Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2)

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Summary: Great plottwister that introduces the magics of Hobb's world
Review: Some people are saying that nothing happens in this book, but tons happen to Fitz, and through his misguided adventures, the magics of the realm are explained. The first book left off with but a glimmer of the skill and barely a mention of the wit. In addition, Fitz's love life cames in to question, and a new companion finds him.

Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: Every one that is insulting this book, and saying not to read it should calm down. It's a great book, they just take it too seriously. I think the author did a great job. I would also like to know how old everyone is that is reading these books.

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Summary: Better than Assassin's Apprentice.
Review: Robin Hobb takes myriad characters and plot lines and blends them coherently, seamlessly, together. Even those plots that could easily have been nothing more than another literary cliche seem to be seen here for only the first time. The stories of the ailing king, and the evil, youngest, too ambitious son are good examples of this. She also has a wonderful way of making Fitz trials, failures and his few victories completely believable. At the opening of the first novel I didn't care for her first person narration, but it's very well done throughout. I can't wait to pick up Assassin's Quest.

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Summary: Better than the first book (not that the first was bad!)
Review: I enjoyed this second book much more than the first in the series. The world that Hobb has created really gained a lot of depth in this book. The characters have really taken off and he's given them great development. Just in case you didn't grasp this from the other 40 reviews, this is quite the book and comes highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book.
Review: For all those out there, I've read your reviews. Get a grip on reality. No plot advancement, hah. I laugh in your face. This book is engaging and keeps you reading to the last page waiting for more. For those of you who say not to pick it up, I say go back to reading those Harlequin Romance Novels I think they're more your speed.

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Summary: One of the best books of all time!!!!!
Review: People complain that Fitz makes stupid mistakes and keeps getting himself deeper into his problems. What would you expect?! That he automatically does what is right? It doesn't happen so in the real life, so why would it happen so in this book? I think that Fitz is much more interesting character, becouse of his mistakes. It's boring to read of someone, who always does what is right!

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: The books is great and it is captivating from the beginning until the end, but it seems like there is no progression in the plot. All that happens is Fitz keeps doing stupid mistakes through the whole book and the Bad Guys just keep getting more annoying! But a must read, without a doubt!

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Summary: The single best fantasy novel I've read...
Review: And I've read a lot. From Anthony to Tolkein to Donaldson. This series stands out for its incredible characterization. These people, espescially the main character, act real. Fitz is not some invincible, golden-haired hero that fantasy is usually known for: This dude is REAL, with real fears, weaknesses, failures, hopes, and goals. The passages where he talks about his realtionship with Molly struck a really familiar note for me, something I could relate to when I was younger and in love. Robin Hobb knows young men better than most hack male authors out there. And the villan! Regal is the "best" villan I've read. cruel and evil, but human: not some supreme god of evil. This punk makes the reader hate him, and makes the reader want Fitz to win. The book is sad, but I firmly believe it to be a triumph of fantasy literature, and a great measure of what fantasy can be. If you can't get into this series, you're either dead, dumb, or too used to fake fantasy characters to care when a real, vulnerable hero comes along. Great job, Ms.Hobb

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Summary: Royal Assassin
Review: The second book in the Farseer triology is just as brilliant as the first. The introduction of the Mountain People, and the much more serious attacks on the duchies, increases the suspension to the extreme, and I could not put down this book. I read it in a matter of a few hours eventhough it has more than 700 pages. If you read the first book you probably don't need my cheering on, but just in case: This book is BRILLIANT, READ AT ALL COSTS!!!

Rating:
Summary: From interesting to frustrating to just plain annoying
Review: The trilogy started well enough with an original premise and a brisk plotline, but it degenerated quickly as the protagonist's dumb luck ran out and his own bloody-mindedness began to shine through. No matter how dark the world, no matter how gut-wrenching the quest, I can still root for the hero and I can still enjoy the story so long as the hero actually makes SOME sort of progress. Is that even remotely possible here? No way, no how. No matter how -physically- skilled he may be, Fitz (the hero) is still just a stupid, obsessive, petulant brat from start to finish. He never beats the odds and he never wins through, and it's his own damn fault every step of the way. For crying out loud, I as the reader should never have to be so much more intelligent and aware than the protagonist. It just makes the whole experience obscenely annoying and frustrating. Then why did I keep reading, you may ask. Because as so many others here have said, there is a certain morbid fascination that keeps your attention once you've started. Do yourself a favor, though, and don't even start...