out of wedlock, son to a King in Waiting and the result of a brief liaison to a now long forgotten woman.  At the start of the story, and being one of the earliest recollections that Fitz can recall, he is being delivered, rather unceremoniously, to the Castle which King Shrewd reins.  His Grandfather thinks it’s time for the father of the child to have a hand in his upbringing.

Fitz is now in a very precarious position.  His father, Prince Chivalry is the darling of the country and when he discovers that his actions have resulted in a child he abdicates the throne and removes himself and his wife (who has been unable to bear a child and heir) from the scene.  To say that Fitz was unpopular after this is probably one of the greatest understatements of the century.  On top of this he could be seen as a future threat to the two remaining Princes – Verity (the second son) and Regal (half brother to a different mother).  If Chivalry chooses to recognise Fitz after all this would put him in line for the throne – not immediate line, but nonetheless in the running.

The story is told by Fitz as he recounts events from his past.  The style is linear and each successive chapter begins with the relaying of a small and relevant piece of information about the Six Realm’s history.  The writing style is simply beautiful, it’s not flowery or overly descriptive – in fact it’s just perfect.

Burrich, the stablemaster and dog keeper is Fitz’s first protector and friend but as one of Chivalry’s own men he definitely falls into the category of one of those who could carry a grudge now his former master has left taking with him his favour.  However, in spite of this, Burrich looks after Fitz as best he can.  He’s a great character and one that is very easy to become attached to.  He doesn’t suffer fools, a stern look is enough to put you in your place and basically nobody messes with him!  During the first few years Burrich does his best with Fitz instructing him in his own trade and trying to keep him below the Court’s radar.  Unfortunately this doesn’t quite work out and eventually the King spots Fitz and has other plans.

Chade is the next main character who plays a significant role.  He’s a dark character (the pocked man no less and you can’t help thinking of Death with his hood and scythe .  People don’t see him about the castle.  Secretive and quiet.  He is the King’s assassin and he’s about to take Fitz under his wing.  Again, in spite of Chade being a serious character with hardly more charm than a snake you can’t help liking him.  He’s brusque but that’s just his way.

Anyway, I’m not going to go into great detail about all the characters, we have King Shrewd – and let me tell you he is very appropriately named – he’s constantly weighing all the odds and I think he’d sell his own granny in a heartbeat if he thought it would do the Kingdom Good.  Prince Verity is one of your larger than life characters who stomps around the place with his dogs and is always on the lookout for a good battle.  Prince Regal is a total fop – but not innocent with it.  He’s very cunning.  Basically the characters are without doubt the strongest part of this novel.  They are excellently drawn with past histories and foibles.  Fitz in particular isn’t shy of making mistakes but it all just increases the feelings you have for him.  I loved the way that we see him grow up – but not in a nursery and singing riddles type of way – he leads a hard life.  He’s constantly working.  He’s basically lonely.  And really, apart from the animals that he sometimes shares feelings for he would have no companion at all.  Speaking of riddles – I forgot to mention The Fool – such an excellent character in fact one of my favourite out of almost any book.  Cryptic and sad.  And yet such a conundrum.

So, Fitz is gifted with The Wit which allows him to communicate unspoken with beasts – Burroughs also shares this ability but is greatly against it’s use and this is to be the cause of eventual strife between the two.  The wit is scorned by Royalty who believe the user will eventually become more beast than human.  The other gift we see in the story and which is pivotal to the plot is The Skill.  The Skill allows the user to converse with others, again unspoken, and over great distance.  It’s also a tool for persuasion and manipulation.

On top of this we have the Outislanders.  Raiders who, with their warlike ships, plunder the villages along the coast.  They’ve also come up with their own form of persuasion that is creepy and horrific and a great addition to the story.

Basically this story has everything.  It’s so interesting that even if there wasn’t something major afoot my attention was still totally held.  There is court intrigue, backstabbing and evil machinations that had my eyes bugging out and my mouth in a perfect ‘O’ shape.

To cut a long story short and also because I think I’ve rambled enough and yet still not managed to convey the real story, this book was excellent.  Just go away and read it right now.  You won’t regret it.  At the conclusion I had goosebumps, tears in my eyes and yet at the same time was grinning like an idiot.  And whilst that might not be a pretty sight it gives you the strength of feeling that this book provokes.

I love that WWE, in coming up with this challenge, have been instrumental in my reading this book!

Did I mention that I loved this book.

I’m also entering this book as part of Stainless Steel Droppings Once Upon a Time reading event – stop over and take a look – it’s totally brilliant!