Book Review: Assassin's Apprentice

This book was published in 1995 and as you can imagine, it has been reviewed plenty of times. But you aren't here for just anyone's review, you're here for MY review, and that's what you're going to get. I was told it's a bit of a slow burn before picking it up, but this book had me hooked from start to finish. I could hardly put it down, and the moment I was done, I rushed out to the bookstore to get the next two books in the series.

This book follows Fitz, bastard son of Prince Chivalry. It is introduced as if it is an older Fitz telling us about his life and first memories, and the way he grows up. Being the son of such a public figure, there is a pervasive feeling of being other that I felt was both deeply painful and relatable. Fitz is held apart because of the circumstances of his birth, something completely out of his control. For a neurodivergent reader such as myself, that hits hard, and it made me root for him.

He is further held apart by King Shrewd, who makes a deal with Fitz: He will care for Fitz, and ensure he is given an education befitting a royal, provided Fitz remains completely loyal to him — and that he will become an apprentice to Chade, the King's assassin. It is a deal that will secure his future, but also a deal that leads to suffering and loneliness. Fitz, who is already seperated from the others due to his parentage, will now have further secrets to keep. 

There is magic in this book, too. The Wit, which allows one to bond themselves to and communicate with animals. A forbidden talent, for a man may lose his mind entirely and become that with which he speaks. Another magical talent is the Skill, which allows one to influence the minds of others and speak across long distances. The Wit, but for bonding with other humans. Both types are mysterious and interesting.

As far as the world-building… I was so invested in this world that I cared a LOT about the politics, the state of the country… It was almost as if I was a citizen myself it felt so real! When horrible things happened to people, when rumors spread across the land… I wanted to know all of it, and I wondered how each incident would affect the kingdom.

The writing is strong, and the characters have such a depth and emotion to them that they felt like real people to me. Whether I loved or hated them, every character inspired some sort of emotional reaction in me. 

Dog lovers, you WILL cry your hearts out. Feel the pain that I felt. You will become a dog person.

If you love this book, there are more in this series (and more series following this character!) But fear not, as this book does also work as a stand alone or as part of the Farseer Trilogy only if you're intimidated by the amount of books. 

Give it a shot if you enjoy:
🏰 the highs and lows of swearing your life to a cause you don't fully understand without question
🏰 what it is like to be a true outsider
🏰 gettiing emotional about animals
🏰 emotionally unavailable father figures (at least 3! Maybe more!)
🏰 political intrigue
🏰 assassin-in-training
🏰 coming of age in the most isolating circumstances known to man