Assassin's Quest
 UK first edition cover (Voyager) | |
| Author | Robin Hobb |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | John Howe |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Farseer Trilogy |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Voyager Books (UK) & Spectra (US) |
Publication date | 3 March 1997 (UK), April 1997 (US) |
| Media type | Print (Paperback & Hardback in the UK, Paperback in the US) |
| Pages | 742 pp (UK hardback ed.), 848 pp (UK paperback ed.) |
| ISBN | 0-00-224608-2 |
| OCLC | 43211976 |
| Preceded by | Royal Assassin |
Assassin's Quest is a 1997 fantasy novel by Robin Hobb, the third in her Farseer Trilogy and follows the exploits of FitzChilvalry Farseer. The narrative of FitzChivalry Farseer continues in Fool's Errand (novel).
Plot summary
FitzChivalry Farseer is raised from the dead with Wit magic, becoming more wolf than human. Only Burrich and Chade know he survived his tortures in Regal's dungeons; all others, believe Fitz dead. After regaining his humanity, he departs on a personal quest to kill Rega. Before that he is attacked by Forged people-- One of whom, unknown to him, steals his shirt with King Shrewd's pin. Burrich, finding the remains of the Forged one who stole Fitz's shirt believes it is actually Fitz's body. Burrich decides to Fitz's lover and almost wife, Molly.
Fitz fails to assassinate Regal. Verity aids his escape and, in the process, imprints the command "Come To Me" into Fitz's mind. Unable to disobey, Fitz makes his way to the Mountain Kingdom, following Verity's path. During this journey, his bond with Nighteyes, his Wit companion, deepens and changes as they become more similar. The wolf begins to think abstractly and plan events while Fitz starts to gain noble wolf qualities, like living in the present and a fierce loyalty to friends 'in his pack'.
Fitz and Nighteyes meet a minstrel named Starling, who recognizes Fitz and insists on traveling with them. They meet an old woman named Kettle, who is travelling to the Mountain Kingdom to see the White Prophet, and they foil an attack by warriors under the command of King Regal. Fitz reaches the Mountain Kingdom barely alive and is tended back to health by the the White Prophet, also known as The Fool.
Fitz, Kettricken, the Fool and Starling set off to follow Verity, followed by Kettle. They arrive at a garden full of stone dragons Fitz senses his Wit, leading him to believe the statures are alive. They learn that the dragons were carved out of black memory stone and given the memories and emotions of those who carved them. Verity carved the dragons to fight the Red Ship Raiders.
They learn that Kettle is the last remaining member of a former royal coterie. She makes peace with her past and decides to help Verity bring the dragon to life. The Fool carves another dragon to life, and Fitz wakes the other sleeping dragons, which are led against the Raiders by Verity-as-Dragon. The Raiders are successfully driven away. Kettricken is left pregnant with Prince Dutiful and Fitz finally retires as royal assassin.
Themes
Assassin’s Quest has been called a coming of age story. One reviewer stated that the story holds a lesson "that the pursuit of truth demands a price in loneliness only a few can or will pay."[1] Other reviewers have pointed to a sense of hopelessness in the narrative and how often Hobb makes use of failure.[2][3]
Reception
Assassin’s Quest received positive reviews from critics. Reviewers have called the novel a fun and enjoyable read.[2][3] Publishers Weekly gave the novel a starred review and commented on the "shimmering language".[1] Kirkus Reviews called the novel "an enthralling conclusion to this superb trilogy, displaying an exceptional combination of originality, magic, adventure, character, and drama." [4]
Editions
- An American English paperback edition was issued in New York by Bantam Books in 1997 with ISBN 0-553-10640-6.
- A British English hardback edition was issued in London by Voyager/HarperCollins in 1997 with ISBN 0-00-224608-2. This edition's cover is illustrated by John Howe.
References
- 1 2 "Assassin’s Quest". Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
- 1 2 Miller, Adam. "Assassin’s Quest: a review". Fantasy Matters, University of Minnesota. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
- 1 2 "Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb". Fantasy Book Review. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
- ↑ "Assassin’s Quest by Robin Hobb". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
External links
- Assassin's Quest title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- Assassin's Quest at the Internet Book List
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