Yes!!! I never get the "nothing happened" criticism. Lots happened! Maybe what they mean is that "something happening" means battle, death, betrayel? But life is so much more than that. Absolutely love this book and Fitz.
With this series, more so than many others, it helps if you think of each book as a chapter within a very large book containing 16 chapters. The world is much bigger than you think and as it gets bigger and the story flows and intertwines throughout, sometimes you get a satisfactory outcome, however oftentimes you think you have reached the conclusion of a storyline, only to find out later that there is much more too it. Hobb is a master plotter and boy oh boy, when you finally get to the very last trilogy, it is mind blowing how the whole thing comes together answers so many questions and makes perfect sense, I promise you will be thoroughly satisfied.
The finest point of this whole story is the characters and the relationships between them. The whole worldbuilding explanation is not what you should expect from the first trilogy but I guarantee, you will be shocked by the final resolution of it. In this particular case the worldbuilding is tightly connected to the plot, so please don't expect the whole thing being disclosed at the end of the first trilogy. You will be getting more details in the second trilogy, the same way for all of them, right to the final one. That's why it's EXTREMELY important to read in right order, which is the publication order, because at this point a lot of people make the most crucial mistake - after the first trilogy they jump right to the third trilogy, and that's so bad in terms of worldbuilding...but reading all the trilogies and waiting patiently for the final worldbuilding resolution is really worth it!!!
The stuff with the forged and other things alluded too helped me understand that this was a living, breathing world with other events taking place elsewhere that may well impact the lives of those in Buckkeep.
I’m so glad it was a good start for you into the Realm of the Elderlings! I’ve read that Robin Hobb initially presented the first and second books as one but the publisher made her break them up. She also didn’t want to have Assassin in the names because she didn’t feel like that was the focus of the story. My most heart wrenching moment was between Fitz and Burrich at the end.. can’t go into details though. I really love how you only find out about the world and the magic system as Fitz does.. and children don’t always understand things correctly. There are no info dumps and that is refreshing.
Glad you enjoyed it. The magic gets slowly rolled out and more realised over the course of the entire realm of the elderlings. I found it quite satisfying
I enjoyed Assassin's Apprentice. Now about 30 percent into Royal Assassin and i am loving it. You get to know the characters more and start to connect with them on a deeper level. They made me smile, frown and feel sad for them already. I think this wel be an emotional journey.
Robin Hobb is my all-time favorite, I’m so glad you are covering her books! Judging by your enthusiasm for book 1, I’m pretty sure we’re gonna get a second video for Royal Assassin 😆 I can’t wait for you to meet said character, he is well loved, and part of what makes book 2 so special ❤️
I love how unpredictable Hobb is... I can remember reading this book when it came out and expecting Fitz to fall into the normal patterns of what you expected a protagonist to do... and he would do something totally unexpected. A great book and a great series.
I still re-read that Fitz and Patience's scene from time to time. All their scenes are beautifully written really. Book 2 is my favorite in this trilogy.
@@frank7411 I think he was referring to part where Fitz paints a picture of Smithy. At first she doesn't think he painted it and then he tells her about the parchment. Then she asks him if he really loved the dog that much and he says he did. She then stats crying and telling him he should have been hers and she hugs him.
I found Patience so refreshing. Upon first reading, I totally expected her to be this unlikeable Catelyn Stark-like figure to Fitz, so it was a nice surprise. Also I completely agree with you about Hobb's ability to write male characters. I feel like she approaches them with so much tenderness which is a nice change of pace in adult fantasy imo.
I loved the first book so much that I ordered all three of the illustrated editions. The first person perspective only took a chapter or two get accustomed to. Can't wait to read more!
I've literally renamed this trilogy in my head to "Fitz goes through shit and somehow comes out a sane and better person." Like seriously, Fitz is a hero in the truest sense of the word.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, I knew it would be right up your alley since you enjoy coming of age stories. As you go through the series in order, the worldbuilding becomes deeper and more complex as it becomes relevant. That's why I love Robin Hobb, there are no massive info dumps and I don't feel like I'm reading the tutorial level of a video game.
