Book 3), Assassin’s Fate (Fitz and the Fool

A great finale to Fitz and the Fool's story. Hobb is by far my favourite fantasy author, and this book delivers all the I was looking for. It will be eligible for the Hugo best series award for the 2018 Hugo's and I hope it wins.

I hate endings, but as they go the conclusion of the Assassin's journey, indeed his Fate, was masterful. Perhaps, as with all Fitz's endings there will be another tale to tell.

Highly recommended.

This was a bittersweet read because I knew it was spelling out the end of characters I've grown to love. Yet, every page, true to form, filled me with interest so that it was difficult to put the book down to take care of every day life. Yet, reluctantly, I had to, which meant I was, again, turning pages much too late at night when I should have been sleeping. I was fascinated reading how Bee evolved into such a strong and feisty character with such complexity. I was moved by the references and ties to other storylines and previous books. All of the pieces fit to wrap up the story of Fitz and the Fool. Yet, I am left wondering how the story of Bee will unfold in what, I hope, will be future books. There is a whole new generation to explore in the lives of Bee, Per, Lant, Spark, Nettle's baby and the baby yet to be born. I also look forward to future stories of the live ships turned dragons. It's hard to say goodbye to Fitz and the Fool, and also Nighteyes (again). I can't help feeling there may be a shadow of them that remains. I can only hope and dream ...

This is a series that has to be read in its entirety to be appreciated. The three trilogies dealing with Fits and the Fool are the most satisfying, and I must admit that at first I viewed the Liveship and Dragon series as interruptions. Realizing that a universe was being created put those two intervening series in perspective.

Much has been written about Fitz's inability to learn. He learned. He learned that he was always left behind. Left by Verify, Nighteyes, Burrich. Molly, and especially his Beloved. Two things gave me hope that things would work out for him in the end, Nighteyes reaction when the Fool returned in the Tawney Man series ("We are whole again.") and the cube the Fool left behind for Fritz.

Being the Fool's Catalyst always made him feel that he was mainly a tool, not the true friend he wanted to be. He lived with constant doubt that he never was or would be enough. He found peace in his later years with Molly, but Molly died and left him with a child he didn't understand and didn't know how to interact. He did the best he could. He was witted, he had the Skill, but he was human and always left behind.

This book brought everything full circle. The child with whom he had the least relationship, Bee, was, at the last the person who understood him best. She had been kidnapped, abused, beaten, maimed, and came out stronger for it. She was the new White Prophet and she had the Skill. She would be trained by Verity's queen, she had Per by her side, and was the perfect combination of her two father's, Fits and the Fool. The true path had been found. Dragons and Elderlings were again alive and prospering, wrongs had been righted and avenged, the evil of Clerres had been destroyed.

After carving his Nighteyes Dragon, Fritz could finally ask for what he really wanted, that the Fool show him that he was more than just a Catalyst and never leave him again. The Fool could finally show what he meant by there being "no limits" between them and enter the Nighteyes Dragon with him making them both enough. As nighters said long ago,We are whole again." The ending is perfect. Read the entire series. You'll understand and appreciate good story telling. Well done, Miss Hobb. It's been along and satisfying ride. Thank you.

Robin Hobbs is extraordinary as always. Fantasy writing does not get any better than this, and to keep it enthralling and fresh throughout such a long series is simply remarkable. But Robin, why stop now?

You come to love the story, the characters, not just Fitz and the Fool but all of them. The series is so well written. As much as I hate to see it end I could not have thought of a better way to end it. Perfect ending!

Fantastic! Stunning! Mind blowing! One of the best books I have ever read. For those who have read the other books in this series and the ones that go before it, you will not be disappointed. Fitz, the Fool/Amber, Bee, the Rain Wilds, the liveships, the pirates, the dragons (oh my, the dragons!) -- they're all here in this spectacular conclusion to the story of Fitz and the Fool.

SPOILER
By the time I got to the end I was sobbing as Fitz and the Fool died and became one with the stone wolf/dragon Fitz was carving. All the people dear to them were in the mountains with them as their time came to an end -- it was wonderful and very emotional.

I can only hope that Ms Hobb continues with Bee's story as it is just beginning.

If you haven't read any of the other books -- The Farseer Trilogy, The Liveship Traders Trilogy. The Tawny Man Trilogy, The Rain Wilds Chronicles -- you should read these before reading this final trilogy, The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy.

Highly recommended!

I don't know how authors can make a character so loved that they make me cry. I have loved Fitz, the Fool, and Nighteyes for years, often rereading the first trilogy (Farseer) When this book that I had preordered showed up on my kindle, I was thrilled. Not every book in all the trilogies is as great as this one, but they are all good. Well worth the read if you're a fan. If you're new, start with Assassins Apprentice. I can't explain more without spoilers, but these are characters who are more than characters in a book. They are friends.

I believe Robin Hobb is an excellent storyteller. She knows how to make readers care about her characters , both main and peripheral, and this book was no exception. I suppose the ending was a fitting ending to Fitz's life, however, I personally found it ultimately unsatisfactory as a conclusion. Considering the lengths that Fitz went to recover his daughter and the love that he felt for her , it's hard to believe that he would have left her in the end. Also hard to believe that the Fool would go with him leaving the daughter alone in the world. I did think it was wonderful how some of the other books were brought into the story such as the live ships and the dragons. Ultimately Hobbs made me cry, laugh, and live along with her characters whichis a tribute to her deft writing. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars like I would for most of her books is that I just didn't quite buy into the ending and didn't believe the final actions were true to the character as portrayed through the previous 8 books. Excellent story, wonderful writing, interesting world-building throughout this series as well as the other two previous series.

I hate to see the series end, but life goes on. Fitz and The Fool gave me many hours of reading enjoyment. I just finished this last installment and truly loved it. We don't always get the endings to stories we want, but that is what makes reading so much fun. I've read all of Robin's books and I hope she continues to carry us away on more adventures for many more years.

Before starting this book, if you haven't read the Rain Wilds Chronicles or Liveship Traders series, but ever plan to, read them beforehand.

