A review by emily_mh
Assassin's Apprentice (The Illustrated Edition), by Robin Hobb
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a reread for me and at first I was really worried it wouldn't live up to the 5 star rating that 2016 me gave it. In the end, this book was even better than I remembered it being. There are countless good things I could say. The story is packed to the brim with political intrigue, but at the same time you aren't hit over the head with it, but are made to connect the dots as Fitz does. It was also incredibly emotional because the characters, even the animals, felt so real. The world-building is gradually developed, never info-dumped on you. The ending was wonderfully satisfying, even though it is only the first in the series and that series is one of five set in this world. I also loved Hobb's writing style as it was incredibly engaging; whenever I had to put the book down, I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. To say I can't wait to read Royal Assassin is an understatement.
Graphic: Death, Gaslighting, Murder, and Child abuse
Moderate: Animal death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Animal cruelty, Abandonment, Death of parent, War, Violence, Addiction, Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Ableism, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcohol, Vomit, Infidelity, Bullying, Confinement, Child death, Sexism, Misogyny, Gore, Slavery, Body shaming, Fire/Fire injury, Infertility, Animal death, Injury/injury detail, Torture, Miscarriage, Cursing, Sexual content, Blood, Excrement, Kidnapping, and Rape
Illness, forced separation from family, forced separation from a pet, animal in pain, chronic pain, sick parent, death of a pet, disowning, eugenics, loss of a loved one