ROYAL ASSASSIN - REVIEW
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- My review of Robin Hobb's Royal Assassin. The follow up to Assassin's Apprentice. The Second book in the Farseer trilogy. Let me know what you think of Royal Assassin and the review!
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Robin Hobb is the best damn character writer in all of fantasy. There, I said it.
True, never have I adored and despised so many of the characters in a book series while they are all still fundamentally human. Every character is complex, wholey unique and has sound motivations for every action.
Absolutely agree!
Yeah, probably a tie between her and Joe Abercrombie for me.
The ending of the third one may not click with everybody. But it would be a shame if you stopped there. The next set of trilogies are some of the best the genre has to offer, Liveship Traders and Tawny Man, how I wish I could read them for the first time again.
Am I the only one who loved the soldier's son trilogy? Admittedly I read it as a teen years ago but it really had an impact on me, as depressing as it is.
I'd say Quest was salvaged by the last 100 pages, but yes, Liveship Traders and Tawny Man trilogies were really good
I have read the first two liveship books but not the third yet.
@@Tochitos2 Yes, I think you were the only one. I can respect the soldier son books, because I know hobb was purposefully using an atypical writing style, but they were still torture to read.
@@Tochitos2 I just haven't read them. I'm not sure why you brought them up since (as far as I know) they're not part of Realm of the Elderlings.
Years of waiting for Assassins Apprentice and now Daniel is breezing
through the series.
I'm so happy about it
Regarding the magic system: what I think is so unique about the Skill is that no one really knows how it works anymore, this becoming more evident as the series continues. It is a forgotten art that no one knows how to use, but still need to use. Thats what I love with Fitz's struggle with the Skill
yes, even the experts have spotty knowledge.
and though the magics are universal they don't really have an impact on most people's day to day lives, so can be easily forgotten about by everyone except those with the gifts.
Love Robin Hobb. Her prose and characters are wonderful.
Prose used properly in a sentence. Daniel taking notes Haha jk
Speaking of prose, as someone who has been reading fantasy since I was a kid in the mid 1980s, writing has gotten weaker over time. The fantasies written in the 70s 80s 90s prose was a selling point. And writers really took some pride in it (Hobb, Katharine Kurtz, Tad William's, Jennifer Roberson, I could go on and on). The popularity of YA in the 2000s has sort of killed that across the board. The writing styles have become more bland and workman-like. One is not better than the other...but I know which I prefer
I liked the third one a lot. It’s a departure from the Buckeep formula you’ve been seeing and you need that. You see Fitz expand his magic use, and while the ending of it may turn some people off, stopping there and not giving Liveship Traders a try would be a damn shame. Liveship is one of the greatest fantasy trilogies full-stop.
I dunno if the magic system in this book series is softer, but based on what you said, I can't help but remember a video from HelloFutureMe how while hard magic systems tend to magnify the fantastical aspects of the story, soft magic systems magnify on the psychological aspects of the story.
It took me MONTHS to read Royal Assassin because I was so irritated with Regal, I just couldn't. I found Assassin's Quest to be overly long but on a par in terms of quality with RA. The Liveship Trader's trilogy combines all of the prose and character qualities of Farseer, with the better magic system, larger world and multiple perspective 3rd person limited. SO GOOD
ETA: The first spoiler you mentioned is the best representation I've seen of this situation, only time it's not taken me right out of the story
barns hippoboi yeah I’d go soft
@@barnaby4232 I'm going to disagree with the others and say hard. All the magic has explicit, defined rules. Which from my understanding of the definitions we use would put it in the hard magic category.
I liked the Liveship and Rain wild series the best, because the magic system and worldbuilding finally ganes some coherence. In the early book series nobody ever seems to know what is going on or how to use their magic. However, Hobb can be difficult to stomach in large amounts: she strays too often into excessive torture and rape themes becoming too much like Goodkind.
@@XakoWako Why do you think this? Have you read all the way to the end of Fitz and the Fool? Because later on it really just seems like they start using the Skill to do something new all the time. The Wit might have rules - it seems like it does - but we just don't really know much about it.
@@praetorxynYou have a point in the Fitz and the Fool and I think I misstated my case when I said "explicit."
Whilst the rules of the magic system aren't given to us in the same way that Allomancy is (for example) we are told the principles by which they operate. It is for that reason that I would say they are hard magic systems.
We have a whole chapter where Fitz is learning the Skill. He fails to learn the Skill and doesn't understand it, but we the reader are shown how it works, even if we aren't told.