I feel like people separate plot and character development too much, while authors, especially Robin Hobb, do not separate the two. It doesn't take huge plot bombs to develop character. the quiet small moments are sometimes the best moments for a character to develop, ponder, etc. (Hypothetical situation) If you're in the middle of a battle, you're terrified and got your fight or flight mode at maximum overdrive the likelihood of you switching sides for moral reasons while you're in the middle of a knockdown/dragout brawl? next to zero because your focus is on survival. But switching sides while you have a quiet moment in a castle and you just found out your king is a corrupt SOB... that's more likely to me. The same reason I genuinely enjoy the political scenes in the Star Wars Prequels. They show the workings, the rational thought interacting with irrational thought in a great way.
Great call on that scene with Patience and Fitz! One of many beautiful moments between characters in this trilogy. In my opinion, the villains in Farseer are a bit tropey, but I think you’ll find the other “weak” points addressed in the next two books. Also, I agree with all the positives you mentioned. Fantastic review, Mike - thanks!
Did you catch the amazing little "throwaway" paragraph where the fishmonger calls out to Fitz and then its just left up to you to be like OMG. And its so just out of no where and then never brought up again... like an easter egg. I love the little details that are in the background. She leaves a lot up to you to sort out, she'll lay down some nugget and lets you decide how you want to cultivate it or not. Told you how much I hated Regal...wait your hatred will grow by leaps and bounds.
I love robin hobb, a truly gifted writer, I read all 16 books in 2 months because I would get so absorbed reading. And when I first finished them I started re reading them all a week later. The best characters I’ve ever read.
I really enjoy all things you mentioned here! I too like to watch someone growing up. And now that I'm a mom, I like it even more. Spending time getting to know the protagonist and why they do what they do makes a book for me. I guess I'll need to add this to my list.
I read the first one last year, am currently audiobooking through Royal Assassin and really enjoying it. I can't wait to learn more abot the magic, outislanders and all the forging that's been going on on the first book
Glad to see you’re also enjoying this series, I’ve been trying to get into reading and discovered your channel and just now found out you’ve been reading them too. Great content can’t wait to watch the next review once I finish reading royal assassin!
I remember the grin that swept my face when reading a certain chapter involving 'the witness stones'. I thought it was excellent writing and a great book
The whole Fraser series reminded me a lot of Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea. From the prose to the tight, narrow view of the world, to the highly allegorical representations of (and resolutions to) evil. Be prepared for an ending that feels a lot like the end of a Wizard of Earthsea or The Farthest Shore.
I've been looking forward to this review. I'm glad you liked it. I'm gonna have to reread this one soon. I've read Liveship and some of the other trilogies a couple times but I haven't reread the first Fitz trilogy yet. It's such an emotional investment!
Thank you for reviewing this series! I had heard it was good, but I could not get past the names I saw in synopses. I thought there is no way a book with names that stupid could be any good. Your review prodded me to give it a shot. I started the book this weekend, and so far I’m loving it (3 chapters in).
On the topic of the Skill being only vaguely described, this is quite deliberate I feel. You are supposed to feel Fitz's frustration at not understanding his heritage. (edit: It was a real gut-punch for me to see Fitz's initial rapid progress in Skillcraft, only to then be struck down so cruelly). This trilogy makes it clear that the Skill was once much better understood, it mirrors the general decline of the Six Duchies that so much knowledge is lost with it's keepers, either by chance or malign purpose. The origins of the Skill are explained better as the multiple series unfold, no spoilers from me but it's pretty awesome.
There's also the fact that the narration is Fitz writting his life story, so he probably wouldn't feel the need to explain what the Skill is to someone who has enough education to read, and he probably also wouldn't want information about the fundamentals of the Skill to fall in the wrong hands.
This entire world/series is my #1 favorite series. I read it as I became a father and was going through a lot in my own life (moving states, leaving my father, marriage, kid #1, new career, home buying, and general life, blah-blah). So maybe that is why, but also, her writing is so good with the 'pay offs' she invests. I even call my wife "Beloved' because of this series. I look forward to seeing you do more videos on this series. Enjoy brother! Thanks as always for posting what I believe is the best booktube content on this here RU-vid. Cheers!
