The Farseer Trilogy 3-Book Bundle: Assssin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin's Quest (2014) - Plot & Excerpts
The Farseer trilogy is an epic life adventure of Fitzchivalry Farseer; the bastard son of a king-in-waiting who abdicated the throne for love. As royal bastards go, they have no official standing in the court and cannot succeed the throne or become the heirs. But because his father acknowledged him, he was afforded an education and apprenticeship which made him into an assassin. The world of the Farseers has been delicately described by author Robin Hobb. It seems to the reader to be somewhat akin to a medieval European kingdom. But besides this all-too-familiar culture, what sets it apart is the existence of magic, both white and dark. The white magic is known as the Skill and to use it, one must be born with it. Members of the Farseer line have always had this magic in their blood and mind. The magic is somewhat telepathic - it can be used to communicate with others who share the same Skill - but it can also be used to muddle the minds of unsuspecting victims. The dark magic is known as the Wit and is also telepathic in nature, but it is used to communicate with beasts and eventually a human picks out a single beast to bond with. The beast magic is frowned upon in polite society, much like witchcraft was. The elaborate world also details the cultures of many of the neighbouring kingdoms, each with their own traditions and customs. In creating these intricate customs, Robin Hobb has added to the depth of her novels, making it only more interesting to the readers. The story is entertaining with characters coming alive in your mind. The reader get enraptured by the plots and decisions taken by the story's hero - Fitz Chivalry. There were many times in the novels that I wanted to kick the backside of this so-called hero because of the stupid decisions he would take - but that only proves how real and how human the character is. And if it invokes such emotions in the reader than the author has definitely done a great job. The books have a melancholy tone to them - poor Fitz seems to have given over 100% for his king but seems to get nothing in return. No girl, no wealth, no power and no fame. But it is in the thrid novel where that finally changes. The reader has been with Fitz through all his losses, trials, tribulations, torture; both mental and physical, and his victories. But despite fantastic victories throughout his battles and the major one at the end, the people never realize that their actual savior had been the poor royal bastard. Despite being offered everything, all Fitz asks for in the end is peace and quiet for himself and a life away from the politics and scheming of the court. I gave this series 5 then 4 then back to 5 stars as I realised that I still remember (after about 7 years) the complete storyline and just about every single character and even the end. This is unheard of for me as I tend to forget this sort of stuff quickly after reading and mainly remember the emotional or intellectual impact the book had on me without recalling exact details, people or events.I loved these books! In fact I might even re-read them some day to finally make up my mind whether the 5 stars are deserved.... Bit worried about re-reading the part where Fitz's dog dies though...
What do You think about The Farseer Trilogy 3-Book Bundle: Assssin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin's Quest (2014)?
Great characters, great story, fantasy that's right up there with all the greats
—umama
It's a good read, though Fitz was too flawed and too passive as a hero.
—lauras67
One of my favourites series of all time.
—roars
Good series. Novel approach to fantasy.
—herraodong