One aspect of Hobb’s writing I appreciated was the very thorough descriptions of foods and smells. It seemed like such a weird thing to focus on, and so rarely done. However, Fitz’ deep connection to canines means that smells and tastes are a much larger part of his life. It is subtle for many scenes, but I think an excellent writing choice.
Great point! Kinda reminds me of all the amazing food descriptions Brian Jacques puts into the Redwall books!
Thanks for this video! I've been getting a bit disenchanted with fantasy booktube's bias for simple prose. In many reviews by eminent booktubers I'm seeing good prose be slandered or viewed as a negative that distracts from the story, while mediocre and clumsy prose alike are praised for being "straightforward". It's good to see there is still appreciation for authors who spend just as much time on crafting *how* the story is told as they do on the story itself.
I agree! In fact, I once saw someone saying that complex writings were only there to 'impress people without any reading experience' and that we should stick to 'simple writing'... Glad to see this isn't everybody's opinion, and definitely not mine: elaborated prose can reinforce the immersion.
@@Saidor570 Exactly!!! That frustrates me so much!
Don't listen to the people telling you the third book isn't good! The Elderlings series just keeps getting better and you'd miss out on some of the best character work in the genre if you give it up. D: Liveship Traders is SO GOOD, Tawny Man ever better, and Rainwild Chronicles? *CHEF'S KISS* SO MUCH GOODNESS YET TO COME. also dragons. :D
Farseer is the worst series ive ever picked up
@@austenkampe5257 I would have to agree.
I kinda like the first two books, but man I HATE the third one. So sad for the choices Hobb made in that one.
@@CabreraJuanCr How so? I can understand that people don't like the ending of that book, but I don't understand teh specific why. It's not how stories traditionally end. In my opinion though it's the perfect end for this particular story.
Spoilerzzz
As an adult reader, I really appreciate Robin Hobb's writing. One of my problems with other fantasy books is that the simplicity of language pervasive in YA seems to be oozing over into adult genre fiction and I'm not a fan of that.
H. A. Harris do you read Guy Kay?
@@stephenbarrett8861 I have The Summer Tree and A Song for Arbonne and I'm not sure why I haven't read them yet. They just seem like they'll be so good that I'm putting it off for a time when I'm not so busy and can really delve deep and enjoy them as they deserve.
;;
H. A. Harris have you seen Daniel’s review of Tigana? I find that Kay’s prose is very clean, not too wordy at all. They are not a hard read. Are you a fan of Tolkien?
I can agree that Hobb is masterful, but I disagree that you can't have really great prose in YA. Sure, some YA is more simple (particularly the YA aimed more at the younger side, like Percy Jackson, etc) but there are a plethora of YA novels with great writing. I would bet you know that, but I felt it needed to be said... I think more 'simple' writing is cropping up everywhere as more and more people focus less on reading prose and more on other things. (I don't mean to make a stab at twitter, but... 240 characters yo)
@@stephenbarrett8861 Not so much; I fit into that demographic of people who didn't care for Tolkien but really enjoyed Mervyn Peakes' Gormenghast trilogy.
The last trilogy is the best.
Bee is the best......... Oh and that ending!!!!!!
And btw, I know some people dislike book 3, but i LOVED it. I adore the pacing of Hobb's books - the 'slowness' makes me feel at ease (or not) but really makes the story, characterd and world feel expansive by its slowness instead of 'big world big fast action'
I had a friend describe it as "intensity creep". She said that things these days (meaning newer media and novels) were looking to pack in as much action and drama into a short amount of time, and it made her anxious to always be on the edge of her seat. It's not a position I share, but that way of phrasing it made me consider things differently.
@@octo448 interesting you should say that about newer books. I read Mistborn a few months ago and although I really enjoyed it, it definitely felt "pulpy" to me in a way. It read almost like a paperback thriller, which I am sure was deliberate. The plot rushed along and I always felt anxiously drawn along with it. I think I could have enjoyed the book more if it was longer and took more time to meander a bit sometimes.
I guess the best analogy I can think of would be that something like Mistborn is like Starwars to me; drama, spectacular set pieces and a rollicking good ride. Guy Gavriel Kay's (and Robin Hobb's to some extent) books are more like the Godfather trilogy. Fantastic stories and characters who have room to breath, set in a really grounded world. On top of that the art of telling the story is just as beautiful. Gene Wolfe is my David Lynch; it's really interesting, I've got no idea what's going on sometimes, but it seems good, and I know I will have to re-watch it sometime and read a bunch of stuff on the internet to really appreciate it. :P
I've found that on rereads the entire first trilogy becomes significantly more enjoyable.