Wow, just wow. Thank you, Robin Hobb, for sharing this world and these characters!

I'm wiping tears away (of both joy at the perfect touching moments and the bittersweetness of it coming to an end), having just finished the last book in what was a journey of knowing and being with Fitz and The Fool. Such a phenomenal third book to this trilogy. As with the others in this series, written about these characters, the depth of the character development and immersion in the world makes for a rich relationship with the characters and their stories. Truly an experience worth having.

This book is a fitting and appropriate end to this story. I read other reviews that think the middle drags, and they don't like the ending, but I say this is what the best epic fantasy is made of. This is a large complicated world that immerses you. And in my opinion there could be a no more correct ending for some of my most favorite characters. The ending is completely in keeping with these characters and Robin Hobb writes a story that stays true to Fitz and the Fool.

Poignant, magnificent, triumphant in the face of adversity and loss. This is the sixteenth (!) interconnected book in the Farseer / Liveship / Rain Wilds series and Ms. Hobb has done an amazing job of weaving so many lives, themes and threads together into a truly epic finale. I'm sure I could gush for a while longer, but as a fan of the series for twenty-plus years, really, there's only one thing to say.

Thank you, Ms. Hobb. Thank you.

If this book is not Robin Hobb's magnum opus, I cannot wait to read the one that is! This was intense--one of those wild rides where you end up being absolutely wrung out, emotionally shook, and deliciously satisfied. And while I've seen a bit of criticism over the ending, I found it, not only fitting and beautiful but also very much true to life. We don't always get what we want, do we? Thank you, Robin Hobb! This was amazing. :)

I could write paragraphs about this this series, the people within it, the small and the large events that shaped them - and me -but to understand you really need to read it yourself, and allow yourself to feel, and let the story become part of you.

There are some authors that I return to, knowing that with each rereading of a series I will find something new, that I will discover a thread I did not originally see that meanders through a series, forming links I only belatedly recognize. Hobb has a true gift.

Having finished the journey this morning, I feel such bone-deep loss and yet am still comforted by the feeling that all is finally right, that Fitz, Nighteyes, and Beloved are now what they were meant to be - joyously whole, fully in the Now.

Read this series. Be prepared to have people ask you why your eyes are red and swollen when you are done.

I have been a fan of the Fitz since the beginning when I thought that The Assassin's Apprentice was a very good stand alone book. After the first trilogy, I was surprised by the second. It didn't seem to share much with the first until it did and once again I was moved to an emotional place that only exists when I'm reading Robin's work. Then through two more sets of interconnected stories I was able to re-enter this world of characters I hold so dear. Finally the journey ends and I find myself already missing these dear friends.

Thank you Robin Hobb. You're characters will always live inside us.

I will miss Fitz. I have been with him from the beginning patiently waiting for more. I slogged through the rain wild chronicles and live ship series and never expected everything to tie back together so beautifully. Patrick Rothfuss can't even get book three together. I don't even think Brandon Sanderson or Peter Hamilton could match the scope or complexity or depth of the farseer universe and writings. The depth of tragedy and consistently good characterizations have made it a pleasure. Very satisfying conclusion.

Finished reading straight through just a few hours ago. 20 years of my life have passed with Fitz & the Fool books to "take me away" whenever I needed an escape. Now that their story is done, I'm trying to understand how my heart can be so full and so broken at the same time. I read a lot but usually re-read a F&F Book at least once a month. This farewell was just so powerful, I don't think I'll be able to pick it up again for quite some time.

There are very few authors that can draw me into another time and place so completely. Robin Hobb, Diana Gabaldon, Brandon Sanderson. The Farseer trilogy, tawny man trilogy and Fitz and the Fool are books that I treasure. So sad that the story has ended. This is a story that I will revisit often. Thank you Robin Hobb for sharing this amazing journey with us!

Like a small stone in a raging current....tossed...battered...and moved by the characters again and again. Was enthralled, enchanted, and knowing it must end....remorse.

He left it open though....for future books...and for that I am grateful!!

Thank you Robin!!

I'm sad to see this series end, but I love the series and this book. The development of the new characters is good, and you see your favorites from the past books. The ending is fitting (that's all I'll say), and some mysteries from prior books are finally explained here.

I have followed these characters through all Robin Hobbs books. These last three bring all the characters from this region together. You laugh, cry, are so invested....you don't want it to end but it must. Don't miss out on this.

I'm tempted to give this 5stars because FitzChivalry is my probably my very favorite book character of all time, and the ending did not disappoint (I've spent the last two hours crying my eyes out) - BUT, in true Robin Hobb style the first 60% of the book was a drag. In fact, my sisters are reading this book and warned me not to spoil it, and I told them that up to that point, I couldn't spoil anything even if I tried - NOTHING had happened. It was reminiscent of the last book of the 1st trilogy where it was just tons of travel time and introspection until the last 25% of the book and then BAM, non stop action and emotion.

I will say that Bee really grew on me in this last book. I really disliked her in books one and two, but she was great in this book. And little Perseverance - he was so adorable. One of my new favorites. So many people in this series overall that I just loved and were so memorable - Verity, Kettricken, Nighteyes, Chade, Burrich - even Motley! Oddly there were others that I feel I should have liked, but just never really did. Dutiful's wife, Nettle, Fool as Amber, Bee when she was young. Molly most of all - I never liked her. Am I the only one that never really "felt" the relationship with her and Fitz?

One of the things I didn't like is I felt like the book took too much time with Rainwild and Liveship stuff. I liked those characters, but those sections went on forever and were totally irrelevant to anyone that didn't read the Liveship or Rainwild books. It felt a little indulgent to me that Hobb seemed to want to write a sequel to their story too, but was foisting it on me in a place I didn't want it (in a Fitz book).

If I could rate the last 35% of the book - this would be 5 stars. The ending was everything you would want, everything is wrapped up nicely. You'll probably feel like me, absolutely wrung out emotionally, sad to say goodbye to old friends (and let's be honest - their story is done - time to let them go), but satisfied with how things turn out.

