Fool's Assassin: Book One of the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy

Nearly twenty years ago, Robin Hobb burst upon the fantasy scene with the first of her acclaimed Farseer novels, Assassin’s Apprentice, which introduced the characters of FitzChivalry Farseer and his uncanny friend the Fool. A watershed moment in modern fantasy, this novel—and those that followed—broke exciting new ground in a beloved genre. Together with George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb helped pave the way for such talented new voices as Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik.

Over the years, Hobb’s imagination has soared throughout the mythic lands of the Six Duchies in such bestselling series as the Liveship Traders Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. But no matter how far she roamed, her heart always remained with Fitz. And now, at last, she has come home, with an astonishing new novel that opens a dark and gripping chapter in the Farseer saga.

FitzChivalry—royal bastard and former king’s assassin—has left his life of intrigue behind. As far as the rest of the world knows, FitzChivalry Farseer is dead and buried. Masquerading as Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is now married to his childhood sweetheart, Molly, and leading the quiet life of a country squire.

Though Fitz is haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who did so much to shape Fitz into the man he has become, such private hurts are put aside in the business of daily life, at least until the appearance of menacing, pale-skinned strangers casts a sinister shadow over Fitz’s past . . . and his future.

Now, to protect his new life, the former assassin must once again take up his old one. . . .

Praise for Fool’s Assassin

“Electrifying and mesmerizing . . . The fully realized characters and vivid prose show that [Robin] Hobb remains a supremely talented author of epic fantasy.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Hobb knows the complicated workings of the wayward human heart, and she takes time to depict them in her tale, to tell her story sweetly, insistently, compellingly. This start of a promising new trilogy will satisfy fans wanting to share further adventures with proud yet vulnerable FitzChivalry and his fellow traveler. Fool’s Assassin is also deeply involving for those unfamiliar with this author—involving enough to attract new followers for her sharp-eyed observations on fantastic worlds populated by believable, imperfect people. . . . It’s a book meant to be inhabited rather than run through.”—The Seattle Times

“Hobb is an incredibly vivid writer who pays close attention to the interior lives of her characters [which] makes Hobb’s works, even with their fantastical setting, as emotionally satisfying as anything you’ll hear reviewed on NPR. . . . Fool’s Assassin feels like a visit with an old friend, one you haven’t seen in years but who still holds a very special place in your heart. Fitz may have grown older, but he’s still exciting company.”—io9

“Fantastic . . . compelling . . . [Hobb] effortlessly picks up the character of Fitz, rewarding those who have enjoyed his earlier adventures but easily building him anew for readers just joining in. The emotionally rich storytelling is sure to win Hobb new fans.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Robin Hobb is brilliant! Fool’s Assassin is definitely one of the fantasy novels to read this year.”—Pat’s Fantasy Hotlist