Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb (The Farseer Trilogy: Book 2)

9/10

"We are here, Fitz, you and I, to change the future of the world..."

Royal Assassin is the second book in Robin Hobb's fantasy series The Farseer Trilogy and follows on from the events in Assassin's Apprentice.

The book begins precisely where we left off and FitzChivalry is slowly recovering from the poision administered to him. The effects have left him prone to fits and spasms and in this state he must travel back to Buckkeep to face his tormentor and poisoner, Prince Regal.

The main character Fitz has grown and is now a teenager. The books narrative has also matured and there is a distinctly darker feel to this middle novel. Although we are with Fitz in his struggle, Robin Hobb does not shirk from showing us his failings as a human being and how his actions also hurt others.

"My body spasmed and the back of my head rebounded sharply off the bedstead. I cried out involuntarily, a gargling wordless cry. In an instant Jonqui was there, calling Burrich back, and then they were both holding down my flailing limbs. Burrich's body weight was flung on top of me as he strove to restrain my thrashing. And then I was gone."
Royal Assassin: Dreams and Awakenings

The Red Ship Raiders are still attacking the coast of the Six Duchies and Prince Verity is hard pressed to use his skill to keep them at bay. King Shrewd's health is failing and Regal continues plotting to further his own position. In to the midst of all this comes Molly, Fitz's childhood friend and companion. They embark on a relationship that brings her into danger as there are those who would hurt her to get to FitzChivalry.

This is a continuation of a tale full of treachery and injustice. The superb writing makes you angry at the unfairness of life and enables you to become closely attached to the central characters in this tale. This a marked improvement on the first book ( not that the first wasn't good). This tale will not leave you with a feel-good factor so it only goes to show just how well written it is. It is no small task to get a reader to follow characters through misery, unfairness and injustive, but Robin Hobb manages it with ease.

She turned and walked away from me. She still hugged herself, as if to keep herself from flying apart. She looked very alone, in her draggled blue skirts with her proud head bowed. 'Molly Red Skirts,' I whispered after her, but I could no longer see that Molly. Only what I had made of her."
Royal Assassin: Threats

The book's ending leaves you reaching for (or buying) the final part of this wonderful trilogy because you simply must know how everything turns out. You will be left hoping for a happy ending for Fitz and those close to him and an unpleasant end for Regal and some others. Be warned though, judging by the events that have already occured, Hobb may not give us what we hope for...

The book's cover illustration's are by the wonderful John Howe.

"Refreshingly original" Jenny Wurts