I think the third one is great. There is about a 100 page stretch in the second half that feels a little drawn out, other than that, it’s great imo.
Some of the conclusions feel a bit rushed, but nothing major.
Reading The Liveship Trader trilogy now, and I think I might like it even more than Farseer.
I think I know what part you thought drawn out a little. No spoilers but all I'll say is... Road.
Even if Daniel doesn't enjoy the third book he should still read at least Liveships, because it's objectively Hobb's best trilogy.
@@frank7411 So I've heard. Planning on reading one trilogy of hers a year so I'll be getting to it at some point. Been getting caught up on Abercrombie at the moment
I'm about to finish the second book in the trilogy, The Mad Ship. This trilogy is so damn good! The first one took me a while to get invested in, but once I did, it's such a fantastic read!
Having almost finished the whole trilogy of trilogies I really appreciate the slow, well developed character work. Fitz and the Fool are such amazing characters
Couldn't agree more, on rereads the Farseer trilogy goes from a solid 7,5 to a 9 just because you can see what makes Fitz into the person he is in the later trilogies.
"We are here, Fitz, you and I, to change the future and the world"
I just want to send Kettricken to Washington....I always have, but now more than ever. If nothing else it would be satisfying to see all the head scratching as she tried to explain what "Sacrifice" meant:)
I actually love the ending to the Farseer trilogy. It broke me and I was appalled. I see a lot of people who hate it which I think is another virtue of Hobb which is that the ending generates emotion, good or bad.
While I liked the Farseer, the rest of the Realm of th Elderlings is so much better especially Liveship Traders trilogy. That one is a masterpiece.
Great review, Daniel! Assassin's Quest is a bit hard to get through in terms of plot, but if you're invested in the relationships I think you'll still enjoy it. But you should definitely stick out the whole series! The Liveship Traders and the middle trilogy, The Tawny Man, are just so damn good.
I really didn’t like Assassins Quest, but the next trilogy (live ship traders) is my favourite trilogy of all time. So if you do end up disliking the next book, I would recommend not giving up on the realm of the elderlings.
The second trilogy about Fitz is way better than the first, the third one is amazing too
One thing I always mention about the Assassin trilogy from Hobb is that she doesn't mean assassin like most current popular authors use the term. I'm not exactly sure how to articulate the differences, but there is very little in the trilogy that reminds me of the assassin school series' that have become so popular in YA fiction recently. Fitz' journey is a lot more about his nation, his sense of self, and the intrigue than it ever was about assassination. The fact that SPOILER he kills people sometimes SLASH SPOILER is almost incidental.
EDIT: Please please please still continue with Liveship Traders even if you dislike the ending of Assassin's Quest! I personally don't mind the ending but even if you do, you could still enjoy the LST a lot! It would be like... cheating yourself out of the Stormlight Archive because you didn't enjoy how the Mistborn trilogy ended.
While I think RA is the best book of the trilogy, the third is by no means bad. If anything, you might find the ending frustrating, but not because it's bad, at least imo. I really hope you continue reading the Realm of the Elderlings, because the other Hobb trilogies are just as good and often better than Farseer.
Agreed. The ending of the Farseer Trilogy might not be that good or satisfying, but the ending of the overall series is amazing.
Yeah I don’t think Assassins Quest is bad... it’s just, not all it could of been...
Honestly I thought the follow up Fools Errand and it’s sequels fixed a lot of the problems from the AQ ending, although I know that’s a tough sell
True. Also, let's not forget Liveship. I often see Daniel saying there isn't enough pirate fantasy, so...
Great series amazing characters but I was disappointed in the ending what a twist dont want to leave any spoilers just a personal thing some will like it, great books.
Agreed 100%. There's 2 things about AQ that I didn't enjoy: it could have been edited down a little bit and how the red ship conflict was resolved. Fitz's actual ending was brilliant though. Very outside of the box. And this book has some of my favourite chapters from the whole series: the first two chapters are simply amazing, the relationships and all the conversations in those chapters are a work of art.
Mate the 3rd book is my favourite one. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Royal Assassin (or I must say the 'Fitz' saga ?) was the third fantasy series I read after Lord of the Rings and A song of Ice and Fire. It's interesting to have the perspective of someone who has much more experience in fantasy :D
And I agree that the end of this book was probably one of the most incredible I have ever read in fantasy!
Spoiler free.
