Fool's Assassin Audiobook By Robin Hobb cover art

Fool's Assassin

Book One of the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy

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Fool's Assassin

By: Robin Hobb
Narrated by: Elliot Hill
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Nearly 20 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 best-selling 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....

©2014 Robin Hobb (P)2014 Random House Audio
Action & Adventure Coming of Age Epic Fantasy Genre Fiction Heartfelt Suspenseful

Critic reviews

"Fantasy as it ought to be written... Robin Hobb’s books are diamonds in a sea of zircons." (George R. R. Martin)
"A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies...a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne." ( Publishers Weekly) on Assassin’s Apprentice)

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There is no feeling quite like falling in love with a great fantasy listen, doing a little digging, and joyfully discovering that the author has an extensive catalog of audiobooks for you to dive right into. Fantasy as a genre is particularly blessed with a wealth of diverse authors writing all different kinds of stories. From classic epics to standalone novels that were published in the last few years, it's the perfect genre for losing yourself in a full day’s worth of listening. These brilliant fantasy authors will transport you to another world—whether a parallel universe or a post-apocalyptic version of Earth.

Engaging Character Development • Emotional Depth • Compelling Cliffhanger Ending • Rich Thematic Exploration • Good Pacing
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First off I was skeptical to purchase this book after reading some of the reviews but this is my favorite author ever. Boy, am I glad I did. I won't give any of the storyline away but soo many unexpected surprises await you. It was a thrilling ride through Fritz's life as a married man. Lots of new characters and a big surprise. I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and the 2nd one is currently being downloaded as I write this. If you are a Robin Hobb fan ,get this book you won't be disappointed.
The narrator took a little getting used to especially his pronoun action lol, but he was okay. Ms Hobb has a great imagination and thanks to her for sharing.

Best book ever I am downloading pt 2 as I do this review

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Didn't like the German accent for the Fool. The story was good and kept my interest. I will get the next book when it comes out!

The Fool is back!

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by the end I was really into the characters. the story almost didn't feel like a fantasy at all

slow start but by the end I was really into it

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I've loved the entire Realm of the Elderlings series so far, which is what makes this trilogies' failures all the more painful.

The narrator is the biggest problem. If this was a stand-alone book, he would be good enough. But even then, he can't keep his voices, accents, and pronunciations consistent within one book, much less between the previous 14. He even sometimes mixes up voices within a single sentence.

I can listen to, understand, and enjoy it well enough, but it's grating to hear the voices, viz., the expression of personality of characters you come to know well and love, being continually butchered.

And I'm talking about central characters. For instance, the Fool now inscrutably speaks with an implaceable European accent that drifts from German to French and back. Kettricken and Dutiful sound abhorrently pompous now, which is the diametric opposite of their characters and voices in previous books. He actually makes a lot of characters sound pretentious now, and has some other very odd choices. The main character always sounds like his dog just died.

Unfortunately, the story has its failings too. Mainly, it relies too heavily on idiotic choices the main characters make, many absurd instances of failure to communicate, and other such devices that will leave any intelligent reader tense with outrage the characters are being so dumb or blind.

That said, if you've read the series up till now, it's definitely worth finishing this trilogy and closing the book on this epic story. If you haven't read the liveship traders or rainwild chronicles trilogies since they are a bit ancillary to the fitz and the fool story, I would make sure to read those great books.

The narrator didn't listen to previous books

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Why?!? Why?!? All these books with one narrator and they are obviously successful, would you change to a different person and to one who could put a crack addict to sleep!

Story Great! Narrator Horrible!

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What made the experience of listening to Fool's Assassin the most enjoyable?

The story slowly builds to the climactic end.

What other book might you compare Fool's Assassin to and why?

Theft of swords because of the genre.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final chapter when the servants arrive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The assassin's guide to love and family.

Any additional comments?

A little slow in the middle but the development of the characters is superb and I can't wait for the next in the series.

Fantastic! love this book.

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Only if they have read or listened to the first 6 books

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Not enough range of voices. The only voice I thought was done well was Bee. I thought James Langdon did the best work in this series.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I think the only part that brought up some emotion was Molly dying. Mid/late 50's seemed young to take her out of the story when she was so tightly tied into it.

Any additional comments?

I think Nettle is getting cheated in this story, I expected more depth from the character and a better relationship with Fitz. And since the story has moved forward 20 years, who will bear the next generation of Farseer's from Fitz's line? Bee is a white Prophet, it won't be her.

Restart of one of the great fantasy epics

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Would you listen to Fool's Assassin again? Why?

The series is great; but there are parts that will be better if you have heard/read the first trilogy (Farseers) and the second trilogy (Tawny Man) before this one. I have really enjoyed all of these books!

Get the first 2 trilogies before this one...

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Although this is the first time I have read anything by Robin Hobb it won't be the last. Her world is deep and wide, portrayed in such detail as to make it easy to forget this is not simply a historical fiction, but a magical world where those who works the skill may heal, travel through portals, and speak to animals. The narration was flawless and the voice actor did an excellent job.

Rich fantasy and deep characters

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I have read every single one of Hobbs books, included the Megan lindholm books. I fall in love with the characters again and again. I can't put them down. Some parts are easy to put together, others huge surprises. I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator but he had so many subtle different voices

Every single book....

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