Despite my nitpicks, this series will always be one of my absolute favorites of all time. The characters are fantastic, Hobb can write so beautifully and emotionally. The magic system is great (skilling, wit, dragons, elderlings), the world is so complete and complex. I feel as I do every time I end a beloved series - bittersweet that it ended, and wondering if I'll ever find another series that will ever be so dear to me!

My enjoyment of Robin Hobb's writing comes from her ability to create realistic characters, and accurately record the intensity of human emotion. The 'odd' child, feeling like she's failed her parents, the father feeling like he's failed at protecting his daughter, a man who loves his friends, but will sacrifice them to save the world. A fathers regret when he believes his daughter is dead. Yes, the action wasn't to the standard of previous novels, but c'mon....these characters are aging. Fitz may have a veritable fountain of youth physically, but nothing can help his mind which is burdened by decades of cruelty and despair. I almost started to hate the author at the end, with all thats she's put Fitz through, (irrational I know, but it's almost impossible NOT to invest in these characters.) I feel a sense of incompleteness at the end though. I hope that Ms. Hobb might consider telling us more about Bee, perhaps....?

Robin i have so much love for your creation. Thank you for this gift. Thank you for the lessons. Thank you for the glory. Never has epic fantasy brought tears of joy to me. To Fitz.. To the Fool... To Nighteyes.. Your glory will ever rest in my spirit. Amen.

Lets not kid ourselves, if you are reading this book you are most likely a big fan, like me. I have followed the story of Fitz and the fool for years, red and rered all the books a number of times. Over the years I have come to see them as my very good friends. I had to pause a while and collect my thoughts before I could write this review. Reading this last chapter I really wanted to give it 5 stars, because I love them SO MUCH! but I just could not. The last trilogy about Fitz and the Fool is very slow, with plenty of day to day life. This do not bother me, I actually quite like it. What drew this book down for my part was all of the guest performances from characters from Hobbs other works. I felt like it was complete overload, and I'm not particularly interested in meeting the liveship traders, or the dragon traders of the Rainwilds in this series (although I mostly enjoyed their books as well). It just felt a bit forced to me, and it felt like an attempt to tie together all the plot lines of all the series, and somehow conclude them all. I would have preferred to have a bit more time with Fitz and the Fool. Also I felt that their relationship is as troubled as ever, or at least as it has been for the last books. This is also true for Fitz troubled relationship with... well... everyone! I just wish that this being the last of the Fitz and the Fool books, I would have preferred some more closure. We do get that in a sense, but I wanted it to feel a bit better, that something was resolved when I finished the book. I will not do any spoilers, but the way it ended was just sad (and not in a good way!). I thought it lacked attention to the storyline of this particular series (Fitz and the fool) and focused WAY TOO MUCH on all other possible storylines. What I also did not like was the character of Amber, we know her from before, but I don't understand why she needs to take such a large place in this book. If you have the context from the liveship books, maybe you will find it enjoyable, but I did not specially care for it. The fool completely disappears, and we do not really get much of the Fool that we know and love. We never really know what is going on with him, and I feel the lack in the story. Also, when we do get the fool it is almost impossible to figure out what is driving him, he is an awful character in this book, and not at all as we know him from before! Puuuuhhhhh....... Getting that off my chest, I still have to say that I still loved the book. Hobb is still one of my favorite writers of compelling and interesting characters, and I will still be her most dedicated reader. Looking forward to new books! (If Ms. Hobbs talent for creating compelling characters can be found again that is).

Intense. Many times I had to put it down and walk away to absorb the impacts and recover enough to return to it. Emotionally charged. You can't read this book and stay removed from the characters and events. It made me cringe, cry to the point of sobbing and when the end came I was left wanting to start the whole series over again. I love her characters, her writing and am so sad that it may be finished.

Robin Hobb still captivates her audience. The trilogy and all previous trilogies are beautifully concluded in this book. Laughter, smiles, and tears will be your companions as Bee evolves, the destroyer comes, and the unexpected son does his deeds. Even Vindeliar has yet to show new sides of himself.

Brilliant story! Heart rending. I will miss Fitz's world until hopefully another trilogy is written. I loved that the rainwilds characters mixed in with The characters from he other books. I'm so sad to be leaving this world, it's kept me company for a long time and thanks to Robin I feel like I could be " witted" or at least wish I was. Can't wait for more

The writing was excellent and almost poetic at times. Unfortunately, I found the story development to be tedious and often redundant. In the third book of the series I started skipping pages because I had already spent way too much time reading with little story development to show for it. It was such a contrast to the original books of this series. I think it could have been so much better.

I hoped this book would come out while I still had the chance to read it. As usual, you did a remarkable job and this last book is no exception. Fitting all the characters from the entire series seamlessly into this last story without a hitch.
Anyone a fan of this series, get lots of tissues. It made my heart break, but gave enormous joy. I hated the ending, but also loved it. But I suppose "it is" the fit ending to this story. How could it be any other way..... Happy hunting Nighteyes, Fitz and Fool.

Thank you Robin Hobb.

I powered through the book in a day and had to go back to reread parts of it because I couldn't believe I was done! I wanted more to read :) I plan on rereading the series again. Great read: Fitz, the Fool and Nighteyes as memorable as ever.

This was a loving end to a wonderful series. I've read about Fitz, Nighteyes, Beloved and the Liveships for many years. Many a night I have been enchanted by their quests. A truly addictive and exciting series. They will be missed.

just felt as if the book got bogged down. Fitz went from a capable fighter and skill user in the first two books of this series to not being able to do either in the third somehow. Bee literally kept the book afloat with her abilities and trials and growth but Fitz and the fool brought it down.

First off, I have always thought the fool was endlessly selfish, the character has always irritated me somewhat but this book was the worst.

Fitz I have always loved but he began to become useless in this book with no real explanation why. In the 2nd book he was the same age as this one but instead he went from being sharp and fighting off attackers to being useless and not being able to use his skill magic for the first time since, what? the first series? with no explanation.

