R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 10/18/2011 + 1452 more book reviews

What a wonderful read! I have had this one on my shelf for some time but finally picked it up. Fitz is the bastard son of a prince who doesn't remember his mother and doesn't know his father. His grandfather took him to the castle saying it was time his father took care of him. When his father learns of his existence he abdicates his right to the throne and lives a quiet life until someone assassinates him. Fitz's grandfather, the king, mandates that Fitz be adopted into the royal household to be educated as a royal son should be, bastard or no. The master of horse, Burrich, whose bond with Fitz's father is obligated to care for Fitz. His talent for going into the minds of animals makes him unacceptable to any who learn of it, especially Burrich. Encountering the younger princes, Fitz is resented by one and treated gently and respectfully by the other. When Fritz learns he is to be trained to be an assassin, he works hard to meet the expectations of his teacher and the king. Meanwhile the kingdom is threatened by raiders who kidnap residents and turn them into emotionless beings. The only defense the kingdom has is those who have a talent called skilling whereby they can influence the actions of others by entering their minds. The story is complex and fascinating and Fitz escapes death several times as he begins to understand the political impact of what he must do. This is the first of the Farseer trilogy written by Robin Hobb (Margaret Atwood). Next in the series is Royal Assassin.

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