I am really thrilled with this start to the Farseer trilogy. I read the book in one day, could NOT put it down! It is richly detailed, well written, and very touching. I can't wait to read the next two!

As a royal bastard in the household of King Shrewd, a boy called "Fitz" spends his early years in the king's stables. When the magic in his blood marks him for destiny, he begins receiving secret instruction, by order of the king, in the art of assassination, a calling that places him in the midst of a nest of intrigue and arcane maneuverings. Firmly grounded in the trappings of high fantasy, Hobb's first novel features a protagonist whose coming of age revolves around the discovery of the meaning of loyalty and trust. - Synopsis by Reed Business Information, Inc.

The usual stock fantasy characters are here, but the main one has a bit of a twist: He learns how to become an assassin for the king.

This story does get a bit gruesome in parts, so if you're particularly squeamish, this isn't for you. Portions of that didn't bother me, but what did bother me (and maybe it shouldn't have) was Fitz's dog. Yes, he has a dog who is quite loyal and protective of him. I won't get into details, but as the dog is introduced fairly early into the story, I nearly stopped reading the book after reading about the dog...

Now, I attach a lot to what happens to a dog in a story, simply because I have 2 dogs and no kids. But certain things with the dog (I won't get into detail) made me want to stop reading fairly early on in the book. But it's rare for me not to finish a book, so I continued.

It moves a pretty good pace, the character of Fitz is interesting enough, so it's not that the story itself is bad. Don't let my prejudice make you think it wasn't an interesting tale (the 1st book of the Farseer Trilogy) because it was.

Oh, and the cover art is beautiful.

This is not the type of book that I usually read, but I found myself engrossed in it and actually caring about the characters and wanting to know what happened next. It was definitely not a book I could easily put down.

Amazing beginning to a series! I couldn't put it down and can't wait to begin the next one.

Excellent Fantasy novel. Ms. Hobb has created an entirely believable world, and her characters are well rounded. She makes you truely care about them and thier fates.

Robin Hobb creates caracters that are complex and stay with you after you put the book down. If you can put the book down. I've gotten less sleep while immersed in this series....

All the Farseer and Fool trilogy books are some of the best books I have ever read. The character development was so deep that you deeply cared about what happened to them, and not just the main ones. When I finished the last book, I felt at a loss without my good friend Fitz and the Fool to read about.

Very complete Trilogy, Highly recommended.

good writing,moves right along

A relaxing read.

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I really liked this book, so much that I have ordered and read the 2nd book and I am starting on the 3rd book. A little magic, little mystery,very good read.

Good. Not Epic. Hints at being epic but not. Lots of intrigue with little fallow through. Overall good, good enough to get sequal.

I received this book free without really knowing anything about it, but was very pleased. The lead character Fitz is very likable and believable. I did not want to put this book down. When I finished the book I immediately looked for the next in the series and during my search realized that there was a second trilogy related to this one and decided that I had to have those as well.

I think this book rivals the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy in it's epic tale of good versus evil. I would highly recommend this book to all who enjoy the fantasy genre. I would like to see someone make a movie of these tales.

This is up there with The BEST fantasy novels of All Time !(this is first of a Mindblowing, Fantastic trilogy!
Outstanding characterization, poignant protaganist that your heart reaches out to.
Robin Hobb is one of the premier novelists out there and this is her(his ?) best !

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This book was a good read. There was some predictability to it, but all in all satisfying for those that like the genre.

Not heavy in the fantasy that I usually like to read, but it was still a good read.

your time could be better spent than reading anything by robin hobb.

good book cant wait to find the rest of the series

Young Fritz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fritz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.
As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fritz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

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