I don't know, many things bothered me. Also the ending is not what Fitz or the fool deserved. it was disappointing and drawn out. I was not expecting a rainbows and flowers ending, but I was expecting a decent one where he had a few more years with his daughters or something.

I'm not sure I can effectively describe how frustrating and disappointing this last book in the series was. In truth, I thought it began great and I was really into the book for many, many pages. But, eventually when absolutely nothing that seemed remotely like progress toward a fruitful solution in regaining Bee from captivity occurred, I began to lose faith.

Where is the capable Fitz of past books? Yes, he's aged but supposedly he still has a young body. He did absolutely nothing in this book that validated the heroic valor of past books. Hobb has him on a liveship for most of the book doing purely useless stuff while he and his crew work as sailors. His gift of Skilling barely appears within the pages of this book. Unimaginable!

Fitz doesn't even reunite with Bee until the book is at approximately the 70% point. Up until this point, the author has him nearly at a standstill as he travels ever so slowly to Clerres in order to avenge Bee. Yes, there are some interesting happenings along the way, but nothing truly progressive as it related to Fitz and the Fool. They were at odds during 95% of the book. It's as though Ms. Hobb attempted to bring all the various series, including "Fitz and the Fool," the "Live Ship Traders" and the "Rain Wild Chronicles" to a closure in this one book.

Without spoiling too much of the story, I thought Paragon's transformation was beautiful. But, for goodness sake, how about reuniting Fitz with Bee!! Instead, we have Bee tortured and tormented throughout most of the book until she's scarred beyond belief. When she's finally found and rescued, she and her father are once again separated until the very end of the book. No peace between Fitz and the Fool until the very last few pages.

Last, the end of the book was simply too much. Yes, an ending of sorts was okay by me. But, did it have to be so messy and gross with everyone gathered around for those final days. Not the ending that Fitz deserved. I am so disappointed that I am literally feeling it inside my soul. Ugh!

Spoiler Alert and Warning: Do yourself a favor make it a point to avoid reviews until after reading a book. Use the star rating and knowledge of an author you can gather elsewhere to determine whether something is worth reading.

This review covers the final trilogy. Robin Hobb obviously set out to address as many questions and uncertainties as she could after the Fool trilogy's controversial ending chapter. Many characters reappear from the entire Farseer/Rain Wild story arc. Of all the sub-series this final trilogy suffers the most from sequel syndrome being bogged by too much dependence on past developments in relationships as well as characters and events intentionally placed together to fulfill an objective outside the best presentation of a well composed story.

A key point of contention has been the nature of the Fitz-Fool relationship. Early on she revisits Fitz's passionate sex with Molly laying a foundation to dispel the notion that he could be bi-sexual or homosexual. By the third book she has managed to clarify something deeper than a soulful friendship. It had been described previously but she provided additional material for us to better comprehend the completeness as one whole which they felt when together. This whole also includes Nighteyes. By the end of this trilogy we can also conclude that the Fool is more his aliases (Amber for instance) than he is merely an actor dawning identities out of necessity.

This trilogy also showed off how capable Hobb is of manipulating my feelings about different characters. Once Bee began to blossom I could imagine the greater story arc going on with her as the central character taking the place of Fitz. I thought she was an amazing character. However by the end of the third book I wasn't so enamored of Bee and wondered whether she was inherently good or selfish and evil. I left the Fool trilogy disliking Molly yet I ended up liking her again before she passed in this trilogy. This leads me to a major criticism of this final story.

From the beginning of this final trilogy I never felt that the character of the Fool was The Fool I had loved. All of those qualities were absent. I never liked Lord Golden either but he was The Fool when off stage and Lord Golden was abandoned leaving only The Fool in the last chapters of The Fool trilogy. In this series there is talk about the past and established relationships are taken for granted. This might have worked if the betrayal many experienced through Hobb's last chapter of the Fool trilogy had not existed. In many ways this last trilogy only came about because people were unhappy with the way Hobb conveniently tied up loose ends making what had been leading to a great literary work of tragedy into a fairy tale where everyone left was sort of happy ever after. From the moment of his reintroduction in this final trilogy it felt like a rehash of things that had already been covered. Once again the Fool suddenly reappears in Fitz's life. Once again he has been tortured. Once again they set out on an adventure leading to potential death. Unfortunately the Fool never returns to the character he was previously. His relationship with Fitz is all reliant upon our memory and their recollection. There is nothing new to reinforce their bond. There is nothing left of that character that is lovable. And in the final chapter we are given even more to dislike about the Fool which interfered with their final scene together.

Instead of that final scene together, the most emotional scene in this trilogy was when Ketricken hears about Fitz through Nighteyes. That scene drew upon the carefully crafted relationship Hobb had composed in previous books. It was a striking contrast to this final trilogy and its absence of the level of literary mastery exhibited in previous books. Many felt that Fitz should have ended up with Ketricken instead of Molly. Nighteyes evens expresses the same feelings in this trilogy. The Wit that Ketricken definitely possessed and her own feelings for Nighteyes would have guaranteed that Fitz shared some of that feeling because he and the wolf were one. In the final book Ketricken describes how she had always been invisible to Fitz suggesting she had cared for him the whole time yet he was oblivious. Ketricken never spent that much time with Verity and it was always implausible how she seemed to long for Verity as she did. In the final book she once again is shown to be thinking of Verity, now 20-30 years later. Then Hobb cops out and suggests that Fitz was the wiser knowing Ketricken's passionate final kiss was for the wolf and not him. Come on! After Hobb crafted a sophisticated relationship between Ketricken and Fitz does Hobb believe her readers would easily abandon the trail to this destination? It was not all about Nighteyes. Perhaps Hobb forgets that many of her readers are not adults, at least when they begin with Assassin's Apprentice. Having started the Farseer story as an adult I doubt half of the readers could comprehend whatever convoluted explanation she has hinted at. I may have overlooked some things but I am certain of contradictions in behavior which Robin Hobb has reintroduced here in the final book. I certainly did not buy Ketrickan's reaction to the warning that they were being flanked. Did Hobb really expect people to accept that as proof Ketricken was focused on Nighteyes the whole time?

