by Robin Hobb
- Fiction
- Fantasy
- Magic
In Royal Assassin, the second book of Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, we continue following the journey of FitzChivalry Farseer — a royal bastard trained as the king’s assassin — as he begins to truly come into his own. This middle chapter finds Fitz navigating the treacherous world of court politics, torn between personal desire and sworn duty. As war looms over the Six Duchies, Fitz is forced to walk a delicate tightrope: serving the crown, protecting those he loves, and staying true to himself.
While I did feel the pacing dragged slightly in the middle of the book, it became clear that this was very much a “bridge” story — setting the stage for the final installment. The slower sections ultimately paid off, especially as the final chapters delivered a tense and gripping conclusion that had me fully engaged, desperate to know how Fitz would escape an impossible situation. Hobb doesn’t hand you a neat resolution — and that unpredictability is part of what makes her writing so compelling.
One of my favourite elements was the subtle “whodunnit” thread running through the narrative. As Fitz tries to make sense of court life and spy networks, you’re constantly left second-guessing who can be trusted. Hobb masterfully misdirects you — while your attention is on one threat, something else is unfolding in the background. That tension, that sense of unease, kept me invested even when the pace was slower.
Thematically, the book is rich. Friendship, loyalty, love, sacrifice, and justice all weave through Fitz’s journey. His decisions are never easy: choosing duty over love may cost him happiness, while prioritising love risks treason. Even friendships can be at odds, forcing him to make heartbreaking choices. Hobb reflects this complexity beautifully — Fitz’s world is as morally murky as it is magical.
Robin Hobb’s writing style is accessible and engaging, even for readers who might not usually pick up fantasy. Her prose is clear without being simplistic, and her world-building continues to impress. Though this book felt slower than Assassin’s Apprentice, it’s clear that it’s laying the emotional and narrative groundwork for something powerful to come.
I’d recommend Royal Assassin to anyone who enjoys character-driven fantasy, rich political intrigue, and just a touch of historical atmosphere. If you like stories that mix magic, personal struggle, and high-stakes court drama, this trilogy is worth diving into. A slightly slower read — but one that left me eager to pick up book three.sassin’s Quest). I’m looking forward to seeing not just how Fitz grows into his role, but how the characters around him evolve too.
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