I do feel like Assassin's Quest can be a bit divisive and I can see why. There's no way it's as bad as anyone might say because I can see that you love the characters and you're right about what you said about taking care to construct characters as Hobb has. I could live and breathe off her characters! 😋 Even if you find it's not your favorite ending, it's not like it's insultingly bad. It's really going to boil down to what you appreciate about Hobb and her world. I know we are strangers but I think you're going to enjoy Assassin's Quest just fine because your enthusiasm and thoughts remind me of mine back when I read these.
what I love about Robin Hobb is that her characters truly "sit down and talk" to solve problems. There were many moments (especially in Rain Wild Chronicles which I just finished) when I thought "these lies, half-truths or misconceptions will lead to a great conflict and damage characters' relationships" but no! The characters sit to talk, and explain, and the conflict that could do a lot of damage is no more.
Daniel: Posts spoiler-y review for a book I haven’t read
Me: Turns off volume, and plays and likes video bc he deserves to post reviews of whatever books he wants to talk about without it hurting the channel
For me, the third book will forever be one of the most captivating reads I ever had ( probably because of what was happening in my life ). I understand if some people think its too long, but in the context of the entire series, it's still my favorite adventure in the head of Fitz.
I truly can't understand 'too long' complaint in regards to anything Robin Hobb writes. She could write a manual on dishwasher repair and I'd hang onto every word in a way I've never done with any other author. 1000 pages to tell the story >> 500 pages to tell the story. I'm not reading Hobb for the plot. I don't need the plot to go at a lightning pace. I'm reading Hobb for the emotionional rollercoaster and character relationships. More = better in this case
Assassin's Quest (book 3) is fantastic imo - but I think all of the books are fantastic, so I might be a little bias.
Please continue with the Realm of the elderlings. Liveship traders is absolutely fantastic and expands the world so well and the characters are amazing. Malta in particular has such an amazing arc throughout that it would be a travesty to not keep going.
Even if you don't end up liking the last book (which I didn't), please please please carry on to the liveship trader series by Hobb as that is bloody fantastic.
Yes!! Although I loved book 3, liveship traders is so god damn good
I prefer her Liveship Traders Trilogy honestly.
He definitely should read it. Much better, and just the right amount of self-loathing :)
Well written, but I don't care about the characters as much.
@@jossecoupe446 to each their own. I read both series a long time ago, but I remember being far more invested in the characters of the Liveship Traders, especially Kennit.
@@mattah Kennit was pretty dope, but to me it was mostly an extremely well executed world building trilogy to read before going back to Fitz and the Fools' antics. Maybe I just prefered Fitz's first person perspective.
@@jossecoupe446 Yep that's my thought too
After I'm done with A little Hatred I am now going to re read Assassins Apprentice and finally continue with the rest of the Realm of the Elderlings now knowing it just gets better
Surprised you haven't mentioned the Fool as they are my favorite character in the whole series
No mention of Nighteyes? That’s illegal. Anyways, in regards to the third book, I think no matter your feelings and thoughts after reading it, I highly suggest you continue. The main reason fans point to Assassin’s Quest as the weakest book in the realm of the Elderlings is because of the pacing and somewhat predictable ending. However, even if book three is weak, it certainly doesn’t warrant you dropping the entire series. Every book after assassin’s quest is amazing and after you start Fool’s Errand, all the ominous comments will transform into constant hype. The first trilogy is the weakest, but it’s necessary foundation for you to follow Fitz to the end of his journey.
SPOILERS
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I did not feel like the poisoning of Shrewd was supposed to be a mystery, it was so obvious from the start that my read on it was just 'this is happening, how is everyone going to deal with it?' and I found plenty of suspense there
I enjoyed all the books along the way but man, the ending to the 16th and final book was well worth the journey imo. So much comes together in that last trilogy.
I would compare the next book with the slog in the wheel of time. Upon Reread it's definitely better, but first time through it's kind of meh, but I definitely have a love hate relationship with it, and PLEASE don't stop reading after Assassin's Quest! Definitely read the next book, ship of magic, before you decide to give up the Realm of the Elderlings! In my opinion Liveship Traders trilogy more then made up for Assassin's Quest.
One thing about Robin Hobb is though her books may be a bit slow, I don't mind cuz they're so beautifully written and she spends that time crafting such wonderful characters.
Royal Assassin Spoiler for anyone that hasn't read it yet
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As obvious as the King's poisoning and death was, Hobb still managed to surprise me with the execution. The imagery of picking up a dead bird to reveal maggots to describe Desire and the other Coterie member draining his life with the Skill was haunting. I was immediately disturbed and then hyped as Fitz prepares to kill them. It was the perfect shock/adrenaline boost combo.