I am puzzled by the way many authors in the fantasy genre destroy the better parts in their heroes and stories. While Fitz survives to his end albeit fumbling around while other characters step in and make up for his mistakes arguably one of the most popular characters ever conceived, The Fool, ends up being unlikable. In one of the few moments when he was shining the Fool has to be the buzzkill. In the past it made sense but this time it only tread mud upon a rare opportunity for Fitz to glow. In fact I cannot think of a single instance when Fitz was heroic in this final trilogy. A lot of books will be sold and money will be made from this extension of the Fitz story but the Farseer saga would have been better had Fool's Fate ended with the story Hobb had lead everyone to instead of tacking on a dreadfully groundless fairy tale ending. I would have preferred suffering the loss of the beloved Fool rather than thinking of a Skill stone dragon romping in the woods after having turned the Fool into a despicable character. A future Farseer trilogy I would still read and this final Fitz trilogy is worth reading but it is not without flaws and frustrations with its author.

Nowhere near Hobb's best work. **SPOILERS** Really felt like Hobb had some things she wanted to do, but ended up wrapping a bunch of stuff from other story lines together in a clunky and stretched out way. Lots of inconsistencies. For example, in previous books, the dragon cocoons were made into ships, not the embryos. So, why would they turn into dragons? And why would Paragon need so little to turn? And why would he need to "drink" it? Why was Fitz able to kill a bunch of randos with the skill but not kill some bugs? Why would the fool give up on recovering Fitz's body so quickly? Why was Bee be able to fight so effectively when she was the size of a five/six year old? Why did Fitz ignore the messenger? Why wouldn't Bee kill Vindelair (sp?)? Why wasn't Motley explained? What was Wolf Father? Why was Fitz's Skill so incredible inconsistent? Why was the Silver so inconsistent? Why was Bee ignored when she went back to Buckeep? Why would Fitz just ignore her so thoroughly after rescuing her? Why was the Fool so lacking in humor and good vibes? Considering that Fitz himself had taken awhile to come through a stone, why wouldn't he post up on the other side of the stone for a few months and see if Bee came through? Just seemed very forced. Hobb wanted to off Fitz and turn the three into a stone wolf but she came at it in an odd way. Or, maybe she figured all her fans would buy, read, and love the book regardless of how bad it was (Sucker right here!).

Way too long (could not help but skipping through some parts, especially on Bee's voyage) and too much unnecessary violence. Dwalia is so pointlessly cruel (and stupid) it does not really make sense. Same goes for pretty much everybody in the Clerres circle. Definitely not at the same level of the first Fitz books.

What a miserable, pointless, lame way for a hero of so many books to die.

So little catharsis in this book, so much repetition of generic dangers of skilling covered many many times in her books before.

One problem with any fantasy or scifi novel is the reader's suspension of disbelief. Robin has always painted her world with great deliberation and consistency. Except for Fitz. Who never seems to learn or improve and whose observation skills pale in relation to Thick, a crow, or well anyone really. Even in the final chapters. He was still walking around like a dolt having to be reminded of past conversations or just bumbling around with the skill. Any improvement in Fitz's ability is always due to some external factor e.g. a "magic potion" or another person explaining something he should already know, like the importance of keeping his shields up. Really?

So it is hard to suspend my disbelief that Fitz who has survived so many juvenile mistakes continues to be a bumbling idiot. Book 2 was already very disappointing when he lost control of the skill after having lost control in previous books. But I was sure that he would finally grow some in the last book, but he doesn't. There is just no learning curve for Fitz.

I liked Bee in this trilogy, she makes mistakes, she gets beat down, but she learns from it, grows, and gets herself back up. Fitz, on the other hand, makes the same old mistakes, doesn't learn, doesn't grow, and someone else always has to drag Fitz back up when he goes down. I was hoping that Fitz would finally act like the main protagonist and learn and adapt instead of playing a mook that just won't stay dead or maybe a Zombie walking around slowly crying out, "Braiiiins." Because that would be a step up from how he is portrayed here.

Really, if Fitz had gotten ONE, just one, moment of awesome (Like Burrich) where all of his tragic experience comes together and he a made a difference in someone else's life by his deliberate actions. I would be happy. But whenever Fitz gets a chance to shine he faceplants and has to be rescued by another character.

The ending literally gave me nightmares too. It has been a while since a book gave me nightmares. I do not read Robin Hobb looking forward to nightmares and gross-out. Leave that stuff to Steven King.

Spoilers ahead.

All of the major events in the book felt forced. I understand Hobb wanted to include characters and events unfolding that started in other books, but it was not smooth. For example, Fitz would get invited to have drinks with the ship captains and the whole conversation would be about events unrelated to Fitz. He wouldn't say anything and they wouldn't say anything to him. His death seemed forced too. He gets shot with a dart in the middle of a battle and never stops to think about it. I'm sure a vast majority of readers knew about the darts from the story that the messenger told Fitz. He's supposed to be an assassin and doesn't even both to wonder what was on the dart until it's way too late. There were a lot of other issues, such as the number of pages between events. The Fitz books started off as great books and this is supposed to be the capstone. Overall, it was mostly a boring book and the ending was unfulfilling.

“How often had the Fool told me that life was an immense wheel, turning in a set track, and that his task was to bump the wheel out of that track and set it on a better one?”

The third and final novel in “The Fitz and The Fool” trilogy picks up immediately after the cliffhanger conclusion of book two. I won’t provide a plot summary for two primary reasons: a) it is sufficiently complex that I wouldn’t do it justice, and b) it would be near impossible without major spoilage. In essence, FitzChivalry Farseer (Fitz), once more chases after those who have harmed his family, believing that his gifted daughter, Bee, after being kidnapped by the Servants of the Four, has been lost forever in a Skill-pillar. This novel brings in many many characters from previous books, almost like a final farewell tour, including major characters from the Liveship Traders such as Althea Vestrit and the Liveships themselves, the Rain Wild Chronicles, and the earlier Farseer books. Much like book two of this trilogy (Fool’s Quest), the story is told through alternating chapter viewpoints from both Fitz and Bee, with snippets at the beginning of each chapter (such as from Bee Farseer’s Dream Journal) that are remarkable clues to the bigger picture.