Great review, Mike. I listened to this on audible last year but I'm going to physically read the trilogy this year as I want to experience the full range of emotions I have been promised!
I think I had a lot of the same feelings after the first book. Hobb has a lot of good qualities, but my favorite thing that she does is the personal moments between characters like the one you were describing between Fitz and Patience. There are more of these to come, and they always surprise me, and they're always very well done.
Nice video and review. Rereading realm of the elderlings at the moment so I’m starting with this book (haven’t read it in 25 years) and loving it even more than when I read it the first time.
Great review Mike, you're gonna cry in the next books, they are emotional. The skill and the wit will be further explained later, I think they are not explained so much since Fitz don't understand them yet
So pleased to see how much you enjoyed it 😊 I would say that as for world building that happens gradually and organically as you progress through the ROTE series. Likewise I feel her revelations about the magic in this world also happens in line with the narrator's experience....so you will feel confused and frustrated at times about it. This feels more natural than info dumps. And don't be surprised if she gets you in the feels again...she broke me many times throughout the course of her series.
You rolled a tear on the first book get ready my friend no spoilers...... I've read all the books in the series and just ended last book not too long ago and I'll tell you what this book series made me cry 😭 at one point. Can't for your next review on the series.
I remember being kinda bored while reading the book because there wasn't much action, but wow these characters have definitely stuck with me and I can still remember them so vividly even though I read it a year ago. I hope I can get to the second book soon.
Hey Mike, just want to say thanks for recommending "Revival." From your description I decided to pick up my first Stephen King book, 1/2 way through, really enjoying it! I agree with your Farseer review a lot, I got hooked a year ago and went through the whole series.
I have a copy of this on the way. I ordered the UK trade paperback edition. (I love the way they look). Also, looking forward to reading this book/series. I’ve heard great things consistently. Thanks for the review!
Wow Mike your up to 38.6k subscribers. Congrats man. Haven't been on RU-vid in awhile and just wow, your channel has grown so much. Very well deserved Mike.
I absolutely love this book. I read it for the first time last week and I just wanted to give Fitz a hug. Practically every chapter, I just really wanted to give the boy a motherly hug and the whole Galen bit just broke my heart. I loved this book for the emotions it made me feel. I immediately got attached to Fitz and loved his interaction with Burrich, Verity and Lady Patience.
One of the things I like when it comes to world building is that, since the book is essentially older Fitz writting his life story, he wouldn't feel the need to include exposition and common knowledge about the Six Duchies, which is why such exposition is kept to a minimum. It makes a lot of sense to me.
reading allong with you i picked up assassin's apprentice again , and realized it was 20 years ago that i read it the first time when i was a teen myself. i think i enjoyed it more on the reread as i had forgoten alot about the first book. As you said fiz really learns and messes up and get's hurt alot, and i like that about the book. even when he thinks he has it all figured out @ the end he still get's duped and hurt. great book still after all these years!
There is more world building from now on and a lot more about the Forged and the raids on the 2nd book. Also, since the Skill scrolls are kind of lost that means the characters are still figuring out all the potential of that magic. Some abilities are found and explored only in Tawny Man. I found it very realistic that part of history is lost so the characters interpret things wrong and it's only later that they discover everything along with the readers.
Robin Hobb is my favourite author, I love this series so much and I'm really pleased to see you pick it up! I'd recommend the 'Buckkeep Radio' podcast, they go through the whole series in publication order and it's really fun when they find their feet.
@@mikesbookreviews Funny thing is, Regal isn't even the most hatable character Hobb has written. Just you wait until you get to Liveship Traders and meet Kyle
@@leenox23 Not that anyone asked me, but I found Hest quite flat, Kyle has depth. Kyle I really love to hate. Cosgo is more pitiful than anything. Not that you can't hate all of them. :D
To this day, 25 years after I first read Assassin's quest, and many many (many!) books after - Regal is my number one hated character. EVER (my 2nd, BTW, is from the Liveships trilogy). Every time I read the books, EVERY time, I was raged because of Regal. I still do.
