The first book in the "Farseer Trilogy", Assassin's Apprentice is a great read.
Robin Hobb sets this magical adventure
in an area known as the Six Duchies. The "Six Duchies" is a conglomerate of 6 states ruled by the Royal Farseer family. The present Royal family consists of King Shrewd and his second wife, Queen Desire; Princes Chivalry and Verity by the King's first wife and Price Regal by Queen Desire.
One day a
little boy is taken to one of the royal outposts by his grand father. The little boy is a bastard, born between the old man's daughter and Prince Chivalry who is first in line to the throne. Finding out about his illegitimate son, Prince Chivalry steps down as King-in-waiting and settles down quietly with his wife. As no one knows what to do with him, the little "nameless" boy is looked after by Prince Chivalry's trusted, but very strict stable master, Burrich. Burrich names the boy, Fitz and eventually our little hero becomes FitzChivalry Farseer. A somewhat older Fitz tells us his story. In the beginning life for Fitz in Buckkeep palace is quiet and consists of helping Burrich and in his free time visiting street urchin friends in a nearby town or playing with his dog. This is his life until Burrich catches him, "unnaturally" communicating with his dog and other animals through some kind of
telepathy known as the "wit". On top of that, the growing Fitz is noticed by King Shrewd who decides to recruit the young boy to avoid giving him ideas about the throne. Fitz learns to weaponry, reading and writing and eventually he is taught by the mysterious Chade to be an assassin for the King. He also takes lessons in the magic known as the "skill" but Fitz' simple life is begining to become dangerous. The Six Dutchies are being attacked by the deadly Red Raiders and closer to home, Prince Regal is after the throne and Fitz' life too. Beautifully written, intriguing story of honor and betrayal, love, loyalty and magic.