I was constantly worried about Shrewd’s depleting health, Fitz’s relationship with Molly, and Verity’s constant use of the Skill (Was he getting addicted?). This installment was as gripping as the first despite the slow pace. Spoilers abound below because I’m going to rant and rave about this book. It’s hard for me to write a reflection of this installment without including spoilers so… (I am a very impatient person so I took a peek at Wikia but stopped myself before I could seriously spoil myself on what will happen next.) There’s much in play, which heightens the reader’s expectations, making her wonder how the story will end. The threat of the Red Ships is more palpable as they strike more frequently and Verity expends his energy in protecting the kingdom’s shores, and Regal is gaining more influence at court as the king slowly withers away.

Fitz is now a young man developing more meaningful relationships that will have greater impact on his standing at court, and his actions carry greater consequences in his life and that of those who are close to him. The plot in this installment is much richer. In this time of great danger, the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz’s hands-and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice. The kingdom is also under assault from within, as treachery threatens the throne of the ailing king. Renewing their vicious attacks on the coast, the Red-Ship Raiders leave burned-out villages and demented victims in their wake. But love and events of terrible urgency draw him back to the court at Buckkeep, and into the deadly intrigues of the royal family. Battered and bitter, he vows to abandon his oath to King Shrewd, remaining in the distant mountains.

Not long after completing the first book in the Farseer trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice, I picked up the second, Royal Assassin, and was glad to find it just as great as the first.įitz has survived his first hazardous mission as king’s assassin, but is left little more than a cripple.

Royal assassin by robin hobb