I always know what to expect when I start reading a Robin Hobb novel: fully realized characters in a well-developed setting with an engaging plot and a surprise or three along the way. And that’s exactly what I got…for the first 60-65% of the novel. Everything was perking along just fine; I was fully absorbed in the events surrounding my beloved characters, I was appropriately on the edge of my seat hoping against hope for an outcome I could live with, and all the while wallowing in the wondrously lush and complex world that I have inhabited through previous books for some 20 years. But then…

Robin Hobb dialed it up to 11.

I cannot adequately express the emotional roller-coaster that is the final third of this novel. It is truly wondrous prose mixed with a nail-biting, how-dare-you, reaction to the rapidly evolving plot. Make no mistake: this is a book about endings. But just how that plays out is among the most rewarding experiences of my reading life. I will admit to being worried when I started at the beginning of this book. After all, how can any author ever satisfy the cravings of rabid fans, pleasing all and pissing off none? They can’t of course. But for those seeking answers to “Who is the Unexpected Son?”, or “Who is the Twice-Lived Prophet?” or “Who is The Destroyer?” can rest assured that answers to those questions and more that have developed over 15+ books can be found in this final volume.

The novel can be read simply as the third book of a trilogy but I highly recommend pursuing not only the previous direct Fitz novels (The Farseer trilogy, The Tawny Man trilogy, as well as The Fitz and The Fool trilogy) but also The Liveship Traders trilogy and the 4-set Rain Wild Chronicles in order to get the complete experience and appreciate the nuances contributed by the “lesser” characters here.

This novel is a long one but Robin Hobb fans will understand when I say, it doesn’t seem like a long book at all. I enjoy spending time with these characters and in this world so if anything, I wish it were longer. The end of the book works extremely well as the capstone of the entire series but I, for one, wouldn’t mind reading more within this world.

Note: I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an open and honest review.

I'm not sure it's possible to convey how much I enjoyed this book without giving the wrong impression. It isn't a work of Hie Arte or anything; it's just a really good adventure story, and the end of a really long adventure story, with the satisfaction of things that began volumes ago coming to a neat and logical conclusion.

And when I say "volumes ago" I don't just mean this trilogy. This is the third trilogy about FitzChivalry Farseer, which together comprise his entire life, but there are other series set in this world, and they all receive their final working-out in this long (837 pg) volume. We get here not only the fates of Fitz and the Fool, but also those of the Liveships, the dragons, the Bingtown Traders, and the people of the Rain Wilds - plus the fate of Clerres, the fortress whose Servants started this whole mess.

There are, in this world, White Prophets, who see in dreams the path the world should take. Left free, they will, through another person called their Catalyst, influence the world into that path. The Fool is the White Prophet of his generation, and Fitz is his Catalyst...

The Servants of Clerres hoard White Prophets and force them to reveal their dreams. Over thousands of years they have built up a library of possible futures - and they use it for their own benefit. They are cruel and selfish. In the first volume of this trilogy, they send an emissary who reunites Fitz with a tortured and broken (by them) Fool, and kidnaps Fitz's daughter, Bee, whom they believe to be a special character of prophecy called the Unexpected Son. (Yeah...) Fitz starts a desperate mission to rescue her; the Fool wants Clerres destroyed.

That first volume was a little slow. The second volume picked up the pace noticeably. This is appropriate, as Hobbes's "trilogies" are each really one monstrously long novel. Read that way, it's a slow build to a huge climax, plus a denouement in which nobody has a _really_ happy ending. Bittersweet's the word here.

The primary characters - Fitz, the Fool, and Fitz's (or, by some largely-unexplained mechanism, _their_) daughter Bee - are well delineated, engaging, and fun to be around. The villains are villainous, in different ways. The spear-carriers are sufficiently developed to carry their spears in appropriately differentiated ways.

But, as always, it's the style - particularly the voice of the narrators (Fitz and Bee) - that really carries this book. Fitz's voice is slightly altered here for reasons that make story sense. Bee's is perhaps a bit mature for her years, but given who she is and what she has gone through, this is not inappropriate.

What can I say in the way of recommendation? If you've read the predecessors, by all means read this. If not, don't start here.

I knew there would be ugly tears at the end of Assassin's Fate. Robin Hobb excels at causing me to break down in ugly tears. There are very few authors who can punch me in the feels the way that she does. It's going to be difficult to write this review without spoilers, but I'm going to give it a stab though at time of writing I'm still feeling quite raw.

Anyone who's been in for the long haul with Robin Hobb will know that the FitzChivalry Farseer books (three trilogies) are part of her larger universe that includes the Liveship books and her related dragon books. It's taken me years, but I've finally caught up with Fitz, the Fool and Nighteyes, whose intertwined fates are complex and often take remarkable turns.

Objectively, this is not the strongest book of the series; at heart it is an extended epilogue. And I understand. Ending a saga with such a perennially popular character like Fitz is *difficult*. There is always the temptation to leave open "happy for now" threads but anyone who knows Hobb's writing will be well aware of the fact that she foreshadows *everything*. And while there are a few red herrings in Assassin's Fate, I was not surprised by the decision she made for the conclusion. It was *right*. I could see it coming a mile off yet I cried so much I had to give my glasses a good wipe afterwards and go wash my face.

I'll say this much: Not many authors can make a novel that is basically an extended sea voyage and rescue exciting, but Robin Hobb succeeds, and it's because of her attention to detail, the examination of the lives of others and their interactions and the smaller conflicts within the greater picture. The story is in its subtleties, and Assassin's Fate is the novel that ties everything together for all the stories that have come before. If Hobb wishes to leave this setting here, that would also be fine and right for me. In fact, it would be a perfect place in all its bittersweetness.

