Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

The first book of the epic Farseer Trilogy, praised by George R. R. Martin as “fantasy as it ought to be written,” back in trade paperback with glorious new covers!

Young Fitz 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 Fitz’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, Fitz 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.

Story Locale: Fantasy world/Realm of the Elderlings

Series Overview: The king’s bastard grandson comes to court and is turned into his gradfather’s secret assassin in the start of one of most lauded fantasy series of all time.

Publication History: Del Rey MM (03/1996)

Robin Hobb is the author of the Farseer Trilogy, the Liveship Traders Trilogy, the Tawny Man Trilogy, the Soldier Son Trilogy, the Rain Wilds Chronicles, and The Fitz and The Fool trilogy. She has also written as Megan Lindholm. She is a native of Washington State.

Author Residence: Tacoma, WA

Author Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska