Althea M. (althea) reviewed on 9/15/2008 + 774 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Hobb's stories remind me quite a lot of Melanie Rawn and Janny Wurts - long, dramatic fantasy with a strong focus on characterization and interpersonal relationships. These books don't aim to be Great Literature - they aim to be immersive, enjoyable adventures, where you leave feeling that you really know the people you've been spending time with...

This book tells of the coming of age of FitzChivalry - dropped off at the castle as a nameless bastard, the royal family quickly believes the tale that he is the son of Prince Chivalry due to the family resemblance. But it is left for the stablemaster, Burrich, to raise the boy. What place does an unacknowledged bastard have? Part of the royal family, yet not... Secretly, he is apprenticed to the king's poisoner, and learns the ways to kill for his king...
It's difficult to summarize the plot of a story that depends mostly on the growth of relationships over years... but there's magic, plots, treachery... and, of course, assassinations...
Hobb also does an excellent job of ending this book on a satisfyingly conclusive note while simultaneously leaving enough unfinished threads to make a reader eager for the next book...

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