The story itself has a dual nature, part laying to rest of ghosts, part coming of age. Fitz is a man outside of time, who lives with his regrets. And he is tired, and this shows in his interactions with others. Bee represents a fresh current, heir to the incredible stories that have happened before her time, and burdened with being the one who is at the heart of the drama that takes place in the present. This is, as can be understood, a heavy burden to bear yet her trials also serve as a crucible.

I'm not going to go into any further detail, because it's difficult to discuss deeper without spoiling the story. If you've yet to read any of Robin Hobb's books, start with Assassin's Apprentice, book one of the Farseer Trilogy. Then read the Liveship Traders and the Rainwild Chronicles. The Tawny Man trilogy slots in somewhere there too, then finish with the Fitz and the Fool trilogy. You will meet an unforgettable cast of characters, and since I've now read many of the early Fitz books for the second time, I can state with authority as a long-time fan of SFF, that Robin Hobb's stories deserve their place among the classics in the genre, right up there with luminaries like George RR Martin, Mark Lawrence and others who write the kind of fantasy that doesn't shy away from treading on difficult topics with nuance.

It hurts me to give this novel anything less than the best review, given that it is the end for Fitz, Fool, Nighteyes, but I must. In my 847 page American edition, Fitz and the Fool reach Clerres around page 540. That's because Hobb has them traveling for hundreds of pages, meeting and interacting with nearly every Rain Wild and Liveships character she's ever written about. Of course, she can't take it for granted that her readers are familiar with those characters, so she must offer a backstory on each, create arcs for them, work them in, tie them together. That drowns out Fitz and the Fool, turning them into supporting characters. It's frustrating, as stuff is happening to them; for the first time in the series, they're truly at odds. But Hobb can't stop to develop that, as she's got to juggle too many other characters whose stories must also be told.

Things pick up after everyone reaches Clerres, but by that time, it's too late. At this point, Fitz's story improves, mostly because Hobb isolates him and enters his head, the way she did in every other Fitz novel. When that happens, Hobb is magic. Sadly, the Fool doesn't get the benefit of this kind of thing. He's on a ship, his story told through Bee's pov, which relegates him to the background...as she learns to climb ropes, has conversations with Per, and our many heroes go to Bingtown, and we meet Althea's mother, and get a long description of her garden and of her house, get a long description of Bee's new clothes, hear about Althea's mother's financial standing, hear about the Bingtown council, meet Vivacia, take another ride on the Tarman, float down the river, and...

...and we come to the end, which is hurried.

I'm frustrated with this novel, and it's coming through. I adore this series, and wanted Fitz, Fool, Nighteyes to go out with a bang, in the best novel of the series...or at least in one of the best novels in the series. They do go out, and the mechanics of how they do so is perfect, but this is not the best novel in the series. In fact, for me it was the weakest. It's all a bit depressing, and the novel itself was depressing enough.

One of the best books of 2017 and all time
I read it like it was a library book due yesterday.
A year ago.
It has taken me that long to assimilate and absorb the impact of all the glorious stories. I had greatly anticipated this novel, from my discovery 7 years ago of this 20 year series. A chance view of a cover lured me to Fool’s Assassin, the first of this trilogy. Then I read ALL of her previous novels. I still shudder when I think about what I might have missed. At the end of this novel, I completely reread the entire series, 16 books. For the third time? If there was ever a time to immerse yourself in fantasy this is it and these are tremendous. I have only read Tolkien more. Patrick Rothfuss is perhaps the only other author/series I will continue to read (and also can’t wait for the next installment). I have to say that slower reading revealed many hidden gems, within the writing and the story.

Title: Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb
Publisher: Del Ray May 2017 962 pp
Genre: fantasy, science fiction, coming of age, action and adventure, literature and fiction
5+ stars

Author:
Robin Hobbs is the second pen name of American author Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogdon (b 1952). She also writes under Megan Lindholm. Her books number over 25 with numerous short stories. If you are still waiting for the next installment of Game of Thrones, pick up Hobbs.
This is another wonderful book in the Realm of the Elderlings, begun in 1995 with the first of the Farseer Trilogy Assassin's Apprentice, which led directly into the Fitz and the Fool Trilogy. This book in particular combines many of her other series; there are something of the order of 15 books that are referenced here. Don't miss any of them (Farseer chronicles, Tawny man, Rain wild chronicles, Liveship traders). I’ve told you to start reading this author! I love books that build on previous stories, develop in different directions, shed new light on previous events and reverse roles. These are brilliant, clever, utterly absorbing stories.
Her writing is absolutely brilliant, extraordinary in her detailed storytelling. World building is taken to new heights. Every story is “unputdownable” you cant wait to finish the book, and life is out on hold while you are mesmerized in another magical realm. Her characters resonate in real life. Be warned, while it’s been an amazing journey, the beautiful ending is bittersweet.
Story:
To fully appreciate this book you MUST read the previous 8 featuring Fitz and the Fool in the Farseer world. But really there are 16 in the Realm of the Elderlings that altogether complete the intricate, complex story. That includes the Liveship Traders and the Rainwild Chronicles. Why not read them in order?!
Assassin’s Fate seamlessly picks up right after Fools Quest (yes, my last review complained of the abrupt ending). Fitz and the Fool are on their way to Clerres to rescue their daughter Bee, although they believe they are avenging her death. Her struggle is exceedingly painful ala graphic GRRMartin. Narration is shared between Fitz and Bee, with all my favourite characters present including nighteyes, the Fool, Paragon, Icefyre. Fitz is again introspective, but there is such depth to his struggle. It makes the ending even harder. Bee, like the Fool, is very much of the future, and both are game changers. Yes, there are endings, sorrow we neither expect nor want. But they always provide hope on a narrow horizon or in a darkened world. Changes are opportunities, not necessarily easily obtained but always worth striving for. There are many life lessons. I’m hopeful the story/world continues with Bee.
NB there have been some exceptional interviews with Hobbs this last year, which shed light on her writing and these books. Look for them. I’m ever hopeful that movies could be made, now that we have Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones.

