Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2) 
asked by dignified1 on November 15, 2006 8:58 PM
Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life. With the King near death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire seaside towns. In this time of great peril, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands--and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice.
Reviews
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I was very suprised at how much I liked the first book, and was eagerly anticipating reading this one. I was not overwhelmed with its greatness, but neither was I let down at the direction the story took. As with the first one, the characters are very interesting, and the plot isnt "good guy always wins" style, wich I find boring. After 'Assasins Apprentice' I find it hard to believe anyone is doubting to buy this one, but if you are, than have no fear, it will not dissapoint.
The only thing different about this from the first book, is that while the first book was only 435 pages packed full of plot and written at a fast pace, this one is around 675 pages and slower paced. The story seems to drag toward the middle of the book. I would rather it had been full of plot and dialouge and been shorter, than have it longer and slower. As far as fantasy novels go in general 700 pages is still not long I suppose.
Either way, it is a good read, and an excellent series thus far. I highly recommend it.
The only thing different about this from the first book, is that while the first book was only 435 pages packed full of plot and written at a fast pace, this one is around 675 pages and slower paced. The story seems to drag toward the middle of the book. I would rather it had been full of plot and dialouge and been shorter, than have it longer and slower. As far as fantasy novels go in general 700 pages is still not long I suppose.
Either way, it is a good read, and an excellent series thus far. I highly recommend it.
reviewed by advisor on November 21, 2006 10:02 PM
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The way I felt of this book is remarkably like how I felt reading Harry Potter. Throughout the whole book, not all that much really happens but you find yourself reading and reading and reading. Perhaps in search of something to happen or perhaps the writing is actually pretty good in that it presses the right buttons to keep you reading.
The book is almost 700 pages long and I found the lack of things happening kind of disturbing. This book was actually slower paced than the first one without anything really happening till near the end. There is literally no action either in the book. The fights are almost always "hardly remembered" and rushed through. Don't expect Cornwell style battles in this book. I guess it's written in a more G rated way to appeal to girls who usually don't like the fighting.
There were quite a few other things that bothered me about the book that I chose to take a break and read another book before finishing up the trilogy, which I expect to be even slower.
For one thing you can tell in many references in the book that Robin Hobbs is a major feminist. I believe in equal rights but it's a bit tedious to be reminded over and over and over that women are 'just as capable as men', however subtle. It's just awkward.
The names of characters are nothing less than ridiculous. I found myself rolling my eyes when I read 'Lady Mindful'. King Bounty, King Shrewd. I mean what is the point of having names like these? All it does is detract from the seriousness of the book. It's almost as bad as naming your main character "Princess Buttercup" or something. Now Kettricken, that's not a bad name.
Fitz is supposed to be assassin, but I honestly cannot recall a single person he really assassinated except maybe that one killing in the first book. And in any case, that killing was very minor and brushed through. Killing Forged ones is hardly assassination but mere soldier's work. And if he is really trained in the arts of stealthy killling, how the heck did he botch up killing two people that were practically sleeping? That absolutely made no sense to me how he got caught in the end. He's supposed to be really, really careful, more careful than Molly and others yet he chases Justin througout the keep during a feast brandishing a knife. Okay! That's probably the most horrible part of the book which can be looked passed, I suppose.
Everyone important in the book knows Regal is a murderer and a killer, yet they stand around and wait for him to plot evil. I mean how can someone plot to kill the king in waiting, killed the prince of the Mountain kingdom and ever plotting to take the throne not be punished at all? It seriously makes no sense...
The ending was extremely predictable, hard to believe and you can tell Robin Hobbs loves dogs. I'll definitely read book three, but this is in no way in the same caliber as George RR Martin(I haven't read Crows yet).
The book is almost 700 pages long and I found the lack of things happening kind of disturbing. This book was actually slower paced than the first one without anything really happening till near the end. There is literally no action either in the book. The fights are almost always "hardly remembered" and rushed through. Don't expect Cornwell style battles in this book. I guess it's written in a more G rated way to appeal to girls who usually don't like the fighting.
There were quite a few other things that bothered me about the book that I chose to take a break and read another book before finishing up the trilogy, which I expect to be even slower.
For one thing you can tell in many references in the book that Robin Hobbs is a major feminist. I believe in equal rights but it's a bit tedious to be reminded over and over and over that women are 'just as capable as men', however subtle. It's just awkward.
The names of characters are nothing less than ridiculous. I found myself rolling my eyes when I read 'Lady Mindful'. King Bounty, King Shrewd. I mean what is the point of having names like these? All it does is detract from the seriousness of the book. It's almost as bad as naming your main character "Princess Buttercup" or something. Now Kettricken, that's not a bad name.
Fitz is supposed to be assassin, but I honestly cannot recall a single person he really assassinated except maybe that one killing in the first book. And in any case, that killing was very minor and brushed through. Killing Forged ones is hardly assassination but mere soldier's work. And if he is really trained in the arts of stealthy killling, how the heck did he botch up killing two people that were practically sleeping? That absolutely made no sense to me how he got caught in the end. He's supposed to be really, really careful, more careful than Molly and others yet he chases Justin througout the keep during a feast brandishing a knife. Okay! That's probably the most horrible part of the book which can be looked passed, I suppose.
Everyone important in the book knows Regal is a murderer and a killer, yet they stand around and wait for him to plot evil. I mean how can someone plot to kill the king in waiting, killed the prince of the Mountain kingdom and ever plotting to take the throne not be punished at all? It seriously makes no sense...
The ending was extremely predictable, hard to believe and you can tell Robin Hobbs loves dogs. I'll definitely read book three, but this is in no way in the same caliber as George RR Martin(I haven't read Crows yet).
reviewed by rob33 on November 24, 2006 11:29 AM
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Fitz is having fits - and the kingdom seems to be seeing the start of entire rupture. He must choose to either stay with his King as a King's man or go on his own - but truly - does he have a choice?
Hobb certainly has a way of bringing light to things - there but just not seen by a reader. This book has everything - a love story, hatred, revenge, loyalty, political intrige, honor, and working for the better of a people.
A great lesson can be learned by seeing the dedication some will take to see out that others can live better. Hobb does a great job of seeing through hardships and comming out the otherend - beat and broken, but knowing what one must do.
Fitz is only getting better , as a character, every book I read. Do yourself a favor and read The Farseer Trilogy.
Hobb certainly has a way of bringing light to things - there but just not seen by a reader. This book has everything - a love story, hatred, revenge, loyalty, political intrige, honor, and working for the better of a people.
A great lesson can be learned by seeing the dedication some will take to see out that others can live better. Hobb does a great job of seeing through hardships and comming out the otherend - beat and broken, but knowing what one must do.
Fitz is only getting better , as a character, every book I read. Do yourself a favor and read The Farseer Trilogy.
reviewed by madfool on November 29, 2006 5:30 AM
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See my review of the first book of the series. Just had to chime in on all the books as they are very good.
reviewed by reader99 on November 29, 2006 12:56 PM
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the second book of Hobb's trilogy did not loose any steam at all. The story continues with Fitz and his adventures as an asssasin for the farseer throne.While reading this book make sure to grab some tissues, alot of emotional stuff going on. This book centered alot on Fitz and Molly,which was great for the romantic aspect of this saga. In addition the ending of the book, for lack of a better word was explosive. Your heart will start beating faster and faster, with each turning of the page. If you loved the first book, you'll treasure the second book just as much and maybe more. highly recommended.
reviewed by benzdrives on November 29, 2006 2:48 PM