Perhaps one of the most enigmatic and beloved characters in all of fantasy. The dynamic between Fitz and the Fool is the heartbeat of the entire 16-book Realm of the Elderlings saga, and it starts beautifully here. The Verdict
Keep tissues nearby. By the time you finish Assassin’s Quest , you’ll feel like you’ve lived an entire lifetime alongside Fitz.
The Skill (telepathy/mental influence) and the Wit (animal bonding) are fascinating. The Wit, in particular, provides some of the most moving relationships in literature—specifically Fitz’s bond with the wolf, Nighteyes .
The pacing is slow—Hobb takes her time with domestic details and political maneuvering—but the payoff is a level of character depth rarely seen in the genre. It’s a story about the "scraps" left behind by history and the quiet sacrifices made in the shadows.