And then the ultimate drop down from that rush as it turns out to be the worst tactical move. I think that's my favorite lesson from this series. The legendary acts we've come to expect, the glory, the heroism, are not necessarily the right path.
Such a pleasure to see this review.
Robin Hobb's writing nearly destroys me for other authors. (You know, when you start a new book directly after and although it's an enjoyable read, it just feels... lacklustre.)
She conveys, in one short sentence, a full mood - and I am forever in bewildered awe (shamelessly stealing from Four Weddings and a Funeral here; how's that for irony? : ). The only other author I experience this sense of loss with, when finishing a book of, is Guy Gavriel Kay.
She is the writer I have recommended to everyone I know - for a while there, we had an impromptu Robin Hobb book club, which was awesome - and without exception the books were loved, which amazes me, because that is a lot of very different people : )
Daniel, as a fan of the series it’s best if you forgive the 3rd. It’s not BAD as the fans make it out to be. It’s ok. But I can see why people were so disappointed with it. If you stopped reading the series as a whole because of Assassin’s Quest, trust me the series as a whole is WORTH IT. please stay the course. And keep going. LiveShip Traders is phenomenal.
So glad you are enjoying what to me is a truly wonderful series, it's not perfect, but what is!? I hope you do continue, because it is so worth the time and effort and is deeply satisfying on a fundamental level.
Looks like I'm gonna have to add yet another series to my TBR. Starting to think that I'm never going to clear that list now 😂
Robert Winslade same here....
Tis the readers curse!
Just a little point about book one and about Fitz being kind of a shallow character, mostly passive and with little to no agency. He is also a little kid (at the beginning of the story he is 6 years toung if I remember correctly) thrown off his familiar world and into a unfamiliar world full of intrigues where he only deals with adults that he doesn’t know or understand. The only thing he knows is that he is at the bottom of the food chain and that he is somewhat guilty for the absence of his father (whom he has never met). All that to say that he has very good reasons to be shy, discreet and passive as a mouse in a world of cats.
Currently reading Assassin's Quest, so it is very fun to see how you felt about the second book, knowing a bit about what comes next. Great review, can't wait to see how you feel when you finish the series!
I wouldn't say book 3 nor it's ending is bad. It is well done, but it isn't all wrapped up in a pretty bow. Far from it. I think maybe that is what many people don't like. I look forward to hearing your view at the end of this first trilogy because personally I found it very powerful.
I hope you make it to the end of Realm of Elderlings series it will be one of the most satisfying endings you've read since A Memory of Light.
We must get Daniel to continue Realm of the Elderlings if he does not like Assassins Quest!
The third Book is good, the ending is....nnnnot? But it's also not the End end, just the end of the first trilogy
Mostly because it seems inconclusive I think, but thats just because Fitz's story isn't anywhere near done yet.
Nighteyes is my favorite character. He's the best ! 🐺
A lot of vastly different opinions in the comments. Whether one likes the ending of the next book or not, it does introduce some stuff that becomes important in other books further down the line. Personally I think the books in the Liveship Traders trilogy are by far the best in the Realm of the Elderlings, whereas I couldn't stand the Rain Wild Chronicles quartet. Rain wilds... that was a tough read, but that's what I get for being a stubborn completionist.
Flubbed? FLUBBED??? the ending of book 3 FLUBBED? no way, it was great, looking forward to your reaction to that.
maybe spoilers below
This book had some moments that have really stuck with me, such as that 'hunting' of the forged that turned into something else. :)
and I heart Nighteyes and so should everyone.
My mom picked up the first book at a secondhand store with no idea what the story was, gave it to me (I was 11) and ever since that I have been hooked on the journey of Fitz and that universe.
These books have been with me as I grew up and I always re-read them once a year 😊
The Fool
I read Farseer and liked it enough to pick up Liveship Traders. I fell in love with Liveship Traders.
You understand! You understand!!
I think that whilst I like it, the Farseer Trilogy is not my favourite fantasy series. Fitz, however, is without a doubt my favourite character in fantasy. It's the first time that I remember reading a book where I looked at every decision the character made and understood and believed exactly why they did it. Even where I was angry and frustrated at what Fritz was doing I couldn't say it was unrealistic, because it was probably exactly what I would have done in that situation.
I understood the Catalyst idea which was cool. But, I did not understand why he chose to save the world because he had, had a pretty rubbish life, although interesting. I just did not feel like he had any solid motivation not to let the world burn because he had no connections left except his wolf friend (can’t remember the name as I read this along time ago). The character just angered me with every decision that he made because I thought he was such an idiot and then come the end he just decides to do the right thing. Also, when he gives his emotions memories to the dragon statues and it barely makes a dent. But the life of thing has inherently more value and does fill it up? But then he is still the catalyst.......at that point I was like Nope. I now actively discourage people from reading this book it annoyed me so much. But Robin Hobb is clearly a very good writer to have kept me reading through 3 books I disliked so much.
