Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb

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Submitted by Wiley Wapiti 
(Nov 23, 2009)

I originally read the first book (Assasin's Apprentice) 10+ years ago and I do not believe the library had the sequel so I stopped after this book. I happened to be at the library a couple months ago with my children and stumbled upon it again and re-read this book and have since finished the trilogy and am onto the Tawny Man trilogy now. I had forgotten what a great read this is - if you are a first time reader of this book or anything by Robin Hobb, please do not stop with this book, roll on through the sequels and explore the other trilogies. I find this a very entertaining Author as I find her writing very adventurous and enveloping where I can literally feel as if I am seeing the story unfold. I read many different genres of books and I have few authors that I enjoy as much as I currently do Robin Hobb. The characters, the plot - I find it a smooth transition between one book and the next.

This is a great trilogy; somewhat sad, but still great. The imaginative detail to the kingdom begins with seemingly ordinary surroundings and situations which cement the realism. Soon it progresses to very interesting fantasy, but then keeps going, adding layer upon layer of fascinating detail which continues right through the fantastic third book.

The ending was a perfect summary and conclusion for this story. Lots of great series do not end "happily" - the characters all pay a price by the end of The Lord of the Rings, and the Ender series is similar in this respect. Sometimes it's the less than expected or tragic endings that capture our attention and imagination the most.

I was glued to the books in this trilogy hours on end for many days during the summer. It wasn't until the very end that I was reading simply to finish the final book of the trilogy. The writing style and character development was astounding in this book, but I was so disappointed in the end. The books first give off the impression of a young boy's hardships he must fight through to finally get back to his loves and live the life he wanted to live, but at the end you simply have a man who had a terrible life that leaves him living as a hermit thought to be dead by most. Again, I fully enjoyed most of my read, and I will definitely check out the next trilogy!

*This contains spoilers, as it is mostly a commentary on the ending*
*Seriously SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER do not read if you haven't finished the series*


Yes, the ending was depressing. That doesn't make it bad. It fits with the series; much of the trilogy, especially Book 2, was centered on making Fitz realize what it truly means to be a 'King's Man.' It means giving your life, not your death, to the cause. Rather than becoming a martyr, trading his life for glory, Fitz sacrificed everything he loved and dreamed of. He gets no recognition, no personal gain, nothing but the knowledge that he served his King faithfully and the people are safe. He was never set up for a happy ending; had he simply killed Regal as he wished to in Book 2, he could have ended up with Molly, seen his Queen on the throne, and probably aided Verity sooner. Instead, he simply did his duty. Why is everyone surprised at the ending? Just because in other works the hero finds a way to avoid the depressing prophecies while fulfilling the heroic ones doesn't mean that is necessarily going to happen all the time. The Fool states clearly in Assassin's Quest that the Catalyst dreams of hearth and family, but is not fated to enjoy them. He simply gets to live with the knowledge that they are safe and happy...without him.

I was totally disappointed by the end to the trilogy. The writing of all books is excellent, and the sense of detail is great. However the books are plodding, and great length and detail is spent on all the depressing episodes where as any victory is covered in a few pages. Even the ends of these giant books suddenly unfold within 10-15 pages. It just seems that these books revel in depression.