Finished! Loved the writing , was completely entranced into the story ! but didnt love the world and the punishment issues in the end lol so I'm glad i read a robin hobb book and loved fitz and everyone but might not finish the series! So imma watch ur other spoiler vids for the rest of the series lol thx !
I really want to read this, but between full time work and full time school and trying to keep up (catch up, already!!) with Malazan...this is probably going to be something I won’t get to for a few years.
Great Review. You really get it. Reading the rest of the trilogy will be rewarding; one thing I would like you to cover. Do you see it coming? I didn't
I read it in January too and was slightly spoilered by seeing Regal in a poll of fantasy villains so I knew he was going to be behind the ending in book one and I'm convinced he's behind the raiders seemingly prescient knowledge too. Similarly, it made me predict that he's obviously going to be an even worse baddy later in the series because by the ferocity of hate going his way, there was no way that all spawned from book 1. Sadly, that kinda took the surprise out of the end of the book for me and I certainly want to reach in and slap Verity for not punishing Regal, like, that's totally gonna bite you in the ass.
I love Robin Hobb's writing style. It's so beautiful and kind of poetic. I just get frustrated with the fact that you would think just slapping someone on the wrist, especially someone like Regal, would mean he wouldn't stop until he had the throne and Fitz dead. No one seems to take that into consideration. Especially King Shrewd!!!
Yeah mate FItz is top 3 Male protags in the entire fantasy world for mine, the way she writes him.... it gets more crazy as to how good she is at writing blokes - you'll see :-)
I really like that even tho Fitz becomes more competent and stronger it doesn't reach anime levels where one dude is able to kill a whole army (which is one thing I really don't like about Mistborn (haven't read Hero of ages yet) even tho it still is great)
I like the fact that his training is very down to earth. He's not becoming one of those *teleports behind you* or *appears out of nowhere* assassins. He's learning how to mix and use poisons, because they're subtle and efficient.
I wish Goodreads had a .5 system because I would have given this 3.5 instead of 3. It was a great book. In some parts it had 5 star material, but certain parts fell by the wayside. Still looking forward to starting Royal Assassin and for Christmas, I’ve asked for the entire collection so that’s how much I enjoyed it. I’ll probably read the whole series, go back to this and give it a higher rating because I’ve heard these are books you need to re-read
Hello, Sorry to bother but would you know how this edition compare to the Folio Society one in terms of quality ? (paper quality, paper thickness, binding craftmanship, etc...) Thank you for the help! Best regards,
After the slap on the wrist that was the climax of Assassin's Apprentice, I'm already pissed off with the little shit and if i'm expected to hate him even more then I'll be tending to infinity.
About animal companions I have to say, I really didn't like them when I was younger, and mostly I'm still quite "meh" about them. Same with dragons. Interestingly, I still read a lot of fantasy for the wonder, because fantasy is so much more than those things. Also.. I don't hate dogs, but I am definitely more of a cat person. I don't know, usually I just feel animal companions are one-dimensional and... childish, for a lack of better word, only there to provide for people who really love animals. It makes me feel really manipulated in an obvious way. BUT. Robin Hobb kinda showed me that you can do animal companions well. I have never read anyone writing about animal sentience(?) quite like that, with such a deep insight. She gets me invested in the minds of the beasts as well as the minds of the human characters, and that really contributes to the sense of wonder in that world.
I just finished this book. I hated Galen FAR more than Regal. Regal's potential for being a good villain was lost due to his lack of presence on the page, unlike Galen who was present far more throughout the book. With Galen, you got to see and experience how much of a shithead he was through how he treated Fitz during his Skill training. I was IMMENSELY satisfied during the chapter when the Fool was telling Fitz about how Burrich dragged Galen up to the tower and beat the absolute shit out of him. I'm curious how Regal moves up as a villain during the next two books.