Glad you enjoyed it. The third book in the trilogy does drag a bit and was disappointing at the time of release when we didn't know there were more books coming. Now that Fitz has a true ending it's not as bad as it was before lol. The Liveship Traders is next, and I think you'll enjoy it immensely! Third person, multiple points of view, and expands on the magic system. :)
Hey, just wondering if you have read the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. A young probationary policeman interviews a ghost in a murder investigation and is drawn into the Metropolitan Police's magic unit which for years consisted of one man. The series is both interconnected and standalone. This book is unusual as it is a real world accurate police procedural mixed.with magic and fantasy. The series grows and builds as Peter becomes deeper into the world. As a graffiti says in one later book 'Metropolitan Police working towards a stranger London'
I'm going through the series now, currently in the middle of Tawny Man, and I adore them. Can't wait to see what you make of Liveship Traders, think you're going to really love it!
While I feel like this can be viewed as a stand alone trilogy, please keep in mind that this book is actually a series of 3 trilogies so if you really want to fully understand the magic system at play as well as Fitz's character arc You really need to read all 9 books.
I’m going out to get The illustrated edition today lol This must be a sign
Good luck with the third book- it's very good. Nighteyes, the wolf is my favorite character and he just keeps getting better.
I was really happy with how book 3 ties everything together. Then, if you pick up the Liveship Traders trilogy, you'll see bits and pieces of Farseer thrown in perfectly. Liveship Traders is one of my favorite series of all time. I just started the Tawny Man trilogy and it's really good too!
The third is actually my favourite of the trilogy. I've never experienced so many emotions reading a book before. I can see how it catches some people off guard though.
The third book is a rollercoaster of beautiful moments, action and intrigue. It feels long but I loved this one more than the other books because of how good the middle section of the book is. Yes the ending is a bit slow but I feel that this is mainly because of the fantastic middle, which makes the ending pale by comparison.
If you make it to the (current) end of the fitz series, you will see how well all of the low-key set-ups in these books pay off again and again.
Can't wait to see what you think of Assassin Quest, the third book. I remember that the pacing gets a bit out of whack on that one and it has some really slooooow parts. Even so, I don't think you'll hate it, even if the end isn't the most climatic and epic don't abandon the series! Reagal as the antagonist for the first trilogy is the weakest of the fitz books antagonist and the following trilogies are better in my opinion.
I mean, QUEST is not a bad book... It's just...
Gonna tell my experience while reading:
'mmm, good, good...'
'oh yeah, nice, good stuff...'
'ok... cool...'
'that was amazing for sure...'
'wow this book is long...'
'ohhhh boy it's coming...'
'OHHHH BOY IT'S COMING...'
'OHHHH I CAN FEEL THE EPICNESS... LET'S GO...'
...
...
...
'wait... what?...'
'well, that was... cool, i guess... mmm... yeah, sure...'
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ride a lot, so i liked it!!!
Blah, Blah, Blah, Chronicles of Amber, im really tired. Review Chronicles of Amber, thank you.
Just remember the narrative is in from adult Fitz pov and he's recalling these events. 3rd book isn't bad but you might not get the payoff your expecting because it's only from his perspective
The third book is quite slow with a lot of time spent on Fitz journeying around... but imho the payoff is worth it! Also, I'm currently on the third trilogy (The Tawny Man trilogy) and I'm loving it. And I loved the Liveship Traders (which is 3rd person and following a completely different set of characters in the same world). So I think you'd be missing out if you stopped reading because the third assassin's book is a bit slow....
What a wonderful video! I hope that even if you are not sold on the ending of the Farseer trilogy you'll consider continuing on with the Realm of the Elderlings as the Tawny Man trilogy, Fitz and the Fool trilogy, and Live Ship Trader trilogy (especially this one) are some of the best fantasy I have read to date and far superior to the Farseer trilogy (though it was still enjoyable!).
Continue, continue, continue! Fitz’s quest in book three does drag at times, but the character work saves it in spades. This first trilogy is amazing, and it’s not even the best trilogy in the series.
Royal assassin is like Game of Thrones, but all characters' IQ is below 10
No. !!!! Read the Fool Books next before the Elderlings Books!! Trust me!!!!!!!!!!
