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A review by chrisdavis
Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb
3.0
I loved the first book in this series - Assassin's Apprentice - so it did not take me long to move on to the second one. Also because I found a cheap copy in a local bookstore.
The best thing about this book is that it is the ideal middle story in a trilogy. The first book was a stand alone story but it was also clearly setting up more story. When starting a middle book there is always the concern that nothing will happen--that it is just going to set up more story. Fortunately that really is not the case here. Of course, there is no satisfying conclusion, but there is a genuine story to tell here.
After the conclusion to the first book, Fitz spends some time away from Buckeep, but eventually decides to return. As much as he wants to he cannot just go to the King to accuse Prince Regal of treason--he has no evidence. The Red Ship Raiders are still attacking the Duckies but this time Verity leads a plan to attack back. We also get to see the development of the relationship between Fitz and his girl and Verity and his Queen. Fitz has a new animal companion and this friendship is well told. I am not usually a fan of humanizing animals in stories but I enjoy it here.
There is plenty of action in this book, but the main theme is definitely political intrigue. Ok, it is not quite as good as Game of Thrones in this respect, but it does have a lot going for it. Most important of all, I felt completely immersed in this world. There is a lot going on but it is completely believable and that makes a fantasy novel.
The best thing about this book is that it is the ideal middle story in a trilogy. The first book was a stand alone story but it was also clearly setting up more story. When starting a middle book there is always the concern that nothing will happen--that it is just going to set up more story. Fortunately that really is not the case here. Of course, there is no satisfying conclusion, but there is a genuine story to tell here.
After the conclusion to the first book, Fitz spends some time away from Buckeep, but eventually decides to return. As much as he wants to he cannot just go to the King to accuse Prince Regal of treason--he has no evidence. The Red Ship Raiders are still attacking the Duckies but this time Verity leads a plan to attack back. We also get to see the development of the relationship between Fitz and his girl and Verity and his Queen. Fitz has a new animal companion and this friendship is well told. I am not usually a fan of humanizing animals in stories but I enjoy it here.
There is plenty of action in this book, but the main theme is definitely political intrigue. Ok, it is not quite as good as Game of Thrones in this respect, but it does have a lot going for it. Most important of all, I felt completely immersed in this world. There is a lot going on but it is completely believable and that makes a fantasy novel.