Assassin's Apprentice - Robin Hobb

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⭐ 8.0/10

(Originally written by Tim)

This book has been on the list for a while, as Robin Hobb's books are some classical 90s fantasy that are pretty well loved. And it did not disappoint. Some pretty classic stuff here, kind of a Kingkiller Chronicles meets Harry Potter with a dash of ASOIAF political intrigue.

Basically a young orphan turns out to be the prince's bastard, and although he is brought in to the royal household there are many who don't love the fact that he exists. He displays some skills that only members of the royal family have, must learn to use them, etc. Pretty textbook stuff, but I think it is done really well. The book moves along at a nice pace, with bursts of action that aren't over the top. The magic is pretty restrained, which reminds me of ASOIAF, keeping the focus on the people and their motivations instead of whoever the strongest magic wielder is.

Didn't blow me away, but it has a lot to love and I had a great time reading it. I will be continuing on in the trilogy.

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