***SPOILERS FOR ALL ROTE***
I can't wait to see his reactions to Malta, Kennit, the development of the skill and wit, and most importantly the Holy Trinity of Nighteyes, the fool, and Fitz being torn apart and smushed together if you know what I mean :) Also I wonder what his reaction is going to be when Fitz actually dies and THE PUPPY MURDER CONTINUES AH D:
On the topic of prose, are you planning to read more Guy Kay?
DANIEL GREENE I IMPLORE YOU TO READ AND REVIEW THE 3RD BOOK OF THIS SERIES! You will not get all the answers until you read the Liveship traders series and the Tawny Man series which are my favorite, not to mention the last series Fitz and the Fool, which ties up all of the loose ends magnificently. No other author has captured my heart so thoroughly with her characters, and I LOVED WOT but it's characters (with the exception of Matt Cauthon) didn't capture my heart like this author has.
* SPOILERS *
The Molly-Fitz parts made me cringe SO MUCH...
Also the book in general made me kind of depressed, like dude, it just feels that everything must go wrong for Fitz, in an unreal way.. Just give him some rest!
That being said, Robin Hobb's writing style is amazing, very enjoyable, and makes you get to know each character as if they were real people, so thumbs up on that.
On the way to Assasin's Quest!
I'm so glad that you've started burning through the series of my favorite fantasy characters! Although I see the point of some people not enjoying the ending of the third book, I have to say that the two other Fitz trilogies certainly make up for it. But I must warn you; there are many tears ahead of you if you continue your journey.
UA-camr: "Bear with me, the lighting/sound/camera is a little janky."
Viewer: "please, WHERE is this jankyness!? where are these problems that you see?"
but really jusk jokin, vid looks fine, don't worry so much about perfect lighting :)
Just so you know Daniel, Robin Hobb's real name is Megan Lindholm (she has some things published under her real name too). :)
All I can say is, I consider the Farseer Trilogy is the weakest in the series, excepting Rain Wild Chronicles. It's perhaps the most important, because Tawny Man and Fitz and the Fool would be meaningless without it, but I remember Liveship Traders, Tawny Man, and Fitz and the Fool way more fondly.
All I will tell you about Assassin's Quest is that no matter what you think about its ending, it only gets better from there (particularly for Fitz).
awesome! I just found your videos on UA-cam. I watched the Assassin's Apprentice video and noticed it was published at the beginning of this month. I thought, "Aw, man! He just read this book. I can't wait until he reads the next one." Boom! You just published the second book review. Okay, now I have to watch this video too and it's already 4am.
Did you read this in TWO days?
Edit:
Finished the vid, glad you liked it. The strongest part of these books to me is simply Fitz's relationships with the vibrant and lovable characters around him. Nighteyes is such a bro and and his dynamic with Fitz (which will be expanded a lot lot further in the third book) and Fitz's dynamic with the Fool is just sublime. Never have I felt so emotionally invested in a set of characters (and I have such a vivid image of every single one of them), which is probably a result of the thirst person perspective and Hobb's detailed writing style.
As for the third book, it's basically on the same level of quality as RA but I guess people think it's worse because of the length and similar pacing as RA. Also some think that the end is rushed. But it really isn't, you'll hopefully see for yourself. It also isn't anti-climactic as people say because Fitz's story isn't anywhere near done yet (not a spoiler, there's two more Fitz trilogies) The one thing that stands out in AQ is the world building, especially in the latter half of the book. So many mysteries are introduced which fill you with a sense of wonder and curiosity. I think you'll love the Liveship Trader trilogy just because of what you've preferred in the past (I prefer Fitz n' friends). And Tawny Man trilogy is just perfection to me. So I hope you won't get turned off by the third book (even though I see no real reason why you should be).
Also, it's pronounced Bju-Rick I'm pretty sure. Happy reading!
Probably not gonna see this, but Realm of the Elderlings is in my top three series of all time. That being said, I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the third book in this trilogy. BUT...please continue if you end up feeling that way. Once I finished Fitz’s story and reread it, the amount of appreciation I had for that book grew so much.
Just realize that book 3 isn’t an ending. It’s the end of Act 1 for Fitz. And if you look at it that way, you may be less disappointed and actually be excited to continue on.
What a slog this was. I almost d-worded myself before even the 50% point.
The Fool is literally the only reason to continue past this book for me. Everyone else can burn at the stake for all I care.
Where was Fitz's suffering I was promised that's talked about so much when it comes to Hobb's books?
I think the people who dislike the ending of the third book are confusing their emotions evoked by it as their judgement of its quality. The QUALITY of the ending is SUPERB. The emotions of it are... Horrific.
