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Submitted by Kamarile
(Sep 25, 2000)

The Farseer trilogy was the first really dark book or series that I'd ever read, and I loved it. Robin Hobb is a far better writer than GRRM or Robert Jordan (and as a WoT addict, that is saying quite a lot). The book is all about dark, closeted images-- The dark, musty stable, the halls of Buckkeep in winter, the sunless jungle, the windowless dungeon. The ending was, to say the least, depressing-- I cried without stop for at least several hours and it took me days to shake myself out of my sadness for poor Fitz. Never- not even in Lord of the Rings- did a book make me feel that way. Sure, I cried when Moiraine "died" in the Fires of Heaven, and a little bit when Denethor gets fried, but I was only ten when I first read those, and I was thirteen when I finished "Assassin's Quest". The ending seemed rushed, as if Ms. Hobb tried to tie up all the plot strings at once because she wanted to fit it into a trilogy (Another plus-- she doesn't go on aimlessly like Robert Jordan, or, worse yet, Terry Goodkind). In short, I must say READ ASSASSIN'S APPRENTICE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY!!!!!

It is seldom that we recognize the path that we lead in life, as this trilogy shows us. There I stood searching for a trivial distraction to my bored filled life, looking once more for a fulfillment that one never truly expect to find. I picked up assassin's apprentice and stood staring at it, not knowing that what I held in my hands would draw me into a world so richly populated with believable characters and scenery, that I had to stop myself searching for it on our world map. I paid my £5. 99 (GB Pounds) hoping that at least the paper was worth that much, but it became more valued than I could imagine, It taught me more about people than any psychology lesson. I will not bore you with the plot or characters, all I want to say is that these books are like travelling to another world, and once you have been there, you awake at night with the burning memory and the longing pain to return. If ever she (Robin Hobb) decides to return, I would follow. My wolf and me.

When I learnt that Robin Hobb is actually a woman, I was not in the least bit surprised. Her writing in the Farseer series carries more emotions than any other book in any other genre that I've ever read. It seems that only women can be empathic enough to write stories like this.

The story of FitzChivalry is truly unforgettable with his triumphs and failures and of those who would do him harm or good. Moreover, Fitz remains one of the most memorable characters in fantasy that I've ever read. He is just so believable as a character and I'm sure a lot of people can relate to him, which includes me. This is a quality in Hobb's characters that stands out.

I really can't recommend enough the reading pleasure any self-respecting fantasy lover would have if they just gave this series of boosk a chance. I can't wait to start on the Liveship Traders Trilogy.

This trilogy simply and literally stunned me. Robin Hobb has created characters that I'll never forget. Every twist and turn in the story was heart-pulling and soul-wrenching. Throughout the first two parts I was constantly thinking, she'll never be able to do it, she can't possibly keep up a story this good. But the more I read, the more I became drawn into it, and when I finished the last line of Assassin's Quest - hardly breathing, shocked and saddened to my core - I nearly cried. Not from any sentimentality I had read, the ending is far too brutal for that, but because there was nothing left to be read. I can't stress how strongly I recommend this trilogy.

Unlike your average fantasy series, or any novel for that matter, in Robin Hobb's best series, The Farseer, you are presented with one of the most realist and compelling plots I have ever encountered.  This series does not hand you the happy hollywood theme all of America seems to thrive for, but grants you an experience of a life time by putting you in the position of Fitz, one of the most dynamic characters ever written.  This book doesn't attempt to win you over with pathetic miracles or falsely kept promises.  It is the amazing tale of a young man who is loyaly serving his king, making mistakes, and trying his hardest.  It is not a story for the weak or narrow minded, for its greatness would be wasted on helpless souls like that, only one who realizes there are no right or easy answers in life has the priviledge to rithe in the pleasure of this wonderful peice of art.
If you are looking for a book which will leave you exactly where you started, don't read this one.
But if one cares only the tiniest bit whether they elevate their self being even a noche, and is willing to accept life at face value, then I garuante this book will pick you up take you places you have never been.