Royal Assassin

Robin Hobb
67 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 1996

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Book Brief

Robin Hobb

Royal Assassin

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

704

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Science Fiction

•

Action & Adventure
Setting

The Six Duchies • Medieval Fantasy World

Theme
Perseverance

•

Disability

•

Coming of Age
First Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb follows FitzChivalry Farseer, a young person trained in the arts of assassination and the Wit, a magical bond with animals. He navigates court intrigue and personal challenges to protect the Farseer throne. This novel forms the second installment of Hobb's Farseer Trilogy.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

261,712 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb, the second book in the Farseer Trilogy, is widely praised for its deep character development and intricate world-building. However, some readers note its slower pace and dense prose. Overall, it is lauded for its emotional depth and complex plot, making it a strong continuation of the series for dedicated fantasy enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Royal Assassin?

Readers who enjoy complex characters, intricate plots, and immersive fantasy worlds would relish Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. Fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire or J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings will appreciate Hobb's rich storytelling and detailed world-building.

4.3

261,712 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist and first-person narrator, a royal bastard trained as an assassin who navigates the complexities of court life while grappling with his personal identity.

The King-in-Waiting and a mentor to Fitz, dedicated to defending the Six Duchies using his telepathic abilities, which take a toll on his health.

The antagonistic prince, driven by ambition and jealousy, who undermines his family in his quest for power.

A princess from the Mountain Kingdom who grows into a powerful leader and embodies the role of selfless service to her people.

The stablemaster and Fitz’s guardian, known for his loyalty and stern principles, especially against the use of the Wit.

The secretive royal assassin and mentor to Fitz, skilled in political intrigue and dedicated to stabilizing the kingdom.

King Shrewd’s enigmatic jester, who speaks in riddles and possesses prophetic insight, often guiding Fitz towards his destiny.

A candlemaker and Fitz’s first love, independent and hardworking, whose life is marked by hardship and struggle.

The wolf rescued by Fitz, who becomes bonded to him, providing companionship and a link to a more instinctual world.

The ailing ruler of the Six Duchies, a once-astute politician who becomes a pawn in his own court due to his declining health.

Chivalry’s widow and Fitz’s stepmother, known for her eccentricity and deepening bond with Fitz as she becomes his ally.

A group of Skill-users loyal to Regal, who serve as antagonists within the Farseer court, manipulating events for Regal’s gain.

Book Details
Pages

704

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

•

Science Fiction

•

Action & Adventure
Setting

The Six Duchies • Medieval Fantasy World

Theme
Perseverance

•

Disability

•

Coming of Age
First Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16-18 years

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