To give some context for me, I read these books AS they were released. There was no continuation of the story after the ending. That WAS the end. Pediod. The finality of it was soul crushing, but at the same time, one of my absolute favorites. I can still recall the emotions I felt some 20 years later. That's how good the quality of it is.
Robin Hobb is in my top 5 favorite authors. Her Protagonist go THROUGH it. Super gratifying in the end. All her trilogies. Keep pushing Daniel, theres a reason I'm a patron its cause you're Dope.
Possible spoilers?
Just finished this. In total I really liked it, but I had problems with the fact that Fitz seemed to take forever to catch onto certain things that happened. I also don't like how close-minded he is about the Fool and what he has to say.
I had problems with Molly and their relationship. On one hand she came off as needy at times and not very understanding. On the other hand I still don't understand why Fitz couldn't have come out earlier and told her at least part of the truth. Sure he didn't want to commit treason, I get that. But I feel like so many problems with their relationship could have been mitigated or at least dealt with before they had a chance to truly fall for each other, if he had done something like, bring her to a secluded area where he was sure no one could hear, and tell her what was going on. Tell her exactly why he hated Regal so much and why she couldn't trust him. And another thing. Why did they have to bang every damn time they met? When he told her about Celerity, why didn't he just sit her down and have a serious conversation with her, rather than do the dirty and tell her while they were still buck naked? I'm aroace so maybe I just don't get relationships but Glob, I was frustrated by that.
And, finally, screw Regal. Seriously, take a rusty six inch long screw and shove it up his ass. Please. And gag him. That dude sucks so bad
The only question is....will you be reading the liveship traders...or skipping them :o
Finished Book 9 today. The Drama and the characters are worth it. I don't need to read 99% of todays popcorn fantasy escapism.
This is about real life tragedies. And it feels super real. Amazing.
Excellent series!
Don't worry about book 3!
Also read Thraxas!
I love Assassin's Quest at least partially because of the increased presence of two particular characters (who I won't mention because...spoilers, but if you know you know), though my view of it 100% increases with the long view of what it sets up for the Realm of the Elderlings at large. Even if you're lukewarm on Assassin's Quest I really, really recommend at least checking out Liveship and Tawny Man (though if you make it through that and you don't finish the last two series...how). Her prose and character work are really unmatched in all her books but particularly those two series. Loved your review and your takes on the series and can't wait to hear what you think of more Robin Hobb books!
I'll be starting this series soon; I'd heard of it before but never picked it up for some reason. I love exceptional prose and am always looking for more authors who are true artists of the written word.
Good fantasy with great prose: The Curse of Chalion, anything by Susan Cooper, Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaimen, Circe by Madeleine Miller, Watership Down by Richard Adams. Although, can Watership Down be called a fantasy? I think I put it there because for me, it doesn't really fit in any category while transcending all of them.
I have read these 3 trilogies twice (The last one, Fitz and the Fool, is absolutely terribly written, so i will just pretend it didn't happen, and talk about the first two). The first time I have read them I was a teenager - basically like Fitz in the 1st trilogy, and recently I have done a nostalgic re-read as an adult (...exactly the age of Fitz in Tawny man series). And it is quite funny, how my perception of this books changed with time. 15 Years ago I absolutely loved young Fitz, I was completely devastated by the ending (in a positive way), it was hunting me for a long time. Whereas I've found the adult Fitz book stupid, boring and disappointing. I thought this series murdered all the drama from the first one.
The re-read was a completely different impression. I kind of enjoyed the adult Fitz, and in many ways I agreed on his evaluation of his life and adventures. I found young Fitz - a young Fitz. A over dramatizing teenager. Just as he was. That is the funniest part of these books, the way main character grows up - it is really presented in a subtle and realistic way (for a fantasy book). Also, I think the ending of Royal Assassin and the first chapters of the following book (i don't remember all these titles, sorry), are one of the best presentations of this very specific fantasy trope, not to spoil, that I have ever read.
Would you be able to check out The Wounded Kingdoms? I know you aren't a huge fan of assassin novels but I think this might be something for you to check out. The main character is a disabled young assassin.
Very well written (imo) with an amazing humour, great action, flawed characters etc. I would give it a shot.
Loved the review, keep up the great work.
'Royal Assassin' was the single most depressing fantasy novel I have ever read. At times, it was almost painful. What a fantastic job of taking the traditional boy hero and forcing him into a scenario in which he is forced to commit evil acts, lose his home and abandon all his friends in order to maintain his fierce loyalty to Royal family.