Read on : this is perfect for summer reads, for any tween, teenager interested in fantasy. Adults will truly enjoy this magic. Typical read time is 19hours!
For fans of Patrick Rothfuss, GRR Martin, Terry Goodkind, Sarah Maas, Robert Jordan
Quotes:
So I fled, knowing I could not escape but too frightened to let the. Reclaim me.
Death is better 5s. The sort of captivity they plan for you.
It’s only a dream scarcely applies to what a dragon can do to one’s sleeping mind.
Sixty was not thirty, regardless of how I might appear.

Received as an ARC from Netgalley. Purchased my own copy to complete my set.

Assassin’s Fate by Robin Hobb is, first and foremost, a book about closure. But as much as it is about endings, it’s also about new beginnings. Really, it’s the perfect sendoff for a character that is much beloved and one which many of us have spent countless pages journeying along with. Assassin’s Fate is the third and final book in The Fitz and the Fool Trilogy, but it is also the final book (for now, anyway) in the Farseer books as a whole. Hobb has created such a rich world, full of so many memorable, engaging characters, though, that I could easily see additional books coming from her set in the various worlds of the Six Duchies, Rain Wilds, or Kelsingra. Speaking of all of those places, Assassin’s Fate is worthy of a Marvel film in that it intertwines the various worlds Hobb has concocted and spent entire series delving into by giving us the penultimate crossover as Fitz comes face to face with many of the characters from both the Liveship Traders books and the Rain Wild Chronicles. It really is a treat to see all of these disparate worlds come together into a seamless whole. I’ll admit I felt a bit of a thrill when Fitz revisits the map room in Kelsingra, the very same room he visited all those many years (and books) ago when he and Chade first began experimenting with the Skillstones.

Unlike the previous two books in this series, I’m giving Assassin’s Fate a solid five rockets. The reason previous installments fell short was because there were just too many pages where nothing significant happens. Not so with this final book. This one is full of plot moving material as we pick up right where Fool’s Quest left off. Fitz has healed a number of Kelsingra’s residents whose dragon initiated changes have done more harm than good. This is applauded by the Kelsingrans, but not so much by the dragons, who threaten Fitz’s life for interfering with the changes they have made in their keepers. Fitz escapes this harrowing predicament unscathed, for he must continue his quest for vengeance against those who killed his daughter, Bee. Of course, Bee is not actually dead, a fact Fitz eventually comes to know.

Speaking of Bee… She’s a character I did not like much in the first two books. She’s a bit of an oddity most of the time and, when she isn’t off doing her own thing, she’s a distraction to Fitz’s story. But in Assassin’s Fate she really comes into her own, seizing her place in the world as it were, as she flies into a final confrontation with her abductors. Looking back at the whole, I found her story arc refreshing. She’s admittedly very dependent early on, but when it comes time for her to stand up for herself, she does so admirably well.

Discussing the ending of Assassin’s Fate is tough because I don’t want to give anything away. I’ll say only this: Hobb concludes the series and the story of FitzChivalry Farseer in the only way she could. It’s a marvelous ending for a character you’ve hopefully grown to love as much as I have. Yes, Fitz can be frustrating beyond belief at times, stupid at others, and selfless past the point of heartbreak, but he’s also a man of duty and honor (in the way of an assassin, at least) and possesses a stubbornness that knows no bounds. If this book is truly his farewell, then I say Hobb gave him the royal treatment. The road getting there was harrowing, suspenseful, horrible, and wonderful, but completely worth it from a reader’s perspective when you can look back at everything he accomplished.

It should come as no surprise that I feel Assassin’s Fate should be on every fantasy reader’s reading list. Do yourself a favor and start with the first book in the overarching series, the first book in The Farseer Trilogy, Assassin’s Apprentice. The journey will be well worth every page.

I've been reading these books since they first came out in early 2000's. I can't believe this is it. I have so many emotions.

Let me first say that the ending is perfection. It's not all puppies and rainbows, but by now we don't expect that from this world.

At the start of the book, Fitz and the Fool are en route to destroy the Servents for what they did to the Fool, the dragons, and for killing Bee. During their journey they realize (the Fool does and of course, Fitz is slow to understand/believe him) that Bee survived and now it's a rescue mission. BUT the dragons don't care about Bee. They just want to burn the place to the ground, so now it's a race.

Throughout the book we see characters' stories wrapping up. Some die, others change. The whole book is an ode to all the wonderful, dreadful, fascinating people of the Six (Seven) Duchies and the world beyond.

The end is gutwrenching and beautiful and overwhelming and perfect. I have read and reread it and still tear up, but like Kettricken, I also smile.

Robin Hobb faced an almost impossible task in book 16 that most often features FitzChivalry Farseer and his partner (though not in the modern sense) The Fool. This marvelous series, with a fully developed world, has ranged over decades and involved numerous characters that have been drawn with depth and delicacy, so for Hobb to finally wrap things up was a monumental effort.

And "Assassin's Fate" succeeds on almost every level, except that, as has been the case in most of her recent books, trimming a couple hundred pages would have made for a much crisper read. That said, Hobb did touch a lot of bases in "Assassin's Fate," bringing many characters from earlier books back for a brief -- or not-so-brief -- moment on stage.

These appearances tie up a lot of loose ends, but Hobb's most daunting task was how to deal with the fate of her two main characters, and for me, at least, the payoff after all these books and all this time was worthy of the setup.

The details of the complex plot are unnecessary, as what's important is that those who haven't read any of these books should definitely start at the start ("Assassin' Apprentice") and get ready for a long and wonderful ride, and those who have read those books need no introduction to a world with magic, dragons, prophecies and memorable characters.

The only question left is whether Hobb will continue her saga on this carefully constructed world, and explore the ramifications of the major changes that have taken place during one of the most rewarding series in modern fantasy.